Maughold Commissioners have become the first local authority to sign up to the 10:10 campaign, to reduce CO2 emissions by 10% in 2010.
They hope that in reducing CO2 wastage they'll also save around ?500 of rate payers' money - funds that can be used to provide greater investment in essential local services.
At the end of 2009, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth wrote to all Commissioners, and to central Government, asking elected representatives to actively reduce their energy wastage by 10% in 2010.
The response from Government was positive, resulting in a Tynwald debate and an agreement to assess the potential for further energy savings, the report on which is due later in March 2010.
According to Isle of Man Friends of the Earth, the response from Commissioners has been less supportive: "Ramsey and Peel wrote to say that while they would seek cost savings, their actions had nothing to do with reducing CO2. Port Erin Commissioners supported the 10:10 principle, but felt unable to take action themselves.
"In contrast, Maughold Commissioners have enthusiastically engaged the principle and practice of the 10:10 concept."
Maughold Commissioners Chairman Hazel Lace said, "With the threat of global warming looming, we should all be doing our bit to reduce carbon emissions.
"Our clerk researched simple ways in which we could reduce our energy wastage, using the helpful links on the IoM FoE website. He made recommendations to our February meeting. Members were happy to support the campaign, both as a Board and as individuals.
"As a small local authority, we are limited in our operations and, therefore, in the magnitude of the savings we can make. But at our office, we’re focussing more carefully on only heating areas that are used regularly.
"We've also audited our office practice and through more targeted use of IT we've reduced our copying and printing. We've estimated that we can make savings of around a ?500 in the next financial year."
Isle of Man Friends of the Earth has welcomed Maughold's commitment to 10:10. FoE Co-ordinator Phil Corlett said, "It's great to see a Local Authority playing an active role in reducing CO2. The thing about saving energy is that you also save money. From that point of view the 10:10 campaign is a winner both ways.
"Despite the recent debate in the media, man-made climate change is known to be a direct and immediate threat to human beings. The world's governments and climate scientists are in almost unanimous agreement on the issue.
"We've all helped cause the problem and we'll all suffer the consequences of global warming in the future - so it's up to all of us to be part of the solution. The 10:10 campaign offers everyone an achievable and measurable target for this year."
As well as implementing savings for the coming year, Maughold Commissioners are also planning for the longer term.
Their refuse collection contractor is due to replace his current vehicle in the next 2 to 4 years. Maughold have asked him to ensure the level of emissions is a major factor in his choice of vehicle.
In 2007/8, Maughold ran a pilot rural kerbside collection scheme which achieved excellent participation. They're now working with the Department of Local Government and the Environment to install a trial mini recycling centre for residents at the Corony, which could then be rolled out to other areas.
They aim to assess the success of bring banks against kerbside collection in order to develop the most cost effective option for rural recycling.
Bring Bank use in Maughold is already high, but with the rising tipping charges there's now further incentive to increase the amount of glass, paper and steel/aluminium recycled through these facilities. Commissioners will shortly be launching a new campaign to encourage all residents to keep glass, paper and cans out of wheelie bins.
They're also trying to find a way to recycle plastics and cardboard and encouraging home composting.
More information about reducing carbon emissions and the 10:10 campaign can be found on the IoM FoE website.
