New leader gets on his energy bike for Carbon Day

John Fuller, the energetic new Leader of South Norfolk Council, has given the green light to what is being billed as the first Carbon Day in the country.

Children and young people from Hobart High School in Loddon, will be joined by adults, teachers and parents for the event in the school hall on Saturday 19 May, from 10am to 4pm.

It will become the launch pad for a four-week experiment in energy efficiency and reducing waste, working with eight volunteer households in both Loddon and Chedgrave.

Councillor Fuller will officially open it with his wife and children before having a go himself on the energy bike and carbon gym. He will be joined at the event by Councillor Colin Gould, who represents Loddon.

Cllr Fuller said:

"We campaigned on a Manifesto pledge to put our environment first in everything we do, and by making Carbon Day my first official engagement as Leader sends out a powerful message of intent.

"Reducing waste and energy use isn’t just good for the environment, it helps reduce household bills and, if the Council learns the lessons as well, it will help keep Council Tax under control too. We’ll all be winners.”

Carbon Day is the brainchild of Climate Change MSc student Nick Drake, who brought the idea to South Norfolk Council looking for support. He got it.

"I think John Fuller's decision to personally back this event says everything about his and the Council's priorities, and I want to thank them for their support.

"Hobart High School has been fantastic in helping us stage this and making sure all the pupils and parents know about it. I would like to thank Loddon parish council for their support too in ensuring residents in Loddon and Chedgrave are aware of Carbon Day.

"Throughout June, 8-10 households from Loddon and Chedgrave will be participating in a project to reduce their waste, energy and look at the products they buy.

"As part of this, three group meetings will allow the participants the opportunity to share their thoughts about the project and it’s progression. "The intended outcome of the project is to help people cut energy consumption, reduce their waste and better understand the simple changes that can be made to reduce their own personal contribution to climate change."

Nick Drake linked up with the Council through the East Anglia Business and Environment Club (EABEC). He is studying for a Masters degree in climate change with four months to go. After that, he plans to work with business leaders on managing climate change.

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