Council carbon plan given green light

East Sussex County Council has given the go-ahead on a 250,000 project over the next two years to provide additional environmental enhancements to new school, library and social care developments.

The green initiative was agreed at the Council's Cabinet meeting this week. Deputy Council Leader, Tony Reid said: "The County Council has made great strides over the last few years to reduce its carbon footprint. CO2 emissions are now over 14% lower than they were four years ago. This plan to introduce energy efficiency and other environmental measures in new buildings is another step in the right direction and a real 'win-win' - it helps the environment and will save taxpayer's money in the process." Green initiatives for new school building developments include:.. Rainwater harvesting (recycling rainwater) at Wivesfield School .. A ground source heat pump and solar panels for Ringmer Sixth Form .. Rainwater harvesting and better insulation at Rye School .. A Sedum 'green' roof at Tideway School, Newhaven

The Council is also investing in energy efficiency measures in some of its social care buildings including solar panels at Beeching Park, Bexhill and St Anthony's Court, Eastbourne and lighting controls and solar collectors at Sandbanks in Hailsham.

The Council will also provide solar panels and improved roof insulation for the new library provision included in its capital programme.