70,000 green jobs created if councils cut CO2 emissions

At least 70,000 jobs could be created across England and Wales if councils slashed climate-changing emissions by insulating homes and businesses and fitting green energy to buildings, new independent research released by Friends of the Earth today has revealed.

The research - by leading advisors to councils on climate change Carbon Descent - was published to launch a new nationwide campaign calling for local councils take urgent action to cut CO2 emissions.

Friends of the Earth's new campaign - Get Serious About CO2 - turns the spotlight on the big part local councils need to play in cutting the UK's carbon emissions. The campaign is calling on councils to commit to cutting carbon dioxide emissions in their local area by at least 40% by 2020 and produce an action plan detailing how they will make the cuts.

The new research analyses the manpower required to insulate homes and businesses and install green energy on buildings - two of the key ways in which local authorities could achieve a reduction in their emissions.

According to Friends of the Earth, new jobs could be available as loft laggers, architects, plumbers, builders, electricians, plasterers and insulation specialists - with new admin, transit and warehouse positions also created to support the installation of insulation and renewable energy.

Executive director of Friends of the Earth, Andy Atkins said:
"Local councils must play a big part in slashing the UK's carbon emissions to help avoid runaway climate change.

"With the economy in such a sorry state at the moment, our towns, cities and villages could really use a boost from new green jobs.

"Some pioneering councils are already leading the way through comprehensive home insulation programmes and installing green energy like solar panels to buildings.

"If every council in England and Wales took action too they could create 70,000 new jobs, cut fuel bills and make people's homes more snug."