Residents Martin & Jane reduce their carbon footprint

Date Published : 08 March 2010

Walsall Council’s carbon management plan was recently approved by its Cabinet in February 2010. Find out how residents Martin and Jane have played their part in successfully reducing their carbon footprint at their Walsall home.

Walsall Council’s carbon management plan was recently approved by its Cabinet in January 2010. The plan looks at how the authority can reduce its carbon emissions under the direct control of the council, including energy use in buildings, street lighting, landfill waste or from vehicles.

Supported by the Carbon Trust, the plan commits the council to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent by 2014 and 40 per cent by 2019.

Two of Walsall’s residents, Martin and Jane Normanton are doing their bit to reduce their carbon footprint.

As well as installing a new high efficiency condensing gas boiler with improved heating controls, the couple switched from old style light bulbs to low energy lighting at their Victorian home and installed insulation within solid walls. And when the washing machine broke down beyond repair, Martin and Jane replaced it with a low 'A' energy rating.

These changes, as well as other measures, have successfully reduced their heating CO2 by 75% and their electricity use is down 50% since 1999.

To find out more, view Martin and Jane Normanton's factsheet on reducing their carbon footprint (PDF 870KB)

The couple are holding an open day at their house on Sunday, 28 March 2010. Tours will take place between 10am and 5pm. To book a tour email martin.normanton@tiscali.co.uk.