Member Article

Germany hears how Durham’s gone greener

County Durham’s green credentials were the talk of Europe during a recent energy conference in Germany.

The two-day RENERGY event in Worms saw politicians and renewable energy experts from ten different countries across Europe come together to share best practice.

The three-year scheme, to promote greener living, has been entirely funded by a €160,000 project grant awarded to the county from the European Regional Development Fund.

Delegates from across the continent heard about County Durham based projects such as the installation of solar panels on 35 public buildings across the county to take advantage of renewable energy.

They also found out how Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum, is being nationally recognised for green tourism as a result of such things as its biomass installation.

The conference was focused on delivery and the benefits of a council leading by example.

The lessons learnt will help to develop new and exciting ways to reduce energy and therefore costs, money which then can be spent in the wider economy.

All eyes will now turn to Durham with the county hosting the next conference in February 2014.

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The conference was a great opportunity to highlight, on an international stage, what we’re doing across County Durham to create a greener, healthier environment for generations to come.

“The ideas we shared showed that Durham County Council is committed to reducing energy costs, increasing our use of renewable energy and creating jobs in an environmentally responsible way by supporting the green economy.

“It was fascinating to hear ideas from countries across Europe and we look forward to welcoming the delegates to County Durham next year to see, first hand, what we’re achieving here.”

More information on the RENERGY project can be found on their website at www.renergyproject.eu

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .