Uttlesford District Council is proud to launch its first comprehensive climate change strategy.

Councillors and representatives from partner organisations were among those gathered in the Council Chamber at Uttlesford District Council's Saffron Walden offices today (Monday 29 October) for the official launch of the strategy and the council's A Greener Uttlesford campaign, which will help individuals, businesses and other organisations play their part in the fight against climate change.

Council chairman, Cllr Catherine Dean opened proceedings and brief speeches were given by leader Cllr Jim Ketteridge, Julia Clarke, programme manager at the Energy Saving Trust, and Uttlesford District Council's energy efficiency surveyor Jake Roos.

The event finished with a symbolic "cutting" of the council's carbon emissions - in the shape of a cake – by Cllr Dean. Her year-long campaign as chairman is to champion personal action to counter climate change.

Climate change is the biggest challenge facing the world today. The problem is global, but action to reduce the causes and adapt to the impacts of climate change must be delivered at a local level, by organisations such as the council.

Uttlesford District Council's strategy describes the authority's carbon baseline, targets, objectives and action plan.

Among the key targets are to reduce C02 from council operations by 25% over the next four and a half years and to reduce C02 across the district by 80% by 2050.

Council leader Cllr Jim Ketteridge said: "Through addressing climate change we can improve the quality of life for residents and reduce costs for the council.

"By taking a lead we can demonstrate to the community how we all can play our part in protecting the environment locally and globally.

"Our strategy is an accumulation of over two years work and delivers on the commitment the council made when we signed the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change."

Julia Clarke, from the Energy Saving Trust, said: "The Energy Saving Trust is delighted to be supporting Uttlesford District Council in developing its climate change strategy.

"Our research shows that residents see their local authorities as ideally placed to be leading on climate change issues – community action is the key to getting the carbon emission reductions that we need. We look forward to seeing the positive results that this approach will bring to the local residents and businesses."

Energy efficiency surveyor Jake Roos said: "I am pleased the hard work of many people over the last two years has come to fruition in the form of this strategy and that implementation is already well underway.

"As well as reducing our contribution to climate change, through this work we will reduce costs for the Council and preserve and improve quality of life for residents."

The launch event was held thanks to the Energy Saving Trust, which generously funded it and also proved to be of great assistance in developing Uttlesford District Council's strategy.

Uttlesford District Council is holding three Energy Saving Week roadshows as part of the Greener Uttlesford campaign. These will be on:

Tuesday 30 October at Saffron Walden Market between 10am and 4pm

Thursday 1 November at Great Dunmow Tesco between 10am and 4pm

Friday 2 November, Thaxted High Street opposite market from 10am and 3pm

Those dropping by will be offered free light bulbs, a home energy check, a chance to find out more about grants for loft and cavity wall insulation and have their personal carbon footprint calculated. The roadshows are being put on with the help of Energy Saving Trust and community environment group, Uttlesford Local Agenda 21.