A CARBON neutral village is celebrating after it slashed its impact on global warming last year.
A University of Chester survey reveals Ashton Hayes villagers cut their carbon emissions by 20% in 2007.
The village, which has a population of 1,000, pledged to become England’s first carbon neutral community in January 2006.
Residents have actively been involved in reducing their own carbon footprint including installing loft insulation, using energy saving light bulbs cutting down on car and air travel.
A recently published survey shows significant percentage reductions per tonne of carbon dioxide in terms of home energy, car journeys and plane travel.
The number of flights used in 2007 is markedly down on the previous year with residents flying a lot less and cutting emissions by 110 tonnes of CO2.
In a newsletter to the community project, co-ordinator Gary Charnock said he was delighted with the survey’s findings.
He said: “The results show that we have saved 20% on our community carbon emissions. This is an excellent result and rather higher than we expected – so everyone who made a real effort deserves a real pat on the back.
He added: “The data showed that we have made cutbacks in on our domestic energy use, car travel and significantly, number of flights.
Project organiser Tracey Todhunter added: “People are making small changes which are all positive.”
