A GROUP who compiled a vision of Cheshire West in 2050 with the aim of reducing our carbon footprint has been nominated for an award.
Cheshire’s “Ginger Group” is shortlisted for The Institute for Engineering and Technology 2009 Innovative Team Award for Vision 2050 – A Sustainable Future for Cheshire West and Chester.
It shows how local councils, businesses and communities can work together.
Thinking local is key to reducing the use of fossil fuels and emissions by, for example, growing food in back gardens and even parks to cut road miles.
Householders are encouraged to use renewables like solar and wind power.
Electrification of the Chester-Crewe railway line would enable electric trains to travel from London, saving 1,112 tonnes of CO2 per year. Bicycle rickshaws could be used in tourist towns.
Members of the Ginger Group continue to engage with key eco projects.
Prof Roy Alexander is involved with Cheshire village Ashton Hayes' Going Carbon Neutral project.
Ged Edwards heads up Sustainable Blacon Ltd, working on community energy efficiency and education projects. Dr Mary Gillie is helping implement Chester Cycle Demonstration Town status.
Dr Tom Barker is supporting Liverpool in its ambition of being the first go carbon neutral. Peter Bulmer and Dr Andrea Mageean are working with Cheshire West and Chester council to embed Vision 2050 into its strategies.
John Tweed promotes green architecture through his practice and is a director of Sustainable Blacon.
To see the Vision 2050 document visit the website www.chester.gov.uk/pdf/Vision2050.pdf.
