|
“As a large local organisation committed to the protection of our environment, Babergh always tries to set an example” explained Malcolm Firth, Babergh’s Head of the Natural & Built Environment as the Council took delivery today (26th September) of a new ‘green’ car.
The vehicle – a Toyota Prius – combines a standard petrol engine with an electric motor. The car automatically selects which is the better source of power at any one time. When the petrol engine is used, it re-charges the battery that powers the electric motor. Equally, every time the car slows down or brakes, the electric motor is re-charged.
“As a result of this innovative technology, the new vehicle offers very good fuel efficiency and a 40% reduction in emissions when compared to a conventional petrol engine” added Malcolm Firth.
The car will be used by many different types of Babergh employee, including planners, environmental health professionals, sports staff and the building control team.
According to Firth “whilst Babergh tries to keep the number of miles driven by staff to a minimum, many do need to use a car to get to locations across our district. By using this hybrid car, we can keep the impact on the local air quality to a minimum”.
The use of the hybrid car is just one of a number of green-friendly initiatives recently launched by the Council. In recent months, Babergh has launched a Green Travel Plan for its staff which includes incentives for those who share a car in commuting to work, the installation of solar heating at the Babergh-owned block of flats at Sandringham Court, Sudbury and the use of energy-efficient combined heat and power systems in a number of its other buildings, including the Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Sudbury.
The Council also promotes schemes to home owners for the installation of energy efficient boilers and loft and cavity wall insulation
|