Sustainable Development Leaflet
The case for wind energy is simple: it is renewable, economic,safe and good for the environment. At our Carn Depot, Kinnego Marina and Water Sports Centre electricity generated from the wind replaces generation from conventional power stations, thus preventing the emissions of several greenhouse gases, including carbon and sulphur dioxides. Presently there are five 43.8 kWh wind turbines working. The turbines generate a saving of £ 11,000 and reduces our CO2 emissions by 54 ton.
The Council also has solar panels installed at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. The 4.56 kWh system should achieve a reduction of 2.4 ton of CO2 emissions. The electricity generated is used to contribute to the power demands of the building.
Alternative fuels
LPG vans
The introduction of 5 LPG powered vans into our fleet has helped reduce the greenhouse gas emissions produced by council. It is estimated that the van will travel 50% further than conventional diesel or petrol for the same price. In addition to its financial attractions, LPG is also a cleaner fuel than petrol, and dramatically cleaner than diesel. Compared with petrol, LPG vehicles emit about 20% less CO2. While LPG emits similar levels of CO2 to diesel, it does emit 20 times less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than a diesel engine and 120 times less particulates, both of which are major causes of ground-level air pollution.
Craigavon Borough Council is successfully promoting a drive towards Sustainable Development within all of these areas. The following are some of the successful schemes already in place regarding sustainable development:
- Craigavon Borough Council monitors smoke and air pollution throughout the borough as well as investigating any noise, water and land complaints.
- Promoting environmental education and nature conservation awareness and the need to provide opportunities for countryside access.
- To deal effectively with tackling the environmental effects of running its organisation, Craigavon Borough Council have undertaken to implement an internationally recognised Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) Council Environmental Performance
- To demonstrate the usefulness and the wide spectrum of applications of recycled products Council staff fleece jacket are made from recycled plastic.
- We have invested in the collection of green and brown bin in order to European targets on recycling. Our current recycling rate is 29%.
- CBC's Building Control department promotes the drive towards Sustainable Development by encouraging environmentally friendly building techniques, designs and energy management practices during construction and final use.
- Craigavon Borough Council, in its advocacy role, fosters a spirit of co-operation and co-ordination to facilitate a viable local economy through planned growth. This sustains a quality lifestyle for the benefit of the entire community now and in the future.
- Craigavon Borough Council, as a major purchaser, acknowledges its responsibility to carry out its purchasing activities in an environmentally responsible manner.
- CBC is reducing its energy consumption through the use of renewable power such as the wind turbines at its central services depot and trying to avoid unnecessary consumption.
- Craigavon Borough Council was the first Local Authority in Northern Ireland to identify the use of liquid propane gas (LPG) as an environmentally friendly alternative to petrol or diesel powered vehicles. This led to the Council purchasing several LPG powered vehicles.
- Craigavon Borough Council has representation on the Southern Health and Social Services Council, the Craigavon Health Forum and health related matters are discussed at the Council's Public Services Liaison Committee.
- Craigavon Borough Council promotes the principles of Sustainable Development to schools within the Craigavon area by undertaking school visits on environmental issues such as recycling
