Tameside has been recognised among the top areas in England in a national index aimed at focusing attention on energy efficiency and sustainability.
With residents recycling 52% of waste and 40% of households having a smart meter installed, it was named as one of the leading ‘Areas for a Beautiful Future’ following research by Smart Energy GB.
It narrowly lost out on top spot in England to Chester with East Riding, Tewkesbury and Kingston upon Hull joining Tameside in the top five. West Lothian in Scotland won the overall UK prize.
The new index recognises the families and communities who are taking simple, positive steps at home, that together will add up to create a cleaner, greener, smarter future for everyone.
“It’s great to see that communities, individuals and families up and down the country are taking simple, small steps towards a greener tomorrow,” said Smart Energy GB’s Robert Cheesewright.
“Smart meters can’t solve climate change on their own, but they are the building blocks of a reliable, clean and affordable energy system for the future. We’d like to congratulate all of those identified by our index.”
SMARTEN UP: Small changes to your energy use can make a big environmental difference, says TV presenter Helen Skelton
The poll of 2,000 revealed why we’re not being more sustainable with one in ten people feeling they won’t make an impact as one individual.
Over one quarter of respondents admitted they are aware of the environmental benefits of taking shorter showers, but don’t make the effort to do so.
While over half still buy bottles of water in plastic bottles and 43% still boil more water in the kettle than needed.
Just 18% encourage friends and family to be more sustainable on a regular basis, which is surprising when four in ten feel guilty when they know they could have done more to be more energy efficient.
“Small actions really do add up to make a difference. By getting a smart meter you’re taking a small step towards a more sustainable future for everyone,” said TV presenter Helen Skelton.
’Areas for a Beautiful Future’ index
1. Cheshire West and Chester, 2. East Riding, 3. Tewkesbury, 4. Kingston upon Hull, 5. Tameside, 6. Wakefield, 7. Daventry, 8. East Devon, 9. Stafford, 10. Barnsley
Image courtesy of TamesideMBC via YouTube, with thanks.
