An initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is on track according to new figures.

The information comes from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) which has published the latest CO2 emissions estimates for the District for 2005-2015.

The study shows that emissions across the St Albans District dropped by 5.9 per cent between 2014 and 2015, in keeping with their target reduction of three per cent each year.

If a similar decline in emissions was achieved in 2016 the emissions reduction target will be met next year.

These figures were presented to the cabinet at a council meeting last night.

Although the Council does not control District-wide emissions, it tries to encourage residents, businesses and drivers to do what they can to minimize climate change.

The Climate Change Action Plan set a reduction in CO2 emissions of three per cent each year back in 2006 to achieve a 60 per cent reduction by 2025.

The latest strategy figures show there has been a 24 per cent decrease in emissions across the District between 2005 and 2015.

Councillor Daniel Chichester-Miles said: “The District as a whole is now back on track to meet its cumulative CO2 emissions reduction target next year. This is fantastic news and shows that, despite a couple of severe winters, the efforts of residents, drivers and businesses to reduce emissions are paying dividends.

“The Council is working with them to reduce fuel use and to make homes and premises more energy-efficient. For example, it is encouraging residents to think about insulating their lofts and cavity walls, helping to save energy and reduce emissions.

“It has also just launched an anti-idling campaign urging drivers to switch off their engines whenever they are parked or are stationary for more than a minute.”

“The Council’s Climate Change Action Plan sets out the steps it is taking. This includes reducing emissions from its own buildings. For example, it has installed solar panels on the roof of new leisure centres as well as energy-saving LED lighting in the council offices.”