STEVENAGE Borough Council has started to do its bit to tackle climate change by installing a solar water heating system in its Daneshill House headquarters. The new system will gather energy radiated by the sun and convert it into useful heat in the form

STEVENAGE Borough Council has started to do its bit to tackle climate change by installing a solar water heating system in its Daneshill House headquarters.

The new system will gather energy radiated by the sun and convert it into useful heat in the form of hot water, reducing the council's annual carbon dioxide emissions by 66 per cent - equivalent to five tonnes.

It was officially unveiled by Cllr Reg Smith at a ceremony in the customer service centre on Wednesday last week.

Cllr Smith said: "The message here is every little helps. Using the sun's energy reduces our use of conventional fuel and helps to reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gases which will help to combat climate change."

The same day as the new system was unveiled, staff from the council took the green message out onto the street with a trailer in the town centre offering energy efficiency advice and information on various renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, solar hot water panels and photovoltaic panels.

This event was hailed as a success with 316 people signing up to the Energy Saving Trust's 'Commit to save your 20 per cent' campaign, which encourages people to take simple measures to save at least 20 per cent of the carbon dioxide emissions their homes and lifestyles are responsible for.

For advice about how you can save energy in your home ring Beds and Herts Energy Advice Centre on Freephone 0800 512 012.