Greenpeace will show David Cameron around an extensive low carbon development in Nydalen, Oslo tomorrow (Friday 21st April). The development complex, which comprises new offices, a hotel, business school and flats, uses borehole heating to warm the buildings in winter and heat storage to cool the buildings in summer. The initiative is believed to be the largest of its kind in Europe and reduces electric or fossil fuel heating needs by 60-70%, substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The visit was organised by Greenpeace which has been lobbying politicians for decentralised energy to meet the twin challenges of climate change and energy security.
Greenpeace UK Director Stephen Tindale said:
"David Cameron is wise to round off his climate change tour by spotlighting the importance of local low-carbon solutions. Decentralised energy is the 21st Century solution. Rather than waiting for central government and vested interests to deliver too little too late, decentralised energy means communities, towns and cities can take action today to prevent climate change destroying the lives of millions of innocent people around the world. The Conservatives can take action on this agenda wherever they are in power at local level. They do not have to wait for a General Election to put David Cameron's words into action."
For more information please contact Greenpeace Press Office on 0207 865 8255
Notes:
Decentralised energy is energy generated at or near the point of use. Small scale decentralised energy is called "microgeneration", however, decentralised energy includes large installations like wind farms or industrial CHP which can connect to local networks.
Heating is second only to transport in the amount of energy used in the UK yet the UK government has no heat strategy. The majority of energy consumed in UK buildings is used for space and water heating. The UK electricity system currently wastes enough energy in the form of heat for every building in the UK.
Greenpeace is promoting a holistic energy strategy in its response to the government's Energy Review, advocating a focus on decentralised energy to drive energy efficiency, more efficient power generation, and up-take of local renewable power.
