West Lothian is leading the way to a green future
West Lothian is taking significant steps to reduce its environmental impact.
The area was named as the second best council area in Scotland for its rate of recycling, with 65.2 per cent of all waste recycled during 2018, one of only two councils in Scotland to achieve above 60 per cent.
West Lothian also recorded the largest rise in household waste recycling rates in the whole of Scotland for 2017.
The council’s carbon emissions have reduced by 30 per cent reduction since 2013/ 14 as the council considers ways to minimise its environmental impact.
The ongoing programme of replacing streetlights with LED lights has led to a reduction in energy consumption of over 5 million kWh over the last five years, which is enough to power over 1,250 homes for a year.
Over £1 million has been invested this year alone to improve the energy efficiency of council buildings, such as installing LED lighting and improving controls.
Smart Energy GB recently declared West Lothian as the top place in the UK in its ‘Areas for a Beautiful Future’ Index for having the highest levels of recycling and smart meter usage, with TV presenter Helen Skelton presenting the award.
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We have made good progress in reducing the impact on the environment of delivering the wide range of essential services we provide.
“However, we recognise that more work still needs to be done. That’s why West Lothian Council was among those who recently declared a climate emergency recently, recognising that the world is in the midst of a climate emergency which requires urgent and meaningful action at international, national and local level in order to safeguard our planet for future generations.
“The decision will see council officers bring reports to relevant council meetings to discuss a range of climate-friendly measures such as reviewing energy efficiency in key council buildings and looking at the potential to promote increased use of electric vehicles both corporately and in the in the local area.”