Our massive use of fossil fuels is driving climate change. Our economy and way of life rely on oil and gas but the impact of this is now becoming clear and competition for them is creating international conflict. We must depend less on carbon-based fuel, save energy, and move towards renewable sources such as wind and solar power. Nuclear power is not a safe or cost-effective alternative.

In Sheffield

Very little renewable energy is being generated, and builders still do not have to include it in their developments. We can save money and the planet by using local renewable energy. New and existing buildings should be more energy-efficient. We need more information and grants to help people improve the energy efficiency of their homes and to install renewable energy devices. We must reduce car use by supporting public transport and other alternatives.

The Green Party has:

• Set up a local neighbourhood energy efficiency network (Heeley
  Renewables) to share practical ways to improve energy efficiency at home Produced and distributed a public information leaflet “Energy Matters – What You Can Do”

Our local Green Party members will:

• Continue to run awareness-raising ecological footprinting workshops,
  encouraging energy-efficient lifestyles.
• Provide information to the public on how to save energy, make use of available renewable energy technologies, and obtain grants.

Our Green Councillors have:

• Helped to add a requirement for 20% renewable energy generation in new developments to the “preferred options” for the new Planning framework.
• Drafted and had passed a motion to Full Council calling on local MPs to vote for the second reading of Sustainable Energy Bills in parliament.
• Presented the Council with a proposed budget using the "invest to save" scheme to improve energy efficiency in its own buildings, and campaigned for money from the energy savings to be used for new energy reduction schemes.
• Helped Council tenants get the insulation promised to them in the Decent Homes programme

Our Green Councillors will:

• Call for a Sustainable Energy officer in the Planning department to
  advise developers.
• Press for major developments in the city to be subject to rigorous sustainability assessments.
• Continue to lobby for the Council to set up an energy conservation and advice team to help the public with energy saving, renewable energy, and grant sources. This would also teach energy use and conservation in schools.
• Lobby for the Council to require developers to meet the higher-rated design standards set out in the Government’s new ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’, and to extend these standards to apply to house renovations and extensions.
• Press for the renewable energy requirement in new developments to be continually raised, and to move towards carbon-neutral development.
• Continue to support proposals for renewal energy installations in the city, including wind farms where appropriate.
• Promote and support pioneering local initiatives like the South Yorkshire Energy Centre at Heeley City Farm.
• Continue to call on the Council to declare Sheffield a Nuclear Free Zone, and rejoin the Nuclear Free Local Authorities group.