Andrew Mitchell MP has met with Robert Pass, from Birmingham Friends of the Earth, to discuss Close the Door, their latest campaign which aims to cut energy waste by getting shops and public buildings across Sutton Coldfield to close their doors when the heating or air-conditioning is being used.
Robert Pass, Lead Campaigner for the local group said, “Birmingham’s biggest single cause of carbon emissions is energy used in non domestic buildings, in fact it accounts for 47% of Birmingham’s CO2 emissions.
“Research from Cambridge University proves that 50% of shops’ energy is wasted by leaving the doors open. By closing the door a shop’s annual carbon emission would be cut by up to 10 tonnes, the equivalent to three return London to Hong Kong flights!”
Andrew Mitchell MP said, “This simple, yet effective idea will help retailers to lower their costs as well as make a significant contribution to reducing the UK’s carbon emissions. It is an innovative example of the Government’s Big Society vision, where individuals, communities and groups join together to achieve common goals. It is critical that we all pay attention to reducing energy use and I am therefore pleased to support the Close the Door campaign.”