Council joins climate scheme

City leaders have signed up to a European Commission scheme to address climate change.

The city council has joined the Covenant of Mayors scheme, which includes a pledge to cut carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.

Joining the scheme provides access to European funding, while councils are also encouraged to share ideas on how to reduce emissions.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, the city's environmental leader, said: "This will bring Edinburgh together with Europe's most pioneering cities in the fields of energy efficiency and sustainable energy practices.

"As a signatory to the covenant, the council will gain access to relevant European Commission funding. For example, Edinburgh is a partner in CASCADE, which commences in June.

"This project is supported through the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme and aims to boost the implementation and delivery of local sustainable energy policies by local authorities."