Eco-boost for town
Published: 10:17 PM October 26, 2006
FOOTBALL fans could help to earn Ipswich Town money to spend on loan players and reduce their impact on the environment at the same time, thanks to a radical new programme being launched today.
The club has teamed up with energy company E.ON in what is thought to be the first attempt to make a high-level football game completely carbon neutral.
Fans will be encouraged to make pledges to cut their carbon emissions while the club will also take its own energy saving measures - and in return E.ON will put money into a fund which manager Jim Magilton will use to secure loan players for the club.
Environmental campaigners hailed the new measures as a major step forward in Ipswich's efforts to limit climate change.
Dr Matthew Ling, Ipswich Borough Council's head of environmental strategy, said: "The government has realised there's a real need to concentrate on trying to change people's attitudes and awareness of climate change. I think this is a fabulous way of doing it."
The 'Save Your Energy for the Blues' initiative, which will have team captain Jason De Vos as its ambassador, is to be launched to fans on Sunday when the Blues take on Luton Town.
The efforts will culminate in an attempt to make the East Anglian derby between Ipswich and Norwich completely carbon neutral.
Fans, schools and businesses will have the chance to win rewards by making their own commitments by reducing the amount they use their cars or introducing more environmentally friendly practices where they live, work or go to school.
Ipswich Town emits about 3,220 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year through its activities and it is working to reduce that by using things like energy efficient light bulbs and renewable fuels.
Ipswich Borough Council has secured £40,000 from the Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs to monitor the public's perception of climate change throughout the project.
WEBLINKS: www.saveyourenergyfortheblues.co.uk
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Source: Climate Care