CDC, Chevron launch green goals

Today Online 25 Jan 10;

TO complement the national goal of cutting carbon emission by up to 11 per cent, the South West Community Development Council has launched several green goals with the help of energy firm Chevron.

They launched the South West CarbonBuster Roadmap yesterday. It spells out environmentally-friendly practices and residents, businesses and community organisations in the area will be given tips to go green, like taking public transport.

The initiative pledges to cut carbon emissions in the district by at least 7,000 tonnes this year or the equivalent of driving a car for more than 1,521 years.

In another programme, the Chevron-South West Energy Quest For Schools, 41 schools will adopt habits to cut their electricity bills. The amount saved between March to May will be matched dollar for dollar by Chevron and the CDC.

The money will be channelled to enrichment programmes for needy students. The programme aims to raise $135,000 to help subsidise 1,500 needy students.

South West District Mayor Amy Khor, who is also Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources), said: "In order to kickstart the programme and really get the students and schools involved and excited we are motivating them to implement energy saving practices and habits." WANG ENG ENG