Bucks County Council (BCC) has been challenged to reduce its carbon emissions across schools, libraries and offices by 40 per cent in a bid to tackle climate change.

Greenhouse gas emissions from BCC’s energy use have reduced by 28 per cent over the last eight years, and how cabinet member for environment, Bill Chapple, has urged the council to raise the figure to 40 per cent over the next two years.

BCC has been recording its carbon emissions since 2010 through creating energy efficiencies in schools, libraries, council offices, as well as a street light replacement programme.

Cllr Chapple said: "People are very concerned about climate change, in the light of the current global debate.

“I'd like our council to set an example by striving for the 40% target.

“It'll be a big challenge, but if we don't set ourselves a stretching target, we won't inspire our residents and businesses to follow our lead."

Since the launch of its carbon management programme in 2012, the county council has made a 10 per cent cut in emissions – saving £530,000 in energy costs.

Between 2011 and 2015 two carbon reduction projects made annual savings more than half a million pounds and reduced emissions by nearly 3,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.

A total of 13 schools and adult learning centres have new boilers, LED lighting, solar panels and energy management systems following the projects.

Cllr Chapple added: "All this was a great team effort. With everyone working together to reduce our carbon footprint, we're well ahead of expectations."

BCC now plans to intensify its carbon reduction programme by continuing the installation of LED street lights, as well as LED lighting at Aylesbury highways depot, Cressex sports pitches, Stokenchurch Community Centre and Evreham Adult Education Centre in Iver.