PETALING JAYA: Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is among the 12 local councils in Malaysia selected by The Carbon Trust UK to be its partners in low-carbon initiatives.
The collaboration will see the Carbon Trust’s team of five offering their guidance, experience and expertise to the council to formulate strategic action plans for carbon management.
The Carbon Trust’s public sector head Tim Pryce said: “In year one, the initiative will start within the organisation where the goal is for MBPJ to achieve sustainable carbon and save costs in its operations.
“In year two, we will help MBPJ to implement the plan in the city with engagement of the businesses, households and schools.
“Throughout the process, we will also help to identify and prioritise carbon reduction projects in the city and assist the council in achieving its future projections and target,” he said.
The team of five will comprise of Pryce, Richard Rugg, Dave Reilly, Robert Hatcher and Joseph Williams.
Petaling Jaya Mayor Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad said the Carbon Trust’s input would be invaluable to the council.
“It is a privilege and honour for MBPJ to be the pioneer local authority in this sustainability initiative,” she said at the launch of MBPJ’s Low Carbon Cities Workshop on Tuesday.
She said since the implementation of the Local Agenda 21 pilot project in 2000, the council had been working with stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop the city.
“We are working on community-based 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) programmes, river rehabilitation projects, development of disabled-friendly facilities and many more.
“In 2010, we achieved another milestone when we endorsed the low-carbon city framework to transform the city into a green city.
“Thus, we hope that this knowledge transfer and training programme will help us to ensure continuity and sustainability of our green efforts,” she said.
The Carbon Trust is a not-for-dividend company that provides specialist support and advice to help public and private sector organisations reduce carbon emissions and become more resource efficient. By Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi