PUBLIC buildings across London are having a green makeover’ to reduce fuel bills and help make the planet greener. Some have already begun reducing their carbon emissions including hospitals, fire stations, police stations, colleges and even town halls

By Mike Brooke

PUBLIC buildings across London are having a 'green makeover' to reduce fuel bills and help make the planet greener.

Some have already begun reducing their carbon emissions including hospitals, fire stations, police stations, colleges and even town halls.

They've been switched to a 'climate change' energy programme which Boris Johnson announced this week was being expanded to all public buildings.

The Mayor made his announcement just days before the Copenhagen climate summit when he was in East London visiting Ilford fire-station, one of 42 buildings to benefit from a 'green makeover' this year.

"Eyes around the globe turn to Copenhagen to see whether world leaders take action on climate change," said Boris. "But London is already making a difference right now.

"Cutting energy consumption may not sound glamorous, but it could help us save the world from the threat of irreversible climate change."

Ilford fire-station has reduced its emissions by 40 per cent. Another nine fire-stations, 10 police stations and 22 transport network buildings have reduced emissions by an average 27 per between them, saving �1 million a year on London's fuel bills.

Another 58 public buildings will follow, including Barking & Dagenham town hall in East London, Guy's and St Thomas's hospitals and University College.

City Hall's target is cutting emissions by 60 per cent by 2025.