Cornwall's Future Must Be Green

4.13.16pm GMT Mon 5th Feb 2007

Jluia Goldsworthy and Chris Huhne with developer Andrew Marsdon at the Jubilee Wharf development

On Friday (2nd February) local MP Julia Goldsworthy visited the new Jubilee Wharf development in Penryn with Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesman Chris Huhne MP.

Jubilee Wharf's developer Andrew Marston explained to the MPs that the development creates all of its energy from renewable sources including wind turbines, solar panels and a wood pellet boiler.

Carrick District Council and Cornwall County Council have worked with the developer to make the building possible. Even with its hi-tech renewable energy supplies, the thing that makes Jubilee Wharf really green is its superb insulation - all of the walls are filled with 300mm (12 inches) of "Rockwool".

In 2005, the Government jointly awarded all Cornish Councils "Beacon Status" for their work on sustainable energy. This was the only joint award for the whole of Britain, making Cornwall an example to councils across the country.

Commenting Julia said:

"This remarkable building demonstrates that regenerating our towns and protecting the environment are both possible at the same time.

"However, the Government have refused local councils the power to demand better insulation in all new buildings. Without these powers, developers can keep on building homes which waste huge amounts of energy."

Chris Huhne added:

"Saving energy is not just good for the environment, it saves money too. One of the scandals that need to be addressed is the exceptionally high proportion of Cornish people living in fuel poverty - nearly a quarter. It is outrageous that the Government have allowed this to continue for so long."