The small north-west Herefordshire village of Brilley, in the hills half way between Hay-on-Wye and Kington, is aiming to become the first `carbon neutral` village in the county. The local environment group, assisted by Marches Energy Agency, conducted an `energy audit` of the entire community earlier this year. Results show that the total foot print of the community is an estimated 3230 tonnes of CO2 in 2005/2006. This means that they have a footprint of 10.1 tonnes per person, higher than the national average of 9.3 tonnes. The Government’s target for CO2 reduction by 2050 is 60%. To achieve this, the community will need to reduce emissions to around 1301 tonnes annually. On 21st June (at 7.30pm in the Village Hall) Brilley Environment Group is hosting a meeting when Garry Charnock of Ashton Hayes village in Cheshire will tell the story of how he has encouraged his community to aim to be the first carbon neutral village in the UK. Their plans include increasing house insulation levels, installation of a solar panel at their primary school, energy efficient lighting, planting trees, increasing recycling and reducing waste. All these improvements will be cost effective in the long term and save money for householders. Tackling energy use in this way can lead to energy security whilst also making homes more comfortable. Ashton Hayes` experience will provide Brilley residents with valuable information for their own climate change strategy. Community leaders from across Herefordshire are also being invited. The event on the 21st will detail ways in which Brilley can tackle their CO2 emissions. It will give residents a say on what level of reduction they would like to aim for. For further information contact Ruth Morgan: rejex@freeuk.com