Moving clocks forward would save thousands of tonnes of C02

Greenwise Staff

21st June 2010

Researchers say that a UK time change would have the equivalent effect of taking 200,000 cars off Britain’s roads.

A study conducted by Cambridge University for the 10:10 climate change campaign has found that putting the clocks forward by an hour during the winter could save 450,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, helping to reduce peak electricity demand.

Cambridge University’s Dr Elizabeth Garnsey, author of the new research, said: "The carbon savings associated with this clock change are significant, equivalent to the carbon footprint of the production of 1,800 plastic bags for every home in Britain every year, or taking around 200,000 cars off the road."

The research will be launched today in Westminster at a conference being held by 10:10 as part of its 'Lighter Later’ campaign.

The campaign is supported by a number of business and travel organisations, including the Tourism Alliance, RAC and Road Safety GB.

This morning campaign organisers took a petition signed by more than 15,000 people to Number 10 Downing Street, calling on the Government to introduce a three-year trial of the proposal.

Commenting on the Lighter Later campaign, Franny Armstrong, 10:10′s founder and director of The Age of Stupid, said: "Hands up who doesn’t want our country to be safer, lighter, more prosperous and with less pollution? And who doesn’t want to save money on their electricity bills without lifting a finger?"