EXETER residents are being urged to show world leaders in Copenhagen the way forward in reducing emissions.

Exeter City Council has already pledged its commitment to tackling climate change by joining the national 10:10 Climate Campaign, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its operations by 10 per cent in 2010.

Across the country, 50,000 other people, businesses and organisations have made the same pledge.

Cllr Kevin Mitchell, lead councillor for environment and leisure, said: "This is the perfect time to pledge their support to the campaign."

The pledge backs up the council's existing target of a 20 per cent reduction in emissions by 2013, set last year as part of the Council's Carbon Management Programme.

To achieve this a range of projects to reduce emissions from council buildings, transport and waste have been completed or are in the pipeline.

Projects already undertaken include running refuse vehicles on biodiesel made from recycled vegetable oil, installing wind turbines on the roof of the Civic Centre and achieving a 40 per cent reduction in waste from council offices by improving recycling facilities.

There are grants available through the Cosy Devon scheme, including free loft and cavity wall insulation for people on benefits, the over 60s and households on incomes of less than £18,000. Even those who do not qualify for this can have insulation installed for £99 for an average size property.

For further information call the Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512012 or visit www.cosydevon.co.uk.