Gloucestershire awarded 10:10 status by national green campaign
(10th December 2010 )                                                                       
Gloucestershire is the first region to become a ‘10:10 County’ as part of an international campaign to reduce carbon emissions.
In September 2009, 10:10 was set up to encourage individuals, businesses, schools and families to cut their carbon output by 10% over a one-year period.
So far more than 110,000 people, 4,000 businesses and hundreds of councils, schools, universities and hospitals have agreed to cut their CO2 emissions with 10:10’s support – and the campaign will continue into 2011 and beyond.
Yesterday Gloucestershire became the first county to embrace 10:10, and will work to unify all the businesses and organisations taking part in the area. 
The announcement came at the inaugural 10:10 Awards ceremony, hosted by Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Media to recognise local people who go the extra mile to help the environment.
Harriet Bell, national 10:10 Campaign Coordinator, was invited as a guest speaker and announced the achievement following her speech.
She said: “Gloucestershire is leading the way when it comes to unifying different people doing 10:10.
“With so many businesses and organisations in the area signed up to the campaign there’s an ideal opportunity to share advice and encourage one another in the bid to reduce emissions.
“Gloucestershire County Council is really doing its bit to join the dots and take 10:10 to the next level.”
A certificate confirming Gloucestershire as the first 10:10 County was presented to Gloucestershire County Council Leader, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, who accepted the honour on behalf of the county.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted that Gloucestershire has become the first 10:10 county, it’s really something we should all be proud of.
“As a council we’re committed to addressing climate change wherever we can, but this is much bigger than us – it’s about everyone in the county doing their bit to cut carbon and we’ll do all we can to support that.”
The achievement has also been commended by Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Dame Janet Trotter, who attended the ceremony.
She said: “This commitment to green issues is outstanding and reflects well on how we can work together as a county.
“During yesterday’s award ceremony, we saw many adults, children and organisations across Gloucestershire who are positive about making these changes so I am confident that others will be as eager to follow suit.”
Now, the county council, Gloucestershire First, Gloucestershire Media, local businesses and organisations, will work together to work out how to best use the accreditation to benefit the county and the environment.
Kevan Blackadder, Editor of the Gloucestershire Echo, part of the Gloucestershire Media group, said: “We are delighted to have played such a big part in Gloucestershire becoming the first 10:10 county.
“But what is just as important is the way that the county’s children responded so positively to the campaign.
“There were so many young faces at the awards ceremony and, in many ways, they have been the catalyst for its success by getting their parents and their teachers directly involved.” 
David Owen, chief executive of Gloucestershire First, said: “The commitment shown by businesses to the original campaign has been incredible and the announcement that Gloucestershire is the UKs first 10:10 county is richly deserved.
“The challenge ahead is to continue to grow the Gloucestershire economy and living up to the accolade of the first 10:10 county.”
Sarah Daly, Managing Director of Heath Avery, added: “From a standing start in January, Gloucestershire has taken great strides in showing how partnership between the public and private sectors, communities, schools and individuals can kick start change.
“I'm really proud of being part of this and want everyone in our county to understand how vital and rewarding this transformation will be.
“Follow @glos1010 on Twitter, become a friend on Facebook or contact Gloucestershire County Council to find out more.”
Work will be undertaken over the next few weeks and we hope to make further announcements in January.