Carbon emissions across Oxfordshire could be halved by 2030.

Oxfordshire Partnership members including Oxfordshire County Council, the district councils, Thames Valley Police and NHS Oxfordshire have all pledged to reduce their impact on the environment by 50 per cent in a bid to reduce global warming.

Building refurbishments, better public transport, fewer cars in the city and campaigns to halt energy wastage are among the ways the partnership aims to hit its target.

Each person living in Oxfordshire currently produces an average of 7.8 tonnes of carbon emissions every year – roughly half the national average of 15 tonnes.

County council deputy leader David Robertson revealed the scheme at last week’s Sustainable Construction Oxford seminar.

He said afterwards: “The message is very important and one we need to get out there. We all need to start saving energy.

“The one certainty here is that energy costs are going to rise in the future. What we need to try to do is influence just how much they increase, by reducing wastage.

“One of the advantages of energy-saving is that it can also save you money. We estimate small businesses can save about £500 a year just by making small changes like switching off lights and turning down the thermostat.

“It is a two-pronged attack – save money and help reduce your carbon footprint. A 50 per cent reduction will be not be easy, but it is possible.”

The council, along with Oxford City Council, is using five electric Minis from BMW’s Cowley plant as part of a six-month pilot scheme to measure the impact of petrol-free transport. The cars are being used as pool vehicles.

Mr Robertson said the authority also wanted to implement a system where tickets could be used on both Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company buses to encourage more use of public transport.

In addition to its 2030 target, the council has launched a campaign to lower emissions from its own operations by 18 per cent by 2012.

Mr Robertson added: “We are trying to make our buildings as efficient as possible and bring them up to modern standards. We feel we have a leadership role to play.

“County Hall is a typical 1960s’ building. Back then the terms ‘green’ and carbon emission’ were unheard of, so there is some updating to do.

“For example, we have added new screens to our windows to reduce heat loss, which will make a noticeable difference.”

Carbon emissions contribute to the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere which absorb and emit radiation. As the levels of gases increase, so does the earth’s temperature.

Steve Rowell, from Thames Valley Police, said: “We are determined to work with our partners to reduce carbon emissions in Oxfordshire.

“To that end, we are currently trialling the first electric police car in the Thames Valley area on the Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill estates.”

Lan Jenner, from NHS Oxfordshire, said: “We understand the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and are determined to work alongside the Oxfordshire Partnership to do this.”