In the presence of the Commissioner for Environment M. Potočnik, Mrs Linda Gillham, Runnymede Borough Councillor and EA member, argued whether local authorities have been given recognition for their engagement in fighting climate change and protecting the environment.   LRAs have already shown that they can do more than their respective Member States. They are forward looking and already giving a great contribution when it comes to achieving energy savings or carrying out green initiatives.

The EU Commissioner agreed that land use and water use are crucial in view of attaining more resource efficient practices. Current consumption patterns are not sustainable, natural resources are running out and prices of materials going up, he underlined. As the EU is a major importer of materials we must be ready to shift from labour productivity to resource productivity.