ESSEX County Council is to invest £2m in carbon reduction measures as part of its bid to become the greenest local authority in the country.

The council agreed to invest the green' money in its 2007-08 budget to reduce its impact on the environment whilst helping the people of Essex to do the same.

Council leader Lord Hanningfield said the move underlines the council's commitment to safeguard the environment for future generations. He added: "Climate change is now a reality which cannot be ignored, and we have a duty to protect Essex and lead by example to help businesses and residents to make lifestyle changes.

"Over the last year we've looked at every aspect of our operation and its impact on the environment. We must now go further."

The significant investment will not only support a rolling programme of carbon reduction measures but also other green initiatives such as building refurbishments, improvements in building thermal efficiency and a decrease in energy consumption in all council properties.

The council also promises to spend £100,000 on a major countywide tree-planting scheme, and focus on reduction in staff business mileage.

Other significant investments include £1.3m to be ploughed into support for the elderly and vulnerable people, £400,000 invested on targeted school improvement initiatives, and £200,000 funding for parish councils.