We are all more green-minded these days, perhaps even without knowing it. We use greener petrol, recycle our rubbish, and know we should switch off our TVs and computers at night to help stop the march of global warming.

Now Bradford Council is taking a lead by streamlining all its public buildings in a bid to cut down on carbon emissions which are the main contributing factor to the heating up of the planet and save energy.

The Council is right to set an example to the rest of us by carrying out a full audit of every library, leisure centre and office in the district to see how things can be improved.

And the fact that Bradford is doing this years ahead of the deadline for the European Union directive to do so proves that the Council is not merely paying lip service to ticking boxes on a form, but has a genuine desire to help tackle this growing problem.

As well as the long-term effect of slowing down global warming and protecting the environment, the Council could also benefit its citizens with more immediate concerns.

Along with energy savings and a greener approach often come actual cost savings, and as it is we, the council tax payers, who stump up for the running of these buildings, it is good to see city hall taking direct action which might see them spending our cash more wisely and economically.

It is to be hoped that the good work being done by the Council trickles down and the ball is picked up by companies and retail businesses in the district.