SOUTHAMPTON'S credentials as a leading green city were showcased at a climate change event .

Environment chiefs were explaining ways for businesses and other councils to meet climate change targets through the use of combined heat and power (CHP) networks, like the one in Southampton.

The city's integrated geothermal and CHP network, which uses the heat that escapes from conventional power plants, provides energy for more than 40 businesses around the city centre including the West Quay shopping centre, The Quays Swimming Complex and Southampton Solent University.

Southampton also has the UK's first district chilling scheme.

Greenpeace teamed up with Southampton City Council and Utilicom, which runs the city's CHP network, to stage the event at the De Vere Harbour hotel, called Powering the South East, for more than more than 100 guests.

It also saw the launch of a short film, The Convenient Solution, in which Southampton's CHP network was used to show alternatives to the wasteful and expensive energy of generated from nuclear and coal-fired power stations.

Councillor Gavin Dick, Cabinet member for environment and transport, who was among the speakers, wants to encourage others to follow in the city's footsteps.

He said: "Southampton is leading the way on sustainable energy thanks to the city's CHP network, and we are delighted to be able to promote this success in the hope that other local authorities and businesses will learn from our own experiences.

"We want to generate further interest with both new and existing developments, so that they can see the advantages themselves.

" Greenpeace's senior climate campaigner, Robin Oakley added: Southampton has got some of the biggest district heating schemes having been established for well over a decade.

"It is looking to expand to connect to thousands more homes, which is a very exciting, forward-looking project.

"It's setting an example and is really leading edge.

" Mr Oakley said CHP schemes provided better value, lower emissions and far more efficient supplies of heat and electricity.

Southampton City Council last week unveiled a energy vision to expand the CHP network.

It currently reduces the city's carbon emissions by just over one per cent.

The council wants to increase this to 20 per cent by 2010.

For coverage of green issues don't miss the Daily Echo's environment pages every Wednesday.