Help shape county council plans to be net zero carbon by 2045

Residents, businesses, councils, universities and others are being urged to help shape ambitious plans to make Leicestershire a net zero carbon county by 2045 by getting involved in a major consultation.

Leicestershire County Council is inviting people to comment on how changing the way they travel, how they run and maintain their homes, and how what they buy from day-to-day can help to protect the environment.

Running over three months, the consultation focuses on a net zero action plan which sets out key goals including:

reducing carbon emissions generated by transport

reducing energy use in buildings – plus improving energy efficiency and adding new renewable energy generation

supporting businesses to go green and grow the low carbon economy

supporting communities to tackle climate change

increasing the removal and storage of carbon in natural systems like soil and forests

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, said: “We’re a green council. That’s why we’re consulting on our draft strategy and action plan, and joining forces with residents, councils, businesses, universities and others in the race to net zero.

“We can’t tackle these challenges alone. Everyone in the county has a part to play in helping us to get to net zero by 2045.

“We can make a big difference and I would urge people to get involved. By having your say, you’ll be shaping a cleaner, greener and healthier Leicestershire for future generations.”

The consultation is open until 26 July and includes a planned social media campaign with the hashtag #NetZeroLeicestershire, a Facebook live and discussions with young people - as part of the wider engagement process.

For copies of the questionnaire in other formats, please email NetZero@leics. gov.uk

To learn more about our net zero ambitions, visit the council’s net zero web page.