Council’s carbon emissions cut by 40% in 10 years
HILLINGDON AIMING TO BE CARBON NEUTRAL BY 2030
HILLINGDON Council has reduced its carbon emissions by more than 40% in the past ten years and is now asking for residents’ views on its new climate change action plan.
The local authority says it has slashed its carbon footprint of 21,600 tonnes of CO2 in 2009 to 12,500 tonnes by 2020.
It is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030.
In a meeting of the council’s corporate service, commerce and communities policy overview committee on April 6, climate action manager David Haygarth said the nine-year deadline was “technically achievable” with a recent switch to purchasing green energy likely to reduce the council’s carbon output by a further 5,500 tonnes.
The plan, approved by Hillingdon’s cabinet on March 18, sets out seven themes to focus on such as waste management, community leadership, clean and green energy and carbon off-setting.
Tackling fuel poverty and preventing flooding are also among the council’s ambitions.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon
Council’s environment boss, said: “We all have to play our part in tackling climate change to ensure our borough remains a healthy, happy place for people and nature when it’s handed down to future generations.
“We face a huge challenge, but one we’re ready to tackle, and our draft climate change action plan outlines how we’ll find ways to be more sustainable, energy efficient and improve our ecosystems so nature can thrive alongside people for years to come.
“We really want to hear the views of residents, businesses and local groups across the borough. We’re keen to include their views on what they feel are the most important climate-related challenges to tackle so we can make the borough greener and more sustainable.”