Achieving net-zero carbon status by 2030

Working towards a net zero carbon Uttlesford by 2030.
 

What is a climate emergency

We declared a climate emergency in July 2019 recognising the need to drastically reduce carbon emissions in the district. A pledge was made to work towards being a net zero district by 2030.
 

Our target

A report by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) showed that keeping global warming below 1.5ºC would limit the damage to ecosystems and human health and wellbeing. The report says that to achieve this objective, global carbon emissions should reach net zero by 2050. This is the target that has  been adopted by the British government and the Mayor of London. 

The IPCC report also stated that current commitments under the Paris Agreement for emissions reduction by 2030 were insufficient to limit warming to 1.5ºC, and that global emissions need to be reduced well before 2030. As a result, in our climate emergency declaration we have committed to work to achieve net zero by 2030, and to lobby central government to urgently provide funding and implement necessary policy changes.
 

What we are doing

Our Energy and Climate Change Working Group will develop an environmental road map. At the Council meeting on Tuesday, 23 February 2021 we approved a strategy, the Climate Crisis Strategy. This sets a clear direction for tackling the climate crisis. We've allocated £1million to support climate crisis projects over the next 3 years.

These initiatives include: 

• tree planting
• electric car charging points
• bees and other pollinators
• hedgehogs and habitats
• renewable energy
• reduction of single use plastics
• air transport
• adopting an interim climate change policy (PDF, 3 MB)
• Zero Carbon Communities Grant scheme (closed to applications)
   

What you can do

We recognise that we cannot do this alone - the council contributes to the district's emissions, but achieving a net zero carbon borough needs local people and business to play their part.

There are some straight forward changes that you can make to help reduce your carbon footprint and its impact on the local and global climate. Reducing your energy use also reduces energy costs. Insulating pipes and the loft, switching lights off when not in use, unplugging electronics when not in use and installing a thermostat can all help reduce your bills.

We have guidance on energy efficiency.

You can also reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment by:

• using sustainable modes of transport; where possible walk or cycle part of your route
• reducing the amount of waste you produce and reusing or recycling the rest
• installing solar panels on your home and considering rain water harvesting
• planting a tree or growing wildflowers in your garden

Additional information 

► Walking in Uttlesford

► Active Essex - your local guide to keeping active

► Recycling and waste

► Solar Together Essex - Essex County Council have partnered with iChoosr for a new initiative to install solar pv panels