Report recognises Council’s climate change efforts

A report by Groundwork East has recognised the actions East Suffolk Council has taken to reduce its carbon emissions by almost 23% over the last three years.

Members of East Suffolk Council’s new Environment Task Group, set up in response to the Council’s declaration of a climate emergency, met for the first time this week to review a report from Groundwork East following an independent review of the Council’s performance on reducing its carbon emissions.

The report recognises the steps the Council has already taken to reduce carbon emission by just under 23% over the last three years, including moving to its new energy efficient buildings in Lowestoft, which benefits from solar PV and Melton, which is heated by air-sourced heat pumps, and installing solar PV at the recently refurbished Deben Leisure Centre and Leiston Leisure Centre.

The report goes on to identify areas that East Suffolk Council will need to focus on to achieve its ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Cllr James Mallinder, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Chairman of East Suffolk’s Environment Task Group, said: “The Task Group was very pleased to receive this comprehensive independent report at our first meeting, which highlights the progress we have already made and sets out the challenges that lies ahead.

“There is a lot of work to be done to bring our carbon emissions down to meet this ambitious target and we recognise the size and urgency of the challenge.

“We all need to take responsibility for lowering our carbon footprint, so as well as improving the Council’s performance, I would also encourage residents and businesses to look at how they can do their bit to reduce their carbon emissions.”

Small changes can make a big difference and the Council recently published a guide to help residents and businesses take steps to reduce their carbon emissions.

Free audits are also available for businesses in East Suffolk from Business Energy Efficiency Anglia to help them become more energy efficient.

As part of the East Suffolk Business Festival, the Council is also hosting a ‘Going Green to Benefit Business’ session on Friday 8 November 2019 between 10am – 12pm, where businesses can hear more about opportunities to access energy efficiency advisory services and green funding initiatives. Book now.

Find out more about climate change support services from Groundwork East