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Climate Emergency Advisory Committee agrees plan of action

Vale of White Horse District Council’s Climate Emergency Advisory Committee (CEAC) met on 28 January to recommend new schemes for the council to tackle climate change.

The committee recommended a one-year programme of actions to begin the journey to a carbon neutral council by 2030 and a carbon neutral district by 2045. 

The programme included:

  • a climate impacts section in all the council’s reporting and decision-making
  • identifying opportunities for investment in solar energy
  • identifying opportunities for energy saving in council buildings including solar energy and heat pumps
  • working with interested community action groups
  • a feasibility study into electric vehicle hire for residents
  • a feasibility study into increasing biodiversity and tree planting
  • employing a climate change lead officer

The report also looked at how the council could develop a green travel plan for officers and members, create an action plan to reduce single-use plastic and help to promote healthier lifestyle choices including encouraging walking and cycling to reduce vehicle emissions.

The committee heard from several residents at the beginning of the meeting who expressed their views on housing and car emissions, tree planting and cycle networks.  During the meeting, the committee discussed the projected costs of the initiatives they were recommending and recognised the financial position of the Council.

Cllr David Grant, chair of the committee said, “We have recommended this programme of actions to the council as a first step in tackling the climate emergency. We have prioritised evaluating deliverable schemes with the biggest potential benefit on our planet.  At the same time, we want to help and advise those in our district to do the same. These schemes have the added benefit of providing local people with cleaner air to breathe and a more diverse natural environment.”

The one-year programme was recommended by members of the advisory committee at the meeting and at Cabinet on 3 February.  The proposed budget will now go to Council on 12 February for final approval among their other budget priorities.

To find out more about what the council is doing to tackle climate change visit the website pages www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/environment/climate-change