Plans detailing Plymouth’s latest response to the climate emergency will go before Councillors later this month.
The Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan and the Climate Emergency Action Plan, both of which are now on their third incarnations, will be debated and then put to the vote at a meeting of the full City Council on Monday 24 January.
Initial plans to address the climate emergency were first launched in November 2019, with separate strategies for the Council's own plans and those of the wider city.
Since the second plans were published in January 2021, and despite the backdrop of the pandemic and other budget pressures, many of the actions details have now been completed.
“We’re immensely proud of the work done on the climate emergency so far,” said Councillor Maddi Bridgeman, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, “but we’re under no illusions that there is still an awful lot still to be done if we’re to meet our ambition of being carbon neutral by 2030.”
“I’m a big believer in actions speaking louder than words so I am especially pleased to see so many tangible, useful projects and products included in both of the new plans.”
The Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan centres on the Council and what it can do within its own operations and remit to make an immediate impact. It’s about getting our own house in order and leading by example across the city.
Actions completed in 2021 saw the beginning of the drastic decarbonising of council building across the city and this year’s version will continue on a similar theme. Stand out actions include:
- A drive to further decarbonise the Council’s fleet of vehicles
- A review of the staff travel policy to favour electric vehicles and sustainable transport
- Go further with changes to governance to ensure that the climate is a high priority in every decision across all departments
The Climate Emergency Action Plan meanwhile concerns the rest of the city and how everyone can be part of the change needed to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. The plan sets out the city-wide approach and response to the declaration of the climate emergency and how partners can help contribute to wider cause.
This year’s plan is especially powerful with big city employers like the University of Plymouth, Marjon and University Hospital Plymouth are all throwing their weight behind numerous actions.
Councillor Bridgeman added: “As much as we’d like to, we won’t be able to hit our carbon savings targets by ourselves, which is why I’m so pleased to welcome so many actions by partners this time round.
“It’s also testament to the previous plans and completed actions which have clearly helped to inspire others to get on board.”
Actions included in the 2022 plan are:
- Tens of sustainable transport infrastructure projects designed to make a change in the way residents travel that little bit easier
- A potential new solar farm to provide sustainable power to hundreds of homes
- A range of plans for new, energy-efficient homes
The plans are available to read at in the agenda pack for Full Council. Read the plans.