Climate change – what we are doing
Our commitment
We declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and set a target of achieving carbon neutrality from our activities as soon as possible and in any event by 2050, in line with the new target for the UK agreed by Parliament in 2019.
In June 2020, we published our Climate Emergency Action Plan.
We want to play our part in reducing the future impacts on our local environment, infrastructure and the lives of those who live and work in our County. Benefits include cleaner air, healthier lifestyles, more energy efficient homes and businesses and the opportunity for local green businesses to sell their goods and services.
For more information on what climate change is and why it matters:
What we are doing
We have already:
- cut our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 60% since 2008 to 2009
- set an ambitious target to cut corporate carbon emissions by half in the next 5 years.
- published a Climate Emergency Action plan for the next two years
- used our £1million Salix Recycling Fund to invest in improving energy efficiency, secured £670,000 of funding from government in 2021 to 2022.
- committed to buying electricity from renewable sources
- agreed £3million per year from 2022-25, to fund projects to reduce our carbon emissions
We will:
- look at cutting emissions from our transport, procurement and decision-making processes and investing in generating more renewable energy
- help residents and businesses to identify areas for individual action and promoting support programmes such as in our page, warm home service, Solar Together Sussex and also LoCASE (green business)
- work with partners on the East Sussex Environment Board to identify what more we can do
- Deliver carbon awareness training to over 100 staff
- Install electric vehicle charge points at County Hall
- publish a progress report every year
What you can do
Play your part in tackling climate change by calculating your own carbon footprint – WWF and see if you can take steps to reduce it:
- Make energy improvements at home: Energy advice for your home - Energy Saving Trust
- Install solar panels and battery storage on your home: Solar Together Sussex
- Buy local, recycle materials and compost your food waste: Composting at home
- Switch to green energy: Switching your energy supplier – Energy Saving Trust
- Walk, cycle or use public transport – reduce car use and switch to electric vehicles.
- Spread the word and encourage your friends, relatives and neighbours to take on a personal challenge to cut carbon and save costs.
Our reports
Every year we produce a report on the County Council’s corporate greenhouse gas emissions:
- Greenhouse gas emissions – 2019–20 [379.2 KB] [pdf]
We have now released our corporate carbon highlight report for 2020 to 2021.
What are Local Authorities doing nationally?
National guidance for local authorities:
Have any questions?
The following frequently asked questions may help provide more information.
Contact us
For more information please contact Lucy Harbor, our Climate Emergency Officer:
- Email: Lucy Harbor
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