Today we announced the launch of our carbon reduction plan, reaffirming our commitment to tackling climate change and reaching net zero carbon by 2035.
We are leading the way by starting with its own operations, setting a strong example for businesses and residents across the district as we all work together towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Our carbon reduction plan aims to "get our house in order" by our carbon footprint across all activities and assets. Right now, we emit around 1,049.9 tonnes of carbon each year. As part of the our Lichfield 2050 strategic objective for ‘green communities,’ this program sets out a clear plan to embed eco-friendly practices into everything we do.
Janice Silvester-Hall, Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change, said:
“We know that achieving net zero carbon is a big challenge, but we’re determined to lead the way.
“This program shows our commitment to reducing our environmental impact, and we hope everyone in the district will get on board and join us in this important mission.”
Some of the key actions under the Internal Carbon Reduction Plan (ICRP) include:
- Installing Energy-Efficient Lighting: The Council has already upgraded lighting to energy-efficient LEDs in key locations, including the District Council House, Burntwood Leisure Centre, and other corporate estate buildings.
- Fleet Modernisation: To cut emissions from our depot fleet, which includes waste collection and street scene vehicles, the Council will be introducing electric vehicles as part of an ongoing replacement plan.
- Reduction in fleet fuel consumption: Deploying driver behaviour training and vehicle tracking has already led to a 10.5% increase in fuel efficiency across our waste fleet.
- Promoting Biodiversity: Through the ‘Habitat Havens’ initiative, the Council is adjusting mowing practices in parks and green spaces to support biodiversity.
- Encouraging Recycling: The ‘Recycle for Good’ campaign is helping residents recycle more effectively, supporting dual-stream recycling to reduce contamination and lessen the impact on our environment.
To track progress, the Council has developed an Organisational Carbon Dashboard, a handy tool for both staff and residents to monitor our journey towards net-zero. Between 2021 and 2022, we’ve already reduced emissions from most of our buildings by 19%, and we’re expecting to see similar reductions in the coming years.
Looking ahead, the Council is committed to working with local businesses, community groups, and residents to expand these efforts across the entire district in developing a district wide Carbon Reduction Plan.
Councillor Silvester-Hall added:
“We can’t tackle climate change alone,” added Councillor Silvester-Hall. “The success of this program depends on all of us working together. By taking collective action, we can make Lichfield a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable place for generations to come.”
For more information about the Carbon Reduction Plan and to view the Carbon Dashboard, visit the web page.