City sets out the path to carbon neutral

The city council announced a climate emergency in July 2019, joining many other local authorities around the country, committing to follow the science of climate change.

This new report sets out what the city council will need to do as it works towards becoming a carbon neutral council by 2030. The report includes options for how to get Gloucester as a whole carbon neutral by 2050 featuring a series of projects that could be delivered over the coming months and years. A final strategy will be drafted in the autumn.

Cllr Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said, “Reducing our carbon emissions is crucial, and it’s important we get it right now for future generations. In order to make our ambitions a reality we need to write a new strategy, drawing on all the knowledge available to provide a clear path forward.

“This comprehensive report looks at some of the many options available to the council and to Gloucester, and I look forward to further discussion later this year. We have a moral duty to lead by example and it is paramount that at every level carbon emissions are reduced.”

The report goes into detail about the short term and longer term options the council will investigate. The series of “quick wins” includes encouraging more businesses to recycle food waste, embrace biodiversity and tree planting projects as well encouraging council staff to think about how they travel for work.

Gloucester City Council has had carbon emissions strategies previously however the new report recognises this work needs updating, alongside an overhaul into how the council does its business. The council can influence its major contracts, such as the ‘street care and waste’ contract, and will take steps to make sure all future major procurement is climate aware, building climate friendly requirements into the tender process.

Longer term, planning policy for new developments will need to demonstrate low carbon and renewable energy proposals and the new city plan requires all new residential accommodation with parking facilities to provide an electric vehicle charging point.

There will be a more eco friendly focus for festivals and events in the city. City owned car parks could see more electric vehicle charging points powered by solar panels. Further developments of solar and possibly wind power are also under consideration in the city council.

Joint working with Gloucestershire County Council and the other district authorities in Gloucestershire will see coordinated countywide action to deliver the means to mitigate climate change.

Cllr Cook added, “We are going to lead the way by example, and we welcome enthusiastic residents to help us on this journey to make a difference in this fight for our future.”

The report and meeting minutes can be found here