Havering sets out path to becoming carbon neutral
Havering Council’s Cabinet have formally laid out how the Council will tackle climate change and become carbon neutral by 2040 or sooner.
Becoming carbon neutral will mean the Council will emit no more greenhouse gases than it can absorb.
The Havering Climate Change Action Plan (HCCAP) sets out how it will do this through nine priority areas, with Transport and Domestic Gas use identified as being the most responsible for carbon emissions.
The HCCAP will help the Council deliver on a number of outcomes – these include:
- improving air quality, through cycling, walking and electric vehicles
- better health and well-being helped with active travel, access to green spaces and sustainable diets
- reducing poverty and inequality - supported through delivering energy efficient fuel poverty-proof homes
- job opportunities and financial growth by developing new green skills for local people
The Council will also address the impact that the borough as a whole has on the environment, through the ‘Havering Climate Challenge’.
This initiative, calls on residents, community groups, schools and businesses to work together to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
The Council will continue to lead by example and has already made significant steps in reducing its emissions.
For example, switching to LED street lighting has reduced annual energy consumption by 69 percent and CO2 emissions by 120 percent over the past 8 years.
Councillor Damian White, the Leader of Havering Council, said:
"COP26 has ensured that climate change is headline news, and we have to take action now to make sure the next generations inherit a world which is safe and healthy.
“Doing nothing is not an option. This is why it was important we set out the Council’s pledge to tackle this challenge head-on.
“We’ve already made a commitment for the Council to be carbon neutral by 2040 or before and we have already started delivering against our promise, but we must go further and faster.
“The Council will also be working with everyone including residents, businesses and other organisations, because, only together can we address the climate challenge.
“I am pleased to say that this plan sets out our plans for the future, but we cannot be proud until we all make the changes we need to see.”
The Havering Climate Change Action Plan will be subject to final approval at Full Council on 17 November.
View the HCCAP and learn more about climate change in Havering