Actions that will help Rother District Council meet its ambitious target of becoming a net zero district by 2030 have been set out in a new strategy.

The Climate Strategy looks at the current situation, the challenges the authority faces and the actions it can take to reduce emissions and what it can do to support people and businesses across the district to do the same.

The document, agreed by Full Council, focuses on five key areas where the authority can make a difference – buildings and energy efficiency, transport, resource consumption and waste, biodiversity and land use, and energy generation.

Cllr Kathryn Field, the district council’s portfolio holder for environmental, licensing, community safety and climate strategy, and joint waste contract, said: “Our ambitious target to be a net zero district by 2030 reflects just how seriously we take our responsibility to tackle climate change and to promote community action.

“This strategy gives us a clear vision of where we are and what we need to do to reach our target. It also shines a spotlight on the challenges we are likely to face and opportunities that will be available to us – both will help us develop realistic and achievable plans.

“We are all well aware of the enormity of the challenge we face, and I am proud of the steps we have already taken.  We know that reaching our target will be a real community effort and I look forward to the council, residents and businesses working together to make a difference for future generations.”

Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019 and agreeing the 2030 net zero target, the council has taken steps to reduce emissions and raise awareness of climate action through a number of projects;

• The council’s operational emissions have reduced by around 87 per cent since 2019/20 thanks to action taken on gas, electricity and vehicle use
• The council now ensures that every property used as temporary accommodation for homeless households has a minimum EPC rating of C
• The council is working with village halls across the district to address energy inefficiency and high carbon emissions, thanks to funding of £500,000 for its Village Halls Energy Project
• An audit is being carried out on council-owned green spaces, including ecological surveys, which will help the council conserve and enhance biodiversity
• Council staff are undergoing carbon literacy training, giving them a better understanding.  The aim is for the half of council to be trained by 2026, enabling the authority to be gold-certified

The Climate Strategy is available at www.rother.gov.uk/climate-emergency/climate-strategy-policies/climate-strategy/ and details of Climate Action taken so far are available at www.rother.gov.uk/climate-emergency/what-were-doing-as-a-council/what-weve-achieved-so-far/

Ends. 

Published: 29th January 2024