What we are doing

Tackling climate change as a priority

Tackling climate change and restoring nature are core priorities for Hastings Borough Council and are embedded in our Corporate Plan. We have declared both a Climate Emergency and a Nature Emergency, recognising that climate change and biodiversity loss are closely linked and must be tackled together.

We know the scale of the challenge is significant. Hastings is already experiencing hotter summers, wetter winters, flooding risk, coastal erosion and pressure on wildlife. Acting now helps reduce future costs, protect health and wellbeing, and build a more resilient town for current and future generatations.

Ambitious, realistic and evidence-led action

Our Climate Strategy sets a clear direction: to reduce emissions as quickly and fairly as possible and to build resilience to climate impacts, while being honest about what can and cannot be achieved locally.

Reaching net zero across the whole town by 2030 would require rapid, large-scale changes to homes, transport, energy infrastructure and national policy. While it may not be possible for Hastings to fully reach net zero by that date, the urgency to act has not changed. Early and sustained action delivers real benefits and keeps Hastings well positioned for future funding, innovation and partnerships.

Our approach is therefore to:

• Lead by example in the council’s own operations
• Support residents and businesses to take practical action
• Restore and protect nature through our Nature Emergency Action Plan
• Prepare the town for climate impacts that are already unavoidable
• Work with partners and lobby for the national action and investment needed to go further and faster

Climate action cannot be delivered by the council alone. It must be a shared, town-wide effort.

What our Climate Strategy focuses on

Our Climate Strategy and Action Plan provide a clear framework for action across eight key themes:

• Leadership and governance – embedding climate considerations into decision-making and ensuring transparency and accountability
• Communication and partnerships – working with residents, businesses, community groups and regional partners
• Renewable and low-carbon energy – expanding clean energy generation and advocating for better energy infrastructure
• Transport and travel – supporting active travel, electric vehicles and cleaner public transport
• Homes and buildings – reducing energy demand, tackling fuel poverty and improving building standards
• Waste and resources – cutting emissions from waste, increasing recycling and supporting reuse and repair
• Nature recovery – managing land for nature, restoring habitats and strengthening green infrastructure through the Nature Emergency Action Plan
• Adaptation and resilience – preparing for flooding, heatwaves, coastal change and extreme weather

Progress against these actions is tracked through a live Climate Action Plan and reported publicly each year.

What we have already delivered

Since declaring a climate emergency, we have made tangible progress, including:

• Transitioning council vehicles to electric and lower-emission alternatives
• Installing solar panels on council buildings and switching to 100% renewable electricity supply
• Expanding public electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• Improving recycling communications and supporting community composting
• Opening The Bale House at Hastings Country Park – the first public straw bale building in South East England
• Securing long-term countryside stewardship funding and expanding nature-based solutions
• Reducing pesticide use, introducing peat-free practices and creating wildflower and low-mow areas
• Embedding climate and flood resilience into the emerging Local Plan
• Supporting home retrofit and energy efficiency programmes to reduce fuel poverty
• Establishing robust baselines to monitor council and borough-wide emissions

These actions demonstrate that meaningful progress is possible, even within financial and regulatory constraints.

Working together to go further

Delivering climate action at the scale required depends on national policy, long-term investment and strong partnerships. We will continue to lobby government for:

• Fair funding for home retrofit and energy efficiency
• Cleaner, affordable public transport
• Grid upgrades and support for local renewable energy
• Stronger planning and environmental standards

At the same time, we will continue to work closely with residents, businesses, community organisations and neighbouring councils to deliver practical, locally appropriate solutions.

Get involved

Reducing emissions, restoring nature and building resilience will benefit everyone who lives, works in or visits Hastings. Everyone has a role to play.
You can:

• Find practical advice and support for homes and businesses
• Get involved in local nature recovery and community projects
• Follow our progress and hold us to account

Together, we can make Hastings greener, healthier and more resilient, even in the face of a changing climate.