Council works to tackle climate emergency

In July 2019 Hastings Borough Council commissioned AECOM to develop a greenhouse gas inventory outlining the key sources of greenhouse gases being emitted in the town, while also looking at what we need to do to reduce the emissions from these sectors and the potential timescales for reaching carbon neutrality.

This information was used to produce a Low Carbon Energy Study to inform the development of the town's new draft Local Plan. This week, the council hosted a climate change workshop, with the purpose of reviewing this and seeking views on potential new policies for the draft Local Plan and the required measures to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

The workshop - for representatives from the Local Strategic Partnership Board, Town Deal Board, statutory consultees for the local plan and representatives from the house building sector - was held as part of the council's ongoing multi-faceted work, alone and with partners, as set out in its climate change action plan, to make Hastings carbon neutral by 2030. As this work develops, the council will be engaging more groups in these discussions.

Cllr Maya Evans, lead councillor for natural environment and leisure, said,

"We are grateful to those that attended the workshop, who are really focused on reducing carbon emissions in our borough. This workshop is a key step in communicating the findings from our climate change research and the draft Local Plan policies to ensure key stakeholders understand the importance of addressing climate change in future policy and strategic projects of our town.

"Only thorough working with stakeholders can the council meet its ambitious challenge of carbon neutrality, which is why it convened this workshop and why it continues to work closely with partners, whilst encouraging everyone to do what they can."

You can find out more about tackling climate change locally by visiting the council's website: https://www.hastings.gov.uk/my-council/climate-change/.