Council launches its Climate Action Plan
Dudley Council’s cabinet is expected to approve the council’s first Climate Action Plan when it meets next week.
The council declared a climate emergency in 2020 and the new document sets out a series of actions for the council to become a net zero council by 2030.
The plan explores how the council will reduce its carbon footprint and how it is encouraging local businesses, organisations and residents to continue playing their part in the fight against climate change.
Sustainability West Midlands recognised the work Dudley Council is undertaking in a recent report and highlighted strides that have been made to cut carbon emissions more widely in the borough. This includes delivery of a programme to convert 30,000 streetlights to LED and the installation of 50 electric vehicle charging points across the borough.
During 2023, Dudley Council procured three electric quad bikes for street and green care, transferred its energy supply to a green energy tariff, and converted some of the lighting in corporate buildings to LED.
The next phase of major initiatives planned include the roll out of carbon literacy training, seeking opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of pension fund investments, reducing paper use and delivering biodiversity enhancements on council owned land.
The council is also the first in the region to secure funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority for a Net Zero Neighbourhoods pilot. This will see 300 homes sustainably retrofitted with loft, cavity and solid wall insulation, solar PV, electric vehicle street charging points, community food growing initiatives and nature-based solutions such as green roofs.
Councillor Dr Rob Clinton, cabinet member for climate change, said:
“I am delighted to be able to share Dudley Council’s Climate Action Plan with the cabinet and I’m sure people will take the time to look at this important document.
“We know how vital it is that we all act now and that is why we will also be working with external stakeholders, including public sector, businesses and community groups, to establish a Dudley Climate Partnership.”
For more information people can visit www.dudley.gov.uk/climate