Council making strides to meet carbon neutral target

Published2nd February 2023

Ipswich Borough Council will discuss the progress of its work to become carbon neutral by 2030 at its Executive meeting next week.

In 2019, the Council’s Executive declared a Climate Emergency and resolved to start working towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The Council had been working hard for many years to make its operations cleaner and more efficient, with an ambition to be net zero-carbon by 2030 agreed as a Climate Emergency pledge.

Since 2008, Ipswich Borough Council had delivered a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from its activities, according to figures at the end of March 2022.

Energy efficient measures have been made to Council homes to upgrade heating systems and installing solar voltaic panels on 240 homes. Accessible composting toilets have also been installed at four parks, reducing their environmental impact.

Vehicles used by the Council have been upgraded to zero emission and electric vehicles – with the Council purchasing its 50th electric vehicle in 2022.

Street lighting owned by Ipswich Borough Council has also been upgraded to LED bulbs, the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting technologies.

Tree planting has also been an important factor with the Council planting 3,000 trees between 2021 and 2022, with a further 2,900 trees set to be planted by the end of March.

A new carbon neutral depot at New Way will be the operational base for many of the Council’s frontline activities upon its completion in 2024 , going a long way to support further moves towards the 2030 carbon neutral target.

Councillor Philip Smart, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, says:

“The Council is committed to reducing carbon emissions across its services and activities.

I’m pleased that we have been able to make significant reductions in key areas such as building our new, more efficient depot for fleet vehicles as well as improving our heating and energy systems to make our housing greener.

By continuing to develop and deliver our plans we expect to make further improvements to reach our target by 2030.”

Full papers for the Ipswich Borough Council Executive meeting on Tuesday 7 February 2023 at 6pm can be found online at: Agenda for Executive on Tuesday 7th February 2023, 6.00 pm | Democracy Online | Ipswich Borough Council