While it acknowledges its thriving existing schemes that mean the council saves more carbon than it emits, “new national demands” mean the initial 2030 target is no longer viable.
A comprehensive review of the council’s progress towards net zero has identified areas for improvement, as well as taking resources, realistic progress and the associated costs of carbon reducing measures into account for the new timeline.
Simpler Recycling will increase the demand for new waste collecting vehicles where alternative technology for large rural areas is not yet practical to operate, which is set to increase emissions associated with delivering key services.
‘Momentum and optimism’
Councillor Gerald Kelly, cabinet member for governance, regulatory and environment at West Suffolk council, said: “2030 was an ambitious aim, and pushing ourselves to hit that target has put us in the strong position we are in today. But it has become clear that due to elements out of our control, we now need a more realistic plan to achieve net zero, and being honest about that fact is a key part of maintaining trust in this agenda.
“The revised target allows us to keep the momentum and optimism for tackling climate change going and continue to make significant progress.”
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