Buckinghamshire Council sees 70% reduction in carbon emissions since 1990

Democracy and Local Affairs, Energy, Environment

Buckinghamshire Council has released its first Climate Change & Air Quality Strategy 2021-2022 Progress Report, which reveals a 70% reduction in the council’s greenhouse gas emissions compared to the year 1990. This puts the council well on track to achieve its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

These positive reductions have come on the back of sustainable travel measures such as:

  • New e-bike and e-scooter rental initiatives
  • More EV charging point installations and electric vehicles in the council’s fleet
  • Encouraging the use of low and ultra-low emission taxis and private hire vehicles via a new licensing policy
  • A new ‘on demand’ bus service in High Wycombe and coming soon in Aylesbury Vale; improving public transport options for local people
  • Extensions and improvements to active travel routes in Aylesbury, Wendover and Marlow
  • An extensive tree-planting programme – the Bucks Tree Mission, including a commitment to plant half a million new trees on council land, one for every resident

In addition to the above, business and domestic energy consumption reduction has been encouraged through schemes such as the Low Carbon Workspaces, Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery and Buckinghamshire Solar Together schemes.

Gareth Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said:

“I am delighted to provide an update on the considerable activity we’ve undertaken to tackle climate change and poor air quality, including revealing an impressive 70% reduction in our carbon emissions for the last year compared to 1990.

“While this progress gives some reassurance that our community is playing their part in tackling the significant environmental challenges, the report also recognises the importance of ramping up emission reduction and climate change adaptation work. This will include the creation of new larger woodland areas, the expansion of the number of EV charging points to 1,000 by 2027, and the delivery of energy performance improvements to many more homes.”

Gareth added:

“Hopefully this report provides some inspiration for everyone to explore new ways to reduce their environmental impact. Including some useful suggestions available on the AWorld app about some small lifestyle choices that everyone can make to save resources. It’s amazing to think that 14 tonnes of CO2 have been saved by those already using the app.

“We can all feel immensely satisfied with what has been achieved so far – the introduction of electric vehicles and sizeable solar photovoltaic systems by suppliers to the council, and the impressive number of trees planted by schools and community groups. I look forward to another year of successes, where we can share the benefits of securing a sustainable future.”

To find out more, please take a look at the council’s Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy webpage.

For tips and advice on living sustainably, please visit the Bucks Climate Challenge webpage.