West Suffolk Council is considering proposals for a £9m investment to help it achieve net zero by 2030.
The investment would include greener vehicles and buildings, as well as extending the successful solar rent and roof scheme for West Suffolk businesses.
The following projects are included in the proposal:
- improve the energy efficiency of council buildings and incorporate renewable energy (electricity and/or heat)
- electric vehicle fleet (EV) investment: replace small vehicles on fleet with EVs when replacement falls due
- expansion of the West Suffolk Solar for Business scheme which provides carbon and financial savings for companies and an income for the council.
In addition, it includes a £100,000 per annum provision to support the proposed switch to use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) derived fuel in the larger diesel-powered fleet – such as freighters used to collect rubbish. No vehicle modifications would be required, and this would achieve carbon savings of nearly 400 tonnes Co2e per annum as well as improving air quality.
In total the projects proposed under this new investment would deliver 2,279 tCo2e savings per annum once fully implemented. This should mean that the council would meet its carbon budget target for 2026 putting it on the right path to meet its net zero ambition by 2030.
Cllr Sarah Broughton, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Property for West Suffolk Council, said: “This is a budget that will help drive business growth and more employment opportunities, better health facilities and outcomes as well as tackling climate change. In short helping people be healthier, more prosperous and kinder to the planet. The £9million investment turns much of our environmental action plan into reality, delivering thousands of tonnes in CO2 as well as protecting the environment. Continuing to invest in our hubs will mean better health and leisure facilities for all while our growth investments will encourage businesses and jobs. It also means we can protect and help the most vulnerable and fund local programmes helped shaped by the communities it will be delivered in. At the same time we are making sure we can meet the challenges of the pandemic while delivering high quality and value for money services.”
