Published on Monday 09 December 2019
Councillors from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are due to consider a report setting out the challenges and opportunities the three towns face in achieving a carbon neutral future.
Back in the summer councillors made a commitment for BCP Council and its operations to be carbon neutral by 2030, and to work with partners to set a target date for when the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole region can be made carbon neutral, ahead of the UK target of 2050.
At the next meeting of Full Council (17 December) councillors will be asked to endorse a proposed set of actions as the basis for public consultation. Influenced by local communities, and in line with good progress being made elsewhere in the country, the proposed set of options being considered at Full Council will require significant lifestyle changes and therefore engagement with local residents through a public consultation exercise will be essential.
Sustainable planning policies, transport infrastructure improvements, as well as energy efficiency and waste minimisation schemes all feature as key areas that will need major attention if the Council and three towns are to reach a carbon neutral future.
The report also includes options on what the Council will need to make it in order to become carbon neutral by 2030. Proposed options being considered will look at reducing the need for staff to travel, making buildings energy efficient, generating more power from renewable resources and minimising waste.
If approved the Council will be looking to launch a consultation and engagement programme on the proposed options in early 2020.