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13 September, 2022

Cabinet to consider Thanet’s draft Net Zero strategy

Thanet District Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. A draft strategy has been developed which takes it a step closer to the goal of achieving a reduction in the council’s core carbon footprint to Net Zero by 2030. This strategy will be considered by members of the council’s Cabinet on Thursday 22 September.

The draft strategy has previously been endorsed by the council’s cross-party Climate Change Cabinet Advisory Group, and focuses specifically on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 

It shows how the council will meet its net zero pledge and is split into:

  • addressing emissions in Thanet District Council’s core carbon footprint to achieve net zero by 2030;
  • addressing the wider council emissions that we have partial control over by 2050 at the very latest;
  • supporting Kent County Council, government, business, industry and the community to reduce emissions generated across the district by 2050 at the latest.

The council’s core carbon footprint has been calculated, along with Thanet-wide emissions. To address these emissions, 12 priorities have been agreed and are outlined in the draft strategy document along with specific, immediate actions to be taken by the end of 2024.

Cllr Bob Bayford, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Special Projects and Chair of the Climate Change Cabinet Advisory Group said:

“The effects of global climate change impact everyone around the world, and the Isle of Thanet will not be immune. This is why, back in 2019, the council declared a climate emergency. Tackling climate change is a priority – we must act now to reduce our carbon footprint.

“The strategy’s purpose is to demonstrate how we will meet our net zero pledge and how we will work with others to achieve such an enormous task. We can’t do this alone, so we’re calling on residents to help fight against climate change in whatever way they can. In the future, we will lobby the government and seek opportunities for external funding to support us to achieve net zero.”

Before it is finalised, the strategy follows a programme of review. First, council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel considered the document at the meeting on Tuesday 30 August. Members of the Cabinet will review the draft strategy on Thursday 22 September. If it is approved, a period of public engagement will follow. 

The draft report is available on our website. As part of our work to reach net zero, we are also helping homeowners improve energy efficiency and warmth in their homes this winter. More about this initiative and climate change can be found on our website

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