One Year Since WBC Launched its Environment Strategy
A year ago, West Berkshire Council published its Environment Strategy (https://info.westberks.gov.uk/environment) outlining the steps to work towards a target of carbon neutrality by 2030.
The Environment Delivery Plan (https://info.westberks.gov.uk/EnvironmentDP) supports the Strategy and, over the past 12 months, WBC has achieved progress in working towards some of the targets. Some of the highlights include:
- Established an Environment Delivery Team;
- Completion of flood alleviation schemes protecting properties from effects of climate change;
- Feasibility study for a solar farm;
- Solar PV pilot leading to development of wider solar programme across Council's estate (council offices and schools);
- Installation of first phases of electric vehicle charge points;
- LED replacement of street lighting and traffic lights;
- Successful wildflower verges pilot leading to full project being established;
- Set up a West Berkshire Parish Climate Forum;
- Supported residents' health and wellbeing during the pandemic through facilitating greater use of our local open spaces;
- Developed our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP);
- Delivered infrastructure to support active travel.
The Environment Delivery Plan was approved at Executive on Thursday 15 July to provide a framework of actions to meet carbon neutrality for the district by 2030. The Delivery Plan will remain as a live document and be updated monthly to show achievements and opportunities.