Green light set for “Road Map to Net Zero” to build on council’s climate action work

Councillors are being asked to give the green light to a strategy that aims to build on Burnley Council’s work so far in reducing its carbon emissions.

It sets out a potential timeline for climate actions to guide the council’s work in reaching net zero by 2050 at the latest.

The council has drawn up a Road Map to Net Zero strategy which outlines its commitment to tackling the climate emergency, reducing its carbon emissions, improving the quality of life for its residents, protecting the environment and encouraging nature recovery.

The council’s executive is being asked to approve the strategy when it meets on 13th March.

Councillor Scott Cunliffe, the council’s executive member for sustainability and growth, who overseas climate action across the council, said: “The council recognises the part it must play in addressing the climate crisis.

“The transition away from fossil fuels is a big opportunity for Burnley to improve our local environment, improve the health and wellbeing of our residents by creating green spaces, encouraging wildlife to flourish, improving air quality and cleaning up our communities. It is also an opportunity to create low-carbon jobs.

“This document will help co-ordinate our work across the council so that climate change is at the heart of all we do.”

“We have also put our staff at the heart of our climate change process. The council is currently rolling out training to staff to make them more aware of climate change and the actions they can take to reduce our impact on the environment.”

The council is currently waiting to see if it has become one of just a handful of authorities across the country to achieve Silver Carbon Literacy status from the Carbon Literacy Project.