Action to tackle climate change in Knowsley came under the spotlight at a meeting of the Council’s Climate Emergency Scrutiny Committee.
Members considered the measures outlined in Knowsley Place – Climate Delivery Plan, a framework to outline how key partners and organisations will reduce boroughwide emissions.
They heard that Knowsley generates approximately 779 thousand tonnes of CO2 per annum – 1.1% of borough emissions generated by Knowsley Council.
Government statistics for 2022 have revealed that 84% of Knowsley’s total emissions came from three sources: Transport (42%), Domestic (22%) and Industry (20%). The remaining 16% of total emissions came from Waste Management (6%), Commercial sector (5%), Public Sector (3%) and Agriculture (1%).
Knowsley’s plan aligns with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s 5-year Climate Action Plan, ensuring a coordinated approach to tackling climate change.
Key Highlights of the Plan:
- Reducing Carbon Emissions: The plan outlines strategies to significantly reduce the borough’s carbon footprint in the key pillars of transport, buildings, industry, clean energy, and the natural environment.
- Collaborative Approach: The Council is working closely with a range of partners, including businesses, social housing providers, community organisations, and educational institutions, to implement effective solutions. Councillors heard from partners developing innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions, including Malvern School’s ‘Bikers Breakfasts’ which encourages children and parents to cycle to school, and Livv Housing whose carbon reduction retrofit programme aims for all their properties to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above by 2025.
- Government Support: The plan leverages national and regional initiatives, such as the UK Government’s net-zero target and the Liverpool City Region’s climate action initiatives.
- Local Impact: The plan prioritizes local actions, such as improving energy efficiency in homes and businesses, promoting sustainable transport, and investing in renewable energy sources.
Read the full report.