Knowsley Council’s Climate Emergency Scrutiny Committee has received an update on the latest position on the delivery of the Council’s Net Zero priorities.
The Council declared a Climate Emergency in January 2020 and committed to meeting a Net Carbon Zero 2040 target for emissions from the Council’s estates and services, with an additional commitment to work with partnership organisations to reduce borough-wide emissions.
As this first phase of the Net Zero Delivery Plan comes to a close, Knowsley Council is pleased to announce significant progress on its commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Highlights of the Net Zero Delivery Plan (2022-2025):
- Secured government funding for building decarbonisation projects, including replacing streetlights and traffic signals with energy-efficient LED alternatives.
- Introduced electric vehicles to the Council fleet and trialled electric grounds maintenance equipment.
- Working closely with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to access funding for the installation of electric vehicle charging points across the Borough.
- Established working groups to explore further decarbonisation opportunities and promote behaviour change across the Council.
- Developed a Local Cycling Walking Infrastructure Plan to encourage active travel and reduce reliance on cars.
- Planted 2.2 Hectares of woodland with funding secured from Mersey Forests ‘Grow Back Greener’ scheme.
- Partnered with Mersey Rivers Trust on a Natural Flood Management Project.
Building on the success of the Net Zero Delivery Plan, Knowsley Council will develop a new Climate Emergency Action Plan covering 2026-2030. This plan will align with the key pillars outlined in the Liverpool City Region’s 5 Year Climate Action Plan, focusing on areas like buildings, transport, and clean energy.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said:
“We are making great progress in our efforts to mitigate against the impacts of climate change. As well as actions to reduce emissions – such as the building decarbonisation programme and investment in green infrastructure – we are engaging our whole workforce and external partners to deliver a clear and actionable pathway for us to reach Net Carbon Zero 2040.”
You can find out more about Knowsley’s plans to reach Net Carbon Zero by 2040 here: Net-Zero-Delivery-Plan-22-25.pdf (knowsley.gov.uk)