SOLID progress is being made in the district five years on from a climate emergency being called.
That was the message at a Climate Assembly Event hosted by Stratford District Council.
The assembly, held at the council offices in Church Street, was open to residents to hear a host of climate-themed talks and visit information stalls.
The aim was to showcase the work done by SDC and partners to tackle climate change in the district since the climate emergency was declared in 2019.
And according to SDC progress has been made in all the key areas of the council’s operation including waste, buildings, planning and transport.
Contracts for waste collection and recycling services, as well as the street cleaning contract, all now incorporate carbon reduction requirements.
Most of the household waste collected from grey bins across the district is taken to an Energy from Waste facility in Coventry. According to government policy, these plants are a preferable option to landfill.
At council headquarters, SDC has switched to 100 per cent renewable electricity for all its electricity supply.
Over the last five years, the council has also been successful in attracting substantial grants to help improve carbon emissions in homes. In total SDC has received approximately £5.5million in funding for retrofitting housing to provide for energy efficiency and low carbon technology.
In addition, through Act on Energy 295 EcoFlex grants have been provided to residents, predominantly for fuel poverty, but many also with carbon reduction benefits.
SDC has an ongoing campaign to reduce waste including single use plastics.
New cycle routes and facilities are proposed at Riverside and officers are working with Warwickshire County Council to further improve sustainable travel options across the district as well as more electric vehicle charging points.
Agencies and businesses at the assembly, held on Thursday September 5, included Act on Energy, Warwickshire County Council, Shipston Area Flood Action Group, Heart of England Forest, Coventry City Council, Net Zero Stratford and Stratford Climate Action.
SDC leader Coun Susan Juned said: “We hope we succeeded in showcasing the districts’ progress and plan, best practice in the community, and in enabling a springboard for further action involving everyone.”
