A PLAN to make Basildon Council's operations carbon net-zero by 2030, and across the borough by 2050 has been given further endorsement by Basildon Councillors.

Councillors on the Leisure and Environment Committee met last night (Tuesday, 8 March) to consider the approach being taken in relation to Basildon's Climate Strategy and reaffirm the council's commitment to its climate change aspirations.

They also received an update about the council's Small Changes, Big Impact, climate change campaign which launched last year and is aimed at encouraging residents and businesses to make the small but necessary changes required to tackle this global issue.

The council's Climate Strategy and Action Plan aims to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by decarbonising its buildings and taking steps such as replacing gas boilers with electric boilers and making use of government grant funding as it becomes available. It is also modernising waste services to make them more energy efficient and will be introducing seven electric food waste vehicles to its fleet as part of the new separated food and garden waste service coming this Autumn.

Chairman of the Leisure and Environment Committee Councillor Craig Rimmer said: "Each of us can make a difference with small changes to our everyday lifestyles like using the car less or lowering the thermostat. As an authority we have an opportunity to make slightly bigger changes to the way we operate.

"We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and we must consider climate related issues as part of our decision-making process going forward. It's crucial that we take a lead in making the changes needed across the council and help our residents become more energy efficient."

Leader of Basildon Council Councillor Andrew Baggott added: "We will continue to do our bit for the environment by making our operations as energy efficient as possible and embracing new technology and approaches to the way we build homes. We will also continue to work with our neighbours via the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) and by supporting grant funding initiatives."

To find out more about Basildon's efforts to reach carbon net-zero visit Climate Change Basildon 2030 - Basildon.