Carbon emissions continue to fall as local efforts align with COP29

Staffordshire County Council is making significant progress toward its net-zero goal by 2050, with a series of impactful initiatives that have already achieved a 52% reduction in emissions since 2019.

As COP29 emphasises the importance of local action in the global climate movement, Staffordshire’s achievements highlight the power of community-centered climate strategies.

This year, the council implemented energy-efficient upgrades across corporate buildings and schools, saving nearly four million kilowatt-hours of electricity by optimising energy use and installing LED lighting.

The county council also expanded its use of sustainable hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel in its vehicles, cutting 146 tonnes of carbon emissions. It additionally secured £5 million to fund the installation of EV charging stations across Staffordshire.

Community engagement remains at the heart of Staffordshire’s approach to climate action. The Green Solutions business scheme provides local businesses with resources to reduce their emissions, and nearly £1 million has been invested in the Warmer Homes initiative to improve energy efficiency for households across the county.

In a recent awareness campaign led by the Staffordshire Sustainability Board, the council connected with over 10,000 residents. An interactive display featuring a 10x10-meter "carbon bubble" representing one tonne of CO₂ provided a tangible way for residents to understand emissions and how they can reduce their individual carbon footprints.

Simon Tagg, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for environment, infrastructure and climate change, said: “Our county is taking bold steps to build a resilient, sustainable future for our communities, businesses, partners and residents.  

“COP29 highlights that every action counts, and Staffordshire is proud to lead by example and we will continue to work hard towards our goals of net zero by 2050. “

More than £65,000 was awarded to 74 local groups – including schools, charities and community organisations - through the council’s Climate Action Fund last year to support projects addressing climate change. Examples include LED lighting in Cheslyn Hay Primary School, an off grid solar kit for Belgrave Community Allotment and a tree planting programme for Dane Valley Climate Action Group. 

The council has, additionally, shared an updated Climate Change Action Plan (2021-2025), highlighting achievements to date, revised timelines, and new initiatives for the coming years. The plan will be presented at the Cabinet meeting on 20 November 2024.

For further information, please refer to the full report and action plan available here from Tuesday 12 November.