A new target to achieve net zero CO2 emissions as close to 2030 as possible, was agreed at Bracknell Forest’s full council meeting last night.

The council has been working towards the government set target of carbon neutrality by 2050. Following a successful year of climate change action in the borough, the council is committing to broaden and accelerate the climate change strategy to meet this target as close to 2030 as possible.

Last night also saw the 2022/2023 climate change progress report be shared with the full council.

Some of the council’s key actions in the report included:

• Energy efficiency improvements were made to many of the council’s buildings through Salix funding and to over 60 vulnerable households through the Warm, Safe and Well and Green Homes Grant schemes.
• An inaugural schools' climate change conference was hosted, accompanied by initial seed funding for in-school projects.
• Food waste collections expanded to an additional 640 flats across the borough.
• 1,300 new trees were planted across the borough.
• 32 new EV charging points were installed in council car parks.

To help achieve the new targets and involve all sectors of the community in the council’s climate change work, a new Joint Community Board has been formed. The board will work together on climate change projects to help the whole of Bracknell Forest reduce its carbon output and will be supported by several working groups representing different sectors of our community, such as schools, local businesses and community groups.

Cllr Mary Temperton, leader of Bracknell Forest Council and executive member for council strategy and climate change, said:

"We recognise that addressing climate change is an emergency, and our commitment to achieving net zero remains steadfast.

“The climate change summit in July reinforced the urgency of this issue, and we are taking concrete steps to accelerate our progress.

“This is everyone’s responsibility, and everyone can help. Please do your bit by recycling what you can, travelling in a greener way and making more sustainable choices."

For more information on the council’s climate change work, visit the council’s climate change page. (Link below)