Discover How Our District Council Became a Leader in Climate Action

The East Cambridgeshire District Council is making strides in its fight against climate change. They’ve been recognized as 43rd out of 164 district councils by Climate Emergency UK, placing them in the top 30% across the country.

Cllr Julia Huffer, the environmental champion for the council, expressed pride in their achievements. “For such a small council, it’s impressive,” she said. The council aims to reduce climate emissions and enhance the natural environment as a key priority.

This year, the council’s score improved by 1% compared to last year. However, it doesn’t fully showcase their recent efforts due to a delay in data processing. For instance, they’ve switched their refuse collection vehicles from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a move that has led to considerable carbon savings.

Other initiatives include installing solar panels at The Hive, helping over 100 residents make energy efficiency upgrades, and launching the Net Zero Villages scheme to assist village halls in cutting emissions. They have trained nearly two-thirds of their staff on carbon net zero practices and provided grants to support 31 community groups.

Their ambitious goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030, based on levels from 2019. This goal aligns with the UK government’s target to reach net zero by 2050. According to recent government reports, local councils play a crucial role in achieving national climate objectives.

Cllr Huffer acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. “Tackling climate change is never easy,” she remarked. Some plans have been disrupted by factors beyond their control, but she emphasizes the importance of focusing on achievable goals. “We’ll keep looking for ways to improve,” she said.

As the conversation around climate change continues to grow, the actions of local councils like East Cambridgeshire are vital. They not only set examples but also inspire community participation in environmental efforts.

For more information on the council’s initiatives and other local news, you can explore resources from trusted platforms like [Climate Emergency UK](https://www.climateemergency.uk) or check out local updates from community news outlets.

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