The Isle of Wight Council is highly supportive of the ambitions of COP26 for net carbon zero by 2050.
As the summit gets underway in Glasgow on Sunday (31st October), locally we’re already well underway to meet our own aims of a carbon neutral Island by 2040.
Actions undertaken
We have recently adopted a Climate and Environment Strategy (September 2021), but have undertaken a number of actions already to:
- retrofit eligible housing with various heat management solutions including insulation, windows, draught proofing, etc. using the Green Homes Grant;
- review the Draft Island Planning Strategy, outlining environmentally sustainable requirements in new developments on the Island in line with the UK Environment Bill, including renewable energy and electric vehicle charging provision;
- secure funding for 10 new on-street Electric Vehicle charge points;
- rollout the ‘Warm Up Wight’ scheme which provides free insulation to eligible households; across the Island
- secure funding for a new e-bike loan and hire scheme starting this year, on top of the e-scooter trial that is already underway and a ‘cargo bike’ scheme.
- achieve a 56 per cent household recycling rate
- plant over 400 trees in a ‘Planet Aware’ tree planting project.
Bacon: A great time for us to celebrate all that we’ve achieved
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for environment, heritage and waste, said,
“With COP26 happening over the next couple of weeks, it’s a great time for us to celebrate all that we’ve achieved so far and highlight what we’ll be doing next.
“I know that Islanders are passionate about protecting and sustaining our environment – the natural beauty that we’re surrounded by is one of the reasons that many of us love to live here. Through the work that we’re doing and will do through our climate and environment strategy, we’ll not only be protecting our Island for future generations but enhancing our Biosphere and doing our bit for the rest of the world.”
Upcoming projects include:
- a ‘Woodland and Planting Plan’
- heat and energy decarbonisation projects at 12 council buildings, using funding received from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
- a ‘Mission Zero Hub’ is being developed, which will allow the council to partner with groups, communities, and individuals across the Island to work towards net zero targets
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Arnaud Mesureur under CC BY 2.0
