BUSINESS NEWS
Council commits tens of millions to help district reach net zero
The drive to achieve net zero across Bath and North East Somerset has received a big boost with Bath & North East Somerset Council committing to invest tens of millions of pounds in tackling the climate and ecological emergency .
The council has allocated more than £ 38 million over the next five years to projects designed to drive down carbon emissions .
The new funding of £ 27.4 million agreed at its Budget and Council Tax meeting includes :
• An additional £ 9.2 million investment in a stateof-the-art Keynsham Recycling Hub . The new facility , designed to help residents recycle more , will incorporate a range of sustainability measures including on-site renewable energy generation from a 3800m 2 solar panel array , with a predicted output of 783kWp
• £ 14.2 million to modernise waste services to further improve recycling rates
• £ 754k to expand the council ’ s green vehicle fleet
• £ 2.3 million to refurbish the council ’ s commercial estate , addressing the repair backlog and planning energy efficiency
• £ 150k investment in green infrastructure to include the development of a Nature Recovery and Delivery Plan
• £ 800k matching contribution towards the new City Region Sustainable Transport Infrastructure projects
This comes on top of more than £ 11 million previously allocated in the council ’ s five-year capital programme to tackle the climate and ecological emergency .
• £ 5.062 million for Bath ’ s Riverline project developing a 10km walking and cycling connection between Newbridge , Batheaston and Bathampton , improving biodiversity , landscaping and green space
• £ 1.5 million for vehicle upgrades through the financial assistance scheme as part of the Clean Air Zone
• £ 2.206 million for the development and delivery of Liveable Neighbourhoods to promote healthier , more sustainable communities and reduce car usage
• £ 1.736 million for Renewable Energy Development
• £ 206k for Air Quality Management
• £ 561k for Active Travel schemes to encourage more walking and cycling
Councillor Sarah Warren , Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Sustainable Travel , said , “ I am delighted that the council has agreed to this significant investment to tackle the climate and ecological emergency . Despite challenging financial pressures , it is important we do not lose sight of the pressing need to take action to reduce carbon emissions . Time is ticking , we have just eight years to reach our net zero goal . It ’ s why this investment now is so crucial .”
Over the coming year the council will continue to work with its communities , partners , local , regional and national government to further cut emissions .
For more info : www . bathnes . gov . uk / climate-emergency
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