Sefton Council's Successful Sustainability Plans Leads to Over 4,000 Tonne CO2 Reduction

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climate

Sefton’s newly published Climate Emergency Annual Report shows that the Council has once again reduced its carbon emissions over the past 12 months. 

This is the fifth straight year of reductions for the authority, which is part of a wider Liverpool City Region target to achieve net zero by 2035. 

Emissions are down by 4,838 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) since 2019. UK Government data says that the average petrol car emits 170g of CO2 per kilometre, which means the saving is the equivalent of driving almost 28.3 million kilometres – or the same as going around the world over 700 times. 

A wide range of successful projects have led to this positive change. 

Efforts to bring down electricity consumption have saved over 1.6 million kWh in the past year alone. 

The Council has secured over £5 million in funding towards decarbonisation efforts that will see low energy heating systems installed in several key buildings. 

Solar panels have been added to Council buildings, while more roads are due to join those that have received modern LED-powered streetlights. 

Additionally, the Healthy Green Homes team continued its work in helping vulnerable residents to lower their energy bills and provide energy efficiency guidance. 

The Council has taken the further step of creating a dedicated climate training package. It means that all staff can learn how they can contribute to the authority meeting its sustainability targets. 

Sefton Council has also worked with the City Region’s Combined Authority on projects such as the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which aims to strengthen the biodiversity of natural sites, and the Solar Together Project, which has helped residents install solar energy systems at a reduced cost. 

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:  
“I am delighted that we have taken further steps to reduce emissions and work towards the Council’s target of being net zero by 2030. 

“We’re making good progress towards this goal, with key projects continuing into next year. We will continue to make a difference and provide hope to the next generation.” 

The 2024-25 Climate Emergency Annual Report and further information about Sefton Council’s climate strategy can be found on the Sefton Council website.