Fantastic progress has been made to reduce our climate footprint

Many of these schemes will ultimately lead to a reduction in environmental impacts, such as the production of carbon emissions, and will create more favourable conditions to support biodiversity.

Here are just some of the highlights which were completed in 2022-23.

Removing barriers to sustainable travel within the council

• We improved the shower and changing facilities in the Municipal Offices to encourage staff to cycle to work
• Bike storage facilities were upgraded and signposting was improved
• Pool bikes were refurbished
• E-bike trials took place so staff could experience the benefits of using an electric bike

Ubico go electric

To help reduce their carbon footprint, Ubico - who provide our waste collection and cleansing services - are now operating two electric vehicles!

Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH) received funding to improve energy efficiency of homes

Improvements to customers’ homes include:

• Installation of external wall insulation
• Upgraded loft insulation
• Improved ventilation and smart metering
• Installation of a ground source heat pump system to supply heating for 25 homes in a sheltered scheme
• Renewed windows to improve ventilation

The new flood team was established to manage flood risk in Cheltenham

Priorities include:

• Ensuring that all new developments within the borough have mechanisms in place to manage flood risks as part of the planning process
• Promoting sustainable drainage systems (SUDS). These systems have lots of benefits. They mimic natural drainage and improve water quality, they provide habitat for wildlife and can serve as an attractive, focal point in the community
• Managing CBC owned watercourses and drainage assets using natural techniques which mimic nature and support biodiversity. For example, using natural materials such as logs to slow water flow and reduce flood risk downstream
• Setting up engagement projects and partnerships to improve community resilience. We’re educating communities about the risks of flooding and how they can protect their properties as well as how to report incidents to the appropriate authority

The Climate Impact Assessment Tool (CIAT) was developed

The CIAT enables officers and decision-makers to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of council projects and policies from the outset so they align with our commitment to climate action. The team at Cheltenham Festivals have developed a simple toolkit to assess an event’s community, accessibility and environmental sustainability impacts.

£900k was invested to improve biodiversity across 14 sites in Cheltenham by providing habitats for pollinators

These new habitats include:

• Tree planting and community orchard creation in Winston Churchill Memorial Garden
• Perennial planting and bulb planting on roundabouts, including Millbrook, Honeybourne Way and Montpellier Roundabout, and by entrances and walkways, including the Honeybourne Line, the High Street, Royal Well, Cheltenham Walk and more
• Pocket parks in the town centre and popular community spaces, such as Clarence Fountain
• Meadow creation in Benhall, the Honeybourne Line and Pittville Park

Over 2k trees were planted

A mix of native and non-native species, large and small, short- and long-lived, with both insect and wind pollinated tree species were planted across our parks and green spaces. 1000 trees were planted in Burrows Field by Leckhampton Rovers FC, the club’s members, local volunteers and local schools.

Non-native, invasive weeds were controlled

The team worked with volunteers to pull out the invasive, non-native weed Himalayan Balsam to improve the health of the River Chelt.

Whilst wading through the River Chelt, volunteers and staff also collected and removed many bags worth of rubbish!

The ‘Cheltenham Changemakers’ programme was established

A new partnership project was set up with Planet Cheltenham and Gloucestershire County Council to support 11 Cheltenham residents over eight months to put their sustainability ideas into action.

Wildflower seeds were gathered from Cheltenham's hills and sown into Pittville Park

Work in Pittville Park continues following the successful introduction of wildflower seed species harvested from Leckhampton Hill last year. The same is planned for the west side of Tommy Taylors Lane.

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Get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] or visit our climate pages for more information.