Cheltenham’s climate pathway to net zero reviewed and updated for 2024

The original plan has been updated to give a clear focus on reducing key emissions both within the authority and across the borough in the three key areas:

•        domestic heat emissions
•        business and industrial emissions
•        and transport emissions.

The council remains committed to taking a leading role, as well as playing its part in working with individuals, communities, businesses, and other partners to achieve this goal. The latest report, and the action plan can be found on the council’s website.

Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for finance and assets, said: “This ambitious new plan showcases the council’s drive and determination to do everything within its power to take climate action and reach our 2030 target. 

“The council has already achieved two consecutive years of ahead of schedule emission reductions. The next steps outlined in our revised plan showcase our plan to use our climate action to invest in Cheltenham, from energy-efficient homes that reduce fuel poverty to biodiversity projects that make Cheltenham's famous parks and gardens all the more beautiful."

Cllr Iain Dobie, cabinet member for climate emergency, said: “It’s really positive news that our climate action plan has been reviewed and updated, and will ensure Cheltenham remains on-track. We will continue to work with other public sector organisations, local businesses, and our communities to do everything within our power to address the climate emergency. Everyone has a stake in creating a better future and we will all need to play our part.”

Work continues to move forward with a number of important climate actions including:

• Upgrading the energy efficiency of council homes: 
  In addition to building highly efficient new homes, funding has been secured from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to decarbonise existing properties.
  Initially two homes received energy improvements with funding under the Demonstrator project, with a further 59 properties improved through wave 1.
  Under wave 2.1, major improvements to 30 homes have recently been completed, with works to 40 homes underway; around a further 130 homes will benefit from improvements to their energy performance by middle of 2025.
  A total of £3.04m of grant funding has been secured so far to support improving these previously lower-performing homes to at least EPC C.
• The Cheltenham Zero partnership, which works to encourage Cheltenham businesses and community organisations to sign up to the shared ambition to reduce carbon emission. This year alone, over £100k of decarbonisation grant funding has been offered to benefit SMEs and community groups across Cheltenham.
• Continuing to develop new planning rules to get a better deal for climate and nature.

For more information on the climate emergency, including Cheltenham’s response, the climate emergency declaration, action plan, tips and support on how to reduce your energy bill and more, visit cheltenham.gov.uk/climate.

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