Carbon-busting specialists will be taking to the streets of the borough as part of a new initiative to support people and businesses to take more action on climate change.

One of the first of its kind in the country, the green team is being created by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to help communities and companies to cut their emissions and play their part in achieving a net zero carbon borough by 2030.

This is the latest in a series of innovative climate initiatives by the council, that recently included a survey of over 3,000 commercial and community buildings to check if they can take solar panels and organising workshops to support town and parish councils and groups to drive climate action in their communities.

Once established in the summer, the six-strong green team will regularly attend events and go door to door as they help local people and small to medium-sized businesses to cut their carbon footprints and make changes to be more sustainable.

This includes by providing advice on topics such as saving energy, cutting emissions from transport, improving the natural environment and reducing, reusing and recycling waste.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Action Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “We want the environment in our borough to flourish. To achieve this, we know how important it is that we take a leadership role as we work together with our communities to tackle climate change and protect nature for future generations.

“To support our communities and businesses to go even further in this fight, we are taking an innovative approach as we become one of the first councils in the country to establish a dedicated team working across the borough to drive local action.

“Alongside attending events and visiting residents’ homes to give advice, our advisors will also offer one-to-one support to those who need help to make changes. This includes helping people to apply for grants to make their homes more energy efficient, with these measures cutting emissions from energy use while delivering other benefits including saving families money and tackling fuel poverty.

“Our team is set to play a vital part in nurturing an even greener Basingstoke and Deane. I would encourage everyone with a passion for the environment and the desire to make a real difference to apply.”

Applications for the six team members are set to open in April, with roles including four energy and sustainability advisors to provide general support and advice, a domestic energy assessor to evaluate how people’s homes could be made more energy efficient and a team leader to coordinate the work of the team.

To find out more or sign up to be notified when the applications open, email recruitment@basingstoke.gov.uk.

For more information see www.basingstoke.gov.uk/green-team.