People and organisations are being urged to have their say on a climate action plan that puts forward an updated strategy to achieve a carbon-neutral future for Basingstoke and Deane.

Until Friday 1 August, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is asking for views on an updated version of its Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy to achieve a net zero carbon borough and improve local air quality. 

Work has been under way since November to review the current strategy, adopted in 2021, to build on what has been achieved so far. The aim is to better focus efforts on bringing down borough-wide emissions. The move comes as the council nears its own target to be carbon neutral by the end of this year. 

Shaped with communities, businesses and partners, the refreshed plan maps a challenging but realistic pathway to a net zero borough. It was created by climate experts at The Carbon Trust through extensive engagement bringing the council together with organisations including energy infrastructure companies, housing associations, home energy consultants, local environmental groups and the NHS.

The revised plan would see the borough reach net zero by 2045, replacing its aspiration to work towards net zero by 2030. The updated target is still five years ahead of the government’s 2050 aim and better aligned with the conclusions currently reached by and targets of other local organisations and councils across the country. 

Working towards a net zero borough by 2030 and becoming a carbon-neutral council by the end of 2025 were two of the most ambitious carbon-cutting pledges made by any council in the country when they were unanimously agreed by councillors in 2019 as part of calling to declare a climate emergency.

Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency Cllr Chris Tomblin said: “I am proud of the progress we’ve all made to make where we live greener and more sustainable. Our borough’s carbon footprint is now around a fifth smaller than 2019, when its aspiration to work towards net zero by 2030 was unanimously agreed by councillors to inspire swift and significant action in this emergency.

“And promising action is already under way to cut emissions even further, building on what’s been achieved so far. This includes organisations investing in renewable technologies, like solar panels, and house builders exploring bringing forward more eco-friendly homes. The benefits for our environment are obvious and so, while I welcome this trend, I am keen that this council, local companies and communities continue to go further faster.

“To help guide us in this, our draft strategy now puts forward a refreshed approach and ambition for achieving a net zero borough created with local experts, communities, businesses and our partners. I am determined that this council continues to lead in tackling the climate crisis and this strategy covers how we will accelerate in our action with others as we work together towards a target that reflects the scale of the challenge while acknowledging the strength of local ambition by being five years ahead of the government’s 2050 aim.

“We can all benefit from doing our bit in the fight against climate change. Beyond just cutting carbon, it also helps to make the air in our lungs cleaner, our homes cheaper to heat and power and our gardens and natural environment more biodiverse with plants that absorb carbon and nurture native wildlife, supporting nature recovery in this ecological emergency. It also helps us to be better prepared for the risks of climate change, like increased flooding and heat waves.

“We can all make a difference to the environment and so I encourage everyone to get involved and give your views to help shape a robust and achievable action plan that helps to protect our borough now and for future generations.” 

The feedback given during the consultation will help to shape the final version of the updated Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy that councillors are set to adopt at the end of this year. 

Residents and organisations can read the draft updated strategy and give their views at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/climate-change-and-air-quality-strategy