Sefton Council reports major progress towards net zero target in latest Climate Emergency Report

Sefton Council has released its fourth Climate Emergency Annual Report, showcasing significant progress towards its ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030.

Since Sefton Council began tracking its emissions in 2019, they have seen a remarkable 41% reduction, equating to a decrease of 4,701 tonnes of carbon.

Emissions have continued to reduce every year with 2023-24 achieving a reduction of 29%, almost double the previous year’s decrease.

The reduction can be attributed to several factors and successful Council-led projects, including the four-year LED street lighting project, proactive installation of energy efficiency measures, changes to building use, and the decarbonisation of the national grid.

Since April 2021, the LED street lighting project has delivered a total saving of 9 million kWh and two thousand tonnes of carbon. The project is expected to be finished in June 2025 and once complete is projected to reduce the carbon footprint by more than 6%.

Many other projects also took place last year which have helped towards the Council’s and wider Liverpool City Region’s ambitious climate targets.

Work on retrofit and social housing initiatives, boosting biodiversity through the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and the Solar Together scheme are ongoing and will continue through 2024-25.

LED Street Lighting Project. Credit: Sefton Council

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:

“I am very pleased to see that we have continued to progress towards our 2030 net zero target.

“It is a testament to the hard work of everyone at the Council to have seen so many projects contribute to the reduction in our carbon footprint, including the Council’s switch to 100% clean, renewable electricity.”

The Council continues to engage with young people and schools through its work at the Eco Centre in Southport. This year the teaching staff delivered climate-related education to over 3,400 school children.

Cllr Doyle continued:

“I strongly encourage everyone to take a read of the latest annual Climate Report to learn more about the important work being done to reduce our carbon emissions.”

People can find the Annual Report and further information on Sefton’s Climate Emergency progress on the Council’s website.