THE DEVELOPMENT of a major new plan outlining Calderdale’s steps towards a zero-carbon future is one of several climate action milestones reached in the last 12 months.

On January 30, 2019, Calderdale Council declared a climate emergency and, four years on, strong progress has been made.

The borough has already hit the target to reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2020.

Additional progress includes the major work to reduce the carbon impact of Council buildings by replacing existing gas fuel systems with electric heat pumps, with funding from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Six council buildings have already benefited, and work is now also nearing completion at Todmorden Sports Centre.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, Cllr Scott Patient, said: “Taking climate action remains one of the Council’s three key priorities and climate impacts are considered as part of all our decision making.

“We’re working hard to ensure that we continue our good progress and joining forces with local communities and organisations to maximise our efforts and make sure action happens quickly.”

Calderdale Council has also supported eight projects through the borough’s £1 million Climate Emergency Fund, and has also created a Climate Action Partnership, over the last 12 months.