Tackling climate change
Knowsley Council declared a climate emergency in 2020 and recognises that we all have a part to play in tackling climate change and protecting the planet.
To enable the council to focus its resources and maximise its impact on this agenda in the short-term, a Net Zero Delivery Plan has been developed with a focus on priority actions to be delivered from 2022 to 2025.
The council’s Net Zero Delivery Plan is working to:
- Manage its use of energy
- Decarbonise heating in its buildings
- Decarbonise the Council’s fleet of vehicles
- Decarbonise staff travel
- Make climate emergency integral to the Council’s decision-making, service delivery and resource allocation
- Promote sustainable resource use more widely and encourage the transition to a less wasteful ‘circular economy’
- Increase the biodiversity value of the borough’s parks and green spaces
- Improve the borough’s resilience to potential flooding incidents
Reducing borough-wide emissions
Knowsley Council is working collaboratively with partners, participating in the Knowsley Better Together Partnership Board – Net Zero Group, to enable and support people to take climate action and achieve net zero emissions. The Net Zero Group will:-
- Provide direction and oversight in respect of the decarbonisation of the borough
- Develop and promote the implementation of various net zero projects and initiatives
- Communicate, promote, and collaborate on any funding opportunities which may be available to support this agenda
Doing your bit for climate change
Here are some of the ways you can help tackle climate change in Knowsley:-
- Learn about sustainable food and explore growing your own food. Get involved in local food growing initiatives such as Incredible Edible Knowsley at Court Hey Farm or Eco-Therapy Garden CIC at Tower Hill.
- Lower your energy usage – this will help reduce your Carbon footprint and your bills. The energy efficiency pages on the Council’s website have information on saving energy and current schemes available to Knowsley residents.
- Ensure you are recycling right – 85% of recycling in Merseyside is reused within the UK.
- Learn about becoming Zero Waste – Reducing, Reusing, Repairing and keeping materials in use for as long as possible.
- Host a “swapping event” swap clothes, toys, or other items that you don’t want among your friends or local community. For advice and support on hosting Swapping events, contact the Environmental education officer at ess.enquiries@knowsley.gov.uk
- Always look for ways to reduce your waste – look at re-usable alternatives to things such as nappies and sanitary products. Look at refill services for household items and toiletries.
- Travel sustainably – reducing travel by cars and making use of active travel and public transport reduces your Carbon footprint and emissions. For more information visit the Getting Around in Knowsley pages on the Council’s website.