Walsall Council approves six pledges in order to achieve net zero by 2041
Six priorities have been agreed on by Walsall Council in a bid to achieve Net Zero by 2041.
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The promises were heard at the authority’s cabinet meeting on February 12.
The council had introduced phase one of the strategy which spanned 2020-2025 after declaring a climate emergency in 2019.
It was prompted by the government’s legally binding commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Walsall Council later committed to an earlier target for becoming net zero in 2041 in line with an agreed target with the West Midlands Combined Authority.
The current action plan spans 2025-2028 and has launched with six main priorities.
Natural capital and land use: Protecting and enhancing green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and integrating natural capital into development and regeneration decision making
Energy: Focusing on reducing energy consumption, increasing efficiency, and transitioning to renewable energy sources
Transport and travel: Reducing emissions from transport by promoting active travel, enhancing public transport, and supporting the transition to electric vehicles
Homes, workplaces, and public buildings: Improving energy efficiency in buildings, retrofitting existing buildings, and ensuring new buildings are net zero ready
Resilience and adaptation: Preparing for the impacts of climate change by building resilient communities and infrastructure
Circular and green economy: Promoting sustainable production and consumption, reducing waste, and supporting green skills and business opportunities
Gary Flint, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing at Walsall Council, stated in a report that delivering the target of a net zero borough by 2041 will be a ‘huge challenge’ and ’significant additional investment’ will be needed for the vision to be realised.
But failure to act will be a threat to businesses, the economy and the wellbeing of residents across Walsall.
Councillor Flint said: “By working together to deliver this strategy, we can make Walsall a leader in low carbon skills, innovation, and investment to strengthen our businesses and communities.”
