Councillor welcomes progress on climate action

The strategy and action plan outlines the council's ambitious goal to become net zero carbon by 2030, both within its own operations and by showing leadership across the wider district.

The update highlights significant progress made since the strategy's baseline year of 2018, including a 21.5% reduction in district-wide greenhouse gas emissions and a 77.5% drop in the council's own net emissions. These reductions have been achieved following the decarbonisation of the council's fleet, coupled with green electricity procurement and targeted sustainability initiatives.

Councillor Emily O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature, and Food Systems, said:

"We're proud of the strides we've made, but we know there's more to do.

"This strategy is a living document, one that reflects our evolving response to the climate emergency and our commitment to leaving a legacy of bold, community-driven action."

The document includes a range of local achievements and partnerships that are helping to build resilience and biodiversity by the council and across the district such as:

• The introduction of the UK's first electric 10-tonne street sweeper
• Expansion of the e-cargo bike delivery service by Get Bikery
• Over 70 trees planted in Lewes town by Friends of Lewes
• 196 swift boxes installed to support local bird populations
• Solar panels and batteries installed on council homes
• Award-winning restoration of the Cockshut stream
• Launch of the Lewes Food Partnership's three-year strategy
• River Ouse Rights of River Charter  

Councillor O'Brien added:

"This strategy isn't just about reducing emissions, it's about creating healthier, fairer communities.

"These achievements show what's possible when councils, residents, and partners work together."

To view the full strategy and action plan please visit the council website: www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

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