During national Net Zero Week (6-12 July), Calderdale Council is highlighting the important partnership work across the borough to reduce carbon emissions.
Calderdale is leading the way in its efforts to tackle the climate emergency, with the development of a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) and a 3D digital map showing every building in the borough and its energy use.
This is a major, innovative project in Calderdale’s climate action. It identifies options to make the biggest difference by decarbonising local heat and transport, improving buildings’ energy efficiency and generating renewable energy.
The LAEP shows that over 75,000 homes in Calderdale need some form of building fabric upgrade to enable the borough to meet its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2038. Examples could include improving insulation, switching to air source heat pumps or installing solar panels.
Based on data from the LAEP, the Council is initially focusing on two priority areas to look at the potential for energy efficiency upgrades – King Cross, and Todmorden West and Cornholme. These areas have the most homes with low energy efficiency, the highest risk of residents not being able to afford to heat their homes, and are potentially most eligible for funding for energy efficiency improvements.
Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, said:
“Like our climate action work in Calderdale, Net Zero Week raises awareness of the impacts of climate change, such as more extreme weather and flooding. Throughout the week and beyond, we will be sharing tips with local people on what we can all do to help reduce carbon emissions.
“We’re also continuing to take action based on our innovative Local Area Energy Plan and 3D digital map. Over 50% of Calderdale’s carbon emissions come from buildings, so we’re looking forward to working with local communities to help make their homes warmer, more energy efficient and cheaper to heat. Based on the Local Area Energy Plan, we’re also considering priorities including a community-owned renewables scheme, district heat networks and more public charging for electric vehicles.”
For information about Calderdale’s Climate Action Plan, visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/sustainability/climate-action-plan
For regular updates about climate action in Calderdale, sign up for the Zero Carbon Calderdale e-newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/calderdale/zerocarbon(external link)
Building a sustainable and resilient future is a key part of the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. Calderdale reached its 50th anniversary on 1 April 2024. This is the ultimate year for the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. Find out more about it here: www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision
As 2024 closes, the transition to the new Vision 2034 for Calderdale will begin, encouraging local communities to be bold and ambitious about what we can do next to make Calderdale a better place for all.