Councillors at Bassetlaw District Council have unanimously committed to reducing council operations to Net Zero by 2030, following a motion to Council on Thursday 21st September 2023.
This means that by 2030, the Council’s operations should achieve a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it.
The motion, proposed by Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Environment and Energy resolved to:
- Become a member of the UK100 network of local leaders pledging to lead a rapid transition to Net Zero
- Agree to the UK100 Net Zero Pledge
- To meet Net Zero council operations by 2030
- To meet Net Zero areawide emissions by 2045
- To report carbon emissions annually for both council emissions and areawide emissions
- Limit the use of carbon offsets, and if they are used, then these must be as local as possible
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Environment and Energy said:
“I am delighted that the motion to join UK100 was passed unanimously and shows that Councillors are committed to achieving Net Zero for Council operations by 2030.
“We need to take action now if we are to create a better future for both families and future generations across Bassetlaw.
“Net Zero can be a driver for new jobs and industry and can be a catalyst for stimulating local economic growth. It can support residents to reduce energy bills, deliver cleaner air and greener communities.”
The full text of the motion is as follows:
Proposed by Councillor D. Pulk and seconded by Councillor R. Carrington - Wilde:
“This Council notes that UK100 is a network of local leaders who have pledged to lead a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in their communities ahead of the government’s legal target.
To accelerate action, UK100 believes in bringing together influential leaders across the country to learn together and agree on priorities for legislative and regulatory change while empowering them to engage with national decision-makers. It provides a network with the knowledge, tools and connections to make this happen.
This Council resolves to approach UK100 about becoming a member and, in doing so, agrees to the UK100 Net Zero Pledge (noted below). It also resolves as part of this Pledge to meet Net Zero council operations by 2030; to meet Net Zero areawide emissions by 2045; to report carbon emissions annually for council emissions and areawide emissions; and to limit the use of offsets, and if used, for these to be as local as possible.
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For noting:
What is the UK100 Net Zero Pledge?
As local leaders across the UK, we recognise our responsibility to tackle the climate emergency and take bold action towards Net Zero.
We will continue to lead the UK’s response to climate change, acting sooner than the government’s goal by making substantial progress within the next decade to deliver Net Zero.
We will use our experience and achievements to advocate to the UK government in order to accelerate the delivery of ambitious local climate action. With greater powers and funding, we would go further.
We commit to do everything within our power and influence to rapidly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and work with our residents and businesses to bring our wider communities’ emissions in line with Net Zero as soon as possible.
We pledge to understand our impact on climate change, prioritise where action needs to be taken and monitor progress towards our goals. We will reduce our emissions at source and limit the use of carbon offsets as part of the global effort to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
We are closer to the people who live and work in our communities, so we have a better understanding of their needs. This means we can collaborate with them to build consensus for the solutions we need to transition to a Net Zero society that delivers multiple benefits and is fair, just and works for everyone.”
Last Updated on Wednesday, May 8, 2024