Council in Kent fails to meet 'ambitious' emissions targets
A council has failed to meet its climate targets
A Kent council has admitted it will miss its target of reaching net-zero emissions by next year.
Swale Borough Council's plans - first revealed in 2019 - were said to have been among the most ambitious in the country.
In 2019, the council voted to declare a “climate and ecological emergency,” setting themselves a target of net zero by 2025, and net zero by 2030 across the borough.
A report heard at SBC’s full council meeting on January 31 said:
“Swale has set some of the most ambitious targets nationally.
“However, it has become apparent that we will not reach the aspirational 2025 council target although we are moving in the right direction".
An SBC spokesman said:
“Many initiatives and actions have been taken and implemented to work towards this goal, but due to a number of national and global obstacles, the council will not be able to achieve their aspirational target".
However, the council boasts of their eco-initiatives, including 72 solar panel installations, retrofitting council offices, starting car share schemes, installing 18 new EV charging points, planting over 14000 trees and making all council vehicles electric.
"We have achieved an incredible amount"
Green group leader and environment committee chair Cllr Rich Lehmann said:
“Although we have not met our aspirational, self-imposed target, we have achieved an incredible amount with our available resources, and should be proud of the progress we have made.
“Officers across the council have worked incredibly hard towards meeting these goals.
“We will continue to work hard to tackle these issues, but also need the support of the community, whether recycling more, taking public transport or walking where possible, or even something as simple as switching to LED lighting in their own homes.
“If we work together, we can continue our progress towards our net zero goals".