… concentrations of air pollutants exceed legally binding limits. On 15 July 2020 we committed to working “alongside national Government with the objective to achieve net carbon zero for Buckinghamshire as a whole by 2050. The council should also evaluate reaching ‘net zero’ for its own emissions no later than 2050 and possibly before this, potentially by 2030, subject to resources”. This document sets…
… are being felt now. Against the motion passed in 2020 to address climate change, this strategy sets out how we will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and improve air quality across Buckinghamshire. We have direct control over emissions from our own operations but have lower levels of control over emissions elsewhere in the County - being limited in terms of our ability to regulate, purchase…
… Reducing emissions to air and adapting to climate change is a complex task. Nearly every aspect of modern life has a link to climate change and air quality, so our response must look at a wide range of approaches to reduce emissions. We have an important role to play in getting Buckinghamshire as a whole to reach net- zero by 2050 and ensuring that concentrations of air pollutants are at safe…
… levels. We are also directly responsible for ensuring our own emissions are reduced to net-zero no later than 2050. Whilst we have control of the activities which lead to our direct emissions, we do not have this same ability with all carbon emissions from across Buckinghamshire. In some circumstances we may have greater influence due to a financial relationship or regulatory function. In other…
… the energy efficiency of their home. In these circumstances, we can still support residents to access reliable information on what steps are available to them to reduce emissions and highlight benefits of doing so. Our approach to achieving net-zero emissions and improving air quality therefore reflects the degree to which the council can control or influence a source of emissions. Recognising…