Basildon 2030 - Our net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target
Basildon Council has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Other activities such as staff travel, and procured services provided by outside contractors employed by the council are harder to measure but are nevertheless important sources of emissions that we are determined to reduce.
The following table shows a breakdown of the greenhouse gas emissions produced by Basildon Council during it's day to day activities over the last 18 months.
| Source | Emission Type | Approximate amount | Approximate percentage of total emissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buildings (gas) | CO2 | 4.6 kilotonnes | 41% |
| Buildings (electricity) | CO2 | 3.2 kilotonnes | 28% |
| Outside contractors | CO2 | 1.7 kilotonnes | 16% |
| Streetlights | CO2 | 1.1 kilotonnes | 10% |
| Transport | CO2 | 0.6 kilotonnes | 5% |
Reducing emissions from heating
Natural gas for heating and cooking is the largest source of council carbon emissions and presents one of the hardest challenges to decarbonising Basildon's estate. To date, the installation of new combined heat and power (CHP) systems in the council's town centre offices in the Basildon Centre and at our other sites will reduce emissions through efficient generation of heat and power.
The next step is to consider how to replace natural gas heating with low carbon alternatives such as heat pumps. This work has begun through building surveys as we develop an estate-wide approach.
Reducing emissions from vehicles
Vehicles owned by the Council are used to transport vulnerable adults and children and to conduct council business. Some staff use their own vehicles in their duties on behalf of the council. We currently have a fleet of electric parks vehicles but will look to offer staff the opportunity to use electric or standard pool bikes for work trips and support the cycle to work scheme.
Reducing petrol and diesel vehicle use
We are considering how to reduce the use of powered motor vehicles and move towards ultra-low emission alternatives, through technical advice from the Energy Saving Trust and through updated staff travel policies.
Reducing emissions from procured services and investments
Our procurement strategy highlights the need to put in place measures to ensure that all future procured services, those provided by outside contractors employed by the council, are sustainable. As well as working collaboratively with existing providers to reduce emissions, we will review policies and guidance to get the best outcome to reduce carbon emissions whilst retaining good value for money.