Climate Change
Climate Emergency
West Lancashire Borough Council recognise the impact of climate change, both locally and globally. We strongly support the need for urgent action to tackle the impacts greenhouse gas emissions are having on our climate and the associated risks this presents.
In support of this, the Council declared a Climate Emergency in July 2019. The declaration included an aspiration to be a carbon neutral Council by 2030 and to take action across the borough of West Lancashire.
The full Climate Emergency Declaration can be viewed here: Microsoft Word - climate-change-emergency-declaration.docx (westlancs.gov.uk)
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2030
Following our Climate emergency declaration, the Council have developed and adopted a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2030. This will act as a route map to achieving our aspirations to reduce emissions directly associated with Council operations and across the wider borough.
Utilising the information we have to date on our current position and the identified key contributors of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions both from Council operations and Borough-wide activities, the Strategy identifies seven key priority areas for action:
- Delivering a Carbon Neutral Council
- Sustainable Procurement
- Transport and Travel
- Residential buildings
- Commercial activity
- Community Action
- The Natural Environment
The full Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2030 can be viewed here: Microsoft Word - Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2030.docx (westlancs.gov.uk)
Green Homes Grants for Lancashire
Homes within West Lancashire are able to apply for grants to reduce the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions - improvements can range from replacing an off-gas grid heating system to an air source heat pump to installing insulation and solar photovoltaic panels that produce electricity.
The grants are available to owner-occupiers and private tenants, although a contribution may be required from landlords.
The grants are available via Cosy Homes, it is an affordable warmth initiative set up by the 15 Local Authorities in Lancashire with the aim of reducing fuel poverty across the County. The grants do change based on Government funding, check Free Energy Saving Grants | Cosy Homes in Lancashire (chil.uk.com) regularly for up-to-date grant opportunities and schemes.
Electric Vehicle Charge Points
The Council secured grant funding from the On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme delivered by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to provide convenient and efficient charging for local residents without off-street parking. New charge points installed in 2021 and 2023 are now available to use by the public. To see a list of all charge points see Electric Vehicle Charge Points - West Lancashire Borough Council (westlancs.gov.uk)
As more residents use electric vehicles, communities will benefit from improved air quality and lower their carbon footprint.
See our Frequently Asked Questions sheet for more information about the roll-out of the Council's charge points: Electric Vehicle Charge Point Frequently Asked Questions
Considering Solar PV for your home?
Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and generating your own renewable energy for use in your home is a great way to reduce your energy demand from the grid and therefore your energy bills.
This green energy also doesn’t release any carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions during generation or transmission, reducing your carbon footprint and your impact on the environment. Find out more here: Solar Photovoltaic Panels - West Lancashire Borough Council (westlancs.gov.uk)
Community Energy Groups
Community energy empowers communities to take action to control their energy future from their doorsteps. These projects allow local people to work together to create and support installation of green, renewable energy sources and reduce energy demand within their own community. Examples range from installing solar panels on schools to electric vehicle charge points and share cars.
If you are interested in being involved in Community Energy within West Lancashire, please email: CommunityEnergy@westlancs.gov.uk
Environmental and Green Opportunities
Throughout West Lancashire, there are many opportunities for residents, community groups and businesses to take action and get involved. Visit Environmental and Green Opportunities - West Lancashire Borough Council (westlancs.gov.uk) to find out how.
