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Over the years, scientists have developed an understanding of Earth's climate, and how it reacts. We now know that global warming is due to greenhouse gas emissions, which are caused by human activity.
The Climate Change Committee regularly publish reports about the work being done to tackle climate change, and provide the government with reports about any progress made.
The Suffolk Climate Change Partnership (SCCP) consists of:
Partners work with other local organisations, too - such as Groundwork Suffolk and the University of Suffolk.
The partners have a shared interest in supporting Suffolk’s communities, businesses and residents to reduce carbon emissions.
In 2019, the SCCP's local authority members declared a ‘climate emergency’. We are committed to working together, and we aim to make Suffolk carbon neutral by 2030.
Following the declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, we set up a joint Environment and Climate Change Task Force, to look at the climate challenge we face.
Following engagement with environmental experts, the task force presented their recommendations to both Councils in July 2020.
The proposals were unanimously approved and - following this - our Carbon Reduction Management Plan was formed:
Read our Carbon Reduction Management Plan
A subcommittee of the task force then looked at biodiversity in the districts, and presented their recommendations to both Councils in November 2020.
Following this, our Biodiversity Action Plan was formed. The plan details how we aim to protect and strengthen plant life and local wildlife within the districts.
Read our Biodiversity Action Plan
You can also read more about what we're doing to promote wildlife and biodiversity in the districts.
We publish a climate change and biodiversity report annually, which details the actions we have taken (or will take).
You can also read our 2020/21 greenhouse gas emissions report.
We already support several schemes, which confront this global issue at a local level.
Connected for Warmth is an award-winning grant scheme offering FREE energy-saving measures to homes across Britain, that can help you reduce your energy use and stay warm and well.
National Grid and Affordable Warmth Solutions launched a £150m Warm Homes Fund to support local authorities in helping fuel poor households.
Councils in Suffolk were awarded funding to install central heating systems in fuel poor households.
You can visit our Warm Homes Suffolk page for more information.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) requires large energy companies to improve the energy efficiency of domestic homes, by discounting the cost of improvement works. This applies to some households who are struggling to pay their energy bills and are in fuel poverty.
Councils in Suffolk have jointly published criteria in a Statement of Intent, which enables us to identify households that would benefit from this discount. Improvements are often fully funded when the household meets certain criteria, and are at risk of fuel poverty.
Visit Green Suffolk's website to learn more about energy efficiency improvements you can make to your home.
The Carbon Charter is an award, local to Suffolk, which recognises carbon reduction measures taken by small and medium businesses in the county.
Visit the Suffolk Recycles website to learn about reducing, reusing and recycling in Suffolk.
No waste in the county goes to landfill. Anything that can't be recycled goes to Suffolk's energy-from-waste facility, which powers 30,000 homes.
In 2019, we rerouted our waste collection rounds. This was to ensure that our collection service is more fuel efficient.
Greenways Countryside Project volunteers help to protect and enhance our countryside. They work from an area of about 100 square kilometres in and around Ipswich.
We offer residents and businesses the ability to go paperless with their Council Tax and Business Rates bills.
As the ‘go to’ department for information regarding sustainability, carbon and energy reduction we can offer pre-application advice to enable applications to be right first time as well as achieving the best possible outcome for the applicant and the Council in terms of climate change mitigation and energy efficiency. Please visit the pre-application pages, if you are looking to submit a planning application.
The Climate change partnership has advice and information regarding available grants
Households can find additional information at the Energy Saving Trust website or from the Suffolk Climate and Energy Helpline - Tel 0800 02 88 938.
Communities can find information about making local energy work
Making small, simple changes to the food you eat, how much waste your household produces, and the way you travel can all reduce your carbon footprint.
The resources listed below may help you
We are always keen to hear your ideas, suggestions and offers of help.