SBC Adopts 'Step Up Stevenage' climate change policy

Stevenage Borough Council has adopted a climate change strategy which will see the town achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Under the tagline Step Up Stevenage, the strategy sets out how the Council will work with residents, businesses and stakeholders to achieve the zero-carbon target in ten years’ time.

Earlier this year, SBC launched a two-month digital engagement programme with more than 1,500 Stevenage residents to gauge their views on tackling climate change which were then reviewed at a February Executive Committee meeting.

The strategy is a mix of measures designed to improve biodiversity, such as the creation of community orchards; the adoption of sustainable transport through investment in infrastructure such as cycling ranks and electric car charging spaces and investment in new energy efficient housing.

Councillor John Gardner, executive member for Environment and Regeneration, said: “This strategy, created with our partners and community sets out the steps to be taken to reach our 2030 deadline for net Zero Carbon. We are determined to play our part to save the planet.”

Already this year the council has:

• Created two Community Orchards
• Launched Refill Stevenage, offering free water refills at shops and cafés in the Town Centre
• Built new on-street electric charging bays in the Town Centre
• Installed new cycle parking in the Old Town and Town Centre
• Is in the final stage of a bidding process for funding from the Department of Transport for the Old Town North Road cycle route
• Outlined the technical specification of a Bike and E Scooter hire scheme
• Worked with Affinity Water to help them meet their 2030 carbon zero reduction measures
• Agreed investment in its housing and commercial estate to reduce carbon emissions and heating costs
• Developed nine affordable rent apartments with triple glazing

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