“The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us” Sir David Attenborough
Welcome to the first edition of our climate change in Cheshire East newsletter.
COP26 - the UN climate change conference
The UK will soon be hosting COP26 in Glasgow, bringing world leaders together to tackle climate change.
The UK is aiming to secure a global plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as from cars and factories, to zero by 2050. It should be the moment we turn climate change around.
Here at Cheshire East, we want to do more, and have an ambitious target to become carbon neutral in our own operations by 2025 – and in supporting the borough to understand their carbon emissions and take action to reduce them.
We want to protect and enhance our natural environment – and must think differently about how we do things to reduce the extent of climate change in the long term.
Our carbon neutral action plan focuses on actions we should consider taking in support of our carbon neutral by 2025 target.
Bringing our carbon neutral action plan to life
 We are making good progress with reducing our carbon emissions - but there is still work to be done to have the impact that is needed to protect the future of the planet.
Our animated video will help you understand more about climate change, what we are doing to become carbon neutral by 2025 and how we are working together to combat climate change across the borough.
Carbon neutral action plan in focus - our fleet
We are increasing the use of electric vehicles across our fleet – you may have seen them travelling around the borough.
We know that electric vehicles are better for the environment – they emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel vehicles. This takes into account the electricity that is generated during their production and what's needed to keep them running.
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What if we could create our own renewable energy to power our vehicles?
Our hydrogen project at the Environmental Hub, Middlewich, is doing just that. And last month we welcomed the official COP26 electric bus to the home of our hydrogen refuelling compound.
The compound is the first ‘green’ hydrogen refuelling station in the North West of England, where we make our own hydrogen through an electrolyser - using electricity from solar panels from one of our own buildings - and water.
The hydrogen produced here is initially being used to power two of our refuse collection vehicles, named Chewie and Chomper by local schoolchildren, and one vehicle owned by one of our project partners - Storengy UK.
The project was selected as an innovative site to visit as part of the Race to Zero campaign – which sees the ‘carbon battle bus’ touring the UK in the build up to COP26. The 100 per cent electric bus is capturing inspiring stores of actions and initiatives being taken by organisations, community groups, services and individuals to play a part in creating a sustainable future for the UK.
Our hydrogen project has been recognised as a truly innovative, zero emission way to power Chewie and Chomper on their rounds – helping to keep both the borough, and the air, cleaner and greener.
With thanks to our project partners:
Ansa Environmental Services
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Storengy UK |
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Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership
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Local climate change in action: hydro-electric generation in Congleton
There are some great examples of climate change in action right across the borough, and in this edition, we focus on a community energy scheme in Congleton.
Dane Valley Community Energy, a not-for-profit community benefit society, has installed a hydro-electric generation plant on the River Dane at Havannah Weir, Congleton.
The project has become a reality through support from local businesses, people in the community, individual investors in renewables located throughout the UK, as well as various grants – a fantastic example of how by working together we can support communities to make a real impact on the future sustainability of the borough.
The weir, which has been in place for more than 250 years, is being reused to generate energy from rainwater – making clean, renewable power that will have a positive impact on the environment.
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Siemens Digital Industries, a major business in Congleton, has agreed to purchase the green electricity generated from the plant, helping them to combat the climate emergency.
The hydro-electric generation plant will remain in place for many years, meaning that the community will continue to benefit from the sustainable energy it produces.
Surplus revenue from operations will be used to fund community projects. Furthermore, the plant will also be a valuable educational resource to increase awareness of environmental issues for local children.
Congleton Hydro may be a small project, but it’s a small step in the right direction of a global problem that will affect everyone.
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Last chance to join the Cheshire Net Zero Carbon Conference
 On Wednesday 27 October, we are pleased to be supporting Reaseheath College with their Cheshire Net Zero Carbon Conference. The conference is designed to help organisations across our borough to work together to reduce their carbon.
Keynote speakers include environment expert, writer and campaigner Jonathon Porrit CBE and leader of the council, Councillor Sam Corcoran. This will be the start of ongoing conversations between business sectors across the borough, helping them to plan for a more sustainable future.
We are hoping for a fantastic turn-out for this conference - don't miss your chance to take part.
How you can help
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Taking action to combat the very real threat of climate change is in all our hands – we can't do this alone.
There are many ways to reduce your own carbon emissions – but before you start, it’s helpful to know what your own carbon footprint is.
WWF have an easy-to-use carbon footprint calculator, so within a couple of minutes you can find out how big your carbon footprint is compared to the world and UK averages.
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Once you know that – you can start to understand the steps you can take to reduce your carbon emissions and do your bit to protect the future of the planet.
 
Green Homes Grant scheme
Fuel bills are rising for millions of households – with further increases expected next year.
And following the government's recent announcement to help households replace fossil-fuel heating systems with low carbon alternatives, now may be the right time for you to consider your home energy options.
Making your home more energy efficient will not only help to reduce your carbon emissions but will save on your fuel bills too.
Our Green Homes Grant scheme, which is separate to the government's national scheme, is now open for applications – providing support with energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures for your home.
You can get help with a wide range of types of insulation, low carbon heat, windows and doors, and heating controls.
If you are a homeowner, you can apply for a grant for 100 per cent of the costs, up to £10,000.
Private tenants and residential landlords can also clam up to two thirds of the cost, up to £5,000.
To qualify, you must be a homeowner, private tenant or residential landlord. The household must be on a low income.
The scheme is open until 31 March 2022.
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