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Welcome to our final 2024 newsletter, containing all the latest news and updates from across West Sussex.
 We've been working diligently to cut the carbon footprint of our buildings, encourage environmentally friendly new developments, replace halogen traffic signals with LED technology, introduce hundreds of new electric vehicle chargepoints, and develop a new system to help parents select low-carbon school meals.
You can find out more about all the steps we have taken towards becoming a carbon neutral and climate resilient organisation by 2030, by reading our Tackling Climate Change: Progress Report, April 2023 to March 2024.
 Our second reuse shop in the county has now opened at the Worthing Recycling Centre.
The shop is part of our commitment to reducing waste and promoting reuse across the county. Reusing is better for the environment than recycling as it means items can be put to good use without using energy to re-process and turn them into something new.
Following the success of the first reuse shop at Billingshurst Recycling Centre, which diverted over 51 tonnes of materials for reuse since its launch in March 2022, the Worthing shop aims to build on this!
You do not need to book to visit the new Worthing reuse shop as it can be accessed without entering the Recycling Centre. However, to donate you will need to book an appointment.
Please note that donations need to be in good working order as shop staff cannot repair or refurbish items.
 Our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is crucial to protecting the environment in West Sussex, focusing on six pathways aligned with our Climate Change Strategy. The actions taken under the 'resources and influence' pathway reflect our commitment to put climate change at the heart of the decisions we take for our organisation and our communities.
A key initiative is encouraging all our staff to complete Carbon Literacy Training. This helps foster climate awareness and shared responsibility for climate action and adaption. Nearly 600 staff members, including Chief Executive Leigh Whitehouse, have now achieved Carbon Literate certification and are each taking two new carbon reduction actions, helping to driving positive change.
To coincide with COP29 last month, our resilience, sustainability, and fire & rescue teams conducted Climate Action Roadshows, educating staff on our emergency responses to flooding and wildfires to better protect our communities.
We are also developing tools like the Climate Vulnerability Index mapping tool, which helps decision-makers understand how the changing climate may affect different communities in West Sussex, and informing service planning for greater resilience.
 We’re encouraging everyone to reduce waste wherever possible during the festive season.
Wrapping gifts in reusable materials, using crockery rather than paper plates and plastic cutlery, and making your own crackers are just some of the ideas that can reduce Christmas waste.
We know that some waste is unavoidable, but there are lots of Christmas items that can be recycled. If you are ever unsure, you can check our A-Z guide.
It’s easy for food waste to build up over the festive period. Instead of letting those leftovers go to waste, why not turn them into something delicious or make a conscious effort to only buy what you need?
 Public sector leaders and water company executives met at the second West Sussex Water Summit to discuss and collaborate on local water management issues, focusing on flooding prevention, particularly highway flooding and storm overflows.
 Tree planting season has begun and we have been able to secure 300 trees to be planted around the county. This year we have 85 new trees kindly donated by parishes and our Donate a Tree Scheme. We have supplied approximately 91 replacements and 124 new trees to be planted. If you are fortunate to have a new tree planted near you, please help by watering it; no amount of water is too much.
For more information on tree planting or if you would like to participate in our Donate a Tree Scheme, please visit our web pages via the link below.
- In partnership with Biffa, the Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund will open on 13 January 2025. With grants of up to £5,000, this fund is designed to empower local community groups, schools, charities, and social enterprises to take innovative steps in reducing waste.
- West Sussex residents have until 15 December to help shape the future of their local fire service by completing a survey on the risks in their communities that concern them, including emerging risks such as those posed by climate change and new technologies. The results of the survey will feed into the planning process of the service’s next Community Risk Management Plan.
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Grants of up to £1,500 are on offer for primary schools within the boundaries of the High Weald National Landscape to support outdoor learning activities. Funds are available for outdoor equipment and clothing as well as school visits to inspiring nature, wildlife and heritage sites within the High Weald area.
- Tree Action UK is crowdfunding to help the students of Durrington Infant and Junior School plant a new orchard of 20 fruit trees. Students will be involved in planting and caring for these trees as well as picking the fruits when they’re ready to harvest. Find out more and help raise £5,000 to support the project.
If you have any queries, or want to share or celebrate local climate action, please email us at climatechange@westsussex.gov.uk.
You can also add a new map pin to our Community Climate Action Map.
If you know someone else who will be interested in reading this newsletter, please forward it so they can sign up using the link below.
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