High Peak joins Race to Zero

High Peak has joined a global coalition of regions and cities aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner.

The Borough Council has already committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and in formally joining the Race to Zero has pledged to:

• Expand and improve walking, cycling and integrated transit access
• Set ambitious targets for reducing air pollutants
• Repurpose and retrofit existing buildings and infrastructure before building new ones
• Develop a plan to achieve net zero carbon new buildings from 2030
• Promote the use of clean energy for heating and cooling buildings
• Halve food waste and loss by 2030

Executive Councillor for Climate Change, Environment and Community Safety, Jean Todd, said: "Tackling climate change must be a global effort which is why we're joining this coalition of cities and regions who are all focused on creating a healthier, sustainable future for everyone.

"None of us can deliver real change on our own so working with, and learning from, partners and like-minded groups and organisations locally, nationally and internationally is so important.

"But, of course, it's at a local level where the benefits of this collaboration will be felt and the pledges we've made are achievable and will really help to bring about the changes we need to see.

"The time to take action is now and I would encourage people across the Borough to think about what they can do every day to help minimise their impact on our environment so together we can give ourselves, and generations to come, the best chance of repairing the damage already done and minimise the impacts climate change will have."

Find out more about the Council's work at www.highpeak.gov.uk/ClimateChange