Electric bin lorries could be on the way as the district council begins a journey to Net Zero in 15 years.
South Holland adopted the strategy of the South East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership three years ago. But it has not undertaken any analysis of its own carbon footprint.
A report to go before members of the cabinet on Tuesday says consultants WSP provided an ‘expert view of the current baseline and prepare a high-level carbon reduction plan.’
It includes steps such as ‘transitioning the vehicle fleet away from fossil fuels, identifying opportunities to generate electricity from renewables.’
There would also need to be “a cultural change amongst staff to promote energy saving and low-carbon behaviours, increasing recycling opportunities and reducing single-use waste.”
Despite making ‘key strides towards decarbonising SHDC’s housing stock’ it is still the major contributor to carbon emissions.
Domestic property already has ‘clearly’ defined routes towards net zero and the council’s work on its housing stock will continue into future years.
“SHDC is in the position where it is able to lead by example and to support stakeholders be that residents, businesses, tenants or other partners to consider how they can improve their own carbon footprints,” says the report.
Both Boston and East Lindsey councils have the ambition to hit the 2040 target and to do the same, South Holland council’s emissions will need to be reduced by around four per cent a year.
“It should be considered that technological advancements are likely to mean that some of the solutions that will enable us to meet Net Zero are not commonplace as yet, but are likely to change rapidly over the next five to ten years,” the report says.
The consultant’s report says 78 per cent of the council’s emissions are from leased properties, including the 3,820 homes it owns. A further nine per cent comes from the council’s own fleet of vehicles.
Aside from electric vehicles there will be a solar panel study for leased and owned site. Boilers within the housing stock will be replaced with heat pumps, depending on feasibility studies.
There has already been a 29 per cent reduction in levels comparing 2022 to 2005.
Alongside direct emissions from buildings and vehicles, the council will also look at ‘indirect’ emissions including commuting, water usage, business travel and bought goods.
Cabinet members are recommended to adopt the carbon reduction plan.
