A council is considering ways to reduce its fuel emissions and energy costs as part of its mission to become net zero by 2040.
Members of South Holland District Council’s cabinet heard that the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership – which covers South Holland, Boston and East Lindsey – has developed a Net Zero Action Plan, writes local democracy reporter Oliver Castle.
Under the plan, the partnership is considering ways to electrify its fleet of council vehicles at the depots in Bervor Close in Pinchbeck and West Marsh Road in Spalding.
The partnership is also investigating lower-emission fuel alternatives including hydrotreated vegetable oil and whether this would be viable to be used to run its council vehicles.
Its partner council East Lindsey is currently trialling a new telematics system to collect more data on the fuel consumption of its fleet as well as providing more training to its vehicle users to reduce fuel consumption and costs.
The partnership is also looking at ways to reduce the carbon footprint at its council offices, including replacing the heating system at South Holland District Council’s Priory Road offices and at the South Holland Centre.
Coun Elizabeth Sneath portfolio holder for conservation and heritage, said: “In April 2025, South Holland District Council completed a carbon footprint exercise that sought to baseline our carbon emissions within the organisation.
“This resulted in the adoption of the carbon reduction plan and a commitment to net zero by 2024, thereby outlining our ambitions with our partner councils.
“A Net Zero Action Plan has now been developed following engagement with external stakeholders who provided a roadmap for reducing our carbon emissions in the coming years and driving us towards our net zero ambition.
“The main areas of focus in the plan are seeking opportunities to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and exploring alternative options.”
Coun Sneath went on to say that the council is working with its partner councils to adapt when more sustainable technologies and systems are developed.
She added: “Similarly, there may be projects in the plan where we have to change course, alter our approach or abandon altogether as existing technologies improve and new technologies come along.
“Our approach will also be influenced by the availability of capital and anticipated return on investment to take advantage of external funding opportunities, many of which can be extremely competitive.”
But Coun Paul Barnes questioned why the new food waste collection vehicles – which are set to be rolled out next year – have not been included in the district council’s electrification plans.
He said: “I was disappointed that the new collection vehicles for food waste are not electric.
“I would have thought we could have done that 18 months before the time. On Priory Road and the South Holland Centre, it seems that we have got a 2040 target date.
“Could we not have some interim dates so we can monitor progress? That’s miles away – 2040.”
Christian Allen, assistant director for regulation at the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, said that the partnership does have an “interim target” but the “exact date” is still to be determined.
Coun Allan Beal questioned what will happen with local government organisation and if this could affect the plans.
Coun Sneath replied: “As far as I’m aware we’re working as we are at the moment. There’s no point changing things without knowing whether it’s necessary.
“What we’re talking about is just carrying on as we are and we will see.”
Councillors approved the Net Zero Action Plan, which will continue to be developed across the partnership in the coming years.
