We use cookies

Cookie settings
Menu

Climate change

Our journey to net zero so far

At the end of 2023 Herefordshire Council was ranked as the top performing local authority in the West Midlands on sustainability action for the third year in a row, after completing the Sustainability West Midlands (SWM) benchmarking.

The results gave Herefordshire an overall score of 91% - demonstrating we are making excellent progress on the various aspects of sustainability associated with the West Midlands 'Sustainability Roadmap to 2030'.

The benchmarking by members of SWM is undertaken on an annual basis via answers to 80 questions on various aspects of the Roadmap themes. It aims to help local authorities to self-assess their progress on sustainability and to more quickly identify where they should take further action. Benchmarking can also help supporting organisations, such as national government (BEIS, Defra etc.), the Local Government Association (LGA), the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to better understand where their support would be most welcomed.

Herefordshire Council's benchmarking was undertaken by the Sustainability and Climate Change team, but includes work across all service areas and reflects our commitment to net zero by 2030.

Follow the links to find out more about our journey towards net zero:

  • Our plan
  • People
  • Energy We are reducing our carbon emissions. We are using green energy and investing in renewable energy technology.
  • Sustainable buildings We are shaping sustainable buildings, tackling fuel poverty, addressing inequalities which affect health and wellbeing
  • Travel more sustainably We are using low energy fleet vehicles, working on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and enabling active travel
  • Reducing waste
  • Wildlife and the natural environment We are increasing biodiversity and reducing pollution
  • Adaptation We are preparing for how climate change may affect the county's future
  • Community We are supporting local businesses, assisting sustainability in schools and supporting the local community and businesses with various grant schemes

We have won awards…

  • Herefordshire Council has won awards for the archives and record centre (HARC) which was the first of the kind in Europe to be built to Passivhaus standard.
  • We were also short listed for the Local Government Chronical environment award in 2017
  • We were ranked first in the Sustainability West Midlands sustainability benchmark in 2021 and 2022

Our plan to get to net zero

Herefordshire Council has mapped its own carbon descent to net zero by 2030 in the Carbon Management Plan and we are on track! The way we intend to get to net zero is detailed in the Carbon Management Action Plan.

  • Every year we publish our Greenhouse Gas Emissions report, which shows we are making progress.
  • The council is also supporting the county's Climate and Nature Board with its plan to reach net zero by 2030.
  • The council has a cabinet member for the Environment who champions the climate and nature work.
  • All council decisions need to consider the environmental implications as part of all decision reports and we have an Environmental Scrutiny Committee.
  • A citizen's assembly was run in January 2022 the resulting recommendations were put forward to cabinet. £1.3m was allocated to implement the approved action plan.

Climate, nature and adaptation are also a big consideration in the following plans and strategies:

Back to top

People - working together to tackle climate change

  • We are working together with partners, local community groups, residents and our own staff to put in place the people and structures to support proactive projects to tackle climate change.

Herefordshire Climate and Nature Partnership Board

  • The Herefordshire Climate and Nature Partnership board was established in December 2021.
  • Ambitions and activities in relation to the county reaching its net zero 2030 target are being steered and driven by a specially created 16-strong Climate and Nature Partnership Board who bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge through their roles in conservation, wildlife, architecture, farming, the media, community energy, research, land management, agricultural policy and running businesses.
  • There are six action plans to support Zero Carbon - Energy, Housing and Buildings; Farming and land use; Food, Transport and Waste.
  • Herefordshire Council assists the board as a secretariat and in its Greener Footprints behaviour change campaign.
  • Find out more at Herefordshire zero carbon and nature rich.

Our sustainability and climate change team

The team works to:

  • Keep the council on track with its target of reaching net zero carbon by 2030.
  • Implement projects to reach net zero, while working with other services to ensure the delivery of their projects is inline with the our net zero and nature-rich ambitions.
  • Assist the Climate and Nature Board where needed to help meet the county's target of net zero by 2030. This includes promoting the Greener Footprints behaviour change campaign and active travel around the county.

Staff climate group A staff Climate and Nature Engagement group has recently been established. They have identified a series of projects to support climate change and adaptation.

Online training for council staff We have developed a staff online training module about Sustainability and Climate Change which over 855 staff have completed.

Back to top

Saving energy

We are reducing our carbon emissions

  • We report annually on the council's Greenhouse Gas Emissions to ensure we are following our target. Our emissions have reduced by 63% since we started auditing them in 2008/09 and for the first time our total emissions are below 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

We are using green energy and investing in renewable energy technology

  • As a council we purchase 100% certified renewable electricity, as do many of the maintained schools, through West Mercia Energy. We will also purchase green gas when prices become feasible.
  • Herefordshire Council was the first county in the country to change to 100% LED street lighting.
  • Through the implementation of our carbon management plan, renewable energy technology - primarily Solar PV, but also LED lighting including controls and more efficient systems for heating ventilation and air conditioning have been installed. This means that we so far have more than 1MW of renewable technology installed at council-owned buildings.
  • We are currently carrying out a countywide renewable energy mapping survey which will be hosted on this website soon and will feature live grid capacity data from National Grid Energy Distribution.
  • Recent central government funded retrofit projects have supported the deployment of solar (as well as other interventions) for residents who live in properties with low EPC ratings.

Back to top

Sustainable buildings

We are shaping sustainable buildings

  • We are developing new minimum energy efficiency standards for our estate and have recently drafted a new energy efficiency standard/design guide for the development of new council housing.
  • Under the Property Services Asset Management Framework the council has adopted its procedure for achieving decarbonisation of the corporate estate.
  • The Future Homes Standard has been adopted by the council.
  • We have both a climate change and biodiversity and ecology compliance checklist setting out the policies and guidance for developers. We are also finalising new SPDs on Environmental Building Standards and Agricultural Developments.
  • Both Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) are expected to be integrated into planning policy in the emerging Local Plan. Revised Local Plan land use policies will include sustainability requirements within these.
  • Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) home improvements for homes with no gas boiler.

We are tackling fuel poverty

  • The Affordable Warmth Strategy aims to reduce fuel poverty in Herefordshire, with delivery projects being run through Energy Company Obligation Funding, Sustainable Homes Development Fund, Warm Homes Fund, Sustainable Warmth and Keep Herefordshire Warm. These provide vulnerable residents with emergency fuel payments using Housing Support Funds.
  • A new Countywide Retrofit Strategy (undertaken by WSP) has been produced and this is helping to set out our new Affordable Warmth Strategy (currently in development) and our approach to delivering this. Retrofit Guide

We are addressing inequalities which affect health and wellbeing

  • There is comprehensive partnership work ongoing across the system with narrowing health inequalities as a focus. The health and wellbeing strategy provides direction for decision makers across health, social care and the wider partnerships to determine the commissioning and provision of high quality services to improve the health and wellbeing of Herefordshire's population.
  • Services include healthy lifestyle trainers and healthy mums

Back to top

Travel more sustainably

We are using low energy fleet vehicles

  • We have seven fully electric vehicles (one van; six cars) and six petrol/electric hybrids for staff travel.
  • We are also seeking to maximise the use of low emission vehicles through the procurement of the new waste collection contract.
  • We are also looking into the future electrification of taxis and buses across the county.

We are working on electric vehicle charging infrastructure

  • We have a 10 year concession contract with Wenea to expand the network of public charge points in council car parks. Wenea have replaced all existing council charge points and installed a further 5 charge points increasing the council's network to 30 sockets in 11 locations. This includes 14 rapid sockets and the first ultra-rapid charge point in a public car park.
  • Plans are in place to install a further 8 charge points in the market towns providing 12 charging sockets before March 2025, with additional locations being assessed for suitability and installation in 2025.
  • The LEVI pilot project contract has been awarded and site surveys are being undertaken. Installations are expected to begin early 2025. The tender documents for the main LEVI fund are being finalised with procurement expected in 2025.

We are enabling active travel

  • We have implemented the 'Beryl Bikes' cycle hire scheme in Hereford city, which has proved popular with local residents. The scheme started in July 2019 and in June 2024 it reached a huge milestone with over 1 million kilometres having been cycled in and around the city. New large bays have been installed to support the NMITE and the Enterprise Zone.
  • There are also a number of cycle routes around the county, as well as network routes passing through the area. We have also delivered five newly signed cycle routes.
  • A contraflow lane for cyclists has been introduced in St Owens Street.
  • We also offered a new grant scheme which awarded e-Cargo bikes to support city businesses to make deliveries and services with zero emissions.
  • We offer Park and Cycle and rail and cycle facilities for those who live further afield but would still like to cycle their daily commute.
  • The Department for Transport Capability Fund supported travel planning promotions and events to encourage increased walking and cycling to Skylon Park and the wider enterprise area.
  • 11 TravelFund grants have been awarded to businesses and schools for pool bikes and cycle stands.
  • We offer an established programme of led rides for women and free five week courses of Nordic walking open to all 16 + as well as year round walk to school support and activities for parents and teachers. This has previously included 10 assemblies at 8 schools, 10 workshops, all-school challenges in 11 schools and the development of a new walking bus.
  • We supported and funded communities to set up new car clubs with Malvern Hills Car Club

Back to top

Reducing waste

We are reducing waste

  • A new internal recycling system was implemented during 2023 at our main office building at Plough Lane to further segregate recycling items and food waste from the general waste stream.
  • We have reduced the amount of waste sent to landfill to less than 1%.
  • We've run a flats recycling project across 19 trial sites in Herefordshire providing new bins, improved signage and communications. 16 of the 19 trial sites have shown a reduction in the level of recycling contamination during the trial.
  • In 2022 we launched a reusable nappy voucher scheme, awarding nearly 300 x £200 vouchers to residents to spend on reusable nappies at selected providers. Over 75% of those surveyed had switched to using reusable nappies 75% of the time or more. Phase 2 of the nappy project is currently in development while we continue to support Herefordshire Nappy Library with reusable nappy loan kits.
  • Reuse - As part of the new waste collection contract, from September 2024 our contractor, FCC Environment, are working with local groups and charities to divert reusable items from our large items collection service. We also work with local charities who refurbish bicycles and with Severn Waste to facilitate reuse containers at our Household Recycling Centres.
  • A Repair Café Grant Funding Scheme was launched in 2022. Three new cafés have been funded and an existing one has been expanded. The grant funding scheme is still open.

Our waste targets

We have a Waste management strategy which sets targets to:

  • Ensure no more than 1% of municipal waste to be sent to landfill from 2025 and zero waste to landfill by 2035
  • Reduce residual household waste to less than 330kg/household/year by 2035
  • Achieve national municipal reuse and recycling rate targets of 55% by 2025, 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035
  • Improve reuse and recycling at all Household Recycling Centres to achieve a reuse and recycling target of 85% by 2035

Back to top

Wildlife and the natural environment

We are increasing biodiversity

  • The Herefordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (HBAP) has been fully updated by a partnership of local groups and knowledgeable volunteers, in line with the latest best practice.
  • We working on our Local Nature Recovery Strategy which aims to reverse the ongoing decline of nature and biodiversity in Herefordshire. This will draw together existing information on the current state of nature and the environment within the county, and we are working with local partners to develop and agree a strategy that explains the approach, the goals and intended outcomes. It will include the proposed practical activities and sustainable solutions that will be introduced to restore the biodiversity and ecological equilibrium to the county.
  • New trees, planters and seating have already been installed in High Town and more are set for the surrounding areas, along with in-ground trees to create greener spaces and improve air quality.
  • Innovative moss filters that combine specially selected mosses with technology have been installed in Hereford.
  • Nine 'green' bee-friendly bus shelters with sedum plants on the roofs have been installed on main routes in the city.
  • Hedgehog homes for schools in the county with informative/educational packs.
  • Castle Pool interventions have been undertaken to improve oxygenation of the pond in Hereford.
  • Natural Flood Management interventions have been undertaken to improve watercourses near urban areas.
  • Hedgerow restoration – reinstatement of former hedgerows, gapping of hedgerow, new hedgerow to improve connectivity of wildlife corridors.

We are reducing pollution

  • Herefordshire is currently the national leader on tackling phosphate pollution, and has recently opened its first Wetlands to tackle the phosphate nutrient issue in the north of the county which we believe to be a world first! The scheme offers phosphate credits which have begun to be traded to unlock development in the north of the county despite the current moratorium.
  • After lobbying government for a Water Protection Zone for the River Lugg Special Area of Conservation(SAC) the council has recently approved the development of a new Cabinet Phosphate Commission to further support the Nutrient Management Board to protect and enhance the River Lugg and River Wye.
  • We have two air quality management areas with a new automatic monitoring station in Hereford. The air quality at these two areas in Herefordshire has been steadily improving over the last number of years.

Back to top

Adaptation

Back to top

Community

We are supporting local businesses

  • We are working with partner authorities across the Marches to buy in help so local contractors can get trained in skills which will enable them to undertake retrofit works and meet the new British Standard 'PAS2035'. PAS2035 creates a recognisable quality standard for works in the retrofit and energy sector for housing.
  • The Greener Footprints campaign '30 for 2030' works with employers from the private, public and third sector to track their progress and achievements along the way to net zero.
  • We've hosted a number of webinars on energy efficiency, carbon literacy etc. and in January 2023 held a business conference on energy with over 75 businesses attending. Three Herefordshire businesses shared examples of what they have done on their journey to net zero.
  • We have also established a 'Greener Footprints Business Network' which has engaged over 60 local businesses who have pledged to reduce their own carbon footprint. Members receive updates on new funding opportunities, case studies, invitations to webinars and events.
  • 30 farm carbon audits have been completed with a further 10 underway. 60 energy audits for businesses are also underway.
  • We work closely with the Marches Net Zero Hub and Marches Growth Hub. The Marches Energy Grant scheme has been launched which supports businesses to decarbonise.

We are assisting sustainability in schools

  • Solar PV offered to schools at zero cost, with three further installations completed by September 2023.
  • Our Guide for schools on energy savings and carbon reduction has been popular and a number of other authorities have approached us to ask if they can use it across their local areas.
  • We promote Let's Go Zero resources to all Herefordshire schools. We held a successful schools webinar in November with the Let's Go Zero co-ordinator.
  • We contracted consultants to work with schools on sustainable transport measures, over 30 travel plans were updated. A School Travel Plan Officer is now in post within the Sustainability and Climate Change team.

We are supporting the local community and businesses with various grant schemes

  • Climate and Nature Grant fund
  • Travelfund
  • e-cargo bikes
  • Keep Herefordshire Warm
  • Home Upgrade Grant

Back to top