Southampton City Council publishes its Green City Plan for delivering a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable council
Southampton City Council has announced the publication of its Green City Plan 2030.
Southampton City Council has announced the publication of its Green City Plan 2030. This sets out an ambitious vision for a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable council and how it will contribute to tackling some of the most challenging environmental issues in our city.
With more than 60 specific actions delivered in the next three years, the Council’s Green City Plan 2030 explains the principles it will apply, its priorities and the outcomes its wants to achieve over the next 10 years. It also outlines the progress that has already been made and how ongoing progress will be measured.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Christopher Hammond said: “This generation inherited a legacy where human actions led to polluted air and lasting damage to our planet. It’s our task to reverse the impact caused, so we can pass on a healthier planet to the next generation. Southampton City Council will lead by example, set ourselves challenging goals and influence others to act.”
In response to the climate emergency the Plan commits to achieving net zero emissions in its commercial buildings by 2030, increasing the proportion of renewable energy generated and the proportion of zero and low emission vehicles used. However, the Plan recognises the interconnected nature of our environment and extends across five themes:
- Sustainable Energy and Carbon Reduction
- Delivering Clean Air
- Our Natural Environment
- Resources, Waste and Water Management
- Sustainable Travel
Councillor Stephen Leggett is Southampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Green City. He said: “A transition towards a zero carbon, cleaner economy and greener landscape will enable the city to grow and evolve as a modern, healthy and attractive place to live, work and do business. I am proud to endorse the Plan which outlines how over the coming years we will ensure the Council delivers on those commitments it outlined when the Green City Charter was published.”
The Council set out a shared vision when it published the Green City Charter in 2019 and now this plan illustrates how it will satisfy the aspirations it first established. We encourage residents, communities, businesses and other organisations in the city to follow our lead and you are all invited to pledge your support for the Green City Charter and then look to see what actions you can take to satisfy those commitments. To date over 70 signatories have pledged their support including 14 key organisations such as the Universities, the Port and other stakeholders.
The Council’s Green City Plan 2030 and the Green City Charter can both be downloaded from the website.
Photo: The Leader and Cllr Leggett
