Throughout the pandemic, I have been corresponding with constituents about how we can protect our environment, introduce green initiatives and take real, material steps towards delivering the ‘Green Revolution’ my colleagues in the Government have so often spoken about. This Budget delivers on those promises, with real commitments to building back greener and investing in green, economic growth.
This is great news for Sussex, where we have led the way in offshore wind, with the second largest wind farm in the UK, Rampion, being based in West Sussex. Furthermore, Hydrogen Sussex, who have recently launched, are bringing together key players across the public and private sectors to promote hydrogen technology, in order to help local councils, reach Net Zero by 2050. I am sure they will be welcoming the news the Government will be investing “£68 million to fund a UK-wide competition to deliver first-of-a-kind long-duration energy storage prototypes that will reduce the cost of net zero by storing excess low carbon energy over longer periods.
On March 18th, I listened in to the Transport for South East (TfSE) Mobility 2050, zoom forum, who again did a brilliant job in highlighting the need for sustainable economical growth. It was interesting to see how the plan concentrated on making better use of what we have, as opposed to reinventing the wheel. Ideas raised include more working spaces and more shared spaces, as opposed to enhancing individual mobility. We have beautiful green spaces and we can use these in a positive manner to make sure we remain green, while continuing to contribute to the sustainable growth in South East. I truly believe the South East of England can lead the way in a green recovery.
Additionally, Mid Sussex District Council is rightly making important progress when it comes to energy conservation and preserving the natural environment. The Council have been working on reducing their own negative effect on the environment by installing PV solar panels on the Council building. The installation of energy efficient windows, heating improvements and changing to LED lighting has also helped to save energy and reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.
The Council is supporting sustainable methods of travel for employees through providing electric vehicle charging points at the Council offices, offering staff the ability to use electric bikes for both business and recreation. The Council’s Parking Services team is also working to replace three petrol powered cars with electric vehicles, so Civil Enforcement Officers can carry out their duties without polluting the air.
Councillor John Belsey, Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery, said:
“As a Council, we are always looking for ways to protect the environment, tackle climate change and support the Government’s work to cut Greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050.
“Whether it’s introducing wildflower meadows in our public spaces to increase biodiversity and protect native species, or supporting community-led schemes to reduce plastic waste and encourage people to recycle more, there’s so much we’re doing to help protect the environment.
“Looking outside of the Council, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on our local economy and it’s going to be vitally important for us to support local businesses and help them through this difficult time. Our aim is to help the local economy build back greener by delivering against UN Sustainable Development Goals and working towards a positive future for Mid Sussex.”
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