Reducing carbon emissions is one of the key topics at COP26 and, in the High Peak, the borough council has set a target to be net zero by 2030. 

Work to reduce carbon emissions has been given a boost with the introduction of 17 new waste and recycling collection vehicles featuring the latest engine technology. 

The council say this investment, together with its waste collection partner Alliance Environmental Services (AES), has helped High Peak save 88 tonnes of carbon emissions – the equivalent of taking two refuse collection vehicles off the roads every year. 

Jean Todd is the Executive Councillor for Climate Change, Environment and Community Safety. 

She said: “We have a target of being carbon neutral by 2030 and we’re prioritising our services and operations to make sure the Council and its partners, including AES, are part of the solution and play a significant role in achieving that target. This is a really great start!” 

The benefits of the new vehicles include state-of-the-art technology so drivers can monitor any potential hazards and a better fuel management system. 

Councillor Todd added: “The wagons are fuel-efficient, more economic and allow the workforce to provide a better-quality service to residents as well as contributing to better air quality.” 

The new vehicles are just one area in which the council is working towards its target.

To help understand what that means in practice and how council operations can contribute, Heads of Service have taken part in carbon literacy training delivered by the Carbon Literacy Trust. 

Cllr Todd said: “If we’re to successfully meet that target, we need to be armed with the best knowledge and skills to deliver emissions savings.”

She is urging everyone to play their part and find out what steps they can take to reduce the carbon footprint. 

“I urge people to take a look at the Trust’s website and, if you can, get involved in the training. The more we all understand the challenges and what we can each do to help, the better – that way we’ll be taking positive action and doing our bit to improve our environment and the planet.” 

More information is available at https://carbonliteracy.com

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