Residents are being urged to submit their ideas on how a district council can reach net zero carbon by 2050 before the end of the month.

In October last year, members of East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) voted to declare a climate emergency, and in doing so, joined more than 200 other councils across the UK pledging to take action. As a result of this, ECDC launched an Ideas Forum where residents can submit their own ideas for the council to consider.

Suggestions sent into the Ideas Forum by January 31^st will be considered in ECDC’s Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan which will be discussed at the Operational Services Committee in April.

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of ECDC, said: “We take our target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 very seriously and are committed to safeguarding our environment for future generations.

“The Ideas Forum has not only allowed us to gather suggestions for our Action Plan but has allowed us to engage with residents and hear their thoughts on what we can do as their local authority. 

“Everybody has a role to play in reducing carbon emissions and we are keen to play our part.”

ECDC have already made several commitments to work towards their goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 including a review of management of pesticides and grass cutting on the district’s open spaces and to contribute to Natural Cambridgeshire’s vision of doubling nature and natural green space across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Councillor David Ambrose Smith, Chairman of ECDC’s Operational Services Committee, said: “I look forward to seeing ideas from residents reflected in the Council’s Action Plan and make progress towards our target.

“I would urge residents to send their suggestions to our Ideas Forum by January 31^st to ensure they are considered in the creation of our Action Plan.”

Ideas submitted after January 31^st will not be considered for the first Action Plan, however they will be discussed for inclusion in future plans.

Residents can submit their ideas in a number of ways by visiting www.eastcambs.gov.uk/climatechange, emailing climatechange@eastcambs.gov.uk or by calling the Customer Services Team on 01353 665555 during office hours.