As Cabinet Member for the Environment and Rural affairs, I have the opportunity to create a brighter future for the residents of Horsham through decarbonisation. Net Zero should not be seen as a brake on economic growth or be used as an excuse to reduce the quality of services. Instead it should become another criteria we use to determine whether this decision is the right decision to make.
When I became cabinet member, I announced a £1 million pound invest into capital expenditure aimed at improving the efficiency of the Councils building and replacing part of our aging fleet of buses with electric vehicles, as well as doubling the size, so the environment team can help deliver the Councils climate change plans. This isn’t just decarbonisation, this is also cost saving, over the next seven years we will receive this investment back in a reduced revenue.
In 2022 I present our 3-year plan which will see us reduce our emissions by 40%, having already decarbonised 20% since 2019. This plan was agreed unanimously by cabinet and council, it balances the needs to deliver quality services whilst fulfilling our commitment to the environment. It follows three principals that I believe every council should adopt.
- Decarbonisation should not come at the cost of financial prudence
- Be adaptable as technologies and best practice evolve
- A £1 spent today, will save £2 down the round
This plays out in this example
The council has several bin lorries, which are due to be replaced in 2025. Hydrogen technology is set to be the fuel source of HGV vehicles but will not be available in 2025. The decision therefore is to refurbish the bin lorries which gives them a working life till 2032 and at that point replace them with new hydrogen powered lorries. If the technology is available sooner we can replace them as required.
This simple adaptable thinking now permeates the entire organisation and is one I am proud of champion.