A COUNCIL has laid out its action plan for tackling climate change - and may cut offices to improve energy efficiency.

Darlington Borough Council has committed to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero – a balance between greenhouse gas added to and removed from the atmosphere – by 2050.

It aims to weave the environmental emergency into its services, reduce its carbon footprint and build the town’s “resilience” to climate change.

The new plan refers to the “rationalisation” of its offices to “reflect the reduced occupancy levels following the Covid-19 pandemic and the numbers of staff working from home”.

It lists actions like appointing a political leader for the issue, an “energy champion” and “climate champions”, and planting 20,000 new trees in three years.

It aims to improve the heat efficiency of council houses, design net carbon zero buildings and draw up a long-term “whole dwelling assessment for every property in Darlington”.

Under the plan, the impact of climate change will be built into reports, plans, policies, decisions, strategies, contracts, scrutiny, staff training and planning applications.

The measures - intended to use less energy with fewer emissions, reduce the demand for fossil fuels and contribute to a “greener grid” - also include:

l Favouring renewable energy as standard, using low carbon technology in new buildings, using less brickwork in houses;

l A “retrofit” water and energy plan with flood resistance;

l Reviewing heating and cooling systems, temperatures, hot water wastage and solar power;

l Improving council buildings’ air conditioning, insulation, ventilation, kitchens, glazing, lighting and power saving, with actions for specified buildings including the town hall, as well as verges and open space;

l Reviewing the council’s vehicles and preparing a “fleet transition plan”;

l Encouraging taxi, bus and school drivers to switch off engines when stopped and to move to electric vehicles;

l A pool of electric, hybrid or low emission cars for staff, promoting cycling and walking, and a possible “car club”;

l Giving climate change information to businesses and residents, and helping social housing tenants with charging electric vehicles;

l Sharing data on severe weather impacts.

Councillor Alan Marshall, cabinet member for the economy, said: “It is designed to be a rolling, organic plan. It will be continually reviewed to allow us to respond to new technologies, new understanding and government initiatives.

“Milestones will be developed year by year to enable robust reporting to council every six months, and an annual report will also be produced.”

Green Party Cllr Matthew Snedker said: “I’m very proud of the work that’s been done on this climate action plan. It’s a very good start, it’s a solid start and a journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step. The urgency has to remain there.”

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