Folkestone & Hythe District Council is joining a network of local authorities to help achieve its climate change objectives.
UK100 undertakes research and publishes findings on a range of topics, including transport, homes and buildings, energy, waste reduction, green finance, and clean air. It works with Government ministers and civil servants to influence policy on these issues.
The group was set up in 2015 to support action on climate change in advance of the 21st United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP21). In becoming members of UK100, F&HDC will join an extensive network of more than 100 local authorities, from large city councils to county councils and districts.
UK100 offers access to training, examples of best practice and partnership opportunities. There is also a Countryside Climate Network of 41 rural authorities which aims to address particular issues facing rural areas such as public transport, broadband connectivity, and heating communities currently reliant on fuel oil.
By joining UK100, F&HDC will pledge to use its influence to reduce greenhouse gas emissions both internally and with residents and businesses. This work started in February 2021 with the production of a Carbon Action Plan for F&HDC's own carbon emissions, which aim to be net-zero by 2030. Many of the actions in the plan have been completed and it is currently being reviewed.
Work with residents and businesses has also already started with the setting up of a Carbon Innovation Lab (CI-Lab), which brings together local businesses, organisations and residents to reduce carbon emissions across the district as a whole.
Cabinet Member for the Environment Cllr Lesley Whybrow said: "UK100 is the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate with authorities across the country, to talk with them and learn from them.
"We have a lot of bring to the table as well: our Carbon Action Plan - which is set out over the short, medium and long term - was the starting point of our journey. And while we have a long way to go, we have made a positive start."
Leader Cllr David Monk added: "By joining UK100, we are growing the skills we need for the future and furthering our pledge to ensure an excellent environment for everyone."
For details of F&HDC's action on climate change, go to: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/climatechange/briefing-note/2022
Date published: 14 November 2022