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Woking Borough Council’s action on climate change is the best in Surrey according to Climate Emergency UK (CEUK) which assesses all councils on their progress towards net zero.
Climate Emergency UK uses scorecard questions which are created from nine months of research and consultation with over 80 organisations and experts within the climate sector. The Council Climate Action Scorecards are an assessment of all UK councils’ climate action since 2019 and their response to reducing emissions and tackling the climate emergency. This is a new system compared to last year’s ‘Plan Scorecards’, where CEUK assessed the council’s written climate action plans and strategies. With an overall score of 34%, the borough once again leads the way on climate change action in Surrey.
Cllr Peter Graves, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Greener Woking, said: “External assessment like the Council Climate Action Scorecards is really important because it confirms that our climate change strategy and work towards net zero is heading in the right direction.
“Balancing our environmental aspirations alongside our development and economic needs is at the heart of our climate change strategy. We are committed to protecting our natural environment, developing the built environment in a sustainable way, meeting local needs and adapting to the socio-economic, environmental and demographic changes that the future will bring.
“I was particularly pleased to see the council achieve high marks for ‘Collaboration and Engagement’, well above the national average, because to achieve climate change, we really do all need to work together. Small, simple, everyday changes by the many, will have a big impact overall on our borough and the environment.
“Our Planet Woking campaign has inspired residents to reduce their environmental impact at home, at work or when out and about and we’re fortunate to have groups like Woking Environment Action (WEAct) and Surrey Heathland Partnership who create opportunities for residents to get directly involved in important climate and conservation work.”
Woking Borough Council adopted its first climate change strategy in 2002 and in 2019 it declared a climate and ecological emergency, pledging to become a net zero council by 2030. Earlier this year, the council consulted local residents and stakeholders on its new climate change strategy, Woking Net Zero, feedback from which is being incorporated to inform the final document and action plan.