Statement from the leader of the council
Climate change is the greatest challenge that we and our future generations face. Having a profound effect on the environment and the ecosystems upon which life depends, it threatens our health, the supply chains we depend upon, and the places where we live. Although a global issue, these consequences will undoubtedly impact us here in Bracknell Forest too.
Flooding, storms and heatwaves, the likes of which we are already experiencing, will become more severe and more frequent. With hotter summers comes the increased risk of wildfires in our surrounding forests. A changing climate also endangers our biodiversity, bringing with it the threat of new invasive species and diseases to the UK. Furthermore, the impacts of climate change will bring repercussions for our economy and our food security. Action is crucial to prevent and mitigate these crises; but action also promises a future with more secure, cheaper energy, clean air, new jobs, and a flourishing natural environment.
As a matter that is incredibly important to me personally, I took the lead as the portfolio holder for climate change following my election as Leader of Bracknell Forest Council in May 2023. This desire to tackle climate change is something that I share with many others across both the council and the borough. Politically, there is strong cross-party consensus on the urgency and necessity for action, and in September 2023 Bracknell Forest Council declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and committed to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions as close to 2030 as possible. Over the past year we have taken a number of positive steps towards this goal, including the establishment of the Joint Climate Action Board (JCAB) which has brought representatives from local businesses, schools and community groups together with council officers and councillors to coordinate and drive forward activity in the borough.
This new Climate Change Strategy is a reflection of our ambition and commitment and outlines the council’s vision and plans to accelerate our progress towards net-zero over the course of the next 5 years, as we look to decarbonise the activities of the council and support climate action across Bracknell Forest. We all have an important part to play in addressing climate change and protecting our planet for current and future generations. By working with the community, local businesses and neighbouring boroughs, we can transform and secure a positive future for Bracknell Forest. Together we can rapidly reduce our emissions in a way that is fair and financially responsible, enhance the quality of life in Bracknell Forest, and demonstrate leadership in local climate action.
Councillor Mary Temperton
Leader of Bracknell Forest Council
Chief Executive’s introduction
Throughout my career in local government I have been committed to tackling climate change, and understand the important role that local authorities can – and need – to play in achieving the change that is required. We are uniquely placed to implement, effect and inspire action within our community, and facilitate this change in a way that is sustainable and delivers the wider social, health, economic and environmental benefits that climate action promises.
Mitigating and adapting to climate change needs to be at the heart of everything we do at Bracknell Forest Council not only because of our strategic position, but because it is in our interest and the interest of our residents. Extreme weather events and changes to our natural systems will have a profound effect on the operations of the council, whether through disruptions to essential services and supplies, increased cost pressures, or through damage to buildings and assets. However, climate action also supports us in achieving other key priorities of ours, beyond the ambition of addressing and adapting to the climate and biodiversity emergency. Reducing pollution, increasing the availability of green spaces and encouraging walking and cycling, for instance, aligns with our commitment to improve health and wellbeing. Developing energy efficient homes brings down energy bills and helps us to tackle fuel poverty, expanding and improving public transport increases mobility for everyone, and collective action enhances community cohesion.
Over the last few years we have made positive progress in confronting the challenge of climate change. Since 2023 we have hosted 2 Bracknell Forest climate change summits, welcoming attendees representing local businesses, community groups, schools and councils, launched the Joint Climate Action Board to accelerate collective action in the borough, and organised 2 climate change conferences for secondary schools and one for primary schools to empower the next generation. In transport we have rolled out electric vehicle charging points, accelerated the electrification of the council’s fleet of cars and vans, and have encouraged active travel through both initiatives and infrastructure. As well as investing over £1 million into energy efficiency upgrades and solar panel installations for our own buildings, we have supported Bracknell Forest residents to do the same, and have set ambitions to see homes within the borough becoming as energy efficient as possible. We are reducing waste going to landfill, supporting biodiversity, engaging with local businesses, and enabling our staff to learn more about climate change and what it is that we need to do.
As the Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Council, I am delighted to present this Climate Change Strategy, which sets out our plan to build upon these achievements and accelerate climate action across both the council and the borough. Covering the period from 2025 to 2030, it will play a crucial role in guiding us to fulfil our commitment to reach net zero as close to 2030 as possible.
Susan Halliwell
Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Council