Key principles
These key principles will underpin all of the council’s climate activities. They will make sure that the council delivers effective climate action which supports all residents and communities.
Making sure the journey to net zero is fair to everyone
This transition needs to be inclusive of every community in Bracknell Forest and not unfairly disadvantage anyone - this is known as a “just transition”.
Climate change will worsen many inequalities already present in the borough, so the council will need to support equity and representation in its activities. If people are expected to make a difficult or expensive change or meet new requirements, they should be offered support to compensate for this wherever possible.
Making sure climate action delivers other benefits, where possible
There are many ways in which climate action can benefit residents, businesses and ecosystems (“co-benefits”).
Council activities will be most effective if they can make these links and deliver on multiple priorities at the same time. The impacts of climate action on other council priorities will need to be mitigated where possible.
Harnessing innovation and technological development
As technology advances, new and better opportunities to decarbonise the borough will become available. The council will remain abreast of these changes so it can take advantage of progress and will aim to foster an innovative spirit to tackling climate change in the borough.
Working with and supporting others
Climate change is not a problem that the council or any other organisation can solve alone, so to increase impact it will collaborate with key partners and local organisations and facilitate partnerships.
It will aim to bring together all of Bracknell Forest to tackle this challenge as a community and to co-produce and co-deliver climate action with others where possible.
Making financially responsible decisions based on evidence
The council (and its partners) have limited financial resources. To make sure it uses these to the greatest possible effect, it will need to prioritise actions which will do the most to achieve climate aims and design projects so that they have the greatest chance of success.
Focusing on the needs and priorities of Bracknell Forest
The council is accountable to our residents and needs to deliver for the local area. Its focus will therefore be on reducing the emissions and building the resilience of the borough and it will take account of the different needs and characteristics of different areas of the borough.
Tackling climate change collectively as an organisation
Teams across the council oversee and are responsible for carbon-intensive activities and the impacts of climate change will affect every part of our operations. Tackling the issue will be the responsibility of all council staff and services, not just a few specialised teams.
Specific considerations relevant to the key principles are listed under each strategy aim, and the 4 enablers in the delivery section of this strategy.