Cheshire West and Chester Council are supporting local businesses to move towards Net Zero.

The Council are allocating £70,000 of its UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to support Groundwork, an environmental charity, to work with local employers to develop low carbon action plans as part of its Low Carbon Capacity Building Programme.

The Council is aware that many local employers are keen to understand how they can become energy efficient, produce less waste and increase productivity. The assumption is that employers know what is needed and are able to source solutions, including training, but this is not always the case.

This programme enables employers to be proactive, developing their own capacity to carry out low carbon audits across their organisation, or on behalf of a group of organisations, producing an action plan and a focus which would enable them to reduce carbon emissions in the future.

The Council are also aware that many public sector procurement opportunities are now asking for applicants to demonstrate what they have done to date to become net zero, therefore this project could also lead to employers bidding and winning new work, increasing their longer-term financial viability.

In the past employers have relied on accessing external support to develop their plans, this project would enable them to take ownership of this important agenda and upskill their own staff capacity to deliver.

This project supports the “Greener Communities” theme of the Council’s Borough Plan and the Climate Emergency Action Plan.

The Low Carbon Capacity Building Programme will support 30 businesses in developing and implementing effective net zero strategies. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the business drivers and benefits linked to Net Zero, and will be equipped to measure, prioritise, budget, and report on their carbon emissions. Companies will as part of the support develop their own low carbon action plans which will help them communicate their net zero ambitions.

Details about the sessions and support can be found here/first cohort of learners:

• 12-13 November 2024 - HQ, Chester
• 19-20 November 2024 - Meridian House, Winsford

More details of the event can be found here: https://racetozero.org.uk/pathways-to-net-zero/

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said:

“Cheshire West and Chester Council are pleased to be able to support Groundwork with this project to provide advice and guidance to employers looking to adapt and adopt their working practices to become more energy efficient.

“It is really encouraging to see so many of our local businesses, from a variety of sectors, embracing net zero. Businesses are keen to develop their own skills, company plans and strategies. Initiatives like this will help Cheshire West become a more environmentally sustainable place to work.”

Greville Kelly, Director of Business Sustainability at Groundwork said:

"We are excited to be working with so many local companies to help businesses put practical actions in place around net-zero. There are a host of benefits for companies implementing low carbon plans including cost savings from energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, an enhanced corporate image to secure more business, reduced business risks and stronger employee retention related to the wish of many employees who are keen to work for companies with a positive plan of action about the environment and sustainability.”

For more information on the project, please see:
https://racetozero.org.uk/pathways-to-net-zero/

More information on UKSPF is available on the Council website:
People and Skills | Cheshire West and Chester Council

The Council is committed to making changes across all our services to play our part to tackle the Climate Emergency and it is one of the Council’s seven key priorities, as set out in our Stronger Futures plan.

The objectives that underpin this priority include:

• Reducing the carbon footprint of the Council

• Support the decarbonisation of energy, industry and business

• Improve sustainable transport and infrastructure

• Enable low carbon buildings, homes and development

• Enhancing green spaces

• Reduce waste and increase recycling

As an organisation we have a target to be carbon neutral by 2030 and are leading by example to help the borough to be carbon neutral by 2045.

Below are some examples of the work we’ve done so far to help achieve this

Cheshire West and Chester Council are supporting local businesses to move towards Net Zero.

The Council are allocating £70,000 of its UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to support Groundwork, an environmental charity, to work with local employers to develop low carbon action plans as part of its Low Carbon Capacity Building Programme.

The Council is aware that many local employers are keen to understand how they can become energy efficient, produce less waste and increase productivity. The assumption is that employers know what is needed and are able to source solutions, including training, but this is not always the case.

This programme enables employers to be proactive, developing their own capacity to carry out low carbon audits across their organisation, or on behalf of a group of organisations, producing an action plan and a focus which would enable them to reduce carbon emissions in the future.

The Council are also aware that many public sector procurement opportunities are now asking for applicants to demonstrate what they have done to date to become net zero, therefore this project could also lead to employers bidding and winning new work, increasing their longer-term financial viability.

In the past employers have relied on accessing external support to develop their plans, this project would enable them to take ownership of this important agenda and upskill their own staff capacity to deliver.

This project supports the “Greener Communities” theme of the Council’s Borough Plan and the Climate Emergency Action Plan.

The Low Carbon Capacity Building Programme will support 30 businesses in developing and implementing effective net zero strategies. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the business drivers and benefits linked to Net Zero, and will be equipped to measure, prioritise, budget, and report on their carbon emissions. Companies will as part of the support develop their own low carbon action plans which will help them communicate their net zero ambitions.

Details about the sessions and support can be found below:

8-9 October 2024 | HQ, Chester

22-23 October 2024 | Theartre Porto, Ellesmere Port

12-13 November 2024 | HQ, Chester

19-20 November 2024 | Meridian House, Winsford

More details of the event can be found here: https://racetozero.org.uk/pathways-to-net-zero/

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said:

“Cheshire West and Chester Council are pleased to be able to support Groundwork with this project to provide advice and guidance to employers looking to adapt and adopt their working practices to become more energy efficient.

“It is really encouraging to see so many of our local businesses, from a variety of sectors, embracing net zero. Businesses are keen to develop their own skills, company plans and strategies. Initiatives like this will help Cheshire West become a more environmentally sustainable place to work.”

Greville Kelly, Director of Business Sustainability at Groundwork said:

"We are excited to be working with so many local companies to help businesses put practical actions in place around net-zero. There a host of benefits for companies implementing low carbon plans including cost savings from energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, an enhanced corporate image to secure more business, reduced business risks and stronger employee retention related to the wish of many employees who are keen to work for companies with a positive plan of action about the environment and sustainability.”

For more information on the project, please see: https://racetozero.org.uk/pathways-to-net-zero/

More information on UKSPF is available on the Council website: People and Skills | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Cheshire West and Chester Council has welcomed the news that the government has given a major decarbonisation project in the region the go ahead.

The HyNet project will help to unlock the decarbonisation of industry in the area, providing employment opportunities, whilst helping to reduce carbon emissions in the borough. The project will secure £5 billion of private sector capital to enable re-industrialisation of the region and help local companies compete in international low carbon markets.

HyNet is part of a £22bn pledge, over the next 25 years for projects to capture and store carbon emissions from energy, industry and hydrogen production. It will be focused on two 'carbon capture clusters' in Cheshire and Teesside, which will create thousands of jobs, attract private investment and help the UK meet climate goals.

The news was announced today by the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Secretary of State for Net Zero and Energy at Encirc, an international glass production plant, based in Elton in west Cheshire and a partner of HyNet.

Emissions from industrial processes make up the largest single component of west Cheshire’s total emissions and this project will help to kick start the area’s green industrial revolution and play its part in helping the borough become carbon neutral by 2045.

HyNet is one of the most significant transformational projects in ORIGIN Ellesmere Port, which consists of 1,300 businesses supporting employment for 24,100 people. There are four distinctive development zones, which have attracted multi-million investment to date including Regatta, Jaguar Land Rover / DHL, Westland Horticulture, Marks and Spencer, EET Fuels, Peel (Protos), URENCO, Cheshire Oaks and Stellantis. The ORIGIN area forecasts an increase to 1,463 businesses, providing employment for 30,000 people by 2040.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This investment is a vitally important step in the country’s journey to net zero, and towards our local vision for creating the world’s first net zero industrial area in ORIGIN by 2040. Our aspiration is for a west Cheshire which avoids, reduces and mitigates carbon emissions at the earliest possible stage; using carbon capture and storage to manage residual emissions for critically important industries. The investment in hydrogen infrastructure enabled by the decision today will also support the medium-term transition to electrolytic hydrogen derived from renewable energy, ensuring we move towards a fully decarbonised energy system.

"It is important to make sure this major investment in our area provides benefits for local people, enabling them to access jobs and new opportunities and develop new skills for the green economy. We would also anticipate that this large-scale development will support our businesses through engagement with local supply chains. The Council will continue to champion this message to make sure that the positive impacts of the project are realised locally.”

David Parkin, Chair of the HyNet Alliance said: “HyNet was formed to meet the demands of industry wanting to decarbonise to deliver sustainable products and compete in the global low carbon economy. We need to decarbonise, not be de-industrialising, but by investing in the industries that we rely on for the every day products in our lives - from the glass bottles we use for our food and drink to the cement we use to build roads and buildings.

“Government’s commitment to HyNet will also enable generation of resilient low carbon power, right here in the industrial North West and North Wales, supporting its Clean Power 2030 Mission.

“This will create new roles and safeguard existing jobs, attracting investment and catalysing growth.”

Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington has worked closely with the Council and partners to secure this investment for the region.

Read the Government’s official announcement about the project here.

Residents of Cheshire are coming together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

Last year over 220 residents benefited from the Solar Together scheme in west Cheshire and now the scheme has reopened to help more homeowners with the opportunity to combat the increasing cost of living and volatile energy prices by generating clean energy.

Cheshire residents can join the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid and feel confident they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from qualified installers.

In 2023 over 2,400 residents in the borough registered their interest in the scheme with each participant receiving a personalised estimation and recommendation for a solar panel system tailored to their energy needs and roof suitability. The price achieved for an average 14-panel system was 37% less than the typical market price for an equivalent system at the that time.

Residents can register for this year’s Solar Together scheme for free on the Solar Together website, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Local councils in Cheshire, including Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council, are working in partnership with iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the transition to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "We’re delighted with the success of the first round of the Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington scheme and how residents in the borough have embraced this renewable energy solution. This initiative is playing its part to help the borough to become carbon neutral by 2045 and has empowered more residents and businesses to install renewable energy solutions in their properties. Helping people to explore renewable energy options that can help with reduction in energy bills and improve the energy efficiency of local properties continues to be a priority. We look forward to seeing this initiative help more residents and businesses across the borough.”

Maureen Hobbs from Neston recently shared their experience with Solar Together and said: "My focus was on making a positive impact on the environment if possible. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the installation took place."

How does it work?

• Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
• Approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations.
• After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.
• If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system.
• Telephone and email helpdesks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.

Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added: “With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of Cheshire are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid. The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider.”

iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems. To date, Solar Together has installed nearly 7,000 solar panels in Cheshire, reducing carbon emissions by 12,490 tonnes over 25 years – equivalent to 6,290 cars off the road in that time.

iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 180 schemes have led to 178,000 residents installing solar PV systems.

People across west Cheshire are being asked to share their thoughts on how the Council can continue to tackle the impacts of climate change.

The Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan was launched in 2021 and now needs to be renewed for the 2025-2030 period.

Starting today, 26 July 2024, an early-stage engagement activity will seek the views of residents and other partners across the borough, and the results will enable priorities and actions to be co-produced with communities. It will be followed by a formal consultation in the autumn on a draft plan.

Industries, businesses and communities across the borough are already making an impact on reducing carbon emissions. The latest available data from The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), published in June 2024, shows a significant drop in carbon emissions in west Cheshire in 2022. DESNZ monitors emissions down to a local authority level each year, with a two-year time lag – meaning this 2022 data is the most up-to-date figure available.

Greenhouse gas emissions in the borough stood at 4.021 million tons in 2021. These reduced to 3.201 million tons in 2022. This represents a 20.4% year-on-year drop in carbon emissions.

During the period, Cheshire West and Chester’s regional gross value added saw growth from 11.6bn (2021) to 13.2bn (2022), a 13.6% increase. This demonstrates the potential to decarbonise the economy while delivering sustainable growth.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “The data from The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero shows that we are on the right track in our journey to tackle climate change. We are the fastest decarbonising area in the UK while delivering growth to our communities. That shows that, locally, we can make a real difference.

“In May 2019 Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a Climate Emergency and it remains a major priority for us. The science and evidence are clear - climate change poses a significant threat to our way of life, and the time for action is now.”

Cheshire West and Chester has set an ambition to become a carbon neutral borough, reducing emissions of greenhouse gases to net zero by 2045 or earlier. The Climate Emergency Response Plan is critical to achieving this target.

Starting today, local people can help to shape how this plan will look going forward. The engagement activity is an important opportunity for residents to support and shape the development of the climate change strategy and how we can work together to help the borough and country reach net zero in a way that will benefit our communities for generations to come.

The engagement activity will take place via the Council’s online engagement platform, Participate Now, and involves a series of questions on different elements of the Climate Plan. There will also be an interactive mapping tool that allows participants to pin what they feel are the key opportunities relating to tackling climate change in their area, and actions that have already taken place across the borough.
Visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/climateplanengagement

People can also request a paper copy of the consultation by emailing: climatechange@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

The Council' Climate Change team will also be hosting drop-in sessions in some of the borough's libraries throughout August, providing people with an opportunity to share views on the proposed Climate Emergency Response Plan. The team will be in attendance on the following dates.

1 August - Ellesmere Port Library, 3pm - 6.45pm
8 August - Storyhouse, Chester, 3pm - 6.45pm
15 August - Malpas Library, 3pm - 6.45pm
22 August - Northwich Library (located in Weaver Hall Museum), 3pm - 6.45pm

The engagement will run from 26 July - 1 September 2024.

The latest available data from The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), published in June 2024, shows a significant drop in carbon emissions in west Cheshire in 2022. DESNZ monitors emissions down to a local authority level each year, with a two-year time lag – meaning this 2022 data is the most up-to-date figure available.

Greenhouse gas emissions in the borough stood at 4.021 million tons in 2021. These reduced to 3.201 million tons in 2022. This represents a 20.4% year-on-year drop in carbon emissions.

During the period, Cheshire West and Chester’s regional gross value added saw growth from 11.6bn (2021) to 13.2bn (2022), a 13.6% increase. This demonstrates the potential to decarbonise the economy while delivering sustainable growth.

This is fantastic news for the borough and shows the impact that the actions by industries, businesses and communities across the borough are making to reducing the borough’s carbon emissions.

If you’d like to have your say on ways you think the borough can reach its carbon neutral target, please visit the Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan engagement on our Participate Now site.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s libraries will be getting on board with the Great Big Green Week offering jigsaw swaps, special events, advice sessions and activities for children from 8 to 16 June.

Libraries in Blacon, Great Boughton, Little Sutton, Northwich (Weaver Hall Museum), Storyhouse, Tarporley and Upton are encouraging customers to swap jigsaws throughout June to reduce waste. In addition to the swap, all libraries will be offering a quiz and treasure hunt for children as well as individual events, such as themed rhyme-times and the popular From Bin to Brilliant craft sessions.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for a Fairer Future, Councillor Lisa Denson said: “There is so much going on during the Great Big Green Week, it’s going to be great. Come along to one of the twelve “Green Teas” where you can have a cup of tea or coffee and talk to a money-saving, energy or environmental expert. The sessions are in partnership with the Groundwork Green Doctor, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Citizen’s Advice and Energy Projects Plus."

In addition, Ellesmere Port Library will be hosting “Stitched Up” on Saturday 8 June, from 10am to 12pm. The Pop-Up Patchers will be showing anyone dropping in how to mend and change clothes and they will be joined by the author Joanne O’Connell, author of two books for early teens on fashion.

Finally, Libraries will be having a stall at the Great Big Green Week Festival at Grosvenor Park in Chester on Saturday 15 June from 11am to 4pm.

Libraries have already been doing their bit for the environment. The country’s first modern electric mobile library was launched in the borough in July 2023 and the grounds of several libraries are wildflower seeded each year. Libraries also helped lead the way with a fancy-dress swap scheme for World Book Day in the last two years. The public can also borrow litter picker kits from all libraries or order them online via Community litter picking | Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The Education Library Service is working with Grozone, Northwich to develop their outside space for growing plants and flowers and making it more attractive for schools and staff for wellbeing and activities.

Grozone has been successful in applying for Shared Prosperity funding and will be using these activities to provide opportunities for people to volunteer. Grozone is also siting raised beds at Weaver Hall Museum in Northwich, where Northwich Library is temporarily located.

A full list of events for Great Big Green Week is available from the Libraries events webpage at Library events | Cheshire West and Chester Council. All events are free and drop-in. It is free to join Cheshire West and Chester Libraries, with membership giving free access to print books, computers, Wi-Fi, working space and digital eBooks, eAudiobooks, newspapers, and magazines.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced it is proposing to revoke the air quality management area (AQMA) orders for Ellesmere Port and Frodsham following significant and continued improvements in air quality levels.

The Ellesmere Port (Whitby Road / Station Road) AQMA was declared in 2005 in order to address road traffic related nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) affecting residential properties on parts of Whitby Road, Station Road and Princes Road.

The Frodsham AQMA was declared in 2015, also due to NO₂ from road vehicles, and covers a small number of residential properties on Fluin Lane and High Street (A56) in Frodsham.

According to the Environment Act 1990 and guidance, an AQMA can be revoked if a review demonstrates that air quality objectives are being met and there is confidence that they will continue to be met. Air quality objectives are limits on the acceptable presence of pollutants in the atmosphere established to protect human health and the environment.

A review of current and historical monitoring data has shown that the roadside concentrations of NO₂ have declined significantly since the initial declaration of the AQMAs in both Ellesmere Port and Frodsham. Air quality in the AQMAs is demonstrably compliant with the objectives as there have been no exceedances for five years.

National air quality monitoring data follows a similar trend to that observed locally. Furthermore, predictions of future trends in NO₂ show that a recurrence of exceedances of the air quality objectives in the AQMAs is highly improbable.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, Councillor Christine Warner said: “Air pollution is associated with several adverse health impacts. It is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children, the elderly, and those with existing heart and lung conditions.

“Ongoing reviews of air quality in two of the Council’s Air Quality Management Areas for Whitby Road/Station Road in Ellesmere Port and Fluin Lane in Frodsham; have shown evidence to revoke this status.

“The Council is confident that compliance has been and will continue to be achieved. However, monitoring of NO₂ will continue at worst-case locations in the current AQMAs to confirm that ambient levels of the pollutant remain compliant with the national objectives and to gauge improvements in local air quality over time.

“We’re currently asking residents to get in touch with us if they have any views on this proposal and further details are available on the Council’s website.”

ENDS

The Ellesmere Port (Whitby Road / Station Road) AQMA was declared in 2005 in order to address road traffic related nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) affecting residential properties on parts of Whitby Road, Station Road and Princes Road. At the time of declaration annual mean NO₂ was measured at 44.5 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³) – as compared to the national air quality objective of 40 μg/m³. Over time the ambient levels of NO₂ have gradually reduced such that, as of 2022 (the last full calendar year for which ratified monitoring results are available) those levels stood at 29.2 μg/m³.

Frodsham AQMA was declared in 2015, also due to NO2 from road vehicles, and covers a small number of residential properties on Fluin Lane and High Street (A56) in Frodsham. Annual mean NO2 levels of 41.5 μg/m³ at declaration have declined to a maximum of 28.4 μg/m³ in 2022.

Link to webpage - Revocation of Air Quality Management Areas in Ellesmere Port and Frodsham | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Bike Week is the UK’s biggest awareness-raising moment of the year for cycling and provides an opportunity to remind ourselves about the positives bikes can bring, for our health and wellbeing, as well as our communities and the planet.

Organised by Cycling UK, this year’s theme is be a bike hero. By being a bike hero we can build a happier and greener world through cycling, saving the planet, saving money and boosting our wellbeing.

There are lots of opportunities for us all to get out on a bike, whether we’re an avid cyclist already or haven’t been on a bike since we were a child.

Here's some ideas to help you get out on your bike.

• Replace a short journey you’d usually take by car
• Take the kids out for a bike ride, or ride to and from school
• Encourage friends to join you on a ride
• Join a bike week event in your area
• Inspire others by sharing your cycling journey on social media. Use the hashtags #BikeWeekUK and #BikeHero

There are lots of tips and advice to get you out on your bike on the Cycling UK website.

Free cycle training for schools

The Council’s Road Safety Team continues to work with schools across the borough to offer free cycle Bikeability training for pupils. The training is organised and delivered across the borough by the Council’s delivery provider, Bikeright.

Any schools in west Cheshire can take part in the training programme, which provides young people with the skills and confidence to ride their bike safely.

For further information and to book a space visit the Bikeright website.

Active Travel Festival – Sunday, 16 June

The Active Travel Festival (AtFest) will be returning for its second year to Chester city centre, promoting all modes of active travel and the benefits for our health and communities. The event, which is take place in Town Hall Square, is part of the wider Chester Green Weekend event. There will be a range of activities taking place on the day from bike health checks, freestyle mountain bike stunt displays, security marking of bikes and films and talks.

Find out more over on the AtFest website.

Cycle buddy scheme

If you are keen to get on your bike but are unsure of routes or need a bit of a confidence boost to take that first step, the Chester Cycling Campaign’s Cycle Buddy Scheme could be the ideal solution. The free scheme matches experienced volunteer cyclists who are Campaign members with those aged 18 or over who would like some support to help them cycle more in Chester. Find out more on the Chester Cycling Campaign website.