Climate Emergency

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The Climate Emergency facing our world is a very real issue, but there is plenty we can do to take action to help protect our planet.

Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a Climate Emergency in the borough in 2019 and put forward its Climate Emergency Response plan, which aims to help the borough become carbon neutral by 2045.

This is a space to share ideas, stories and tips about what you are doing locally to reduce your carbon emissions and impact on the environment. Now's the time to react and play your part to make our borough carbon neutral.


The Climate Emergency facing our world is a very real issue, but there is plenty we can do to take action to help protect our planet.

Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a Climate Emergency in the borough in 2019 and put forward its Climate Emergency Response plan, which aims to help the borough become carbon neutral by 2045.

This is a space to share ideas, stories and tips about what you are doing locally to reduce your carbon emissions and impact on the environment. Now's the time to react and play your part to make our borough carbon neutral.


What are you doing to tackle the Climate Emergency?

Residents, community groups, schools and businesses across the borough are busy playing their part to protect our local environment and reduce their impact on the planet by reducing their carbon emissions.

Lots of people taking action together can make a big impact and we want to hear all about the things you are doing. It could be a short tip, a blog or vlog on a certain topic, a pledge to say what you hope to achieve or about an event you’ve organised.

By sharing your story, you could inspire others across the borough to take action today and help us achieve our ambition of being a carbon neutral borough.

Please add your story here

  • You can add text, photos and videos to your story
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  • Please remember this is a public space, so please do not share any personal information about yourself or others in your comment.

We may occasionally contact people who have uploaded an inspiring story to ask if we could share it wider, such as on the Council's social media channels or our Climate Emergency enewsletter. We will always ask permission before we do this and we will only share stories with your approval.

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  • Share Responsible Investment: our pledge to climate change on Facebook Share Responsible Investment: our pledge to climate change on X (formerly Twitter) Share Responsible Investment: our pledge to climate change on Linkedin Email Responsible Investment: our pledge to climate change link

    Responsible Investment: our pledge to climate change

    by CheshirePensionFund, almost 5 years ago

    Many of you will know that a Local Government Pension Scheme is what’s known as a defined benefit (DB) scheme, meaning an individual’s pension benefits aren’t linked to investment returns, rather they are guaranteed with the cost shared between scheme members, their employers and ultimately the taxpayer

    Local Government Pension Funds have historically been invested across multiple areas to achieve strong investment returns to meet their fiduciary duties - to pay pensions, and in turn minimise the cost of the benefits that fall back on to the local taxpayer.

    In recent years there has been an increased focus on ESG... Continue reading

    Many of you will know that a Local Government Pension Scheme is what’s known as a defined benefit (DB) scheme, meaning an individual’s pension benefits aren’t linked to investment returns, rather they are guaranteed with the cost shared between scheme members, their employers and ultimately the taxpayer

    Local Government Pension Funds have historically been invested across multiple areas to achieve strong investment returns to meet their fiduciary duties - to pay pensions, and in turn minimise the cost of the benefits that fall back on to the local taxpayer.

    In recent years there has been an increased focus on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and climate change factors informing investment decisions. This is also becoming part of a normal day to day routine for many people - whether they are shopping, investing, or looking at their lifestyle choices.

    Cheshire West and Chester Council, as manager of the Cheshire Pension Fund, is working to ensure the Fund’s investment meet ambitious targets for reducing the Fund’s carbon footprint, ensuring we’re a responsible investor overall, whilst still meeting our fiduciary duties.

    We have aligned to the Paris Agreement, probably the most well-known and globally accepted as a way in which we can positively impact climate change. We’ve also started to steadily decarbonise our listed equities portfolio.

    The Council is working alongside like-minded organisations to support the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. We have already committed to investing in sustainable and low carbon products, as well as working with other LGPS funds to use our holdings in companies to influence and encourage positive behaviours.

    Ensuring that our investment managers are holding discussions with companies who aren’t taking climate change seriously, and influencing behaviours is another way that we are taking climate change seriously.

    We have committed to setting ambitious targets to reduce the carbon footprint of the Fund’s listed equities portfolio. These are already 30% below the general market, with a target to be 50% below by 2023. We mean what we say.

    Going further, we have also committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our listed equities portfolio by 7.6% each year ensuring the Fund is aligned with the United Nation’s recommendation, which stated that ‘global greenhouse gases must fall by 7.6% each year between 2020 and 2039 to achieve the Paris climate target of reducing the rise in global temperatures to 1.5c.’

    The Council will also seek to invest an increasing proportion of Fund assets in low carbon and sustainable assets.

    Put simply – we believe in action by responsible investors to change the way we invest, and the way major corporations and organisations behave towards the environment. It’s not something we can simply do overnight but it’s something we’re striving towards, setting meaningful and achievable targets along the way.

    We will keep you updated on our website www.cheshirepensionfund.org/members/

  • Share Video recorded by Newton Primary School pupils promotes the benefits of recycling on Facebook Share Video recorded by Newton Primary School pupils promotes the benefits of recycling on X (formerly Twitter) Share Video recorded by Newton Primary School pupils promotes the benefits of recycling on Linkedin Email Video recorded by Newton Primary School pupils promotes the benefits of recycling link

    Video recorded by Newton Primary School pupils promotes the benefits of recycling

    almost 5 years ago

    Pupils at Newton Primary School have collaborated to record a video that promotes the benefits of recycling and delivers a strong anti-littering message.

    Pupils at Newton Primary School have collaborated to record a video that promotes the benefits of recycling and delivers a strong anti-littering message.

  • Share Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral Project on Facebook Share Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral Project on X (formerly Twitter) Share Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral Project on Linkedin Email Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral Project link

    Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral Project

    by Ashton Hayes Community Energy, almost 5 years ago

    The Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral Project was launched to the public on 26th January 2006 and since then we have met hundreds of communities, formed a village energy company (Ashton Hayes Community Energy C.I.C.) and have enjoyed global media coverage. Everything we have done is available via our website www.goingcarbonneutral.co.uk including a timeline summarising our activity over the past 15 years.

    We have 30kWp of PV panels on our village school:

    We also have 10kWp of PV panels on our environmentally-friendly sports pavilion, which have just clocked up 100,000kWh since installation in 2011.

    The Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral Project was launched to the public on 26th January 2006 and since then we have met hundreds of communities, formed a village energy company (Ashton Hayes Community Energy C.I.C.) and have enjoyed global media coverage. Everything we have done is available via our website www.goingcarbonneutral.co.uk including a timeline summarising our activity over the past 15 years.

    We have 30kWp of PV panels on our village school:

    We also have 10kWp of PV panels on our environmentally-friendly sports pavilion, which have just clocked up 100,000kWh since installation in 2011.

  • Share BBC NW Live from Ashton Hayes on Facebook Share BBC NW Live from Ashton Hayes on X (formerly Twitter) Share BBC NW Live from Ashton Hayes on Linkedin Email BBC NW Live from Ashton Hayes link

    BBC NW Live from Ashton Hayes

    by Ashton Hayes Community Energy, almost 5 years ago
    Judy Hobson, environment correspondent, will be live from Ashton Hayes on BBC North West Tonight at 6:30pm this evening. She will introduce a piece about young people in the village and their views and concerns about climate change.
    Judy Hobson, environment correspondent, will be live from Ashton Hayes on BBC North West Tonight at 6:30pm this evening. She will introduce a piece about young people in the village and their views and concerns about climate change.
  • Share Soft plastics recycling and composting on Facebook Share Soft plastics recycling and composting on X (formerly Twitter) Share Soft plastics recycling and composting on Linkedin Email Soft plastics recycling and composting link

    Soft plastics recycling and composting

    by Gerry Holton, almost 5 years ago

    In addition to the current arrangements within West (and East) buildings for recycling paper, bottles and tins, I have spoken to a BSO and the cleaners and there is now the facility on my floor in Nicholas House for recycling food waste, crisp packets and, most recently, soft plastic.

    The food waste caddy I empty regularly and take home. The Envirosip cups and spoons go in here!

    Crisp packets I collect separately (as they are greasy) and take to Chester Zoo (when they take them - a bit of a hiatus during the pandemic.)

    Soft plastic (as long as it... Continue reading

    In addition to the current arrangements within West (and East) buildings for recycling paper, bottles and tins, I have spoken to a BSO and the cleaners and there is now the facility on my floor in Nicholas House for recycling food waste, crisp packets and, most recently, soft plastic.

    The food waste caddy I empty regularly and take home. The Envirosip cups and spoons go in here!

    Crisp packets I collect separately (as they are greasy) and take to Chester Zoo (when they take them - a bit of a hiatus during the pandemic.)

    Soft plastic (as long as it is clean) can now be recycled at Tesco and Co-op stores, so I take a bag there every week or so. All that clingfilm, sweet wrappers, bags and plastic lids that would otherwise be binned.

    I try to do my bit. Whilst it is important to aim to recycle as much as we possibly can, we should however strive to use less packaging in the first place.

    Thanks.

    Gerry Holton (Cheshire East ICT Services but based in Nicholas House)

  • Share Climate Action for Small Businesses on Facebook Share Climate Action for Small Businesses on X (formerly Twitter) Share Climate Action for Small Businesses on Linkedin Email Climate Action for Small Businesses link

    Climate Action for Small Businesses

    by CWBusinessGrowthProgramme, almost 5 years ago

    The University of Chester is hosting a free Climate Action for Small Businesses event on Wednesday 3rd November in partnership with Positive Planet.

    The event is designed for small businesses, charities, social enterprises and organisations who support them - essentially any individual tasked with leading on the climate agenda and sustainability or who wants to understand more. It will help you understand why and how to get started with your organisation's journey to carbon neutral or net zero.

    Tackling climate change and your emissions now will also help you to future-proof your organisation through reduced energy bills, improved marketing and... Continue reading

    The University of Chester is hosting a free Climate Action for Small Businesses event on Wednesday 3rd November in partnership with Positive Planet.

    The event is designed for small businesses, charities, social enterprises and organisations who support them - essentially any individual tasked with leading on the climate agenda and sustainability or who wants to understand more. It will help you understand why and how to get started with your organisation's journey to carbon neutral or net zero.

    Tackling climate change and your emissions now will also help you to future-proof your organisation through reduced energy bills, improved marketing and branding and attracting/retaining customers and talent.

    • Demystifying frequently used climate terms.
    • A simple guide to measuring your carbon footprint.
    • Reducing your carbon footprint (and offsetting options).
    • Behaviour change and engaging your stakeholders.
    • Certification routes.

    Book your free place via Eventbrite https://climate-action-for-small-businesses.eventbrite.co.uk

  • Share How to move your money out of fossil fuels on Facebook Share How to move your money out of fossil fuels on X (formerly Twitter) Share How to move your money out of fossil fuels on Linkedin Email How to move your money out of fossil fuels link

    How to move your money out of fossil fuels

    by Jones80, almost 5 years ago

    The world's 60 biggest private banks have funnelled nearly £2.8 trillion into fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement was struck in 2015. The UK's five biggest banks - Barclays, HSBC, Natwest, Lloyds Banking Group and Standard Chartered - invested nearly £40.4bn into the coal industry alone between 2018 and 2020 (according to campaigners Urgewald and Reclaim Finance)

    Banks can use your money - whether held in an account, pension or other investments - to loan to or invest in businesses around the world. This can mean your money could go toward for example, building an oil pipeline, or funding deforesting... Continue reading

    The world's 60 biggest private banks have funnelled nearly £2.8 trillion into fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement was struck in 2015. The UK's five biggest banks - Barclays, HSBC, Natwest, Lloyds Banking Group and Standard Chartered - invested nearly £40.4bn into the coal industry alone between 2018 and 2020 (according to campaigners Urgewald and Reclaim Finance)

    Banks can use your money - whether held in an account, pension or other investments - to loan to or invest in businesses around the world. This can mean your money could go toward for example, building an oil pipeline, or funding deforesting projects.

    By 'divesting' your own personal finances and moving away from companies that are still funding fossil fuel projects, it is possible to make an immediate impact. This could include switching your current account, savings accounts, cash ISAs, investment funds and pensions.

    For more information, please visit:

    - How to move your money out of fossil fuels | Friends of the Earth

    - https://bank.green/

  • Share TB Electrics - Giving you back the Power- Because we care on Facebook Share TB Electrics - Giving you back the Power- Because we care on X (formerly Twitter) Share TB Electrics - Giving you back the Power- Because we care on Linkedin Email TB Electrics - Giving you back the Power- Because we care link

    TB Electrics - Giving you back the Power- Because we care

    by LouB@TBE, almost 5 years ago

    We are a Northwich based, family run business and have been installing energy efficient technologies for over ten years. At TB Electrics we saw, many years ago, that investment in these technologies was the way forward and over the years we have installed many Solar PV systems for businesses and residential customers to be able to generate their own electricity - reduce their carbon emissions and save money in the process. Pre lockdown we started our own initiative and spoke to local Northwich businesses about this - many came on board and made changes to areas such as lighting, to... Continue reading

    We are a Northwich based, family run business and have been installing energy efficient technologies for over ten years. At TB Electrics we saw, many years ago, that investment in these technologies was the way forward and over the years we have installed many Solar PV systems for businesses and residential customers to be able to generate their own electricity - reduce their carbon emissions and save money in the process. Pre lockdown we started our own initiative and spoke to local Northwich businesses about this - many came on board and made changes to areas such as lighting, to help them become more energy efficient, reduce their carbon emissions and save money on their energy bills as well. Unfortunately lockdown put a stop to us visiting many premises, however we are back on it now and we will keep you informed of businesses that are making the change and showing you what difference they are making.

    Wright Marshall Estate Agents were one of the first to take us up on our offer and they have a bright shiny well lit office to showcase how LED Lighting makes a difference - here is a copy of the certificate that we issued at the time, however with the big hike in electricity costs I am sure that the savings they are making are even higher than this now

    I will keep you updated with other businesses or people that have made their mark - let me know if you would like to have a chat about how we could help you to reduce your carbon emissions - you can reach us on 01925 407273

  • Share 30th October join our first Climate Cafe - Storyhouse 11am on Facebook Share 30th October join our first Climate Cafe - Storyhouse 11am on X (formerly Twitter) Share 30th October join our first Climate Cafe - Storyhouse 11am on Linkedin Email 30th October join our first Climate Cafe - Storyhouse 11am link

    30th October join our first Climate Cafe - Storyhouse 11am

    by Eco Communities, almost 5 years ago

    What is a Climate Café?

    A confidential, warm, friendly meet-up, involving cake and hot drinks, to talk about what our changing climate means for us and explore whatever feelings we have.

    We have no guest speakers, no lectures, no advice, no commitment, an action-free space. The focus is our thoughts and feelings about climate change, rather than what we’re doing about climate change. We may well bring our Craftivism projects along to work on at the same time (ask us about Craftivism when you join us).

    We look forward to welcoming you. Want to know more ? Email helenchesterfoe@hotmail.com

    What is a Climate Café?

    A confidential, warm, friendly meet-up, involving cake and hot drinks, to talk about what our changing climate means for us and explore whatever feelings we have.

    We have no guest speakers, no lectures, no advice, no commitment, an action-free space. The focus is our thoughts and feelings about climate change, rather than what we’re doing about climate change. We may well bring our Craftivism projects along to work on at the same time (ask us about Craftivism when you join us).

    We look forward to welcoming you. Want to know more ? Email helenchesterfoe@hotmail.com

  • Share Cheshire West Libraries working with Eco Communities on Facebook Share Cheshire West Libraries working with Eco Communities on X (formerly Twitter) Share Cheshire West Libraries working with Eco Communities on Linkedin Email Cheshire West Libraries working with Eco Communities link

    Cheshire West Libraries working with Eco Communities

    almost 5 years ago


    Libraries are, by their nature, more environmentally friendly than many other units in town centres. A typical purchased book is read around once while a library book can be read by over fifty people. Libraries do not give out single-use plastic and are working towards introducing more environmentally friendly library cards. Every library has an annual environmental audit to Free access to computers in all libraries mean there is less need to purchase personal IT equipment.

    Recognising this, we are working with Eco Communities to spread the message by attending fairs such as at the Big Green Week Festival on... Continue reading


    Libraries are, by their nature, more environmentally friendly than many other units in town centres. A typical purchased book is read around once while a library book can be read by over fifty people. Libraries do not give out single-use plastic and are working towards introducing more environmentally friendly library cards. Every library has an annual environmental audit to Free access to computers in all libraries mean there is less need to purchase personal IT equipment.

    Recognising this, we are working with Eco Communities to spread the message by attending fairs such as at the Big Green Week Festival on Saturday 25 September and at the Sustainable Cheshire Winter Fair on 13 November at Rowton Hall in Chester (see Sustainable Cheshire Fair Tickets, Sat 13 Nov 2021 at 10:00 | Eventbrite).

    Libraries will also be appearing on Tellus TV on 26 October at 7pm to talk about how libraries are responding to the Climate Emergency. For more details, see Tellus TV - Why lending books beats buying - Crowdcast