Climate Change
Climate Emergency
West Lancashire Borough Council recognise the impact of climate change, both locally and globally. We strongly support the need for urgent action to tackle the impacts greenhouse gas emissions are having on our climate and the associated risks this presents.
In support of this, the Council declared a Climate Emergency in July 2019. The declaration included an aspiration to be a carbon neutral Council by 2030 and to take action across the borough of West Lancashire.
The full Climate Emergency Declaration can be viewed here.
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2030
Following our Climate emergency declaration, the Council have developed and adopted a new Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2030. This will act as a route map to achieving our aspirations to reduce emissions directly associated with Council operation and across the wider borough.
Utilising the information we have to date on our current position and the identified key contributors of GHG emissions both from Council operations and Borough-wide activities, the Strategy identifies seven key priority areas for action:
- Delivering a Carbon Neutral Council
- Sustainable Procurement
- Transport and Travel
- Residential buildings
- Commercial activity
- Community Action
- The Natural Environment
The full Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2030 can be viewed here.
Green Homes Grants for Lancashire
Homes within West Lancashire were able to access the energy efficiency grant scheme which was worth up to £10,000 per property. The grant was available to owner-occupiers, private tenants and social housing tenants, although a contribution was required from all Landlords.
The grants were available via 'Cosy Homes in Lancashire' (CHiL) the affordable warmth initiative set up by the 15 Local Authorities in Lancashire with the aim of reducing fuel poverty across the County.
CHiL could help you access the scheme which covered the cost of installing energy saving measures including solid wall insulation and renewable heating technologies such as Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV.
The funding did not cover the cost of gas boiler replacements.
Properties eligible for the grant were those with a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G. Eligible households had to have a combined income of no more than £30,000 with savings of less than £16,000. Anyone in receipt of benefits were likely to qualify.
The scheme closed in December 2021.
Check CHiL (https://www.chil.uk.com/) regularly for up-to-date grant opportunities and schemes.
Electric Vehicle Charge Points
The Council secured grant funding from the On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme delivered by the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to provide convenient and efficient charging for local residents without off-street parking. 41 new charge points installed in 2021 and 2023 are now available to use by the public.
As more residents use electric vehicles, communities will benefit from improved air quality and lower their carbon footprint.
Find out more here.
See our Frequently Asked Questions sheet for more information about the roll-out of the Council's charge points: FAQ
Considering Solar PV for your home?
Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and generating your own renewable energy for use in your home is a great way to reduce your energy demand from the grid and therefore your energy bills.
This green energy also doesn’t release any carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions during generation or transmission, reducing your carbon footprint and your impact on the environment. Find out more here.
