Flintshire County Council’s Climate Change Achievements

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet resolved in December 2019 to develop a Climate Change Strategy.

In 2019 the Welsh Government called for the public sector to become carbon neutral by 2030. Following this declaration, Flintshire County Council’s (FCC) Cabinet resolved in December 2019 to develop a Climate Change Strategy which would set key aims and actions for creating a carbon neutral Council by 2030.

A recent revision of the strategy includes new and improved data collection and a clearer understanding of progress, with calculations and methodologies, as well as updated policy and guidance.

The Climate Change Strategy 2025-30 details the Council’s work undertaken so far to propel the Council towards its net zero carbon goal by 2030. 

This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Rationalisation of Council estate including moving employees to a modern, more energy efficient building in Ewloe;

• Building and renovating fit-for-future schools through the 21st Century Schools Programme;

• The replacement of the Council’s streetlighting with LED lamps which use significantly less electricity;

• The introduction of electric recycling vehicles into the fleet;

• Delivery of Active Travel routes across the county and safer routes in the community schemes around schools;

• A review of the Council’s Procurement Strategy with a key ‘Carbon’ theme setting out the Council’s commitments to its suppliers;

• The development of a 15 year Urban Tree and Woodland Plan with the target of achieving 18% urban canopy cover by 2033;

• Collaboration with partners, to generate renewable energy from its waste and recycling to avoid it going to landfill.

These actions have helped the Council decrease its carbon emissions across all key themes within its Climate Change Strategy.

Chris Dolphin – Cabinet Member for Economy, Environment and Climate said: 

“Following the revision of the strategy, and by including new measures, it is wonderful to see the progress that the Council has made in relation to climate change.   It shows that the work and dedication of officers, residents of Flintshire and the scrutiny via the democratic processes is driving the county in the right direction to become a carbon neutral council.”