East Suffolk Council is continuing to proactively take steps to reduce its carbon emissions by introducing six new electric vehicles to its fleet run by partners, East Suffolk Norse. The environment is a key principle of East Suffolk’s Strategic Plan and, alongside its declaration of a climate emergency last year, the council is committed to environmental issues and fighting climate change.

Cllr James Mallinder, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Tackling climate change is a priority for East Suffolk Council, and we have pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2030.

“Introducing these carbon-emission free vehicles to our fleet is just another example of how committed and proactive we are in achieving that target. And not only are they a great addition to our green commitments, contributing to cleaner air, they are also financially beneficial as it costs just 14p per kWh to charge them. 

“I strongly believe that making changes such as these to how we operate will make a big difference over time and help build a legacy for future generations. Personally, I will be very proud to see them on our roads.”

Since adopting a climate emergency in July 2019, the Council has begun to thread the environment through all decisions, choices and policy formation. This includes the creation of a cross-party Environment Task Group to analyse existing policy and look at where improvements could be made going forward.

Earlier this year, the Council launched its first Housing Enabling Strategy which will play a key role in achieving the Council's green commitments by providing developers with guidance to ensure homes are energy efficient and built to environmentally sustainable standards.

Additionally, forty new ‘wild areas’ were created across the district to benefit insects and pollinators and town and parish councils are also being encouraged to identify land which could be suitable for tree planting.