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Suffolk County Council has reduced its direct carbon emissions by 43% since 2019, but faces challenges meeting its 2030 net zero target due to emissions it says are outside its direct control.
Why it matters: The council's progress in reducing emissions shows both achievements and challenges in meeting climate goals, highlighting the complexity of reaching net zero targets in local government.
The big picture: While the council has made significant progress in areas it directly controls, such as buildings and vehicles, it projects reaching only a 48% reduction by 2030 in emissions it influences but doesn't control directly – known as Scope 3 emissions.
Key achievements since 2019:
Street and traffic light emissions down 57%
Vehicle emissions reduced by 50%
Building gas and oil use decreased by 37%
Staff commuting dropped by 30%
Building electricity use cut by 25%
Yes, but: The council acknowledges it is not currently on course to meet its net zero target across all areas by 2030, with particular challenges in addressing emissions from areas like home-to-school transport and staff using their own vehicles for work.
What they're saying: Cabinet Member Philip Faircloth-Mutton said the council hopes to "be an example to other Suffolk businesses" with its success in reducing emissions and energy bills, while acknowledging there is "still much work to do."
Bottom line: While the council ranks among England's top three county councils for reducing direct emissions, the bigger challenge lies in tackling the 65% of emissions where it has influence but less control.
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