New strategy approved to help cut carbon emissions in Doncaster

The strategy, which ultimately aims for the council to become ‘net zero’ in CO2 emissions by 2040, considers the impacts of issues and interventions from both a global and more localised perspective.

It outlines the challenges the council faces – like having the heaviest traffic in South Yorkshire – along with ways to tackle it.

Mayor Ros Jones said the strategy was a lengthy, well detailed document which included evidence and opinion on the current situation across the borough.

Statistics ranged on a number of topics from energy efficiency in homes, air quality concerns and modes of transport used in the borough.

Efforts will also be made to invest and use more clean energy sources as a means of industry and transport.

Officers are aware of the financial constraints moving forward and the reliance of central government intervention on some issues in the future.

They also note that many businesses in the borough will likely struggle to fund the adaptations towards more green ways of operating following on from the floods of 2019 and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

But bosses at Doncaster Council say environment-focused interventions represent a ‘significant economic recovery’ and growth opportunities which can create jobs, support new enterprises, and encourage better partnership working amongst businesses.

Addressing cabinet members, Mayor Jones said: “Our consultation has been quite extensive and this is not just the council but a joint effort with our close partners right across Doncaster, businesses, communities and our residents.

“Everyone can play their part for the borough to become carbon neutral by 2040. We have already started and we will continue on that track.

“As many will know, we’ve purchased electric cars, we have altered our street lighting so we save energy and we are looking at saving more energy when we build more social housing. Much more will follow.

“We believe it is our responsibility to act now for the people of this borough so they have a better future, a better future for our children and our children’s children.”

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