Tackling Climate Change in Essex
Essex,
Essex Climate Action Commission
In response to the climate emergency, the Essex Climate Action Commission (ECAC) was established. ECAC is an independent, voluntary and cross-party body, whose aim is to promote and guide climate action in the county. The Commission is working to provide expert advice and up-to-date recommendations to move Essex to net zero by 2050. The ECAC has made a number of recommendations including that all new homes and all new commercial buildings granted planning permissions to be carbon zero by 2025 and carbon positive by 2030. One of a number of strands of work, supported by the Commission, is research to assess the cost and viability of achieving net zero carbon development across a range of building types. Different options for achieving net zero carbon are being explored and evaluated against criteria that include their initial capital costs (and impact on development viability), long term maintenance costs and running costs and comfort levels for occupiers.
The research includes an assessment of current thinking about definitions of zero carbon development and how this can be achieved ahead of the government timetable, as well as consultation with both the Essex local planning authorities and the development industry active in the county.
The study report is expected later in the spring.
