Blaenau Gwent continues planning for a Net Zero borough

Councillors in Blaenau Gwent have approved a new Net Zero 2050 Framework, which sets out how it could move forward and work with local partners and communities to reduce Blaenau Gwent’s carbon emissions and achieve Net Zero by 2050.

The Net Zero 2050 Framework provides a high-level overview of what needs to be done for Blaenau Gwent to achieve Net Zero. The framework covers all carbon emissions in Blaenau Gwent, including from homes, businesses and transport.  Although many of these emissions are outside the Council’s direct control and will also require changes at the national level, the framework is important in giving the Local Authority and its partners an understanding of the path to Net Zero for Blaenau Gwent.

The Framework is structured around four themes: energy, housing, nature and transport.  These themes reflect the priorities of the Blaenau Gwent Climate Assembly, 44 residents of Blaenau Gwent who met online in March 2021 for 23 hours to discuss the question ‘how can we tackle climate change in Blaenau Gwent in a way that is fair and improves living standards for everyone?’ The Assembly Members were chosen at random to be representative of people in Blaenau Gwent and heard evidence from over 20 experts.

Carbon emissions in Blaenau Gwent have reduced 44% between 2005 and the most recent figures in 2022.

Councillors also endorsed a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) which models potential scenarios for a future Net Zero energy system in Blaenau Gwent. The LAEP is a key document in Blaenau Gwent’s journey to Net Zero as the energy system accounts for 70% of Blaenau Gwent’s carbon emissions. The LAEP modelling identifies key challenges for Blaenau Gwent in reaching Net Zero, including the need to increase local renewable energy generation, and to switch away from petrol/diesel vehicles and gas heating of buildings to zero carbon alternatives.

Councillor Helen Cunningham, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Place & Environment says:

“Responding to the climate and nature emergencies remains a top priority for us, and we take our contribution to this global issue very seriously. Through our Decarbonisation Plan, we are doing what we can to reduce the emissions we create delivering our services and are looking at new ways of doing things to reflect our environmental responsibilities.

“To take significant strides forward, we acknowledge that local action needs to happen alongside action on a regional and national basis too. However, we must also be bold and be ready in our planning, as should those changes take place without substantial local action, we will not achieve a Net Zero energy system in Blaenau Gwent.”

The Local Area Energy Plan has been developed with the Welsh Government funding and will help to inform the forthcoming National Energy Plan.