City council wants residents’ views on sustainability in new green drive.
Milton Keynes City Council is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on a bold new draft Sustainability Strategy that sets out a vision to make MK one of the world’s leading sustainable cities.
The council’s new strategy describes how the whole city and all council operations could be net zero by 2030, which is 20 years ahead of the legal deadline. Net zero means greenhouse gases have been balanced out by reducing harmful emissions.
This goal – while ambitious – is built on years of progress including the city council cutting carbon emissions by tens of thousands of tonnes and reducing its energy use by 80%.
Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park is now generating enough energy to power 11,000 homes and the city council has secured funding to make 1,500 council homes more energy efficient, with some tenants already benefitting from lower energy bills. More than 8,000 trees have been planted in recent years, including ten forest gardens.
The draft strategy outlines how the city will tackle climate change and reduce emissions, and how the community will benefit as a result. Collaboration is a key part of the strategy; residents and businesses have a vital role to play in making Milton Keynes fully sustainable.
The strategy has five key themes:
- Economy – Encouraging green jobs, supporting local businesses to seize the opportunities of net zero, and driving a circular economy
- Energy – Supporting renewable energy use and plans for a city-wide District Heating Network
- Emissions – Investing in sustainable public transport and decarbonising council vehicles and homes
- Environment – Protecting and enhancing the city’s green spaces and biodiversity
- Engagement – Working hand-in-hand with communities
“This draft strategy not only gives us the foundations to protect our environment but also creates real opportunities for everyone in our city,” said Cllr Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking.
“From green jobs and better homes to cleaner transport and healthier communities, this is a plan for the future. The only way we can make a real difference and achieve our sustainability goals is if everyone comes on this journey with us.”
