A council said it had been forced to push its “ambitious” net zero target back by nine years, after conceding a “more realistic plan” was needed.
West Suffolk Council had hoped to be completely net zero by 2030, having declared a climate emergency in September 2019.
The authority said it had made “significant progress” in reducing its carbon emissions while helping homeowners, businesses and the wider community do the same.
However, it said due to “elements out of our control” a “more deliverable timeline” had to be established, with a revised target of 2039 being set.
‘Being honest is key’
Gerald Kelly, independent cabinet member for governance, regulatory and environment, said net zero by 2030 was “an ambitious aim”.
“Pushing ourselves to hit that target has put us in the strong position we are in today, but due to elements out of our control, we now need a more realistic plan,” he said.
“And being honest about that fact is a key part of maintaining trust in this agenda.”
Since declaring a climate emergency, the authority said it had prevented at least 7,000 tonnes of carbon consumed by third parties such as homes, businesses and community groups from entering the atmosphere every year.
Through various schemes, it said it had also helped those struggling with the cost of living to manage energy costs.
The council’s own carbon consumption currently stands at just below 5,000 tonnes each year – 13% lower in absolute terms than in 2019, it said.
It also wants to remove a further 1,000 tonnes before 2029 and plant 5,000 trees.
