Mole Valley Reports Progress Towards Climate Change Goals

On 19 March 2024, Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) Cabinet will be asked to note progress on the district’s Climate Change Action Plan. The report emphasises MVDC’s commitment to combatting climate change and outlines key achievements and future plans to reduce carbon emissions.

MVDC declared a Climate Emergency in June 2019 and pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. A Climate Change Strategy, endorsed in October 2021, outlined initial actions to reduce the council’s carbon footprint and a target of reducing MVDC emissions to 2500 tonnes CO2e by 2025 has been set in March 2022. In the same year, MVDC adopted a sustainable procurement charter guiding the selection process for preferred bidders based on using environmentally friendly products, innovative technology, and flexible working methods.

The annual report provides an overview of progress made across four strategic priorities included in MVDC Climate Change Strategy:

1. Priority 1: Reduce emissions from MVDC’s estate and operations:

• Progress made on installing solar PV at Leatherhead Leisure Centre and LED lighting at Dorking Leisure Centre and Leatherhead Leisure Centre.
• Structural surveys and re-procurements affected progress but initiatives like installing LED lighting and improving energy efficiency at Pippbrook House are underway.
• Procurement of renewable energy contracts and environmentally friendly cleaning services signify MVDC’s dedication to sustainable practices.

1. Priority 2: Reducing energy consumption and emissions:

• Nearly completed installation of 90 EV charging points in MVDC-owned car parks and ongoing communication campaigns to promote energy efficiency.
• Collaboration with Surrey County Council for sustainable transportation initiatives like Mole Valley Connect and measures to reduce taxi emissions.

1. Priority 3: Reducing consumption of resources and waste:

• Successful roll-out of food waste recycling in flats and efforts to promote water efficiency and recycling among residents and businesses.
• Engagement with Action Surrey to provide energy efficiency guidance and grants for households.

1. Priority 4: Supporting adaptation to climate change impacts:

• Adoption of a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and implementation of measures to address extreme heat and drought resilience.
• Community engagement, conservation efforts, and partnerships to enhance resilience and biodiversity in Mole Valley.

The report also addresses MVDC’s carbon footprint and outlines plans for future action, including a review of the Action Plan to align with changing government policies and evolving targets.

Councillor Claire Malcomson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Wellbeing said: “MVDC remains committed to combatting climate change and working towards achieving our net-zero targets. We’ve made significant progress since declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019 but there is still a lot to deliver and this is a journey that never stops. Changing government policies and evolving targets mean that our Action Plan needs to be constantly reviewed and sometimes – timelines and deliverables adjusted.

“Whilst I am pleased with the progress that is being made, I am cautious about the future. The impacts of climate change and the ability to moderate its acceleration are of course a global issue, but I am conscious that we need to plot a clearer path to net-zero taking advantage of every opportunity presented in all areas of MVDC’s operations.

We will continue to work diligently towards a greener, more sustainable future for Mole Valley and an updated Action Plan will be issued later this year.”

Councillor Rosemary Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Community Services added: “Recycling remains high on our agenda to support the Climate Change Action Plan by reducing the need to deal with residual waste. I’m delighted to see our recycling rates have now reached their highest level in 3 years. This is excellent progress, but we know we can capture more recycling from our residents, so let’s keep going!

“I’m also very proud of the results achieved during the food waste recycling rollouts to 1,768 flats in Mole Valley during August 2023. Post monitoring analysis has shown the biggest capture of food waste our partnership has ever had from a rollout – over 77kg/hh/yr of food waste was collected for recycling. These are fantastic results, and I would like to thank Surrey Environmental Partnership (SEP) and our residents for all their efforts.”