Climate Action

Our commitments

Climate action plan

Environment is one of the four core strategic aims in Everyone’s Essex, our plan for levelling up the county and, under this, five commitments were made:

reach net zero
deliver sustainable transport and built environment
minimise waste
empower communities to lower their carbon footprint and build climate resilience
level up the environment by enhancing our county’s green infrastructure

To achieve these ambitious goals, a £200 million programme of work is set out in our Climate Action Plan. The plan was based on recommendations from the Essex Climate Action Commission.

In addition, there is an aim for a strong, inclusive and sustainable economy which includes a commitment to green growth in Essex. This encompasses developing Essex as a centre for innovation, supporting new technologies and business models to enable our economy to transition to net zero and secure green jobs for the future by ensuring we have the right local skills and drawing down investment opportunities.

Essex Climate Action Commission

The Essex Climate Action Commission was set up to advise on tackling the climate crisis. The Commission has over 30 members, with specialist knowledge of climate and environment topics.

Commissioners include:

councillors
academics
business people
two young co-chairs

The Commission published its report Net Zero: Making Essex Carbon Neutral in July 2021. The report recommends a comprehensive plan to get Essex to net zero by 2050, and to make the county more resilient to the impacts of our changing climate.

The recommendations are for everyone in Essex: all public sector organisations, businesses, charities, communities and residents.

The Essex County Council Climate Action Plan is our response to the recommendations setting out how we are playing our part to tackle climate change in Essex.

We report annually on progress across the county. Our first Essex Climate Action Annual Report was published in November 2022.

Ways to take action

Climate Action advice packs

Available to download now, the Climate Action advice packs suggest cost-effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Three different versions of the advice packs are available, offering ideas relevant to:

residents
businesses
schools

Carbon Cutting Essex app

Carbon Cutting Essex is a free mobile app, helping people learn more about cutting their carbon footprints. First, earn points by completing fun weekly activities. Then, these points can be used to enter prize draws, donate to charity or earn personal discounts.

Learn more about the Carbon Cutting Essex app, including where to download.

Love Essex

Love Essex is a waste and recycling partnership between Essex County Council and district, borough and city councils. The partnership provides ideas and advice on how to minimise waste, for example, through home composting and food recycling.

Learn more about Love Essex and its campaigns.