Be the change you want to see in Reading

November will be the start of Reading Borough Council’s campaign to remind everyone what you can do to tackle climate change.

The council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and during November you can find out what it has done to lower our carbon emissions, simple actions you can take to help, and what others in the Borough are doing.

The Council has committed to achieving a target of net-zero carbon emissions for its own operations by 2030 and is leading by example:

• When it comes to sustainable management of waste – increased our recycling rate from 32% up to 52% over the last year by introducing food waste collections for residents.
• Promoted active travel and public transport – our investment in the cycle and pedestrian routes, bus priority measures and a clean bus fleet continues. This has enabled Reading Buses to buck (pre-pandemic) national trends for declining bus use.
• Invested in the electrification of the Council’s vehicle fleet – in addition to a number of electric vehicles (EVs) already in our fleet, and plans for more to come. In September our first new EV refuse truck hit the streets – powered by electricity generated from the food waste we collect from residents.
• Installed heat pumps in Council buildings and housing to take advantage of low carbon electricity and support the move away from gas.

Starting Monday, November 1 and to complement COP26, we will aim to educate, engage and inspire residents to make positive changes and reduce their carbon footprint.

The four-week campaign; Be the change you want to see in Reading will focus on:

• COP26
• Action being taken; the Reading Climate Emergency Strategy and Council Carbon Plan
• How residents can get involved, hints and tips - how the small things can make a big difference
• Be inspired, find out more and get involved

Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “There is lots to be done and we can't do it on our own - we need residents, communities, businesses and organisations across Reading to get involved.

“The Council recognises the importance of leading by example in taking action on climate change."

“The Climate Emergency is everybody’s responsibility and no one organisation can deliver a net-zero carbon Reading in isolation, but by working together I am sure we can rise to this vital challenge."

“Our four-week climate change campaign is an opportunity to learn and be inspired to build a cleaner, greener town. I urge residents, communities, businesses and organisations to get involved and make the commitment to make one change at a time.”