Our Strategy and Performance

Local Authorities have an important and dynamic role in delivering carbon reduction in their local area. Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to think globally but act locally with a sense of urgency, priority and scale. The role of Local Government is broad and far ranging. We have a unique opportunity to affect change in a variety of work areas, such as housing, land management, planning, green infrastructure, waste, communications – so can have a real and cascading impact.

What is Ashford doing?

Our Corporate Strategy which influences all the work of the council has a long term aim for the local authority to be a Green Pioneer, where every community and individual plays their part in becoming a carbon neutral borough, through a more sustainable way of life.

In our climate change strategy agreed by Cabinet in 2021 we have recognised our role and take responsibility, with targets set to meet net zero carbon in council assets and services by 2030 and borough-wide for 2050. We aim to do this through a proactive approach, which includes the following:

De-carbonising our own buildings and services, learning and then leading by example.
Support increased generation of renewable energy and use of low carbon technologies.
Supporting our communities through information sharing and signposting funding.
Setting up partnerships to work together to influence change.
A commitment to continuously learn and explore different approaches to help us all reduce our climate change impacts.

You can read our full climate action strategy and plan [pdf] 1125KB but broadly our workplan to 2024 sits under the following 8 priority headings.

Circular graphic listing Ashford Borough Council's priorities to making the transition to net zero. These are: raise awareness, deliver low carbon services, increase renewable energy, encourage sustainable transport, grow a green economy, create sustainable buildings, support biodiversity and increase reuse and recycling.

Take Action

We can only make an impact if we work collectively. Please sign up to our Community Climate Action Forum if you are a resident who would like to help direct our future activity through polls and questionnaires and/or receive information on the agenda, events and work of our partners. We want to develop a localised approach, which may mean different Parishes, groups and communities need help in different ways and you can help us co design our work - if you are interested then find out more about our Climate Action Forum.

Alternatively, please visit these webpages or our Facebook or Instagram pages regularly for updates, tips and advice.