Throughout Essex, there are a number of schemes and initiatives that can help you reduce your carbon footprint, in turn helping Essex reach its net zero targets.
This page will be regularly updated as different campaigns come and go.
Involve Local Climate Engagement Project
In 2022, Essex County Council successfully applied to become part of Involve’s Local Climate Engagement Project Group. It was one of only five local authorities to be selected from a pool of 75 applicants. The project aims to help develop strategies for greater depth of public participation in the Climate Focus Area (CFA) project.
The CFA will act as a demonstration site for Essex for best practices in sustainable land use management. The catchment areas surrounding the River Colne and the River Blackwater have been selected so a more focused effort can be made to combat climate change in Essex.
Involve is supporting parish councils and their stakeholders in Stisted, Tiptree and Wivenhoe parishes to develop Local Nature Plans. Workshops have been held in each of the three areas to understand what local people think about local nature and what they believe the local parish council should prioritise to protect and enhance it. You can find out more about how Involve works with local authorities to engage the public here.
Solar Together Essex is a group-buying scheme that enables Essex residents and businesses to install solar panels at an affordable price. The scheme provides a straightforward and safe way for you to generate your own energy and save money on future energy bills.
If you're an Essex homeowner with a household income below £30,000, you may be eligible for up to £10,000 of work to make energy efficient improvements to your home through the Sustainable Warmth Scheme. Previously called the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme.
Use the link provided to check your eligibility.
In October 2019, Essex County Council committed to plant £1million worth of trees over the next five years, with an aim of planting 375,000 trees in total. The tree plantings under the Essex Forest Initiative will lock up carbon, in turn offsetting the carbon produced which is contributing to ongoing climate change, whilst also improving air quality, encouraging biodiversity, and reducing flooding.
Property Flood Resilience Grant
With the Property Flood Resilience (PFR) grant you can get up to £8000 to protect your property against flooding. Since 2014, PFR grants have been made available to Essex residents who have experienced flood water entering their property.
Warm Homes Essex helps those living in fuel poor households by providing professional and expert advice.
The Essex Waste Partnership and the Cleaner Essex group aim to inspire Essex residents to reduce their waste. The Love Essex campaigns support residents to avoid waste by opting for reusable items in place of single-use products. The reuse of items by purchasing or donating preloved items is also encouraged. The recycling of items through kerbside collections is championed. Items should only be thrown away if they cannot be passed on or recycled.
BLUEPRINT to a Circular Economy
Funded by the Interreg FCE programme and led by Essex County Council, BLUEPRINT will help councils across England and France transition to a circular economy. By creating policies and strategies for local authorities, rolling out a new training programme and launching behaviour change campaigns, the project will help to embed circular principles within local communities.