Ricardo helps put Devon on pathway to zero carbon emissions

Ricardo head of sustainability Hannah Lawrie has been working as part of a 15-strong task force to develop the interim Devon Carbon Plan to a stage where it is now ready for public consultation.

Over the past year, the Net-Zero Task Force, comprising experts in areas including renewable energy, transport, planning, waste and the environment, has developed the Devon Carbon Plan that aims to deliver a net-zero future for the county.

The task force has been working alongside 25 organizations, including local authorities, emergency services, businesses and voluntary groups, who make up the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group (DCERG).  Residents were also able to contribute their ideas during the evidence-gathering stage at the start of 2020.

The aim was to prepare a collaborative roadmap to create a net-zero Devon where people and nature are able to thrive. The plan would chart the county’s response to the global climate emergency.

All the actions within the Interim Devon Carbon Plan address suggestions from the public and highlight issues suggested for further consideration by a Citizens’ Assembly.

The actions cover a broad range of topics discussed at thematic hearings, including more active travel; improved air quality; better insulation and warmer homes; reduced fuel poverty; and eating more balanced diets, all of which are aimed to improve well-being and public health. The transition to clean technologies will create new jobs, improve energy security and increase economic prosperity.

“We have been able to create a plan that will lead not only to a more sustainable future for the county, but will also enhance the lives of everyone who lives there,” commented Hannah Lawrie. “In May last year, a consortium of public, private and voluntary organisations in the county made a public declaration to develop a way forward that would lead them to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Myself and other members of the task force have worked on this evidence-led plan that will enable them to achieve that goal. We have all brought our own areas of expertise to the table to create a carbon plan that takes in all aspects of life in Devon.”

Residents will be asked to take part in the 10 week consultation phase which commences today, Monday 7th December 2020. The plan will be updated to its final version after the Citizens’ Assembly next year.