A ‘SIGNIFICANT step’ towards the council becoming new zero by 2030 has moved closer.

At its meeting on Monday, the council’s cabinet received an update on the progress so far in delivering the investment in the installation of low carbon heating at the Town Hall and west annex, and Walton Hall.

A report to cabinet highlighted that, in 2019, the council declared a climate emergency with an ambition to become carbon neutral in its own activities by 2030.

It also stated the council recognises that ‘one of the most challenging aspects’ for any local authority in becoming carbon neutral would be how to move away from heating our buildings via traditional fossil fuel.

“The proposed schemes will replace five end of life legacy gas boilers serving the Town Hall & west annexe and the Walton Hall building with a ground source heat pump technology,” it added.

“The project within the Town Hall will also include the installation of a smart battery system.

“All three buildings are in the top ten carbon emitters in the council’s operational estate. Its completion will be a significant step towards meeting the council’s ambition of being a net zero organisation by 2030.”

The cabinet approved the funding packages and the overall budget for the scheme, as well as approving tenderers for the work.