The strategy and action plan for how a council will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 has been approved.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy sets out immediate actions and long-term goals for Hertsmere Borough Council to achieve a significant reduction in carbon emissions.

Councillors voted on Wednesday night to ensure the council’s strategic decisions alongside the development of a sustainable environment, economy and communities within Hertsmere are in line with the pledge to become net zero carbon.

The strategy sets out how the council will adopt principles in all aspects of service delivery and development of the borough to reduce consumption, minimise waste, use renewable energy, promote sustainable transport, build towards net zero new developments, implement a circular economy, as well as protect our open spaces and biodiversity, and build climate change resilience.

Councillor Seamus Quilty, portfolio holder for environment, said: "We must all do our part in the fight against climate change and the scale of our ambitions must reflect the scale of the challenge. This strategy sets out to deliver meaningful action on climate change in the coming years.

"As a borough council we have multiple roles in this. We are committed to doing all we can to reduce our own environmental footprint, but we also have a role in supporting and signposting our residents and businesses to the latest information and enabling people to do all they can to make a positive change.

"By taking a lead in the climate change movement, it is hoped the council can inspire local businesses, residents and other organisations to take a similar approach.

"Whether it involves changing energy suppliers, insulating more homes and buildings, planting more trees, or decarbonising transport, we will be exploring all the avenues available to us to help get our emissions down."

Hertsmere is one of 205 local authorities, alongside Hertfordshire County Council, St Albans District Council, Watford Borough Council and Dacorum Borough Council, who have declared a climate emergency and committed to taking urgent action to reduce their carbon emissions.

The council declared a climate emergency in September 2019 and committed to achieving carbon neutrality as soon as possible and no later than 2050.