Kent Environment Strategy

The Kent environment strategy commits to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2030. Kent has already achieved a 36% reduction since 2005, but will need to continue to promote and integrate low carbon technology into their homes and businesses if they are to meet their target and benefit from the economic opportunities in this sector.

HIGHLIGHTS

GENERATING LOCALLY SOURCED, LOW CARBON ENERGY

The energy system in Kent is changing. There will be an increased need for smaller, dispersed, low carbon power generation sources, and for greater utilization of technologies such as battery storage, to manage the daily and seasonal variations of renewable energy production.

The Kent Renewable Energy Centre in Sandwich burns locally sourced wood fuel to generate heat and power for Discovery Park and export electricity to the national grid. It generates 27MW of low carbon electricity, enough to supply 50,000 homes and saves over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. The power plant also provides a local, reliable market for low grade wood and it is becoming the catalyst for more local woodland to be brought back into active management. The centre supports 27 jobs and is also helping to support local woodland workers and the local supply chain.

MAKING KENT HOMES WARMER

Kent and Medway partners are working together to help residents save energy and feel warmer in their homes. Since the Warm Homes Scheme began in 2014, over 2,400 energy efficiency measures have been installed in over 2,300 homes. In total, the measures are expected to save an estimated 39,000 tonnes of carbon and save residents £8.8 million over the course of the measure’s life.

DRIVING DOWN EMISSIONS

Councils across Kent have been supporting the use of ultra-low emission vehicles. After a successful trial, Kent County Council now has 30 electric hybrid pool and fleet vehicles; saving up to 12p per mile and a 35% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to an average car. Thanet District Council added three electric vehicles to its fleet and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is supporting a car club which includes electric vehicles.

IN A NUTSHELL: THE IMPACT KENT IS HAVING

36% reduction in Kent’s total carbon dioxide emissions since 2005
2% fall in average household energy consumption since 2015
18% reduction in water abstracted from groundwater and rivers since 2005
9.6% reduction in household waste tonnage per household since 2012/13
8% reduction in energy consumption by Kent’s district and borough councils since 2012/13

Discover the entire strategy here.