Solihull Council receives £500k for climate projects

Exciting news has hit the town of Chelmsley Wood as Solihull Council has secured over £500,000 to develop a cutting-edge plan to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. This substantial grant, awarded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is funded through the Government’s Net Zero Accelerator Programme and is set to revolutionise how the town approaches environmental sustainability.

This ground-breaking initiative, one of six happening throughout the West Midlands, aims to create a blueprint for tackling climate change and establishing a low-carbon community. Through a series of innovative measures, residents and businesses alike are set to benefit from a greener and more sustainable way of living.

One of the key elements of the project is conducting energy retrofit assessments to identify ways in which residents can enhance their energy efficiency and decrease fuel costs. This may involve implementing strategies such as insulation, solar panels, and low-carbon heating solutions, in addition to planning for neighborhood enhancements that promote the natural environment and encourage active travel opportunities.

The plans were formally discussed at the Cabinet Portfolio Holder Climate Change and Planning Decision Session on Wednesday 25 September, where the decision was made to accept the funding. Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, expressed his enthusiasm for the project:

“We are thrilled to have secured this funding to develop a plan that will focus on climate action by enhancing the natural environment, improving air quality, and reducing net carbon emissions. This exciting project will be the first of its kind in Solihull, delivering real benefits to Chelmsley Wood, an area of the borough with high levels of fuel poverty and significant potential for energy efficiency improvements. By placing the community of Chelmsley Wood at the forefront, we aim to create a plan that not only benefits from climate action but also promotes sustainability.”

Cllr Andy Mackiewicz further added, “We will kickstart the process of engaging with residents in the new year to ensure that the planned actions align with the community’s wishes.”

This ambitious project promises to transform Chelmsley Wood into a beacon of environmental sustainability and lay the foundation for other communities to follow suit. Stay tuned as Solihull Council embarks on this exciting journey towards a greener future!