The journey so far

Here are some of the things we've achieved since 2021.

Progress

Sustainable transport and travel:

Set up an electric mobility scooter scheme to encourage access for all at our countryside sites
Added additional electric vans and electric cars to our fleet as well as ensuring that most of our fleet is now Clean Air Zone compliant
Supported a 2-year hydrogen refuse collection truck programme to explore the potential that hydrogen can make to decarbonising heavy transport in and around the county
Invested in the county's Key Cycle Network to promote active travel
Assessed all the county's train and bus stations to see whether we can improve cycling and walking links at each one
Worked with job centres to offer sustainable travel advice and incentives to jobseekers
Launched a project to increase the number of people taking up cycle training
Launched a sustainable travel strategy for schools to provide healthier, more environmentally-sustainable ways of travel to school as a viable option to travelling by car
Supported the implementation of air quality management areas to reduce transport pollutant emissions in specific areas of Derbyshire
Through our Bus Service Improvement Programme, supported a new fleet of 57 electric buses for North East Derbyshire to support clean air initiatives

Waste reduction and food sustainability:

Included the requirement for suppliers to provide information on their sustainability commitments, minimising single use plastics and opportunities to reduce carbon emissions as part of our sustainable procurement strategy
Promoted the local circular economy by supporting local repair cafes across the county and developing recycling centre re-use shops at local recycling centres
Provided funding for Rural Action Derbyshire for affordable food projects that support the redistribution of surplus food
Helped launch Feeding Derbyshire, a countywide partnership aimed at finding sustainable food solutions to help feed people who are struggling with low income or debt
Supported food in schools: our catering service has held a Food for Life Catering Mark silver award since July 2016

Clean energy and energy efficient buildings and homes:

Produced a Spatial Energy Study (attached to this page) to better understand the renewable energy opportunities available across the county
Launched a consultation to find out what support private homeowners in Derbyshire need to improve the energy efficiency of their homes
Developed design standards for new-build and refurbishments on our own estate

Natural environment and biodiversity:

Worked with partners to maintain and create more wildflower-friendly verges and agree a co-ordinated approach for the management of roadside verges as they can be a valuable haven for wildlife
Developed a significant tree and woodland strategy as well as a target for a million trees by 2030

Business and industry:

Developed the Green Entrepreneurs Fund programme offering grants to small and medium-sized businesses to kick-start the county's carbon reduction agenda and boost local businesses, including a fund to up-skill the workforce

Community engagement:

Engaged with local community energy groups to co-design and co-deliver projects and campaigns
Supported community groups with environmental actions through the Derbyshire Grant Scheme which included energy saving and solar panels, cycling projects, food growing, and circular economy initiatives
Worked with other health and wellbeing professionals to develop SMILERS materials to help children feel more positive about what they can do for our environment

Planning and land use:

Developed planning and climate change guidance for climate related planning issues and design considerations - this is for the design and implementation of development proposals and is to be included in the development plan policies across the district and boroughs in their local plans