One Degree Challenge Survey Success

A survey distributed earlier this year from our climate change team along with the help of the People’s Jury, received almost 1,400 responses.

In 2019, the council declared a climate emergency and vowed to find ways to lower its carbon emissions. Involving residents is a key focus, to ensure that everyone can play their part. Early this year, residents were asked to consider lowering their heating by 1 degree to help them save money, and help the planet.  

But why? A lot of our energy comes from burning resources like coal, oil and gas which release gases into the atmosphere that are contributing to global warming and climate change. When we waste energy, we’re unnecessarily releasing more greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and worsening global warming.

As part of the campaign, a survey was distributed to gain insight into views of those who live and work in the borough, on climate change. Of the 1,384 responses:

• 80% said they were concerned about climate change.
• Over 86% of them said they would try turning down their heating by 1 degree, to not only help save the planet but also save up to £100 a year.
• Over 60% said they had a smart meter at home.

Smart meters come with an in-home display screen to help you see how much energy you’re using and support you to reduce it.

The survey also asked what respondents do already to help lower their impact on climate change:

• 90% said that they reduce the use of electricity at home by turning lights off, taking shorter showers and reducing the use of a dryer.
• 95% said they pro-actively recycle using their blue and grey bins.

Recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumption. Using recycled materials to make new products reduces the need for fresh materials, and therefore avoids the greenhouse gas emissions that would result from extracting, mining or making those materials.

• 70% said they plan their meals to reduce food waste.

Food waste contributes significant greenhouse gases due to the production, transportation, and handling of them, which generates significant Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions. And, when food ends up in landfills, it generates methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas.

Other respondents said that they grew their own vegetables or bought second hand clothes rather than fast fashion, which can also help tackle climate change.

• Only half said they walk as much as they can to cut down on car journeys.

Walking instead of taking your car can have a big impact, as you use less fuel and release less gases into the atmosphere. Every little helps!

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth and Development said:

Thanks to those who took part in the survey. The results speak for themselves in that we are not alone at the council in our concerns about the climate. Everyone can play their part in reducing their impact and so it’s important to show an example to our residents of how we can easily help make a difference. Whether that be taking the bus or walking to work, buying less clothes or using less electric at home – there are easy ways you can help change the planet’s future.