Worcestershire County Council has been highly commended in the Council of the Year category at the West Midlands Regional Energy Efficiency Awards for 2021.
The recognition highlights the work that has been undertaken by the Council over the last year and the financial and carbon savings that have been achieved.
Councillor Tony Miller, Cabinet Member for Environment for Worcestershire County Council said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve been recognised for our achievements again, our consistent presence and commendation in this category in recent years showcases how much our Sustainability programme continues to develop and help Worcestershire reduce carbon emissions.
"This recognition is a great way to promote the continued dedication and hard work of all the staff, local businesses and communities involved.”
Several County Council projects have helped to contribute towards the Council's nomination for the top prize across three categories, including Greener Council, Greener Community and Greener Business.
Worcestershire County Council has reduced their carbon emissions by 42% compared with 2009/10 levels and has published the Council’s first Net Zero Carbon Plan.
The Warmer Worcestershire project has supported over 700 householders to apply for Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding towards the cost of energy efficiency measures since 2017
In 2020 the Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP) provided a further 139 business with free energy efficiency assessments taking the programme total (since October 2016) to 579.
The Low Carbon Opportunity Programme supported 38 businesses in installing renewable technologies or developing a low carbon product or service in 2020 (141 since October 2016). £220,000 of grant funding was awarded.
The Council are, along with its partners at Herefordshire and Telford and Wrekin Councils, and Hereford & Worcester and Shropshire Chambers of Commerce, receiving funding from the European Regional Development Fund to deliver the above low carbon initiatives with local businesses and is now running a similar programme for Worcestershire public sector organisations.