Page last updated at 15:59 GMT, Wednesday, May 1 2013

Sustainable Council

Here at Eastleigh Borough Council we don't just talk about tackling climate change, we do our best to take positive action that not only helps the environment but also improves the lives of local residents. We're proud to say that our efforts were recognised in 2008 when we were named a 'Beacon Council for Tackling Climate Change', shining a spotlight on all the hard work we've put in over the years to make our Borough a greener place to live.

Sustainability is at the heart of the Council's Corporate Strategy affecting every department. We work across the Council to coordinate and manage projects to reduce our energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, and adapt to a changing climate.

The Climate Change Strategy is our vision for Eastleigh up until 2020 and recognises our committment to reducing Greenhouse gas emissions.

As a Council we signed up to Climate Local in July 2012 recognising the role Local Authorities have in tackling climate change with actions on both mitigation and adaption.

The Action Plan shows the targets we have set ourselves to achieve the objectives of the Climate Change Strategy and Climate Local Commitment.

We have published the latest data about the Council's own Greenhouse Gas emissions for 2011/12.

What we do

• Offer energy saving advice which saves you money.
• Support communities and community groups that raise awareness of the issues of climate change.
• Carbon neutral by July 2012 by running the CarbonFREE scheme.
• The first Council in Hampshire to operate a food waste collection scheme.
• Commit to cut the Borough's greenhouse gas emissions by 34% and the Council's own emissions by 50% by 2020
• Install Solar Photovoltaic PV Panels. Currently on 10 sites around the Borough with the largest installation at Fleming Park. Looking for more opportunities by ourselves or in partnership with other organisations.
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) District Energy Scheme at Fleming Park and Civic Offices.
• Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) at Itchen Valley Country Park.
• Biomass Boiler at Itchen Valley Country Park.
• Wind Turbine at Itchen Valley Country Park.
• Solar Thermal and PV Panels at Lakeside Country Park.
• Offer advice to residents and business that are thinking about investing in renewable energy.

Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA)

Contained within the HECA Act is a requirement for Local Authorities to publish reports by 31^st March 2013 and then every two years after until 2027. The report should set out the domestic energy conservation measures that the authority considers practicable, cost-effective and likely to result in significant improvement in the energy efficiency of residential accommodation in its area. EBC HECA 2013 Report.

Who we are

The Sustainability Policy Coordinator

Post not currently filled

Giles Gooding is the Community Climate Change Coordinator

Giles helps local individuals, households, community organisations and small businesses become more sustainable and reduce energy use, and raises awareness about climate change issues. Contact him for information, advice and news of grants for sustainable energy measures by calling 023 8068 8274 or email giles.gooding@eastleigh.gov.uk.

Jeb Farrah is the Photovoltaic & Renewable Energy Installations Manager 

Jeb is the lead on the Council's Solar PV and renewable energy project. She is actively looking for more sites and always willing to discuss partnership opportunities. Contact her for advice if you are thinking about investing in renewable energy by calling 023 8068 8818 or email jeb.farrah@eastleigh.gov.uk.