Climate and the environment

The term climate change refers to a change in global or regional climate patterns. It is usually used in the context of man-made effects on the environment - largely by the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

It is not just about us getting hotter weather or melting ice caps; climate change can impact in other ways. For example, the increase in extreme storms can bring flooding to new areas, affecting agriculture, wildlife and people's homes.

Below is a list of various energy strategies and funding opportunities. If you would like to discuss any of these with our team, please email retrofit@easthants.gov.uk or call 01730 234014.

Climate emergency

The council declared a climate emergency in July 2019 and adopted a wide-ranging climate and environment strategy in August 2020.

Climate Change and Sustainable Construction SPD (2022)

The Climate Change and Sustainable Construction Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides guidance and best practice on methods for delivering more energy efficient and sustainable development in the district (excluding the South Downs National Park). This includes mitigating and adapting to climate change, and addressing other sustainability issues as covered by the adopted local plan policies of the East Hampshire District Council Joint Core Strategy (2014) and Hampshire County Council Minerals and Waste Plan (2013).

Greenhouse gas report

Climate change is becoming increasingly more important at the local and national level. Since 2011 local authorities have been required by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), now the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions.

Tree planting initiative

East Hampshire District Council has committed to see 120,000 trees planted in our district.

The council made the pledge as part of a motion to declare a Climate Emergency in July 2019. Our target is to be carbon neutral by 2050, in line with national targets.

The tree planting initiative aims to engage residents and businesses to tackle the environmental challenges we are all facing.

Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) 1995 report

Under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995, we have a duty to publish a report about what we are doing to help with home energy conservation in East Hampshire.

The report must give details of what progress has been made and what plans there are for further improvements.

Renewable heat studies

A renewable heat mapping exercise and a series of feasibility studies funded in part by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Heat Network Delivery Unit (HNDU) were conducted in 2016. This report identifies potential sites and provides technical and financial information.

Electric vehicles and charge points

Working with a partner, the council has installed Rapid (Genie Point) EV charge-points in Petersfield, Alton and at Liphook services on the A3 north bound.

East Hampshire District Council has two electric vehicles and uses the charge points at Penns Place for operational purposes. The switch to electric vehicles is saving cash and carbon for the council.

There are always two additional charge points available for use by the public. Please visit Zap Map for live availability and more information about this charge point location and tariff.