Glastonbury Town Council Slashes Carbon Footprint and Sets an Example for Sustainability

August 2 2023

At Lendology, we take immense pride in our commitment to combatting climate change and promoting sustainability through innovative lending solutions. Our partnerships with Mendip Council and Somerset Council have allowed us to collaborate on projects that drive positive change and environmental impact. In this article, we celebrate the remarkable achievement of Glastonbury Town Council (GTC) in reducing their carbon footprint by 39% in just two years, and how it serves as an inspiration for other communities to follow suit. 

Glastonbury Town Council’s Journey Towards Sustainability: 

Since 2005, Lendology has worked closely with Mendip Council, now Somerset Council, to provide home improvement loans and support energy efficiency measures for homeowners across the district. GTC’s commitment to responding to the Climate & Ecological Emergency has been evident in their concerted efforts to make their operations carbon neutral by 2030. 

Key Actions that Led to Success: 

GTC’s determination to reduce their carbon footprint led to significant actions, which, by the end of 2023, will have resulted in a remarkable 39% reduction: 

  1. Transitioning to Renewable Electricity: GTC completely eliminated carbon emissions from electricity use by switching to Ecotricity, a 100% renewable electricity supplier. This move exemplifies their commitment to using sustainable energy sources. 
  1. Embracing Electric Vehicles: By replacing an old diesel van with a second-hand electric van, GTC successfully cut vehicle emissions by 49%. This step not only reduces their carbon footprint but also contributes to cleaner air within the town. 
  1. Improving Heating Efficiency: GTC reduced emissions from gas used to heat the town hall by 36% by replacing an outdated gas boiler with a new, efficient one and optimizing the heating system’s zoning. 

Cost Savings and Additional Benefits: 

While the efforts to achieve sustainability required some investment, GTC’s actions are already expected to save the council at least £4,000 annually in running costs. Moreover, the investment in low carbon options will be paid back within three years, leading to net savings and supporting their ongoing sustainability efforts. 

Beyond the financial gains, GTC’s initiatives offer numerous additional benefits to the people of Glastonbury: 

  1. Supporting Cleaner Air: With the adoption of electric vehicles and cleaner energy sources, Glastonbury residents experience reduced air pollution and a healthier environment. 
  1. Fostering Community Initiatives: GTC actively supports community-based activities such as litter picking, repair cafés, community fridges, and walking and cycling campaigns. Their dedication to empowering community groups fosters a sense of togetherness and shared responsibility for the environment. 

Future Steps and Collaborative Efforts: 

While GTC’s progress in reducing carbon emissions is commendable, they acknowledge that there is still much work to be done to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Future plans include town hall improvements, appropriate technology integration (such as solar panels and EV chargers), further support for nature restoration, and building resilience through emergency plans and support groups. 

Glastonbury Town Council’s remarkable achievements in slashing their carbon footprint serve as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through dedication, collaboration, and sustainable practices. At Lendology, we are proud to collaborate with Somerset Council, and other local councils, providing home improvement loans and driving positive change within the lending industry. Together, we are shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for generations to come. Let us continue to inspire, empower, and transform lives through our collective efforts towards a greener and more resilient society. 

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