Have your say on our new draft Sustainability Strategy that sets out a vision to make MK one of the world’s leading sustainable cities.

The new strategy describes how the whole city and all council operations could be net zero by 2030 (20 years ahead of the legal deadline). This goal – while ambitious – is built on years of progress we’ve made including cutting our carbon emissions by tens of thousands of tonnes and reducing energy use by 80%.  Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park is now generating enough energy to power 11,000 homes and we’ve secured funding to make 1,500 council homes more energy efficient, with some tenants already benefitting from lower energy bills.

Over 8,000 trees have been planted in recent years, including ten forest gardens.

The draft strategy outlines how the city will tackle climate change and reduce emissions, and how the community will benefit as a result. Collaboration is a key part of the strategy; residents and businesses have a vital role to play in making Milton Keynes fully sustainable.

The strategy has five key themes:

• Economy – Encouraging green jobs, supporting local businesses to seize the opportunities of net zero, and driving a circular economy
• Energy – Supporting renewable energy use and plans for a city-wide District Heating Network
• Emissions – Investing in sustainable public transport and decarbonising council vehicles and homes
• Environment – Protecting and enhancing the city’s green spaces and biodiversity
• Engagement – Working hand-in-hand with communities

The draft Sustainability Strategy is now open for consultation until 1 September. The full document is available here along with the survey.