Concern whether cut in carbon emissions too good to be true

COUNCIL CLAIMS 46% REDUCTION IN WATER, GAS, ELECTRICITY AND FUEL ACROSS SERVICES

- BY OLIVER CASTLE Local Democracy Reporter

SCEPTICAL councillors fear figures that appear to show a drastic drop in carbon emissions are actually "conning" people.

East Lindsey District Council said it has reduced its CO2 emissions by 46 per cent between 2019 and 2023, following reductions in water, gas, electricity and fuel across the council's services.

However, councillors raised concerns that the way the numbers are reported and believe the figures paint an inaccurate picture.

Councillors heard at an overview committee on September 2 that the district council's total carbon emissions decreased by 25.4 per cent from 2,357 tonnes of carbon dioxide to 1,758.2 tonnes of CO2.

The council says it reduced its waste and water in 2023 by 32 per cent and 37 per cent respectfully, according to its figures.

It also said that in 2023, its total carbon emissions decreased by 7 per cent going from 1,758.2 tonnes to 1,632.7 tonnes.

The district council said it is ahead of its target of a 45 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2027 and is on track to become net zero by 2040.

The district council attributed the reduction in emissions to the closure of Skegness Town Hall and Tedder Hall and the district council's move to a new hub in Horncastle.