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Welcome to our January newsletter, containing all the latest news and updates from across West Sussex.
 It’s set to be a big year for generating solar energy as we step up our efforts to help schools reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs.
As part of our Solar Photovoltaic & Battery Storage programme, we’re planning to install new renewable energy systems and increase the amount of zero-carbon electricity schools generate and use.
Some of our other buildings, including libraries and fire stations, are also among the 60 sites included in the programme which supports the 'buildings and energy' pathway in our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
A local Sussex-based contractor will work on the first installations, due to be in place by the summer, helping more schools and council buildings to cut their carbon emissions, benefit from cheaper electricity, and be less exposed to volatile energy prices.
There will be no up-front installation cost for schools in the programme, and the systems will be maintained throughout their lifetime by the county council.
74 schools have already benefited from having solar PV systems installed. In total, solar panels installed on council buildings and at our two solar farms currently generate approximately 17,000 MWh of clean electricity each year.
Another commitment in our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is to secure the best possible value, including carbon, cost, quality, and social value, when we buy goods and services.
An essential part of delivering this commitment is improving the data we collect on our ‘supply chain emissions’ which make up a large proportion of our overall carbon footprint.
We have enlisted the support of Climate Essentials to gather data from our suppliers to help us better understand the carbon impact of our supply chain and where we need to focus efforts to reduce these emissions.
What do you do to reduce the carbon emissions from the things you buy? Share your ideas and inspire others via the Resident Climate Action Hub.
 Global Action Plan is running Clean Air Night on 22 January 2025 to spark a conversation about wood burning across the country and ensure everyone can make informed decisions about how to heat their homes.
Burning wood is the most polluting way to heat your home. Wood burning smoke contains fine particle air pollution (PM2.5), which enters your bloodstream when inhaled and can cause heart and lung disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Wood burning not only harms your health, but also the environment. For the same amount of heat or energy, burning wood releases more carbon emissions than oil or gas, contributing to climate change. Visit Clean Air Night to learn more about how wood burning affects your health, your wallet and the planet.
Please share this advice with your friends, family and communities and ignite a conversation on this topic.
The Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund is now open for applications from community-based projects in West Sussex that encourage people to repair and reuse items they no longer want or use.
The fund is a joint initiative by the county council and Biffa, to help local groups develop innovative ways to reduce household waste. It is open to community groups, residents' associations, charities, community interest companies (CICs) and social enterprises for grants of up to £5,000.
Please pass these details onto any groups in your local community who could benefit.
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The Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest annual garden wildlife survey has begun. Take part by helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring and apply for your free monitoring guide.
- Check out our 'Keeping safe this winter' webpage, it's full of useful information and key advice on staying well during colder months.
If you have any queries, or want to share or celebrate local climate action, please email us at climatechange@westsussex.gov.uk.
You can also add a new map pin to our Community Climate Action Map.
If you know someone else who will be interested in reading this newsletter, please forward it so they can sign up using the link below.
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