Colchester City Council declared a Climate Emergency in July 2019, and we have since followed this up by developing a Climate Emergency Action Plan. All versions of the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan are shown below:
We are working on key projects and actions that will reduce emissions and produce positive environmental impacts for the city. You can view a summary of progress made on the Council's Climate Emergency Action Plan in 2021-2022.
Key highlights of this work between August 2021-July 2022 are shown below:

The infographic includes several achievements that Colchester City Council has made between August 2021 – July 2022. These achievements include
August 2021: Launch of the social media A-Z waste reduction campaign
September 2021: 9% increase in engine switch offs through Careless pollution campaign
October 2021: Castle Park, Highwoods Country Park and Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium all get green flag awards!
November 2021: Electric refuse collection vehicle trialled
December 2021: Home Burning campaign launch to raise awareness of air pollution from stoves/fires
Reusable bags provided for market stall holders
January 2022: Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan rated as 2nd best in Essex
3 EV chargers installed in Priory Street Car Park – First in CBC owned car parks
February 2022: Over 50 people in Colchester received
free bike training from Essex County Council
March 2022: 7170 trees planted over planting season with over 400 volunteers
Launch of first litter picking hubs in Colchester for ‘on the go’ litter picking
4 Smart waste bins announced for Dedham as pilot
April 2022: Careless pollution campaign ‘highly commended’ in Edie Sustainability Leader Awards
Signage produced by schools to explain no mow areas
May 2022: Community Cycle project to repair and rehome old bikes restarts
June 2022: Six electric vans purchased – The start of the Council’s fleet transition
July 2022: Council supports 11 schools as part of Essex Schools Green Day!