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Council cuts carbon emissions by 43% since 2019, but struggles with wider targets

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk County Council has reduced its direct carbon emissions by 43% since 2019, but faces challenges meeting its 2030 net zero target due to emissions it says are outside its direct control.

Why it matters: The council's progress in reducing emissions shows both achievements and challenges in meeting climate goals, highlighting the complexity of reaching net zero targets in local government.

The big picture: While the council has made significant progress in areas it directly controls, such as buildings and vehicles, it projects reaching only a 48% reduction by 2030 in emissions it influences but doesn't control directly – known as Scope 3 emissions.

A car exhaust
Suffolk County Council has reduced its direct carbon emissions by 43% since 2019, but faces challenges meeting its 2030 net zero target due to emissions it says are outside its direct controlSerge CornuGetty Images

Key achievements since 2019:

  • Street and traffic light emissions down 57%

  • Vehicle emissions reduced by 50%

  • Building gas and oil use decreased by 37%

  • Staff commuting dropped by 30%

  • Building electricity use cut by 25%

Yes, but: The council acknowledges it is not currently on course to meet its net zero target across all areas by 2030, with particular challenges in addressing emissions from areas like home-to-school transport and staff using their own vehicles for work.

What they're saying: Cabinet Member Philip Faircloth-Mutton said the council hopes to "be an example to other Suffolk businesses" with its success in reducing emissions and energy bills, while acknowledging there is "still much work to do."

Bottom line: While the council ranks among England's top three county councils for reducing direct emissions, the bigger challenge lies in tackling the 65% of emissions where it has influence but less control.

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One man's mission to preserve Ipswich's transport heritage

Feature
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

As our transport landscape continues its rapid evolution, one local enthusiast has embarked on a remarkable journey to preserve a piece of Ipswich's recent history.

Bus preservation in Britain has come a long way since 1956, when four pioneering enthusiasts purchased their first historic London bus for a mere £40. Today, more than 5,000 preserved buses grace our nation's roads, each telling its own story of public transport's evolution.

This story begins with fleet number 147, an Optare Versa bus that once ferried countless passengers between London Road and Martlesham park and ride sites.

Now, this former Ipswich Buses workhorse has found a new home, rescued from potential obscurity for £4,000, by Jake Gooding, a local bus enthusiast and now proud preservationist.

I have to say, £4,000 for a fully-operational bus feels like an absolute bargain when compared to the cost of a half-decent SUV nowadays.

After becoming sidetracked (a common occurance for me) and going down a potentially divorce-inducing rabbit hole, exploring the idea of a "News Bus" in Ipswich, I got back to the task in hand.

"Indeed, prices of single deck buses are usually around the £2,500 range for a second hand one, and double deckers are usually around £4,000-£5,000, Jake informed me.

"The reason why ours was a little expensive is because it has a range of mod cons like air-conditioning, next stop announcements capabilities etc."

Optare Versa fleet number 147
Optare Versa fleet number 147Jake Gooding

Jake's vision includes restoring the vehicle to its former Ipswich Buses glory, complete with period livery. It's a labour of love that will demand dedication and expense, with annual running costs of around £500 and regular maintenance to keep the bus roadworthy.

The Optare Versa itself has an interesting technical history. Originally fitted with a MAN engine, it later received a Cummins power unit during its service life with Ipswich Buses. These engineering changes reflect the practical realities of keeping a hardworking public service vehicle on the road.

If all goes according to plan, this piece of Ipswich's transport heritage will make its preserved debut at The Big Bus Show at Stonham Barns in August 2025. There, it will stand (park?) proud as a testament to our town's transport heritage and the dedication of those who work to preserve it.

Jake Gooding
Jake GoodingJake Gooding

Some might question why anyone would want to preserve such a relatively modern vehicle. Yet in an era of rapid technological change, where tomorrow's buses might be unrecognisable from today's, preserving examples of recent transport history becomes increasingly important.

Fleet number 147's story didn't end when it left Ipswich Buses' service in November 2020. Instead, it's beginning a new chapter – one that will help ensure that future generations can appreciate how their parents and grandparents travelled around our town.

You can follow the project via its dedicated Facebook page.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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