Councillors in Douglas are backing the government’s goal of moving to net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.

But it will need more money to do so.

Council leader David Christian said: ’For the council to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050, though, requires direction from government and, crucially, the financial resources to deliver a viable net-zero programme.

’Carbon reduction comes at a cost, in particular when it comes to providing energy-efficient social housing.

’In this, new-build schemes pose less of a challenge, aside from the cost implications, whereas energy-efficient retrofitting of our existing housing stock presents a very real barrier to achieving the 2050 net-zero target.’

The council’s most recent meeting, which was held virtually, backed a climate change mitigation strategy that will form part of the next part of the council’s corporate plan.

The council commissioned the Carbon Trust consultancy in late 2019 to calculate the council’s current carbon footprint and identify measures that would cut the negative environmental impact of its actions and shape its future carbon-neutral strategy.

Although an early draft report was produced in February 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has halted any substantial further work.

Councillor Christian said: ’Accelerating the transition to net zero is central to tackling climate change. As the island’s largest local authority we are committed to doing all we can to meet the carbon reduction expectations of those whom we serve, the wider community and our government partners.

Councillor Falk Horning said: ’Improving the energy performance of buildings is going to have the biggest impact and is a task that is going to take decades.

’The council has to continuously act on this. The energy-efficient measures incorporated in the new apartment schemes on Peel Road and in Willaston are a good start.’