Net Zero for Churt
Net Zero for Churt is a long term programme in support of the part that our village of Churt can play to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2050. Global warming and climate change are global problems - but the contribution which every single household can make locally to reducing greenhouse gas emissions will add up to a global impact.
Net Zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. The Net Zero target recognises that there will be still be some emissions but that these need to be fully offset, predominantly through natural carbon sinks such as oceans and forests or even artificial carbon sinks. When the amount of carbon emissions produced are cancelled out by the amount removed, the UK will be a Net Zero emitter.
In Churt, we live in an area endowed with an abundance of natural capital assets and an environmental heritage which is a treasure that we want our children and future generations to continue to enjoy. The Net Zero for Churt programme recognises that NOW is the time for more decisive action to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to support increased biodiversity in the interests of sustainability, economic, social, and health benefits.
The Churt Environmental Working Group (CHEWG)
CHEWG is a working group of Churt Parish Council. Its membership includes two Parish Councillors and four local residents, invited to join the group based on their local knowledge, experience and passion for developing a biodiverse, low-carbon emitting environment, good for wildlife and the health and well-being of local residents.
Its purpose is:
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To guide and where practical, support, Churt’s local response to the global climate change emergency, in support of the vision of a greener, cleaner and more sustainable Churt.
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To monitor and initiate appropriate, feasible and practical actions on local environmental matters, including, but not limited to, carbon-emissions, biodiversity, recycling, litter, pollution, trees and hedgerows and footpaths.
The Parish Council may chose to delegate certain environmental decision making to the group, but in general it will make recommendations on environmental matters to the Parish Council at its monthly meetings.
Meet CHEWG Members
Jeremy Wylie
Brian Johnson
Myra Johnson
Hannah Wills
David Madgwick
Julian Spence
If you would like to join CHEWG, please get in touch with julian.spence@churt.org or with myra.johnson@churt.org
The Net Zero for Churt Website
The Net Zero for Churt website was developed to present locally tailored information and toolsets to help us all in meeting the challenge of reducing our carbon emissions to achieve net zero targets and to record progress through local projects to achieve those objectives. It is a long term programme - the deadline is 2050 - but the sooner we get there, the better.
On the website, you will find:
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Household Focus: Information, advice and tips on how to reduce emissions in our homes and lifestyle, including energy saving, sustainable gardening, gardening for wildlife, heating, car transport and air travel.
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Pollution: Air quality, light and waterway pollution plus information on noise and environmental pollution from greatly increased private jet traffic into Farnborough Airport.
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Nature Focus: This section includes the pictorial records of Churt News in Nature, information on trees and hedgerows, guides for local species spotters and some videos and activity guides for families with children.
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Toolset: The Countryside Code and a useful carbon footprint calculator so that you can check out your carbon emission start-point and then track it regularly on your Net Zero journey. Information on grants to help and links to our partners.
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Projects: Meeting the Net Zero challenge involves community volunteering and projects as well as the actions of individual households and by the Parish Council. This project archive provides a record of some of Churt’s Net Zero projects since 2021.