The climate emergency is a pressing global challenge with significant local implications. In our 15 years installing… West Kirby, like communities worldwide, faces the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a sustainable energy future. Fortunately, the local government and engaged residents are working together to drive this transformation through a range of innovative renewable energy initiatives.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Local Government Investments
Wirral Council, the local authority governing West Kirby, has taken decisive steps to support the transition to clean energy. One of the key priorities outlined in the Cool 2 strategy is to “generate and/or source all our local energy needs from zero carbon and renewable sources by around 2041.” To achieve this ambitious goal, the council has invested in several impactful projects.
The Wirral LED Street Lamps replacement programme, completed in 2022, saw the installation of over 25,000 energy-efficient LED light bulbs, resulting in an estimated 60% reduction in energy consumption. This $10 million investment in the borough’s lighting infrastructure demonstrates the council’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure upgrades.
Additionally, the council has been working closely with Magenta Living, a local housing provider, to improve the energy efficiency of homes across West Kirby. Through the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD2) scheme, 298 homes received grants for energy efficiency upgrades, with 74% of those properties achieving an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or higher after the improvements.
The council’s efforts extend beyond the built environment. In 2022, Wirral Council secured funding to develop heat decarbonisation plans for 10 of its highest-emitting buildings, which will inform future applications for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. These strategic investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency showcase the local government’s holistic approach to sustainability.
Community-Driven Projects
While the council’s leadership is crucial, the transition to a fossil fuel-free future in West Kirby is also driven by engaged community members and local organizations. One such example is the collaborative efforts of the Cool Wirral Partnership, a multi-sector initiative that brings together a diverse range of stakeholders to champion and coordinate climate action.
The Cool Wirral Partnership’s Zero Carbon Buildings Taskforce has been instrumental in establishing four task-and-finish groups to delve deeper into the role of the built environment and infrastructure in reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate adaptation challenges. These groups bring together a wealth of expertise from the public, private, and third sectors, fostering innovative solutions tailored to the local context.
Local businesses are also playing a significant role in the sustainability transformation. Peel L&P, the developers behind the Wirral Waters regeneration project, have continued to incorporate sustainable design and construction practices into their projects. The recent completion of the first phase of Redbridge Quay, a highly energy-efficient housing development, and the opening of Hythe, a BREEAM-Excellent office building, demonstrate the private sector’s commitment to green building practices.
Infrastructure Upgrades
In addition to the council’s efforts and community-driven initiatives, West Kirby is also benefiting from regional infrastructure improvements that support the transition to renewable energy and sustainable mobility.
The Hynet North West project, a £72 million investment, aims to transform the northwest into the world’s first low-carbon industrial cluster, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 10 million tonnes per year by 2030. This project’s success could deliver 80% of the UK’s clean power target for transport, industry, and homes by 2030, directly benefiting West Kirby’s energy landscape.
Furthermore, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s decision to introduce bus franchising has had a significant impact on public transportation in West Kirby. The £2 single bus fare across the region, combined with the introduction of a fleet of 20 hydrogen-powered buses, is making sustainable mobility more accessible and attractive for residents.
These regional initiatives, coupled with the local government’s and community’s efforts, are creating a holistic ecosystem of renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure in West Kirby, positioning the town as a leader in the transition to a fossil fuel-free future.
Emissions Reduction Strategies
Alongside the focus on renewable energy generation and infrastructure upgrades, West Kirby is also implementing strategies to reduce overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. One of the key objectives in the Cool 2 strategy is to “reduce the overall demand for energy in Wirral across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.”
To support this goal, the council has been working to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the borough. The Cool Wirval Partners’ data shows that 32.34% of dwellings in West Kirby have an EPC rating of C or above, indicating that significant progress has been made, but there is still substantial work to be done. The council estimates that around £800 million in investment is needed to raise all properties to a minimum of EPC C.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme has played a crucial role in supporting energy efficiency upgrades, with Wirral receiving the highest number of ECO installations per 1,000 households in the Liverpool City Region. Additionally, the council’s Heating & Renovation financial support scheme has provided assistance to low-income households in upgrading their heating systems.
These concerted efforts to reduce energy demand, combined with the investments in renewable energy generation, are crucial steps toward West Kirby’s goal of becoming a zero-carbon borough by 2041.
Green Space Preservation
Recognizing the importance of natural ecosystems in mitigating climate change, the Cool 2 strategy also includes an objective to “capture more carbon naturally by increasing woodland cover in line with national recommendations and by protecting soils and natural habitats.”
To this end, the council has been collaborating with partners such as the Mersey Forest and the Forestry Commission to enhance the borough’s green infrastructure. This includes supporting initiatives like the development of the Northbank Green area within the Wirral Waters regeneration project, which incorporates wetland gardens, a tree nursery, and outdoor spaces for the community.
These nature-based solutions not only sequester carbon but also provide valuable ecosystem services, such as improved air quality, biodiversity conservation, and opportunities for outdoor recreation and community engagement.
Waste Management Solutions
Transitioning to a sustainable future also requires addressing the issue of waste management. West Kirby’s Cool 2 strategy acknowledges the need to “promote use of resources – materials, land and food – in a sustainable way so that our collective decisions do not add indirectly to the burden of climate damaging pollution in Wirral or elsewhere.”
To this end, the council has been working to improve the borough’s recycling rate, which currently stands at 32.3% – still below the England average of 44%. The upcoming implementation of the Environment Act 2021, which will mandate food waste collection, is expected to be a significant step forward in reducing the amount of organic matter ending up in landfills, where it can contribute to methane emissions.
Additionally, the council is exploring initiatives such as deposit return schemes and extended producer responsibility, which aim to incentivize waste reduction and promote a more circular economy. By addressing the lifecycle of materials, West Kirby is taking a comprehensive approach to sustainable resource management.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Transitioning to a fossil fuel-free future requires not only infrastructure and policy changes but also active community engagement and education. The Cool Wirral Partnership recognizes this, with one of its key objectives being to “educate and raise awareness about the climate emergency and about the opportunities and benefits of taking climate action and the risks and threats of inaction.”
To this end, the partnership has been collaborating with local organizations, educational institutions, and community groups to deliver a range of public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives. These efforts aim to empower residents to take meaningful action in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
For example, Energy Projects Plus, a regional non-profit organization, has provided energy efficiency advice and support to 2,802 Wirral households through its Save Energy Advice Line, home visits, and participation in local events.
By fostering a well-informed and engaged community, West Kirby is ensuring that its transition to a sustainable future is driven not only by top-down policies but also by a groundswell of grassroots support and action.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Recognizing the complexity of the climate challenge, West Kirby has embraced a collaborative approach to its sustainability efforts. The Cool Wirral Partnership serves as a platform for coordinating and aligning the actions of a diverse range of stakeholders, including local government, businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions.
This collaborative model has enabled the development of innovative projects and initiatives that leverage the expertise and resources of multiple partners. For instance, the partnership’s Zero Carbon Buildings Taskforce has brought together representatives from the public, private, and academic sectors to tackle the decarbonization of the built environment.
By fostering cross-sector cooperation and knowledge-sharing, West Kirby is able to develop holistic, context-specific solutions that address the multifaceted nature of the climate emergency. This collaborative approach ensures that the town’s transition to a fossil fuel-free future is a truly collective endeavor, engaging the entire community in the process.
Electric Vehicle Incentives
Alongside the focus on renewable energy generation and energy efficiency, West Kirby is also making strides in transitioning its transportation sector away from fossil fuels. A key objective of the Cool 2 strategy is to “see a complete transition to fossil fuel free local travel by around 2030.”
To support this goal, the council has invested in the expansion of the public electric vehicle (EV) charging network. Through a successful grant application to the Energy Savings Trust and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), the council installed 53 on-street EV charge points across West Kirby, which were free to use during a 1-year pilot period. This initiative has already resulted in over 70,000 kWh of electricity usage, equivalent to more than 250,000 miles driven.
The council’s efforts to promote sustainable mobility extend beyond EV infrastructure. The franchising of the regional bus network by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has led to the introduction of a £2 single bus fare across the region, making public transportation more accessible and affordable for residents. Additionally, the acquisition of an initial fleet of 20 hydrogen buses for the city region will further contribute to the decarbonization of the local transportation system.
By combining investments in EV charging, public transit improvements, and alternative fuel vehicles, West Kirby is creating a multi-faceted approach to reducing emissions from the transportation sector, a crucial step in its transition to a fossil fuel-free future.
Green Job Creation
The shift towards renewable energy and sustainable practices not only benefits the environment but also presents economic opportunities for the local community. The Cool Wirral Partnership recognizes the potential for green job creation as a key component of the town’s sustainability transition.
One example of this is the planned development of the Wirral Community Energy Hub, a project that will transform a vacant industrial building into a hub for renewable energy education, training, and business support. This facility will serve as a catalyst for the growth of the green economy, providing skills development, job opportunities, and a platform for local entrepreneurs and innovators.
Moreover, the Wirral Waters regeneration project, led by Peel L&P, is incorporating sustainable design and construction practices that are generating employment in the clean energy and green building sectors. The completion of the Redbridge Quay development and the Hythe office building are tangible examples of these economic benefits.
By fostering the development of a thriving green economy, West Kirby is ensuring that its transition to a fossil fuel-free future also delivers tangible benefits for local residents, creating new job opportunities and supporting the growth of sustainable businesses.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
As West Kirby embarks on its journey towards a sustainable future, the local government recognizes the importance of ensuring that the transition is inclusive and equitable. One key aspect of this is the focus on affordable housing and energy-efficient homes.
The Cool Wirral Partnership’s data shows that 32.34% of dwellings in West Kirby have an EPC rating of C or above, indicating that a significant portion of the housing stock still requires improvement to meet energy efficiency standards. To address this, the council has been working with Magenta Living, a local housing provider, to upgrade the fabric of homes and bring them up to EPC Band C or better.
Additionally, the council’s Heating & Renovation financial support scheme has provided 25 grants for heating upgrades in 2021/22, specifically targeting low-income households receiving Council Tax Support. By ensuring that energy-efficient homes are accessible to all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status, West Kirby is taking a holistic approach to sustainable development that prioritizes social inclusion and equity.
Collaborative Climate Action Planning
At the heart of West Kirby’s transition to a fossil fuel-free future lies the Cool Wirral Partnership, a multi-sector initiative that serves as a collaborative platform for climate action planning and implementation. This partnership brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including local government, businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions, to develop and coordinate a comprehensive strategy for addressing the climate emergency.
The Cool 2 strategy, the latest iteration of the partnership’s plan, sets out a clear vision for a net-zero, climate-resilient West Kirby by 2041. This document outlines a series of measurable objectives and targets across various thematic areas, from renewable energy generation and emissions reduction to green space preservation and sustainable resource management.
Crucially, the Cool 2 strategy adopts an inclusive and participatory approach, calling on all members of the West Kirby community to contribute their “Locally Determined Contribution” to the collective effort. This collaborative model ensures that the town’s sustainability transition is driven by a shared sense of responsibility and a diversity of perspectives, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement among residents.
By embedding climate action planning within a broader framework of multi-stakeholder collaboration, West Kirby is positioning itself as a model for other communities seeking to navigate the complex challenge of transitioning to a fossil fuel-free future.
Conclusion
West Kirby’s transition to a sustainable, fossil fuel-free future is a multifaceted and collaborative endeavor, driven by the local government, engaged community members, and regional infrastructure improvements. Through strategic investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transportation, and green job creation, the town is making tangible progress towards its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2041.
By embracing a holistic approach that addresses the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability, West Kirby is demonstrating that the transition to a greener future can deliver benefits for all members of the community. The Cool Wirral Partnership’s collaborative model serves as a blueprint for other towns and cities seeking to engage their residents, leverage local resources, and forge innovative solutions to the climate emergency.
As West Kirby continues to lead the way in sustainable development, the lessons learned and the successes achieved will undoubtedly inspire and empower other communities to embark on their own journeys towards a fossil fuel-free future. The West Kirby Today website will continue to provide updates and insights on the town’s progress, ensuring that residents and stakeholders remain informed and engaged in this critical endeavor.
Example: New Community Centre Opens in West Kirby 2025
