The leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, has been appointed as one of three new co-presidents of UK100, the UK’s network of local government leaders committed to tackling climate change.
UK100 is a cross-party membership organisation supporting the most ambitious councils to go further and faster on their Net Zero and Clean Air targets, facilitating knowledge-sharing and partnership building between members, while providing leadership and mentoring.
To accelerate action, UK100 brings together the most influential leaders across the country to learn together and agree on priorities for legislative and regulatory change, while empowering engagement with national decision-makers, providing the knowledge, tools, and connections necessary to make this happen.
All members of the UK100 network have pledged to meet their ambitious climate targets ahead of the government’s 2050 goal, and as a member, Cambridgeshire County Council says it is making good progress to reduce its own carbon emissions.
Photo shows: L-R: Cllr Andy Mellen, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, and Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council.“As an example, we reported in late 2024 that direct emissions from the council’s own assets are down by 42 per cent, compared to 2018-19 figures,” said a council spokesperson.
“The ongoing reduction in direct emissions is due to a programme of retrofitting works and low carbon heating projects, involving new insulation, LED lighting and other measures introduced in many council buildings.
“Fossil fuel-based heating systems (like gas or oil boilers) have been replaced with low-carbon air source heat pumps and Retrofit works have taken place at 25 council buildings. The council is also exploring ways it can reduce its indirect emissions further.”
Cllr Nethsingha said: “It is such an honour to take on the role of Co-President at UK100. A united front is vital for addressing climate change, and this position will enable us to partake in meaningful, cross-party collaboration, as well supporting our commitment to creating a greener, fairer, and more caring Cambridgeshire.
“The power of local collective action should not be underestimated in terms of tackling climate crisis, and this is where UK100’s work is so vital – championing innovation and replicating good practice across councils.
“As a county council, we have ambitious plans to reach Net Zero by 2030, and this role will allow me to advocate for the powers and resources Cambridgeshire needs to deliver on those ambitions
