North Herts Council has unveiled its new Sustainability Strategy 2025–2030, setting out a roadmap for a greener and more climate-resilient future across the district — including Hitchin.

The strategy replaces the previous Climate Change Strategy and expands its focus to cover a wider range of issues, from cutting greenhouse gas emissions to boosting biodiversity and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Key targets include:

• Achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030 for the council's own operations.
• Reaching Net Zero across North Herts by 2040.
• Making all council services and operations resilient to climate impacts.
• Preparing the wider district for unavoidable climate changes.
• Increasing biodiversity across the area.

Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment, said that tackling sustainability was a priority for residents.

"86% of respondents to our public consultation said it was important or very important for us to address sustainability issues," she said. "This strategy sets clear objectives and actions, not just for the council but for the whole district. Acting now is crucial for both our planet and our communities."

Residents can find out more and get involved via the council's Climate Hive platform, where the full strategy is also available.

In June Climate Emergency UK assessed all UK councils on the actions they've taken towards net zero and described North Herts progress as "average". 

The 2025 Action Scorecard assessment consists of 93 questions or less, depending on council type, across 7 different sections, created in consultation with over 90 different organisations and individuals.