Essex County Council has gained an ‘A’ rating for its efforts on climate resilience and reducing greenhouse gases.

The CDP (originally the Carbon Disclosure Project) has awarded the council the top rating for the third year running and it remains the only county council in the UK to achieve this.

As part of the assessment, the CPD found the council performed highly in its efforts to:

• strengthen climate resilience, including protecting residents from flooding, overheating and water shortages
• cut greenhouse gas emissions while fostering a sustainable, low-carbon economy

Councillor Peter Schwier, the council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling said: “Our Climate Action Plan, developed with partners across the county, has driven innovation and solidified Essex as a leader in sustainability. This is another positive step forward for a brighter and greener Essex.”