COLCHESTER Council is expected to go green and sign up to a climate local action plan.

It is hoped all local authorities will sign up and pledge to cut carbon and encourage green procurement practices.

More than 100 authorities have already signed up and Colchester is expected to join the list this week. The council is already focused on an “environmentally sustainable approach” at its own buildings and wants its partners, businesses and residents to do the same.

A report into the plan said: “The council is already working with communities to help them build resilience to the changing world around us.

“These projects are community and third sector led so not within our control, but by making advice and support more accessible we are able to influence and support communities to make well advised, environmentally sustainable choices.”

The council is pledging to: 

  • Meet carbon dioxide reduction targets by 2020  Use approved green procurement
  • Reduce energy use and look at rainwater and grey water collection systems and council buildings  
  • Help staff make greener choices
  • Improve Colchester housing in line with energy saving targets
  • Increase recycling.