As a county, it is essential that we all come together to reduce our carbon emissions
In our previous article, we highlighted various ways to travel sustainably, but did you know that Durham County Council offers various resources to promote low-carbon travel options?
Borrow a Bike
Cycling is an excellent way to stay fit and travel in a carbon-free manner. Unfortunately, buying a new bike can be expensive, with prices ranging from £300 to £1000, making it difficult for some to afford. A scheme offered by Durham County Council offers a solution by allowing individuals to loan the bike for work and leisure for 6 months, before deciding whether to purchase it at a reduced price or return it. Recyke y’bike, our charity partner, also provides free support packages for the bikes.
You can read more on the borrow a bike scheme page on our DCC website.
Try Before You Buy
Our Try Before You Buy scheme offers community groups and small to medium business the opportunity to try an Electric Van. Using the Van is free of charge – you only pay to insure and charge the vehicle as you use it! This scheme is part of our Climate Emergency Response Plan, designed to encourage businesses to drastically reduce their carbon emissions. The scheme has received very positive feedback for example, Dave at GB Electricals, a small business owner who installs Solar PV* in homes around County Durham shared:
“We found trialling an electric van difficult to do from local dealerships due to availability and time limitations. After speaking with the team at DCC they advised us we could use one of their vans for three weeks! This was completely free of charge, we just had to charge and insure it. After using the Toyota, we feel that getting a much newer EV van is the way forward as battery and charging technology has much improved in the last 3 years. We are now looking for a similar van to replace our diesel. Highly recommend the opportunity and give thanks to the scheme.”
Reducing our carbon emissions is a collective effort, and we must all chip in to create a sustainable future. We offer resources to help residents and businesses try out a sustainable lifestyle without significant commitments. To find out more about what is on offer, visit our travel planning page. These initiatives not only help to reduce our carbon footprint but also encourage healthier and more active lifestyles. By trying sustainable alternatives, we can all take a step towards a greener and healthier future.
*It is important to note that there are many businesses in and around County Durham offer solar and renewable installation, please check the MCS accreditation register before contacting an installer.
