Residents, businesses, community organisations, and stakeholders are invited to help shape Norwich's future by taking part in a new public consultation on the city’s draft Energy Plan.
The draft Norwich Energy Plan sets out a vision for a city that is more resilient, affordable, healthy, and sustainable by 2045. While the plan aims to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change, it is equally focused on the everyday benefits that matter to local people, including warmer homes, lower energy bills, cleaner air, greener spaces, better health and greater energy security.
The council wants to hear from people across the city about the opportunities, challenges and priorities that should shape future action, and encourages everyone to get involved through the Get Talking Norwich platform. Visit Get Talking to read the summary plan and complete the survey: Have your say on Norwich's draft Energy Plan.
We recognise that achieving the ambitions set out in the Norwich Energy Plan cannot be achieved by any one organisation alone. The plan is built on the principle that creating a more sustainable and resilient city will require collective action from residents, businesses, public bodies, community groups and local partners working together.
There are no right or wrong answers. Whether you already follow climate issues closely or are hearing about the plan for the first time, every response will help build a clearer picture of what matters most to Norwich communities.
The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and explores a range of topics including:
- the draft Energy Plan and public awareness
- buildings and home heating
- getting around Norwich
- land, nature and food
- preparing for climate change
- local priorities and final comments
- optional demographic questions to help ensure a wide range of voices are heard
As well as reducing emissions, the consultation seeks views on how Norwich can best adapt to the impacts of climate change that are already being experienced, including increased flooding risks and periods of extreme heat. Responses will help inform how the council and its partners can support local communities to become more resilient and benefit from the changes needed across the city.
The draft plan highlights a range of opportunities, including improving the energy efficiency of homes, supporting low-carbon heating, expanding community energy projects, improving walking and cycling routes, increasing tree cover and green spaces, strengthening local energy resilience and supporting sustainable food initiatives. These actions can bring benefits that go beyond climate action, from reducing fuel poverty and improving public health to creating jobs and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Councillor Toby Bolton, Norwich City Council cabinet member for climate and environment, said:
"The Norwich Energy Plan is about much more than carbon emissions. It's about creating a city where people can live in warmer, healthier homes, enjoy cleaner air, benefit from greener neighbourhoods and feel confident that Norwich is prepared for the challenges of the future.
"We know that local people understand their communities better than anyone. That's why we're asking residents, businesses and organisations to tell us what matters to them, what support they need and where they think we should focus our efforts.
"Whatever your priority is – from affordable energy, better transport, more green spaces, to community energy, climate resilience or supporting future generations, we want to hear your views. Together we will make a plan that delivers lasting benefits for Norwich."
Have your say
The consultation is now open on Get Talking Norwich.
Have your say on Norwich's draft Energy Plan.
The survey takes around ten minutes to complete and all responses will help inform the final Norwich Energy Plan and future work to support communities across the city.
