Walsall Connected Annual Report - Year Four - Environmental and Economic Impact of Walsall Connected

Walsall Connected plays a vital role in reducing the need for residents to travel into Walsall town centre to access Council services. By providing support within local community settings, the programme improves accessibility while helping to reduce carbon emissions and travel costs for residents.

Estimated Environmental Benefits

• By enabling residents to access services closer to home, Walsall Connected helps to avoid unnecessary travel and contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions.
• The estimated carbon saving from avoided journeys is 4.38 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, helping to support the Council’s environmental and sustainability objectives.
• An estimated 19,630.5 miles of travel have been avoided through residents accessing support at local centres rather than travelling to a central location. These calculations are based on an assumed travel split of 70% by car and 30% by public transport.

Estimated Financial Savings for Residents

• Car travel savings: £5,798.69.
• Public transport savings: £3,315.00.
• Total estimated savings: £9,113.69.

Conclusion

These outcomes demonstrate the dual benefit of the Walsall Connected model, supporting sustainability objectives and delivering tangible financial savings for residents. By providing accessible support within local communities, the programme reduces environmental impact while helping residents access essential services more conveniently and affordably.