Gloucestershire County Council has published its sixth annual Climate Change Report, outlining progress in cutting carbon emissions and reinforcing its long-term commitment to tackling climate change.
The report, which will be presented to cabinet on 18 March, details reductions in emissions from both the council’s own operations and across the wider county. Its publication coincides with the launch of the council’s new Community Climate Change Fund on Friday 13 March.
According to the report, the council reduced its direct emissions by 11 per cent during 2024–25 compared with the previous year. Electricity-related emissions remain at zero after the authority continued purchasing electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources.
Across Gloucestershire as a whole, emissions fell by just over five per cent.
The report highlights a range of initiatives already underway, including investment in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in buildings and vehicles, encouraging active and sustainable travel, and working with local businesses and communities to reduce emissions.
The council has reaffirmed its ambition to reach net zero for its own direct emissions by 2030. It also plans to accelerate reductions linked to travel and procurement.
A particular focus for future work will be cutting emissions in the council’s supply chain, which accounts for 73 per cent of its wider carbon footprint. Gloucestershire County Council plans to work with suppliers and contractors to reduce emissions while offering free support to small and medium-sized businesses through The Growth Hub’s Net Zero business support programme.
To support climate action locally, the council has also launched a new round of its Community Climate Change Fund. A total of £100,000 in grant funding will be available for community groups across the county to support projects that reduce carbon emissions or raise awareness of the climate emergency.
Groups can apply for grants ranging from £2,000 to £4,999. Since January 2024, the fund has already distributed up to £150,000 to support 35 projects, helping communities improve local facilities, make buildings more energy efficient and reduce running costs for community spaces.
Eligible groups do not need specialist climate knowledge to apply. Priority will be given to projects that deliver the greatest carbon reductions, engage local communities and demonstrate strong value for money.
Cllr Martin Horwood, cabinet member for nature, climate and waste reduction, said the report shows clear progress but also the need for further action.
“This report shows that while the council has been making real, measurable progress in cutting carbon emissions, we need to go further and faster and our new administration is committed to doing just that,” he said.
“We are investing in renewable energy, more efficient buildings and cleaner travel, while also turning our attention to reducing emissions from all our suppliers and contractors who make up by far the largest part of our overall carbon footprint as a council.
“I’m also pleased to welcome the launch of the Community Climate Change Fund, which puts practical support directly into the hands of local groups. Communities across Gloucestershire have a vital role to play, and this funding will help them take action, reduce emissions and build awareness of the climate emergency.”
The full Climate Change Report 2024–25 and details of how to apply for the Community Climate Change Fund are available on the Gloucestershire County Council website.