According to a report published by Dorset Council, a major retrofit programme has reduced carbon emissions from council-owned buildings by over 20% in just one year.
The programme, which was funded by the government, saw measures like heat pumps, solar panels and low-energy lighting installed in over 200 buildings, including schools, libraries and leisure centres. Combined, this work has drastically cut energy use and costs for the council and its partners, with an estimated saving of over £1million a year.
The report, which monitors the progress Dorset Council is making towards its climate goals, shows that emissions from other areas of the council have also reduced since monitoring began, and it is making good progress towards its 2040 target.
The council has reduced its carbon footprint by 27% since it declared a climate and ecological emergency in 2019.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
It is really encouraging to see that the council has continued to reduce carbon emissions and avoided a bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.
But if we are to remain on track, it is critical that we maintain and strengthen efforts to drive down emissions both within the council and across the wider county.
This recent report clearly shows that taking steps now to cut emissions is not only the right thing to do for our planet, but also makes good financial sense.
I strongly urge residents who haven’t already done so to contact our Healthy Homes Dorset programme to see what support is available to help them take similar steps in their homes.
The council’s Natural Environment, Climate and Ecology Progress Report can be read in full here.
