Wiltshire Council reports strong progress toward Carbon Neutrality by 2030

Wiltshire Council has published its latest annual update on its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030, showcasing significant reductions in emissions and a wide range of initiatives that are helping to meet this ambitious target. 

Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, the council has reduced its direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 9,659 tonnes of CO₂e, and by over 21,000 tonnes compared to 2014—a reduction of nearly 89%. Current emissions stand at 2,662 tCO₂e, slightly above the 2024/25 interim target, but continuing a consistent downward trend. 

Cllr Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, said, “Wiltshire Council set a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. This update shows how brilliantly we have done as a Council.

“Our carbon emissions are falling year on year. We have invested in cleaner and more efficient buildings – reducing our energy bills and saving public money. Half of all vehicle mileage is now powered by electricity and we have created a network of charge points to power our growing fleet EV vehicles. By moving to electric vehicles we are also saving money on repair and maintenance costs because EVs are more reliable. Our first electric refuse collection vehicle is now on trial. These practical changes reduce our carbon footprint while saving public money and improving services. 
 
“Since the council declared a climate emergency we’ve cut more than 9,500 tonnes of emissions. Our solar power programme has saved the council around £650,000 in energy costs. As a result we have reduced our overall carbon footprint by over 21,000 tonnes compared to 2014. I want Wiltshire Council to lead by example.

"I want our experience to inspire local people and community organisations to make meaningful changes too. Our annual update is clear evidence that Wiltshire Council is delivering on carbon reduction. It has led to significant environmental, health, economic and social benefits to Wiltshire residents We will keep building on that progress in years to come.” 

Key achievements include: 

• Solar PV installations across council buildings and car park canopies, saving approximately £650,000 annually in electricity costs, and alongside further energy efficiency measures this has led to approximately £1million savings overall, 

• Fleet decarbonisation, with 48% of council vehicles now fully electric and 50% of fleet mileage powered by electricity. A further 70 EV charge points are planned by the end of 2025. 

• Property upgrades, including low-carbon heating systems installed at four sites and £5 million secured through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. 

• Carbon-conscious procurement, with climate requirements embedded into new contracts and the council’s first electric refuse vehicle now in trial. 

• Community initiatives, such as the Solar Together group-buying scheme, which has led to nearly 600 household installations and 478.5 tonnes of CO₂ savings in the past year. 

The council is also supporting wider county efforts, including the Fit for Net Zero programme for small businesses, the Future Energy Landscapes pilot, and the Wiltshire Climate and Environment Summit, which brought together over 250 stakeholders to accelerate local climate action.

Carbon Literacy Training has been completed by nearly all council directors, with elected members receiving training this October to ensure climate considerations are embedded across all decision-making.