NEWSROOM

The latest annual Carbon Neutral and Climate Change Adaptation Report, which will be presented to Cabinet at their meeting next week (Thursday 24 September) shows that Council operations emitted 1,848 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent during 2025/26, compared with 5,896 tonnes in its baseline year. This means the authority is around 5% ahead of target in its journey to becoming carbon neutral and remains on track to meet its interim target of a 70% reduction by 2027.

This has been achieved through sustained investment in energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption across Council buildings, improving working practices and supporting low-carbon transport.

The Council's investment in energy efficiency is also delivering significant financial benefits. By reducing energy consumption across its buildings and operations, the authority has avoided an estimated £1.19 million in gas and electricity costs compared with what it would have spent had energy use remained at 2018/19 levels. These savings help protect Council budgets from rising energy prices and mean more funding can be directed towards supporting frontline services for local residents.

The report also highlights a range of projects helping to cut emissions while delivering wider benefits for residents and communities, including:

• The forthcoming Matthew Webb Swimming and Fitness Centre in Dawley, which will be the Council's first leisure facility powered entirely by renewable energy.
• The refurbishment of Wellington Leisure Centre, reducing carbon emissions by around 102 tonnes a year while cutting energy costs by 35%.
• The installation of 63 electric vehicle charging points in Council car parks to support residents and businesses making the switch to electric vehicles.
• The introduction of two new electric buses following a successful trial, helping reduce emissions, improve air quality and lower operating costs.
• Continued support through Telford Energy Advice, helping thousands of households with energy advice, insulation, heating improvements and measures to reduce fuel bills.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said: "We are continuing to make strong progress towards our goal of becoming a carbon neutral council by 2030.

"Cutting our emissions by 69% is a significant achievement and demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained investment, innovation and partnership working.

"Importantly, many of the actions we're taking are also delivering wider benefits for residents, helping tackle fuel poverty, improving public facilities, supporting cleaner transport and reducing costs that can be reinvested in frontline services.

"While we know the challenge becomes greater as we move closer to our target, this report shows we remain firmly on track and committed to playing our part in addressing climate change."

Alongside reducing emissions, the Council is continuing to strengthen its response to the impacts of climate change. The report highlights work to improve resilience to extreme weather, including flooding, storms, heatwaves and drought, through the Council's Corporate Climate Change Risk Register and partnerships with local organisations and communities.

The latest report comes as the UK experiences increasingly frequent extreme weather events, reinforcing the importance of both reducing carbon emissions and preparing for the impacts of a changing climate.

The full report is available here and will be considered by Telford & Wrekin Council's Cabinet on Thursday 24 September 2026.