Major reduction in CO2 between 2018-19 and 2024-25 puts council 8% ahead of target as it aims for carbon zero by 2030
Telford & Wrekin Council is reporting considerable achievements in efforts to reduce the amount of carbon it produces. In doing so, it cites examples of successful projects, many of them involving innovative tech, that could be examples for other local authorities to follow.
The swimming pool at Wellington Leisure Centre, photo courtesy of Telford & Wrekin Council
The council says that, between 2018-19 and 2024-25, its carbon emissions fell by 63%. Over the same period, the council achieved a 28% reduction in energy consumption – and related energy costs – through improved efficiency of buildings and streetlighting.
These efforts are part of a continued commitment to tackling the climate emergency the council declared in 2019, while also offering financial savings and other benefits to residents. The council underlines that the effects of climate change and extreme weather are already being felt, resulting in increased demand on services such as flood defences, emergency response and road repairs.
As well as sharing the figures, the council reported on January 6 how a range of 2024-25 projects are helping it to meet its ambitious net zero goal, many involving innovative tech:
For example, upgrades to Oakengates Leisure Centre cut emissions by the equivalent of 161 tonnes of CO₂ per year, while reducing energy costs by 45%; savings have been reinvested into frontline services. Meanwhile, Wellington Leisure Centre received £1.1m from the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for energy efficiency improvements. This saw emissions reduced by the equivalent of some 70 tonnes of CO₂ per year, and cut energy costs.
Property company NuPlace delivered 132 energy-efficient properties across the region in 2024-25, with solar panels and EV charging points that will make homes more economical. Another 161 low-energy homes are now under construction, with 117 at the Station Quarter site achieving EPC ‘A’ rating for environmental impact.
The council secured £6.7m from the Warm Homes Local Grant to deliver energy performance upgrades to low-income homes in the region. Some 16,184 LED bulbs have also been distributed to residents, helping families reduce bills.
Some £683,370 was awarded to install 70 dual EV charge points in council car parks, with an additional 104 charge points to be installed over the next year. A further £1m was secured from the Local EV Infrastructure Fund for on-street charge points. The council also reports a 47% increase in its Bikeability cycle training scheme.
In 2024-25, Wheat Leasows solar farm generated 3,144 MWh of electricity, which is enough to power a thousand homes for a year. In addition, more than £348,000 was awarded from the Climate Change Fund to support businesses and community groups projects across the region.
Telford Sustainability and Energy Cluster (TSEC) continues to support local businesses. Its Marches Energy Grant programme awarded a total of £483,532 to 23 businesses and community centres to cover energy efficiency improvements.
Cllr Carolyn Healy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability at Telford & Wrekin Council, says: ‘We have made strong progress in reducing the Council’s emissions so far, and while we recognise it is getting harder and more challenging, we know it is still the right thing to do. The investment we are making provides long-term gains in health, cost of living and resilience for our residents and communities.
‘However, we must be clear that climate change is already having a real financial impact. This includes emergency responses, infrastructure repairs, flood defences, and increased pressure on health services. Every pound we invest in reducing emissions and building climate resilience is a pound that helps protect our services and our local economy from even greater future costs.’
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