WILTSHIRE Council is in a "strong position" to be carbon neutral by 2030, according to an independent report.

The county still has work to do though.   

Independent consultant the Anthesis Group provided the council with a detailed technical study of its, and the county’s, climate ambitions, providing the council with "a clear picture of the way forward and the progress made so far".  

In February 2019 Wiltshire Council acknowledged a "climate emergency", and said it would seek to make the county carbon neutral by 2030. 

The report showed the council has reduced its carbon footprint by 81 per cent since 2014/15, and the projects currently in the pipeline should help get that to a 90 per cent reduction by 2030.

Some of the work carried out by the council to support its commitment so far includes a new green energy contract for schools so they can access green energy at a competitive rate and sustained investment in solar panels.

The council’s first Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Plan has been approved and an order for new electric and non-electric bikes for council staff has also been placed.

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “The scale of the challenges can’t be underestimated, but this county, supported by its committed communities, local groups, and organisations, has proven time and time again that it can rise to anything it faces."