Annual Wiltshire Council climate update presented to Full Council

Wiltshire Council has provided its annual climate emergency response, which confirms that the council’s direct emissions have fallen by just over 82% since 2019.

The report sets out progress and priorities for reducing carbon emissions, cutting energy costs and preparing for the effects of climate change.

The update brings together work towards the council’s commitment to become carbon neutral as an organisation by 2030, alongside support for residents, businesses and communities to reduce emissions across Wiltshire.

Energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy generation across council buildings delivered estimated net savings of £1 million in 2025/26. Council solar installations generate around 2.8 million kWh a year, worth approximately £650,000 annually and supplying about 20% of the council's electricity demand.

Progress includes replacing fossil fuel heating in council buildings, expanding the electric vehicle fleet and improving the energy efficiency of council homes. Across Wiltshire, the Switch Together solar and battery scheme has delivered more than 2,000 installations since 2022, with over 5,000 residents registering for the solar and heat pump schemes in 2026 alone. In terms of nature recovery, during 2025/26, Wiltshire saw 169 hectares of woodland, 1,960 individual trees and 18,860 metres of hedgerow planted.

The update also covers increased investment in drainage, work with schools to reduce disruption during heatwaves and support for communities to prepare emergency plans. These measures form part of the council’s work to protect services and residents from severe weather.

While the council has made significant progress in reducing emissions from its own operations, the report shows there is still much more to do across Wiltshire as a whole, with county-wide emissions increasing slightly in the latest year. The council has a number of projects to support progress, including helping households to install renewable energy, supporting the transition to electric vehicles and continuing to work with communities to support their efforts. More than 25 climate-related projects have received council funding via the Area Boards in 2025/26.

Cllr Paul Sample JP, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, said: “As a council, we continue to make strong progress in response to the climate emergency, and it remains a huge focus for us.

“The extreme and dangerous heatwaves we experienced this summer, and the prospect of increasingly unpredictable weather this winter and beyond, should serve as a stark reminder that, as a county, we all need to do everything we can to tackle the challenges we face.

“Using less energy and generating more of our own electricity is helping us to reduce emissions and the cost of running council services. Improvements to our buildings, vehicles and homes across the county are examples of our climate commitments in practice. We are always happy to speak to businesses, local groups and organisations about the action we’ve taken as a council, as sharing ideas and best practice will benefit us all.

“There is more to do, both within the council and across Wiltshire. We will continue to work with residents, businesses, schools and community organisations to improve energy efficiency and increase renewable energy generation, helping to reduce carbon emissions across the county.

“Alongside reducing emissions, we need to prepare for the effects of a changing climate. That means making sure our services can continue during severe weather and helping communities plan for the risks they face.

“If we all work together, we can make a difference now and for future generations.”

Priorities for 2026 and 2027 include increasing rooftop solar, supporting community-owned energy projects and further investment in public transport, walking, cycling and electric vehicle charging. The council will also review and refresh its Climate Strategy as part of its priorities for 2027.