West Berkshire Council has published its latest Environment Strategy Annual Progress Report covering July 2024 to July 2025, showing a 38 per cent reduction in the council's operational emissions compared with its 2019/20 baseline. Emissions from council buildings are now lower than during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The report credits more accurate site-specific data for schools, reduced staff mileage through greater use of pool cars, energy-efficiency upgrades at leisure centres, the installation of solar panels across council sites and the switch to vegetable oil for food waste vehicles.
It also sets out an updated Pathway to Net Zero, mapping major schemes such as the Northcroft Leisure Centre decarbonisation project, a four-year solar PV installation programme across council buildings and schools, and continued transition to low carbon fleet options.
Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill), executive member for environment and highways at West Berkshire Council, said: "This report shows that West Berkshire is not only reducing its carbon footprint but building real momentum towards our net zero target.
"What matters now is that we keep going.
"With major decarbonisation projects under way, expanded EV infrastructure, new solar installations and a refreshed Environment Strategy, we are well placed to accelerate progress and deliver practical, evidence-based action that benefits our residents, our financial sustainability, our environment and sustainability, and future generations."
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
