On 25 February Warwickshire County Council (WCC) reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change with the publication of its first Sustainable Futures Annual Report 2024.

The report highlights significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, improving climate resilience, and driving sustainability initiatives across the county.

The Annual Report highlights that WCC has cut carbon emissions by 10% in 2023/24, with notable reductions in electricity usage (-24%), streetlighting (-17%), and business travel (-26%).

Some of the other highlights include:

• • • The Council’s adaptation work to build resilience against climate change impacts, such as increased flooding and extreme heat events. They have developed an adaptation framework and are conducting climate risk assessments and collaborating with regional partners to enhance climate resilience.
    • Efforts to raise awareness, educate and influence colleagues and the community about climate change, including achieving Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation accreditation for training staff to help embed sustainability in decision-making.
    • The replacement of aged gas boilers, the installation of solar panels at sites such as Ryton Pools Country Park, and the rolling out of a full LED lighting upgrade across its buildings and streetlights.
    • Transport-related initiatives that include electric vehicle infrastructure, zero emission buses, investing in lower-emission fleet vehicles and active travel programs.
    • The recognition of the role of biodiversity and carbon sequestration through initiatives such as tree planting and biodiversity offsetting schemes

Find out more here.