Council approves Annual Climate Change Report

South Ayrshire Council's Annual Climate Change Report for 2023/24 was approved at the Cabinet meeting of Tuesday 26 November.

The report highlights that the Council currently remains on track to meet our carbon emissions reduction target for 2030.

Overall, emissions were down by 6.5% in 2023/24 in comparison to the previous year, and have fallen significantly since before the pandemic with a reduction of 24.8% since 2019/20.

Some areas for improvement have been identified including emissions from electricity used in Council buildings and fuel used in our vehicle fleet.

Although challenges have been faced, the report highlights the positive actions being taken by the Council to ensure continued progress is made. These actions include reviewing fleet operations, working on Transforming the Estate, delivering a new Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy, and preparing a new Sustainable Design Guidance framework for all new Council buildings and refurbishments.

We've also replaced lighting and building energy management systems in a number of schools and Council buildings, resulting in a reduction year on year in energy bills and emissions.  Improvements have also been made to recycling in schools and in relation to food waste. 

Work is underway to prepare for the physical impacts of a changing climate with a focus on coastal change in the Ballantrae area. Over the next two years, this will be developed to encompass the rest of South Ayrshire's coastline.

Councillor Martin Kilbride, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Buildings, Housing and Environment said: "South Ayrshire Council is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions to meet our own target, as well as delivering our contribution to the Scottish 2045 Net Zero target as set out by the Scottish Government. It is also important to ensure we adapt to a changing climate and strive for a net zero future for the health and wellbeing of everyone across South Ayrshire.

"Climate change is a central concern for the Council, and it's important to consider any potential consequences on our environment during the decision-making process."