To become a Carbon Neutral organisation by 2030, Tewkesbury Borough Council has developed a Carbon Reduction Programme
(Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report 2022 & Carbon Reduction Programme Update, TBC Emissions Report & Action Plan 2021, TBC Baseline Emissions & Action Plan 2019 & 2020), which includes:
Carbon reduction programme
Energy, Water and Waste
The council has been striving to make its offices carbon neutral.
In the summer of 2022, a large solar PV canopy was constructed at the Public Service Centre which can generate up to 260,000 kWh of electricity and save around 76 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year (equivalent to 76 hot air balloons).
More recently, in early 2024 the council has installed an air source heating system which has completely removed the need for a natural gas supply to the building.
Other energy efficiency improvements such as LED lighting, timers on equipment, and better heating and water controls have been introduced in the council building.
Insulation and double glazing have been installed in council-owned domestic properties.
We are also looking at reductions we can make in our own internal waste streams and have increased the number of materials we can recycle in our offices.
Transport
The council has converted all of its pool cars to electric, utilising the electric vehicle charging points on site.
The feasibility of further electric vehicle charging points in the Borough is being explored as part of the council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy.
Work is also being undertaken with Ubico, the council’s waste collection contractor, to decarbonise its vehicle fleet.
Biodiversity
Tree planting activity has been undertaken on the Council’s land and we are working with Gloucestershire County Council to identify further opportunities to support carbon capture through nature.
Communications and Engagement
The Council’s own website has been updated to include information about how the Council’s is addressing Climate Change. Carbon Literacy training and support is offered to staff and councillors. 129 members of staff have participated to date (March 2025) and the council is certified as a silver carbon literate organisation.
Borough Wide Carbon Reduction
In May 2023, Tewkesbury Borough Council extended its Climate Emergency declaration to a Borough wide Climate and Ecological Emergency. Having looked at the Council’s own Carbon footprint, the next steps will then be to support residents, businesses, community groups and other organisations to tackle greenhouse gas emissions across the Borough.