Warrington Council is committed to creating a cleaner and greener future. Recently, they shared their key achievements aimed at enhancing sustainability.
Here are some highlights from the past year:
- Achieved Silver Carbon Literate Organisation status, with 20% of staff trained in carbon literacy.
- Improved air quality, reducing emissions by around 44% since 2005.
- Fully transitioned to electric buses, replacing the diesel fleet with 105 electric buses funded by the ZEBRA program.
- Secured funding for a low-carbon heating study in the town center.
- Started preparations for food waste collection to generate renewable energy, set to launch in March 2026.
The council has also made strides in supporting active travel. A consultation on a new active travel scheme in Causeway Park received positive feedback, with plans to implement changes by spring 2026. In August 2025, they opened the Warrington Cycle Station, providing secure 24-hour bike parking for residents and commuters. These improvements are supported by the Town Deal programme, a government initiative aimed at invigorating local areas.
Further enhancements were made along sections of the Trans Pennine Trail in Lymm, thanks to funding from the Local Transport Plan and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This included better surface treatments and improved signage.
Renewable energy projects are thriving too. A successful round of the Cheshire & Warrington Solar Together group-buying scheme led to 96 new solar panel installations. Additionally, the council partnered with Pure Leapfrog to provide Carbon Literacy training for local councils and small businesses through the Innovate UK Net Zero Living Programme.
There is ongoing investment in council buildings, including work at the Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub to install low-carbon heating systems, LED lighting, and solar panels. However, the council noted a slight rise in emissions from its buildings and vehicles, indicating that more action is required. This reflects a broader challenge faced by councils across the country, as decarbonizing buildings and transportation remains complex and costly.
Cllr Tony Higgins, a key advocate for climate initiatives, highlighted the importance of these efforts. He stated, “We know the scale of the climate challenge, but these achievements show that Warrington is taking real, practical steps to reduce emissions and improve sustainability.”
As communities worldwide grapple with climate issues, local actions like those in Warrington can inspire broader change. According to recent surveys, about 70% of people believe local governments should prioritize climate action, reflecting an increasing awareness of environmental issues.
For more details on Warrington’s efforts towards sustainability, check their official website [here](https://www.warrington.gov.uk/climate-emergency).
