Will Wiltshire Council Achieve Net Zero by 2030? Exploring Progress and Challenges

In September, the Local Democracy Reporting Service highlighted that Wiltshire Council is facing an additional fee for the electricity used across its properties. This extra charge comes from a green energy tariff that the council has adopted. While it gets renewable energy from the same grid as fossil fuels, this tariff helps to support solar, wind, and tidal energy production. Because of this, the council can count its energy use as carbon neutral.

This tariff adds 1.154 pence per kWh of electricity to the bill, totaling about £230,000 annually for the council’s various facilities—including offices and leisure centers. During a recent council meeting on October 7, opposition members expressed concerns over the amount spent on this green tariff.

A key question was raised by Conservative group deputy leader Dominic Muns: “What do we get for our £230,000?” Cllr Paul Sample, the cabinet member for the environment, explained that the green tariff accounts for 3.85% of the council’s electricity costs. He emphasized that paying for the tariff allows them to report zero emissions, a stark contrast to the over double emissions they would report without it.

Council leader Ian Thorn pointed out the importance of this tariff in achieving their net-zero goal. Progress since declaring a climate emergency in 2019 has been significant, with a reduction of over 9,600 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The current emissions are still above their interim target, but they are on a consistent downward path.

Cllr Sample noted that the council aims for carbon neutrality by 2030. This means they do not add more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than what they can absorb. The council has invested in more energy-efficient buildings and electric vehicles (EVs), significantly cutting energy costs. About half of all mileage for council vehicles is now electric, and a network of charge points has been established for their growing fleet.

Recent statistics show that electric vehicles are not just environmentally friendly; they also reduce maintenance costs due to their reliability. The council is even testing its first electric refuse collection vehicle.

Since declaring a climate emergency, the council’s solar power initiatives have reportedly saved approximately £650,000 in energy expenses. Wiltshire Council aims to lead by example, inspiring residents and local organizations to adopt sustainable practices.

This ongoing commitment to carbon reduction reflects broader trends in the UK, where local governments are increasingly under pressure to meet sustainability goals. According to recent surveys, 70% of people support councils taking action against climate change, prioritizing green initiatives.

In summary, Wiltshire Council’s green tariff may seem like a hefty expense, but it plays a crucial role in their long-term sustainability efforts, improving services while saving money and reducing emissions.

For further insights into local climate actions, you can read more about energy sustainability initiatives here.

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