Efforts by Telford and Wrekin Council to reduce its carbon emissions are ahead of target but further reductions are becoming “more challenging”, according to the authority.
In 2019 the council was among many authorities to declare a “climate emergency” and set out a target to become carbon neutral by 2030.
A council report said that by the end of March 2025, emissions had been reduced by 63% since 2018/19, thanks to a range of measures in homes, leisure centres, and offices. The authority said that put it eight per cent ahead of where it was expecting to be at this stage.
The council has set itself a target of reaching a 70 per cent reduction by 2026/27.
“We have made strong progress in reducing the council’s emissions so far, but we recognise that it is getting harder and more challenging to do,” the report stated.
Measures taken include making homes more energy-efficient and increasing the number of solar panels on council buildings.
The council owns the Wheat Leasows solar farm which last year produced 3,144 MWh of electricity, enough energy to power 1,084 homes.
It said it was looking at the possibility of more solar energy and improving connections to the national electricity network.
In addition, the authority said it was taking measures to prepare the area for the impact of climate change.
It said risks included damage to roads and trees from flooding, heat and wind, with heat also recognised as a threat to public health and the smooth running of IT systems.