On July 16, 2019, BCP Council declared a climate emergency and pledged to make operations carbon neutral by 2030, and to look at making Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole carbon neutral by 2045, ahead of the national UK target.
Each year the local authority reports on the progress it has made towards these targets. In the most recent update the council highlights the action taken to help tackle climate change in 2024/25.
The report shows that since 2019 greenhouse gas emissions across BCP have decreased by 18 per cent and domestic energy use has fallen by 21 per cent.
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Since the last update the council has installed solar panels at Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex, built 433 new homes to EPC B and A standards, installed 130 EV charging points, and completed a project to restore peatland restoration in Canford Heath.
BCP Council is one of the first two local authorities in the south west to complete a Local Area Energy Plan.
Upcoming works are planned to deliver more frequent bus services and improve cycling and walking routes.
Residents can monitor progress using and interactive dashboard on BCP Council website.
The climate action report was discussed during a cabinet meeting on March 4.
Councillor Chris Rigby told cabinet: “The improvements which have been seen are significantly better.
“The percentage of cutting emissions has increased drastically but if we continue that sane trajectory we still wouldn’t met BCP’s 2030 target.
“So, this is more of a plea than anything else to find ways in which we can ensure we are going to be able to meet those targets because by not meeting them there is going to be an increased cost.”
Councillor Kieron Wilson said the council is making good progress towards decarbonising its housing stock.
He added what he likes most about the report is you can clearly see the “passion and desire” to see “real change within this area come through. I think this is a real call to action that we need to be going faster and we need to be doing more”.
Members voted unanimously to note the climate action report.