Annual Wiltshire Council climate update presented to Full Council

Wiltshire Council has reported estimated net savings of £1 million during 2025/26 through energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy generation across its buildings, as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle climate change.

The council's latest climate update outlines progress towards its commitment to become carbon neutral as an organisation by 2030. It also highlights work to help residents, businesses and communities across Wiltshire reduce carbon emissions and prepare for the effects of a changing climate.

Council-owned solar installations currently generate around 2.8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, worth approximately £650,000 annually and meeting around 20% of the council's electricity demand.

Other measures include replacing fossil fuel heating systems in council buildings, expanding the council's electric vehicle fleet and improving the energy efficiency of council homes.

More Residents Turning to Solar Energy

The council's update also highlights growing interest in renewable energy among households across Wiltshire.

Since 2022, the Switch Together solar and battery scheme has delivered more than 2,000 installations. In 2026 alone, more than 5,000 residents registered for the council's solar and heat pump schemes.

Nature recovery has also formed part of the council's climate work. During 2025/26, 169 hectares of woodland were planted across Wiltshire, alongside 1,960 individual trees and 18,860 metres of hedgerow.

These projects aim to support biodiversity, improve local environments and contribute to wider efforts to address climate change.

Preparing for Extreme Weather

Alongside reducing carbon emissions, the council is taking steps to prepare for the effects of increasingly unpredictable weather.

Its work includes increased investment in drainage, helping schools reduce disruption during heatwaves and supporting communities to develop emergency plans.

These measures are intended to help protect residents and maintain essential public services during severe weather events.

However, the report also acknowledges that challenges remain. While the council has made progress in reducing emissions from its own operations, county-wide emissions increased slightly in the latest reporting year.

To address this, the council continues to support households installing renewable energy, encourage the transition to electric vehicles and work with communities on local climate initiatives.

More than 25 climate-related projects received council funding through Area Boards during 2025/26.

Council Calls for Continued Action

Cllr Paul Sample JP, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, said the authority continued to make progress in responding to the climate emergency.

He highlighted the extreme heatwaves experienced during the summer and the prospect of increasingly unpredictable weather as reminders of the challenges facing the county.

He said using less energy and generating more electricity locally was helping the council reduce emissions and the cost of running public services.

The improvements to council buildings, vehicles and homes demonstrate how its climate commitments are being put into practice, he added.

Cllr Sample also emphasised the importance of working with businesses, community groups and other organisations to share ideas and encourage further progress.

He said more needed to be done both within the council and across Wiltshire, particularly in improving energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy generation.

Alongside reducing emissions, he said communities needed to prepare for the effects of climate change by ensuring services could continue operating during severe weather and helping residents plan for potential risks.

Climate Priorities for 2026 and 2027

The council's priorities for 2026 and 2027 include increasing rooftop solar installations, supporting community-owned energy projects and investing further in public transport, walking, cycling and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The authority will also review and refresh its Climate Strategy as part of its priorities for 2027.

The annual climate update was discussed at the council's Cabinet meeting on 8 October and presented to Full Council on 20 October.

Residents can find further information about the council's climate work on the official Wiltshire Council website at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/climate-change.

The full report and associated documents are available through the council's meeting records at https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=16439.