Published 13 September 2021
West Dunbartonshire Council has reduced its carbon emissions by 26% in the past seven years.
A council-wide programme of activities to tackle climate change has seen emissions reduce from 32,938 tonnes of CO2 in 2012/13 to 24,394 tonnes in 2019/20.
Details of the reduction come as the Council marks Scottish Climate Week - which runs from 13-16 September - and reaffirm the Council’s ambition to become a net zero organization by 2045 as set out in its Climate Change Strategy.
Projects including LED lighting upgrades, energy efficiency measures for heating school buildings, the closure of Boquhanran House and the relocation of Council employees to new offices at Church Street have all contributed to the year on year reduction.
Across the organisation, officers are continuing to engage in a variety of initiatives to tackle the impact of climate change.
The £20million District Heating System at Queens Quay, which takes water from the Clyde to transform it into low carbon hot water for homes and public buildings, shows the Council’s firm commitment to low carbon technology.
In addition, projects including transitioning of pool cars to an electric fleet with chargers sited at offices in Clydebank and Dumbarton; promotion of active travel for commuting employees; and new cremators and heat exchange system installed at Clydebank Crematorium all contribute to reduced carbon footprint.
Focus also remains on reducing building numbers and replacing with energy efficient alternatives; ensuring all contracts with the Council take into account the environmental impact; ensuring solar technology and insulation is available in Council homes; enhancing biodiversity and greenspace to increase local plant and animal diversity; and implementing a sustainable Waste Strategy.
Councillor Iain McLaren, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “West Dunbartonshire Council has an ambitious programme of activities to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change and this is demonstrated by the fact that we have seen such an impressive reduction in a short space of time.
“During Scottish Climate Week, and with just a few weeks to go until Scotland welcomes leaders from all over the world to discuss how best to tackle climate change at COP26, I am proud that our vast programme of action demonstrates our true commitment to not just reducing our carbon footprint, but also taking action to ensure we are resilient to any future conditions.”
Councillor Diane Docherty, Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing the world and it will have far reaching effects on Scotland's economy, its people and its environment.
“We are committed to reducing our consumption of energy, water and fuel, as well as minimising our waste production and I am delighted to see our plans for continuing to lower our carbon emissions as we work towards being net zero in 2045.”