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New climate funding launched as county emissions fall

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Gloucestershire County Council has published its sixth annual Climate Change Report, setting out progress made and strengthening its long-term commitment to tackling climate change. Its publication is being marked with the launch of the Community Climate Change Fund today, on Friday 13 March.

The report to cabinet on 18 March provides an update on the council’s work to reduce carbon emissions across the council's own operations and across the wider county and reports falls in both. It confirms the council’s ambition to reach net zero for its own direct emissions by 2030, alongside faster progress in cutting emissions linked to travel and procurement. 

During 2024–25, direct council emissions fell by 11 per cent compared with the previous year. Emissions from the council's electricity use remain at zero through the continued purchase of 100 per cent renewable electricity. 

Emissions across the whole county fell by just over five per cent.

The report highlights a wide range of positive activity already underway, including investment in renewable energy, more efficient buildings and vehicles, support for active and sustainable travel, and work with local businesses and communities. 

Looking ahead, Gloucestershire County Council is working to reduce its wider carbon footprint particularly in procurement. The council will be working with suppliers and contractors to reduce emissions across the supply chain, which makes up 73 per cent of our wider carbon footprint, while offering free support to small and medium-sized businesses via The Growth Hub Net Zero business support programme.  

To read the full report, visit Climate change report 2024-2025 | Gloucestershire County Council 

To support the action across the county, the council is offering £100,000 in grant funding to communities to help reduce carbon emissions and the impacts of climate change.

This latest round of funding was launched on Friday 13 March, allowing community groups from across the county to apply for between £2,000 and £4,999 for projects that tackle climate change and increase people’s awareness and knowledge of the climate emergency.  

The Community Climate Change Fund has already granted up to £150,000 since January 2024, supporting 35 projects across the county. The funds allocated so far have been spent in communities to improve local facilities and help tackle the climate crisis. It has helped make buildings warmer and keep costs down for vital community spaces.  

Eligible groups don’t have to be climate experts to apply. Priority will be given to projects that are able to reduce the most carbon, engage with their communities and provide the best value for money. 

For more information on the Community Climate Change Fund and for details on how to apply, visit The community climate change fund | Gloucestershire County Council 

Cllr Martin Horwood, cabinet member for nature, climate and waste reduction, said: “This report shows that while the council has been making real, measurable progress in cutting carbon emissions, we need to go further and faster and our new administration is committed to doing just that. We are investing in renewable energy, more efficient buildings and cleaner travel, while also turning our attention to reducing emissions from all our suppliers and contractors who make up by far the largest part of our overall carbon footprint as a council.

“I'm also pleased to welcome the launch of the Community Climate Change Fund, which puts practical support directly into the hands of local groups. Communities across Gloucestershire have a vital role to play, and this funding will help them take action, reduce emissions and build awareness of the climate emergency.”