A report published today (21 August) shows South Cambridgeshire District Council has reduced net greenhouse gas emissions from the services and facilities it runs by 45.3% - hitting its emission reduction target.
A major upgrade to the energy performance of the Council’s main building, South Cambs Hall, as well as switching to more low-carbon vehicles, helped the Council move towards its long-term climate goals.
A report going before the Climate and Environment Advisory Committee (CEAC) reveals the Council almost halved net emissions from its own estate since 2018/19 – hitting a milestone in reductions set in its 2020 Zero Carbon Strategy.
The Council’s carbon emissions equalled 1,183 tonnes in 2025/26, compared with 1,929 in 2018/19 – a 39% gross reduction.
Once renewable electricity purchased by the Council and electricity exported are factored into the equation, emissions fall to 1,049 tonnes - representing a 45.3% net reduction compared with 2018/19.
In 2018, the District Council had no electric or low carbon vehicles in its fleet. In 2026 it has four electric bin lorries with five more expected to be delivered by autumn. There are three electric vans, one electric road sweeper and 38 vehicles within the fleet (which services both Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire) running on HVO fuel - a renewable diesel-alternative, often made from waste vegetable and cooking oils offering up to 90% lower net CO2 emissions compared to conventional diesel.
Examples of work carried out to reduce emissions across the district include:
- Planning policies that support lower-carbon development and protect nature.
- Reducing waste and encouraging recycling.
- Transitioning Council vehicles to lower-carbon fuels and electric alternatives.
- Improving the energy efficiency of council buildings and homes.
- Helping local businesses reduce their environmental impact.
- Encouraging more sustainable approaches to food and agriculture.
- Providing training and information to help communities take climate action.
- Supporting biodiversity, tree planting and wider nature recovery projects.
Cllr Laurence Damary-Homan, Lead Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "We are really pleased to meet our targets in reducing emissions from our own estate and operations. While there is still more work to do, these results demonstrate that the actions being taken are making a difference and will provide a strong foundation as we move forward with our new Climate and Nature Strategy. Putting environmental sustainability at the heart of everything we do is a key part of our ambition of being ‘Green to our Core.’ These achievements show our commitment is delivering tangible results. The next milestone is a 75% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
"Although we are proud of the steps we are taking; we are not alone in this journey. Numerous community groups, partner councils, parishes, businesses and individuals are all doing their part and we really need everyone to play their part. Whether it is large investment or smaller changes such as changing recycling habits to ensure less goes to waste, it all makes a difference.”
The two original strategies - Zero Carbon and Doubling Nature – which aimed to enhance biodiversity and natural habitats in the district – have since been succeeded by the Climate and Nature Strategy 2026-2030. The Climate and Nature Strategy sets out the next phase of work for reducing emissions, increasing resilience to climate impacts, and protecting and recovering nature. This builds on the strong foundation of work under the previous strategies.
Progress against the actions under the Zero Carbon and Doubling Nature strategies, alongside the Council’s latest greenhouse gas emissions data are laid out on the Council’s tackling climate change webpage.
The Council’s CEAC will consider the report at its meeting on 1 September.
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