Climate action helps to cut energy bills

13 Jul 2026

West Suffolk Council’s cabinet will be reviewing the council’s own work on improving the local environment and issues local residents face, such as fuel poverty.

On Tuesday 21 July, cabinet will receive the Annual Environmental and Climate Change Update Report 2025 to 2026, which shows the council’s progress towards tackling the climate emergency and enhancing the local government.

Over the last year, West Suffolk Council continued its commitment to delivering meaningful action to address the climate emergency, improve and enhance environmental resilience within the local area.

The annual emissions in 2025 to 2026 were 5,181 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), down from 5,443 the previous year. This is a reduction of 4.8 per cent compared to 2024 to 2025, and 37 per cent compared to the 2010 baseline.

A large contributor to the reduction in emissions in the past year was the 14 per cent decrease in West Suffolk Council’s gas consumption, achieved primarily through the decarbonisation of the Apex.

Building on a strong track record, this year saw further investment in renewable energy, biodiversity, waste reduction, sustainable transport, and partnerships that support greener communities. The statement also shows how this work generates a large return on investment for residents and local businesses, directly and as local taxpayers.

The Solar for Business programme continued to support local businesses to reduce both carbon emissions and operating costs. During the year, a further 503 kilowatts (kW) of solar photovoltaic capacity was installed. The programme now supports 116 businesses and has delivered approximately 9 megawatts of installed solar capacity, helping participating businesses save an estimated 2,100 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Work has begun on the solar canopies at Mildenhall Hub, which is expected to generate over £130,000 of electricity, provide protection against future grid price increases, and save over 124 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

During 2025 to 2026, 46 new 11kW chargers were installed across West Suffolk to aid residents without driveways in charging their EVs. These new chargers are being delivered by Suffolk County Council, working in partnership with West Suffolk Council, as part of a successful £5.3 million bid to the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund.

The council continued to support energy efficiency improvements through programmes including Warm Homes Suffolk and wider retrofit initiatives. Across Suffolk, 112 Warm Homes grants were delivered, including 15 properties in West Suffolk, helping residents reduce energy consumption and manage energy costs. The council also continued to promote financial inclusion and support vulnerable households through wider housing and community initiatives.

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory at West Suffolk Council, said: “This cabinet is following in the footsteps of its predecessors in focusing on meaningful environmental benefits which offer a strong return to taxpayers – whether this is through reducing the council’s own costs or direct savings in resident’s own energy bills.

“The progress report clearly demonstrates that we are remaining on track for our 2039 target as part of the net zero roadmap, the fully-costed timeline that was published last year highlighting the actions the council will take to achieve net zero.

“I am delighted that the latest report shows that protecting our natural environment is compatible with helping West Suffolk continue to thrive, and provides great momentum for West Suffolk Council to continue its great work towards net zero.”

For more on the council’s work supporting environmental resilience, visit: Environment

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