Progress made on climate goals but councillors warn BCP must ‘do more’ to meet 2030 target
BCP Council has seen an 18% reduction in its emissions since 2019, as it aims to be carbon neutral by 2030
Progress on cutting emissions across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been described as “significant” but councillors warned the area is still not on track to meet its ambitious climate targets.
In July 2019, BCP Council declared a climate emergency, committing to make its own operations carbon neutral by 2030 and exploring how the wider conurbation could reach net zero by 2045.
The authority publishes an annual update on its progress and the latest report outlines the measures taken during the 2024/25 period to tackle climate change.
According to the report, greenhouse gas emissions across the BCP area have fallen by 18% since 2019, while domestic energy use has dropped by 21%.
Councillors were told the improvements show the council’s climate strategy is beginning to have an impact.
Recent initiatives include installing solar panels at the Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex, building 433 new homes to high efficiency EPC A and B standards and installing 130 electric vehicle charging points across the conurbation.
The council has also completed a peatland restoration project at Canford Heath, aimed at improving carbon storage and biodiversity.
The authority has also become one of the first two councils in the South West to complete a Local Area Energy Plan.
Further work is planned in the coming years, including increasing the frequency of bus services and improving infrastructure for walking and cycling in an effort to reduce car dependency.
However, councillors warned that the pace of change must accelerate if the 2030 target is to be achieved.
Councillor Chris Rigby told cabinet the progress was encouraging but insufficient: “The percentage of cutting emissions has increased drastically, but if we continue that same trajectory we still wouldn’t meet BCP’s 2030 target.
“This is more of a plea than anything else to find ways in which we can ensure we meet those targets, because by not meeting them there is going to be an increased cost.”
Councillor Kieron Wilson said the report showed clear commitment to change, particularly in decarbonising council housing, but agreed more urgent action was needed.
“I think this is a real call to action,” he said. “We need to be going faster and we need to be doing more.”