Carmarthenshire Climate Action

Working together to make a difference

In February 2019, Carmarthenshire County Council took a pioneering step by declaring a climate emergency, committing to become a net zero carbon local authority by 2030. Leading by example, Carmarthenshire was the first in Wales to publish a comprehensive net zero carbon action plan, endorsed by the full council in February 2020. Our dedication to addressing climate change reflects our significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and inspiring our residents, businesses, and other organizations to join us in cutting their carbon footprint.

We are adopting a practical approach to achieve net zero carbon status by 2030, initially concentrating on our quantifiable carbon emissions. This focus does not exclude other broad initiatives to combat the climate emergency, which are being implemented across various Council departments.

With a population of over three million in Wales, collective action is crucial. While no single entity can combat climate change alone, everyone can contribute. Welcome to Climate Action Carmarthenshire: spearheaded by Carmarthenshire County Council, we collaborate with partners to create a greener future for our county. Discover inspiring stories, practical tips for everyday green choices, and the multifaceted benefits these changes bring, from cost savings and enhanced wellbeing to environmental preservation and vibrant local communities.

With a population of over three million in Wales, collective action is crucial. While no single entity can combat climate change alone, everyone can contribute.

What are we doing
We are committed to leading by example in sustainability and climate action.

We are dedicated to leading in sustainability and climate action. Through initiatives like the Refit: Cymru project, we are systematically retrofitting our council buildings to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Since 2016/17, these efforts have resulted in an impressive 37% reduction in emissions from our non-domestic buildings, which are among the largest energy consumers in our estate.

In our commitment to modernizing our fleet, we have integrated advanced emissions reduction technologies, including the adoption of 7 electric pool cars, 3 electric refuse trucks, and 3 hybrid vehicles.

Looking forward, we have ambitious plans to further expand our fleet's electric and hybrid capabilities. Our transition to LED street lighting, completed since 2011, has significantly reduced carbon emissions from street lighting by an impressive 69%. Addressing business travel emissions remains a challenge, but through effective strategies, we have achieved a notable 41% reduction in emissions since 2016. Embracing the principles outlined in the Walk the Global Walk Climate Action Manifesto and prioritizing biodiversity and nature-based solutions are fundamental aspects of our environmental stewardship. Additionally, initiatives like Egni Sir Gar demonstrate our commitment to community-driven sustainability, as evidenced by our solar energy portfolio supporting local food banks in 2020.