The annual Climate Change Update report confirms that Falkirk has already met its 75% carbon reduction target - five years ahead of schedule - and recommends a revised timeline for reaching net zero.

The report, which will be considered by Councillors at Executive on 6 November, shows the Council’s carbon footprint fell by 21% in the past year alone - from 24,647 tonnes of CO₂e in 2023/24 to 19,473 tonnes in 2024/25.

The reduction has been driven by major projects to make Council operations more energy efficient and sustainable. These include diverting waste from landfill to energy recovery at Earls Gate, switching to electric and low-emission vehicles, installing LED lighting, Air Source Heat Pumps and solar panels, and rationalising the property estate to reduce energy use.

While strong progress continues, the report recommends revising the Council’s organisational net zero target from 2030 to 2038. The change reflects current financial pressures facing all public services and aligns with Scottish Government policy that all publicly owned buildings meet net zero heating standards by 2038.

The updated target would give the Council a more realistic timeframe to secure external funding, deliver major energy projects and benefit from national electricity grid decarbonisation.

Falkirk Council is also supporting a reduction in area wide emissions through the delivery of ECO4 and GBIS Flex. This funding has helped local households cut energy bills and emissions, with measures such as loft insulation, solar panels and smart heating controls already saving around 22 tonnes of CO₂e and more than £10,000 a year in total energy costs. Further information on this scheme can be found on the Council's website. 

The Council’s updated Climate Emergency Action Plan is due to be presented to the Executive in January 2026.