One of the strongest impressions from the visit was just how much this relatively small team is delivering. Their work spans two important areas - reducing the Council’s own emissions and supporting area-wide emissions reduction across Falkirk. From leading the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) to working with services such as Fleet, Waste, Transport and Assets, the team have worked collaboratively to help drive climate action across the organisation as well as out in our communities. 

What stood out clearly was that this work is not just about targets and reporting. It is practical, visible and increasingly connected to the day-to-day decisions we make as a Council. The team shared examples of major investment in energy efficiency across our building estate, including air source heat pumps, LED lighting, cavity wall insulation and building management system upgrades. These projects are helping to reduce carbon emissions, cut energy costs and improve comfort in our buildings for the people who use them. 

I also heard more about the strong progress we have already made as a Council. The team’s work has helped us to exceed our 75% emissions reduction target five years ahead of schedule. That is a significant achievement and something the team was recognised for at our recent employee recognition awards - “Our People, recognising dedication, commitment and achievement”.  

During the visit, I also met the team from Bonnybridge Community Centre following the successful transfer of the building to the community. It was encouraging to hear about the positive difference this has made locally and the commitment from volunteers to make the centre sustainable for the future.

The Energy and Climate Change team were successful in applying for a Scottish Power Energy Networks Transmission Net Zero Fund to make the building more energy efficient and the works include installing solar panels, double glazing in the Scout Hall, internal and external LED lighting, cavity wall insulation and a soon to be installed air source heat pump. The centre is already benefitting from reduced energy costs, as a result.  It was also heartening to hear about the wide range of great work taking place through the centre to support the local people from the very young to the older members. This felt like a strong example of how climate action, community benefit and partnership working can come together in a very practical and meaningful way. 

I was also interested to hear about the wider initiatives the Energy and Climate Change team are working on such as ECO4 and GBIS Flex which is helping vulnerable households in our community tackle fuel poverty by accessing measures including insulation, solar panels and heat pumps to make their homes more energy efficient. 

For me, the visit reinforced both the scale and importance of the work being led by the Energy and Climate Change Team. It also highlighted the opportunities we have to build on the strong progress that has already been made. 

However, the team was open about the challenges ahead. Meeting our longer-term 2038 ambitions will require significant capital investment, long-term planning and continued cross-Council collaboration. Climate action cannot sit with one team alone, it has to be part of how we all think, plan and deliver services. 

This year, Earth Hour takes place on 28 March and is a global “lights off” moment, encouraging  individuals to switch off their lights to show symbolic support for the planet and to raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting it. This is a timely reminder that tackling climate change is a shared responsibility. As I have said, the progress we have made so far is significant but there’s more to do and I would encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the part we can each play.  

Finally, I’d like to thank the Energy and Climate Change team, and our Bonnybridge community partners, for their time, openness and continued commitment to this vital work.