We are pleased to share some fantastic progress in reducing the Town Council’s environmental impact.
Our carbon footprint has dramatically reduced - from 94 tonnes of CO₂ in 2022 to 39 tonnes in 2025, representing nearly a 60% reduction in emissions.
Additionally, our latest energy report shows that 2025 recorded the lowest energy use since monitoring began in 2022. Total electric and gas consumption fell to 307,458 kWh, down from 342,222 kWh in 2024 - a 10.1% reduction in energy use in just one year.
Thanks to a range of sustainability measures, including:
- Switching to 100% green electricity
- Introducing electric vehicles
- Installing solar panels at the Depot and Beach Gardens Pavilion
- Upgrading to LED lighting and improving insulation
In 2025 alone, our solar panels generated 29,310 kWh of renewable energy, helping reduce reliance on the grid and supporting cleaner energy for the wider community. While national carbon reporting rules don’t allow this exported renewable energy, or the many trees that have been planted by the Council, to be counted in our official carbon footprint, it still brings real environmental benefits to Swanage.
We’re continuing to work towards our 2030 net zero carbon target, with further improvements being explored!