We’re pleased to announce the publication of our Annual Carbon Report 2025, which was approved at the meeting of Full Council on 30 July 2025.
This is the first report of its kind to be published since the adoption of the Climate Change Action Plan 2022. It marks a significant milestone in the Council’s journey to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030 – a commitment which was first made in response to the Five Islands Academy’s ‘Strike for Climate Action’ in 2019.
The report reveals a 75% reduction in the Council’s total carbon dioxide emissions compared to the 2019/20 baseline figure. This considerable reduction can be largely attributed to the Council’s transition to a zero-carbon energy tariff in 2023/2024, meaning that focus must now shift from reducing the emissions generated by electricity use in our buildings and street lights (which are categorised as being within Scope 2 in the Annual Carbon Report) and on to those categorised as being in Scope 1 and Scope 3.
The report identifies Scope 1 emissions as being those from the activities we have under our direct control, such as fossil fuel heating and use of petrol and diesel to power fleet vehicles and equipment. Scope 3 emissions include other ‘indirect’ emissions such as water consumption and business travel.
Councillor John Peacock, Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“I welcome the publication of this report, and I’m pleased to see the action taken by the Council to reduce its carbon emissions by 75%. The Council is on target to meet its 2030 carbon neutral commitment. However, we must not rest on our laurels—we know there is still a long way to go and will be seeking all available opportunities to reduce emissions further, bearing in mind the Council’s budget constraints.”
As a major local employer and organisation of influence within the community, the Council remains committed to addressing the interconnected challenges of net zero, climate adaptation, and biodiversity loss.
Next Steps
Whilst the Council has made excellent progress since 2019, further action is essential to meet the 2030 target. Developing and delivering a fully costed decarbonisation plan for the Council’s buildings and corporate estate is a priority, as this will be critical to reducing Scope 1 emissions.
Further information
If you have any questions about the Annual Carbon Report, or the Council’s efforts to become a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030, please email environment@scilly.gov.uk or call 01720 424450.