The Bracknell Forest climate change report for 2025 to 2026 shows the council has made substantial progress and the borough is moving closer to the aspiration of reaching net zero by as close to 2030 as possible.
The report, which was discussed by the council’s cabinet on Tuesday (3 November), covers work carried out in 2025 to 2026. It is the first update on the council’s climate change strategy for 2025 to 2030 and shows:
- the council cut emissions from its fuel, gas and electricity use by 14%
- 61.73 tonnes of CO2e were saved through the council staff electric vehicle scheme
- 28 council buildings now have solar panels
- residents benefited from solar panels, home energy improvements and new walking and cycling routes
- food waste collections were extended to include all flats in the borough
- a battery recycling collection was launched for households
- 6,382 trees were planted, including a new community orchard at Shepherd Meadows
- woodland at South Hill Park and heathland at Wildmoor Heath were restored
- 9,591 hours of volunteering were achieved through the Green and Active Project
- 500 people attended the second annual Bracknell Cycle Festival
- 19 primary schools took part in Walk to School Week
- new crossings, signs or speed bumps were installed to help make journeys to three schools safer
- 1,440 schoolchildren attended Bikeability training
- pupils from 20 primary and secondary schools attended the Bracknell Forest Schools’ Climate Conferences
- 200 people attended the Bracknell Forest Community Climate Summit
- drainage improvements at Warfield Street and Three-Legged Cross helped tackle the risk of flooding from rainwater
The report also records at least £50,000 a year in financial benefits for the council and the borough, alongside benefits for health, nature and local communities.
The next stage of the strategy will focus on speeding up action to cut emissions and prepare Bracknell Forest for the effects of climate change.
Cllr Ryan Frost, cabinet member for environment and climate change, said:
“The annual report is the first to cover delivery of the ambitious Climate Change Strategy 2025 to 2030, which reflects our commitment to achieve net-zero council and borough emissions as close to 2030 as possible.
“Tackling climate change is one of the council’s highest priorities and so it’s pleasing that the report shows we have made good solid progress over the past year. Our successes include helping residents use less energy at home, making walking, cycling and recycling easier and protecting and restoring our natural environment.
“We still have work to do to further cut emissions and achieve net zero status but collectively we are making a difference to our local environment.”
More information
Cabinet noted the progress made against the Climate Change Strategy (2025-2030) in the 2025-26 financial year at its meeting on Tuesday, 3 November. You can read the full report and watch the meeting.
