Climate Action in South Ribble
Over the past five years, the Council has made strong progress in delivering the actions set out in the original Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan. This work has focused on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, supporting nature, and enabling communities to take action.
Key achievements include:
Low‑carbon buildings and energy
- McKenzie Arms: 15 affordable homes built with solar panels, LED lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, EV charge points and secure cycle storage.
- Installation of an air source heat pump at Hurst Grange Coach House.
- Solar panels and battery storage installed at the Civic Centre.
- £4.9 million secured to decarbonise the Council leisure centres through air source heat pumps, solar PV and the removal of gas boilers.
- Jubilee Gardens extra care facility built with air source heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting and EV charge points.
- All Council buildings transferred onto a 100% renewable electricity tariff.
Supporting businesses and residents
- South Ribble Business Energy Efficiency Grants supporting energy audits and improvements such as solar panels, heat pumps and window replacements.
- School uniform pop‑up shops, Winter Warmer events and Lancashire County Council Reuse Hub events to support reuse and reduce waste.
Transport and travel
- Installation of EV charge points across South Ribble Council car parks to support the transition to low‑emission vehicles in areas dominated by terraced properties.
Nature and biodiversity
- Planting 220,000 trees between 2019 and 2025.
- Wildlife‑friendly grass‑cutting regimes and improved management of wildflower meadows to support pollinators.
- Support for community groups delivering local biodiversity and climate projects.
Leadership, skills and engagement
- Introduction of a mandatory climate e‑learning module for all Council staff.
- Youth Council representation on the Climate Emergency Task Group.
The Climate Emergency Task Group is a cross‑party group of elected Members. It meets five times a year and reports annually to Council on progress across climate change, air quality and biodiversity.