South Hams District Council Organisational Decarbonisation Plan 2025-2030 Published

South Hams District Council has released its new Carbon Reduction Plan 2025–2030, setting out a bold and detailed roadmap to achieve net zero organisational emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2030, while also tackling Scope 3 emissions where influence is possible.

Building on the 2019 Operational Carbon Reduction Plan, this refreshed strategy outlines targeted interventions across the council’s corporate estate, fleet operations, and procurement practices. The plan was informed by carbon footprint analysis and aligns with both the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064-1, offering a more granular approach to emissions categorisation and reduction.

Key Highlights from the Plan:

• Emission Reduction Targets: The council aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 85% by 2027, equating to 1,668 tCO₂e savings. This would leave a residual footprint of just 295.6 tCO₂e by 2030.
• Fleet Decarbonisation: A transition to electric vehicles and the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for waste fleet operations could cut fleet emissions by over 80%.
• Corporate Estate Improvements: Measures include installing solar PV, upgrading insulation and windows, and replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps at key council buildings like Follaton House.
• Scope 3 Focus: While harder to control, emissions from leisure centres, procurement, and commuting are being addressed through improved data, supplier engagement, and low-carbon procurement practices.
• Monitoring and Reporting: The plan includes robust mechanisms for tracking progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.

This plan represents a significant step forward in South Hams’ climate leadership, demonstrating how local authorities can take meaningful action to reduce their environmental impact while delivering value for money and co-benefits for residents.

Read the full plan here: South Hams Carbon Reduction Plan 2025–2030 (PDF)

South Hams Launches Innovative Project Impact Tool to Drive Better Outcomes for People and Planet

South Hams District Council has introduced a new Project Impact Tool to help ensure that major projects and policies deliver positive outcomes for both people and the planet.

The tool is inspired by doughnut economics, balancing social needs with environmental limits. It’s now used for all capital projects over £100,000 and new strategies, helping decision-makers assess impacts across areas like health, equity, emissions, and biodiversity.

Each project is scored from -2 (negative impact) to +2 (positive impact), with results visualised in a “decision wheel”. The tool encourages better design, transparency, and a realisation of co-benefits.

Learn more and explore the tool: southhams.gov.uk/project-impact-tool

Thermal Imaging Scheme 25/26 Launched