THE net greenhouse emissions of Worcestershire County Council have been cut by almost half over the past year.

The latest Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report, which is released annually reveals that the County Council has achieved a 45 per cent reduction in net emissions, and that 91 per  cent of emissions from the council's buildings, fleet vehicles, and street lights are also down.

This data is in line with the council's long-term mission to reduce its own emissions to net-zero, the council says.

Councillor Richard Morris, the council's cabinet member for environment, said: "We are fully committed to halving emissions by 2030 and being on track to be carbon neutral by 2050.

"So, the figures detailed in this report are a huge step towards us hitting our targets."

Cllr Morris further outlined this ongoing pledge by referencing the council's sustainability initiatives.

He said: "We have a long history of sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction work, having launched our first Carbon Management Plan back in 2002.

"We now have the Net Zero Carbon Plan in place, which identifies our approach to reaching net zero."

Meaningful measures taken by the council include generating renewable energy on many council buildings, planting over 50,000 new trees, using electric pool cars and bikes, conducting environmental impact assessments for all new council projects, providing staff with carbon literacy training, and generating energy from waste disposal.

Future plans are also taking shape, with the council intending to plant 150,000 additional trees across Worcestershire, move the council's fleet vehicles away from diesel and petrol, and work with contractors to further reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency measures in buildings.

In addition to these in-house carbon-cutting measures, the council also supports county wide initiatives to achieving net zero, such as energy efficiency grants to Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and habitat creation funding under the Natural Networks programme.

For those wishing to delve deeper into the county's ongoing environmental work, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report, detailing the data and actions that have led to these significant reductions, is available on the council's website at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/sustainability.