Council’s climate actions proving positive

North Ayrshire Council is making significant strides towards a greener, more sustainable future, a report has confirmed.

At a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday, officers presented their Climate Change Update report which detailed how the Council is exceeding its annual energy reduction targets.

The report – which was approved by Councillors - highlights major achievements across energy efficiency, renewable energy, biodiversity, transport and climate resilience, demonstrating the Council’s continued commitment to tackling climate change while supporting communities and reducing costs.

One of the standout successes has been the Council’s energy performance.

During 2025/26, the Council achieved an average energy consumption reduction of approximately 9% across electricity, gas, oil and LPG usage, comfortably exceeding its target of 5%. This represents substantial progress towards its wider ambition of reducing energy consumption by 10% over two years.

“We will continue to develop and invest in projects that will help us realise our net-zero ambitions. It is great to see that we are already reducing our energy consumption and exceeding targets.

“We are also creating projects that are helping reduce fuel poverty and supporting biodiversity.

“There is still work to be done but we will continue to work together with our communities, partners and businesses to deliver a cleaner, greener and fairer North Ayrshire for future generations.”

The Climate Change Update also outlines plans for the next Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy covering 2027 to 2032. Proposed priorities include reducing fuel poverty, increasing renewable energy generation, decarbonising Council buildings and vehicles, enhancing biodiversity, creating green jobs and improving resilience to flooding and coastal change.

Renewable energy projects continue to play a key role in delivering these ambitions. Since becoming operational, the Nethermains and Shewalton solar farms have generated around 10,000MWh of renewable electricity and have recently been recognised nationally as finalists in the COSLA Excellence Awards 2026. Six further renewable energy projects are now progressing to the business case stage, with the Bartonholm proposal set to be the first to undergo detailed assessment.

The Council is also continuing to invest in helping households reduce energy bills and tackle fuel poverty. More than £2 million has been secured through the Area Based Scheme for 2026/27, while a third phase of the successful Energy Smart Programme is proposed, offering additional support such as solar panels and glazing improvements for lower-income and vulnerable households.

Alongside energy improvements, important work is underway to protect and enhance North Ayrshire’s natural environment. Consultation on the development of the North Ayrshire Nature Network has engaged almost 1,000 residents, while work continues on biodiversity projects, coastal adaptation planning and flood resilience measures.

A public consultation on the next Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy is now live, giving residents, communities, businesses and partners the opportunity to help shape the Council’s sustainability priorities for 2027 to 2032. The Council is encouraging people across North Ayrshire to take part and share their views.

Take part on our website

Published: 02 October 2026