The Council is continuing to build momentum on its journey towards a greener, more sustainable future, marking another year of progress made through its Climate Action Plan. Since adopting Part Two of its Climate Action Plan in January 2024, the Council has continued to embed climate actions across all areas of its work to help the area reach net zero by 2037, and the Council itself as soon as possible.
The Plan sets out a five-year programme of actions across six key themes: the way we live, the way we work, the way we produce energy, the way we protect and enhance nature, the way we use things, and the way we travel. The Climate Action Plan was designed to be a living document, reviewed regularly and updated annually. Over the past year, the Council has undertaken its second annual review and update, assessing progress, refining actions and strengthening its focus on delivery.
Significant steps have been taken across 2025/26 under each of the Plan’s six themes. These include the funding and expansion of the Green Doctor programme to help residents make homes more energy efficient, hosting climate cafes in libraries, and completing building surveys to explore decarbonising schools. Community ‘take back’ events for unwanted daily aids have been held to reduce waste, and a pilot project supporting local food has been delivered as part of the Innovate UK Place to Plate project. An EV salary sacrifice scheme has been introduced for council staff, and national energy efficiency schemes like LAD, HUG, and ECO are supporting homeowners with retrofitting advice. The active travel digital platform has also been developed to encourage cycling, walking, and wheeling.
These steps are supported by key strategies including the Council’s Annual Plan, the Inclusive and Green Economic Growth Strategy, and the Sustainable Buildings Strategy. Councillor John Murray, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Regulatory Services, stated, “The past year has seen real progress in delivering our Climate Action Plan and embedding sustainability across all aspects of our work. We are building on last year’s momentum and continuing to deliver - putting in place the strategies, partnerships and practical steps needed to cut emissions and protect our natural environment.”
Partnership working remains central, with collaborations including support for the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, implementing Cumbria’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and engaging with the public on climate action through partners like the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership. The Council is also working with Futureproof Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism, and local businesses on the Rural Net-Zero project, exploring circular economy principles and green finance. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is being delivered with partners to support rural and green business grants.
Councillor Murray added, “Climate change remains the defining challenge of our time, but it is also an opportunity to create a healthier, greener and more resilient Westmorland and Furness. Working with our partners and communities, we are committed to maintaining momentum and leading the way towards our shared ambition of net zero by 2037.” The focus for the year ahead will remain on delivery, translating plans into tangible results and supporting residents, businesses, and communities to take action on climate change.
