WARRINGTON Borough Council remains committed to creating a cleaner, greener and future-ready town – and has delivered meaningful action over the last 12 months, despite the national challenges faced.
Key achievements include:
• Silver Carbon Literate Organisation status achieved, with 20 per cent of staff trained in Carbon Literacy
• Air quality improvements across Warrington, with emissions reduced by approximately 44 per cernt since 2005 and nitrous oxide levels reduced at all monitoring locations compared to 2023
• Complete transition to electric buses, replacing Warrington’s Own Buses entire diesel fleet with 105 electric buses using ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Area) funding
• Securing funding for a town centre heat network study, paving the way for low-carbon heating
• Launch of food waste collection preparations to enable renewable energy generation, with collections starting in March 2026
Alongside these highlights, the council says it has delivered a wide range of other initiatives that also bring wider social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Significant progress has been made on active travel and accessibility improvements. A consultation on an active travel scheme in Causeway Park received positive feedback, with delivery planned for this sprin.. In addition, the new Warrington Cycle Station opened ilast August, providing 24-hour secure bike parking for residents and commuters. The improvements will be funded through the Town Deal programme, which is a government grant supporting projects that revitalise towns.
Funding from the Local Transport Plan and UK Shared Prosperity Fund has supported enhancements to sections of the Trans Pennine Trail in Lymm, including surface treatments and improved signage.
Renewable energy initiatives have continued to grow, with another successful round of the Cheshire and Warrington Solar Together group buying scheme, resulting in 96 new solar installations and a third round now underway. The council also supported Pure Leapfrog, a sustainability charity, to deliver Carbon Literacy training for parish councils and SMEs as part of the Innovate UK Net Zero Living Programme funding.
Further investment in council buildings is underway following a successful funding bid through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, with works at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub to install a low-carbon heating system, LED lighting and solar PV underway.
Unfortunately, emissions from the buildings and vehicles the council use have risen slightly, highlighting that more action is needed. Buildings and transport are among the most complex and expensive areas to decarbonise – which is a challenge shared by councils across the country. Nevertheless, the counc il remains committed to identifying and securing funding for long-term, sustainable solutions where available.
Cllr Tony Higgins, (picturted above) cabinet member for climate change, sustainability and the environment, said: “We know the scale of the climate challenge, but these achievements show that Warrington is taking real, practical steps to reduce emissions and improve sustainability. Our progress is a testament to the hard work of our teams and partners, and we remain focused on delivering even more in the year ahead.”
For more information on Warrington’s climate emergency work, visit warrington.gov.uk/climate-emergency
