The report, to be considered by councillors at a meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee on 4 November, details the council’s performance in relation to its statutory climate change duties under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It highlights significant progress in reducing emissions from buildings and waste, while acknowledging an increase in transport-related emissions.
The council has continued to implement energy reduction measures across its estate, including the installation of solar PV and biomass systems, LED lighting upgrades, and the deployment of Building Management Systems in schools. These initiatives have contributed to a reduction in carbon emissions and generated financial savings of over £197,000 during the reporting period.
Usage from electric vehicle charging directly connected to council buildings has increased, now accounting for 3% of the council’s total electricity consumption. The council operates 81 fully electric vehicles, including two refuse collection vehicles, five buses, eight vans and 66 cars – further supporting its transition to low-carbon transport.
The report also details the council’s adaptation efforts, including the development of the Evidence Report for the next Local Development Plan – addressing the climate emergency will be a key consideration throughout the new plan. Ongoing collaboration with South of Scotland Enterprise focusses on enabling a Just transition to net zero.
The council continues to work in partnership with the Energy Agency to deliver the Energy Efficiency Scotland: Area Based Schemed for Dumfries and Galloway which aims to reduce domestic carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. In the first 12 years of the scheme, there have been more than 2,569 energy efficiency measures installed across Dumfries and Galloway with a total spend of £25.9m. These measures will save over 95,778t of carbon in their lifetime and result in fuel bill savings of more than £29.6 million.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“Our council remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the climate emergency. The progress outlined in this report demonstrates the tangible steps we are taking to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and support sustainable development across Dumfries and Galloway.”
“The establishment of the council’s Climate, Environment and Biodiversity Sub Committee, chaired by Councillor Dougie Campbell, will build on the work of the Climate Emergency cross-party working group and support the council’s ongoing focus on this vital work to address the climate emergency.”
Councillor Tony Berretti, Vice-Chair of the committee, added:
“This report reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams and partners. While challenges remain, particularly in transport emissions, we are making meaningful progress and will continue to build on this momentum towards our net zero ambitions.”
The Climate Change Duties Report 2024–25 will be submitted to the Scottish Government by 30 November 2025, following review and recommendation by the Climate, Environment and Biodiversity Sub Committee and approval by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee.
The detailed report can be read here: Agenda for Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday, 4th November, 2025, 10.30 am | Dumfries and Galloway Council