Climate Change Update
North Ayrshire Council · 29 September 2026
Back to Cabinet — 29 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 29th September 2026 Cabinet Title: Climate Change Update Purpose: To update Cabinet on the Council’s progress on delivering the strategic priority, Climate Change. Recommendation: It is proposed that Cabinet: a) notes progress across the Council’s climate change and Energy & Sustainability programme; b) notes that the Council exceeded its 2025/26 energy consumption reduction target, achieving an average reduction of approximately 9% across electricity, gas, oil and LPG against the 5% target; c) notes the early 2026/27 energy position and the revised 2% consumption reduction target, recognising that the current figures cover April to July 2026 only; d) endorses the proposed strategic priorities for Sustainable North Ayrshire 2027–2032 and the planned consultation with communities and partners; e) agrees the continuation of the Energy Smart Programme into 2026/27 as Phase 3, including revised referral arrangements, an expanded package of measures and revised property funding caps to support lower income and vulnerable households; f) agrees that officers will progress the next phase of the renewable energy project pipeline, with the Bartonholm renewable energy proposal being the first to move to detailed economic business case; and g) notes the proposed programme of business cases, funding applications and delivery activity set out in this report. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 This report provides Cabinet with an update on progress against the Council’s strategic priority of Climate Change, including energy performance; renewable energy; domestic energy programmes; nature and biodiversity; transport and fleet decarbonisation; waste; adaptation, and sustainable behaviour. It also sets out the proposed direction for Sustainable North Ayrshire 2027–2032, which will be shaped through consultation with communities, businesses, young people and partners.
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1.2 The Council exceeded its 2025/26 energy consumption reduction target, achieving an average reduction of approximately 9% against the 5% target. This represents very strong progress against the Council’s two-year energy consumption reduction ambition. The original target was to reduce consumption by 10% over two years, and the Council has already achieved an average reduction of approximately 9% in the first year alone. A revised 2% target has been set for 2026/27, reflecting the lower baseline and recognising that further savings will be more challenging to achieve. Early 2026/27 data shows mixed performance and remains indicative, as it covers April to July only and precedes the main heating season. 1.3 The proposal to continue the Energy Smart Programme into 26/27 as Phase 3 would retain support for core fabric and energy efficiency measures, simplify referral routes to reduce barriers for residents, and introduce targeted additional measures including solar PV and glazing improvements for lower income and vulnerable households. The approach balances deeper support for households in greatest need with continued programme reach and effective use of available funding. 1.4 Significant progress continues across the wider programme. Current and planned energy efficiency projects are expected to save approximately 404 MWh, £51,500 and 77 tonnes of CO₂e each year. Domestic energy programmes continue to support fuel poverty reduction, with £2.09 million confirmed for the 2026/27 Area Based Scheme. Nethermains and Shewalton solar farms have generated approximately 10,000MWh of renewable electricity since energisation, and have also received national recognition, having been named as finalists in the COSLA Excellence Awards 2026. Building on this success, six further renewable energy proposals are progressing to detailed economic business cases, creating a strong pipeline of future projects for further consideration and investment. 1.5 The report also notes progress on nature, biodiversity and adaptation, including development of the North Ayrshire Nature Network; regional adaptation planning; flood resilience activity; and coastal change planning. Transport decarbonisation is advancing through both the Council’s Capital Investment programme the Ayrshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, with a concession contract signed and approximately £5.4 million of investment secured to support around 307 new charge points across Ayrshire, including 104 in North Ayrshire. 2. Background 2.1 Climate Change, one of the Council’s strategic priorities, is being delivered through a broad programme of activity focused on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy generation, supporting communities and strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change. Activity is being taken forward across energy, nature, transport, waste, adaptation and sustainable behaviour. 2.2 The Council has a long-standing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy performance, with coordinated action underway since the first Carbon Management Plan was approved in 2006. Since then, activity has evolved from targeted energy efficiency measures into a wider programme covering renewable energy generation, fleet decarbonisation, domestic energy efficiency, nature recovery and climate adaptation. Graph 1 below summarises recent performance against this longer
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term commitment. Graph 2 provides a closer view over the most recent 10-year period, showing more clearly the on-going trend in estate emissions and the indicative reduction pathway to 2030. 2.3 Since the baseline year of 2005/06, the Council has reduced estate emissions by 74.5%. The green bars from 2027-2032 indicate what future emissions could look like, should we achieve a 4% reduction in emissions, year on year. Net zero does not mean eliminating all emissions. It means reducing emissions as far as practicable and balancing any residual emissions through credible, measurable carbon removal or offsetting activity. The Council’s focus therefore remains on direct emissions reduction first, with any remaining emissions addressed only where they cannot currently be eliminated. Graph 1 – tCO2e from Council Estate Emissions Graph 2 – tCO2e from Council Estate Emissions from 2020-2030. 2.4 Work has commenced on the next Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy, covering 2027- 2032. The proposed strategic priorities are: 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 tCO 2e Year tCO2 from Council Estate Emissions 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000 18,000 20,000 22,000 24,000 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 tCO 2e Year tCO2e from Council Estate Emissions 2020-2030
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• reducing fuel poverty and improving energy affordability • maximising value from Council owned renewable energy assets • decarbonising Council buildings and operations • decarbonising the Council fleet • supporting green jobs and local economic growth • protecting and enhancing biodiversity and natural capital, and • building resilience to flooding, coastal change and severe weather. 2.5 Consultation activities will be undertaken with other Council services, residents, communities, businesses, young people and partner organisations. The consultation findings will inform the final strategy, measurable outcomes and associated delivery plans. 2.6 The new strategy will also establish clearer project ownership, timescales, governance and annual reporting arrangements. Progress will be supported by a performance dashboard covering carbon, energy, renewable energy, biodiversity and wider outcomes. Energy Performance in 2025/26 2.7 The Council set a target to reduce energy consumption by 5% during 2025/26. Progress towards this target has been monitored through regular reports to ELT. Table 1 below provides a summary of the annual performance from 2025/26. Table 1: Consumption outturn for 2025/26. Utility 2024/25 consumption 2025/26 reduction Percentage reduction Electricity 20,366,560 kWh 1,652,401 kWh 8% Gas 44,574,488 kWh 4,239,494 kWh 10% Oil 52,077 litres Increase of 751 litres -1% LPG 12,767 litres 1,184 litres 9% Total position 9% average reduction 2.8 The 2024/25 baseline figures were revised following receipt of updated utility data. The associated 5% targets were adjusted accordingly. The reported reduction exceeded the 5% target. Taken together, this represents very strong progress against the original two-year ambition to reduce energy consumption by 10%. The Council achieved an average reduction of approximately 9% in 2025/26 alone and has now set a further 2% reduction target for 2026/27. If delivered, this would mean the Council meets, and potentially exceeds, the original two-year ambition, while recognising that further savings are being pursued from a lower and more challenging baseline. Energy Performance in 2026/27 2.9 The 2026/27 energy consumption reduction target has been set at 2%. This reflects the significant reductions achieved in 2025/26 and the resulting lower baseline. Further reductions remain possible but will be more difficult to achieve while maintaining service delivery and protecting previous savings. Table 2 below shows progress to date, however due to billing cycles and supplier-led discrepancies in the billing data out with the Council’s direct control, current figures cover April to July 2026
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only and should therefore be treated as an early indication rather than a full year forecast. Table 2: Consumption data against target (April-July 2026 only) Utility 2025/26 baseline 2% annual target Change to date Reported cost movement Electricity 18,714,159 kWh 374,283 kWh 185,839 kWh reduction £33,926 saving Gas 40,334,994 kWh 806,700 kWh 594,545 kWh increase £6,673 saving Oil 52,828 litres 1,057 litres 5,767 litres increase £8,609 additional cost LPG 11,583 litres 232 litres 2,769 litres reduction £1,971 saving Total £33,962 saving 2.10 Supplier-led billing issues remain to be resolved, and the main heating season has not yet commenced. The full benefits of building controls and other decarbonisation measures may therefore not yet be reflected in the available data. Estate Decarbonisation 2.11 The Council continues to improve building energy management through replacement and optimisation of Building Management Systems (BMS), lighting improvements, energy audits and renewable energy installations. A an illustrative example, the replacement of the BMS at Dalry Primary School and Early Years provides evidence of the benefits available from targeted investment. During its first year, the project delivered estimated savings of: • 109,676 kWh of energy • £25,169 in annual costs • 16.02 tonnes of CO₂e. Based on a project cost of £59,117, the estimated payback period is between two and three years if savings continue at a similar level. 2.12 The current phase of the programme comprises five BMS replacements, an LED lighting upgrade and a solar photovoltaic installation. Two BMS projects are now complete at Mayfield Primary School and Springvale Early Years Centre, with the remain three nearing completion, and LED upgrade due in October. The five Building Management System projects are expected to reduce annual gas use by approximately 344 MWh, saving around £30,600 and 63 tonnes of CO₂e annually. The LED lighting and solar photovoltaic projects are expected to reduce annual electricity use by approximately 60 MWh, saving around £20,900 and 14 tonnes of CO₂e annually. Together, these projects are expected to deliver annual savings of approximately: • 404 MWh of energy
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• £51,500 • 77 tonnes of CO₂e. 2.13 Further activity will include: • completion of SALIX funding applications for Building Management System and lighting projects • continued liaison across services on heating controls and decarbonisation • a coordinated review of land and property proposals • identification of renewable energy opportunities across Council land and buildings, and • continued energy audits, including implementation of suitable measures identified through previous technical studies. • continued and expanded education and behaviour change activity across the Council and wider community, including school lessons, climate champions, Carbon Literacy training, community events and wider awareness-raising campaigns to support practical action on energy use, sustainability and climate resilience. Domestic Energy Programmes 2.14 Delivery continues through the Area Based Scheme, Carbon Neutral Islands and Energy Smart programmes. Scottish Government funding of £2,089,873 has been confirmed for the 2026/27 Area Based Scheme. Activity will include Cumbrae and Arran, with an increased focus on areas of higher deprivation in Kilwinning, Beith, Kilbirnie, Largs, Irvine and the Three Towns. Progress in Kilwinning includes completed and planned solar photovoltaic installations, a heat and renewables installation and external wall insulation surveys. Properties on Arran are progressing through design, although withdrawals have affected delivery. 2.15 A total of £144,500 has also been awarded by Scottish Government to the Carbon Neutral Island partner for phase 3 of the Millport solar photovoltaic and battery programme. This is expected to support 15 homes. 2.16 Energy Smart phases 1 and 2 have delivered 32 measures through 20 installations. Reported annual benefits are £5,010 in energy cost savings and 12,455 kgCO₂e in emissions savings. 2.17 Phase 3 of Energy Smart is proposed for 2026/27. It would continue to support core low cost, high impact measures such as insulation, draught proofing, LED lighting and heating controls, while introducing targeted higher impact measures to households meeting additional criteria. These additional measures would include solar PV, upgrading single glazing to double glazing, secondary glazing for listed buildings and replacement of blown double glazing. Eligibility would remain focused on households with gross income below £43,662 (where the higher rate of income tax begins) who own their home or privately rent. Referrals will be accepted from suitable internal and external partners, helping to reduce the need for residents to provide income evidence directly to the Council or managing agent. 2.18 The additional solar PV and glazing measures would be offered to households receiving winter heating support and those vulnerable to living in a cold home, including residents with relevant health conditions, blue badge holders and young
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carers. Solar PV installations would be capped at a 3.6kW system. The proposed funding cap would remain at £3,000 for Phase 2 measures, with a £7,000 cap for Phase 3 additional measures, including storage heating, and an overall maximum of £10,000 per property across Phase 2 and Phase 3 measures. Renewable Energy 2.19 Nethermains and Shewalton Solar PV Farms continue to demonstrate the value of Council owned renewable energy assets, generating approximately 10,000 MWh of electricity since energisation. Together, these projects show how Council owned land and assets can be used to generate clean energy, reduce carbon emissions and support longer-term financial resilience. The Council’s progress has also received national recognition, with the Solar Farm project reaching the finals of the COSLA Excellence Awards 2026. 2.20 A total of £1.36 million has been allocated to renewable energy activity. Six renewable energy proposals have moved from initial high level business cases into procurement for the preparation of detailed economic business cases. This represents a strong pipeline of future projects and provides a clear basis for further investment decisions, supporting continued progress in expanding local renewable generation and reducing carbon emissions. 2.21 It is proposed that the Bartonholm renewable energy proposal is prioritised as the first detailed economic business case within this programme. This reflects the site’s strategic potential and the opportunity to build on the Council’s existing renewable energy experience, while allowing the proposal to be fully tested through technical, financial, legal and delivery appraisal. Progressing Bartonholm first does not commit the Council to delivery at this stage, rather it provides the information required to determine whether the project should proceed to future approval and investment decisions. Nature and Biodiversity 2.22 Over the summer, eleven community consultation events have been delivered to inform further development of the North Ayrshire Nature Network, the strategy for which was approved by Cabinet in March 2025. Almost 1,000 pollinator packs were distributed and more than 400 questionnaires returned over the summer period. The feedback will help shape opportunities relating to biodiversity, education, green skills, economic development and community wellbeing. 2.23 Nature Network mapping is also at an advanced stage and identifies core habitats, corridors, stepping stones and opportunity areas. This will support future biodiversity action and preparation of the next Local Development Plan. 2.24 The Council is leading a partnership to develop an Ayrshire and Inverclyde Gull Conservation and Management Plan. The project is supported by £40,000 of NatureScot funding. A draft is expected by November 2026, with final approval targeted for December 2026. 2.25 A Biodiversity Investment Plan is in development, providing a stronger foundation for coordinated action to protect and enhance nature across North Ayrshire. Membership of the Biodiversity Partnership has grown significantly, from 8 to 71 organisations and
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groups, demonstrating increasing shared commitment and momentum. The refreshed Local Biodiversity Action Plan is expected to be presented to Cabinet in early 2027 and aims to help guide the next phase of partnership activity, supporting the wider ambitions to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and become Nature Positive by 2045. Transport and Fleet Decarbonisation 2.26 The Ayrshire Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (EVIF) procurement was completed and a concession contract signed by the appointed partner, Believ, in August 2026. Approximately £5.4 million of investment has been secured, comprising around £2.87 million of grant funding and £2.4 million of private sector investment. The programme is expected to deliver approximately 307 new electric vehicle charge points across Ayrshire, including 104 in North Ayrshire, between 2027 and 2029. 2.27 New public charging facilities are operational and generating revenue at: • Portal Car Park, Irvine • Glen Road Car Park, West Kilbride • North Street Car Park, Dalry • Bellman’s Close Car Park, Beith • Lochshore Community Hub, Garnock 2.28 A remaining balance of £46,478 is proposed for replacing existing public charge points that are non-operational or approaching the end of their operational life. Priority locations include: • Kirkgate, Irvine • Main Street, West Kilbride • Caley Court Resource Centre. 2.29 Fleet decarbonisation remains active. The current operational update records 102 electric vehicles, with a further 10 on order. Workplace charging infrastructure has expanded to 56 charging units providing 107 sockets. This represents continued growth from the July 2025 fleet position, when 76 of the Council’s 565 vehicles were electric, and reflects ongoing investment in cleaner operational transport. A decarbonisation first approach was approved by Cabinet in June 2026, ensuring EV’s are prioritises wherever operationally suitable. Alternative fuels, including hydrotreated vegetable oil, together with telematics and other technologies, will support the transition of heavier vehicles where suitable electric alternatives are not yet available. Waste 2.30 Work is under way to secure long-term arrangements for the Shewalton landfill gas recovery facility. Discussions are continuing with the existing operator, alongside development of contingency options, to maintain continuity of service and environmental benefits beyond March 2027. Adaptation 2.31 The Council submitted its fourth climate adaptation assessment to Adaptation Scotland in June 2026. Four priorities have been agreed for the next 12 months:
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• developing an Ayrshire Climate Ready Region • testing community flood resilience approaches • supporting local flood groups • providing practical household and community resilience guidance. 2.32 Regional activity is progressing with £40,000 of Scottish Government funding. The three Ayrshire councils are working together to develop a regional climate adaptation strategy and action plan. 2.33 Locally, options include a community flood resilience pilot and the Brodick flood protection scheme. In Stevenston, Canal Crescent residents are being supported to consider forming a flood resilience group, alongside monitoring by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and possible provision of flood response equipment. 2.34 Nature based responses to coastal erosion are being explored at Irvine dunes, including managed realignment and dune rollback. The Council is leading procurement of an Ayrshire wide Coastal Change Adaptation Plan. Flood studies and investigations are also progressing in Stevenston, Saltcoats, Millport, Irvine, Arran and other priority areas. Education and Sustainable Behaviour 2.35 The School Engagement Programme provides practical, curriculum linked learning on energy, climate change, biodiversity and sustainability. During 2025/26, the programme reached 1,489 pupils through 62 lessons across 15 schools. During 2026/27 to date, a further 1,012 pupils have participated through 47 lessons across 11 schools. 2.36 Feedback from schools has been positive, particularly in relation to practical renewable energy activities, outdoor learning and the programme’s inclusive approach. Next steps include: • developing sustainability resource boxes for schools • improving access to follow up resources through Glow • increasing engagement with secondary schools • expanding activity in Early Years settings, and • strengthening participation by underrepresented groups 2.37 Senior managers, Heads of Service and Executive Directors will also be offered practical Carbon Literacy training, delivered by APSE through two online sessions in November 2026. A Carbon Literacy training offer will also be made available to Elected Members at a suitable future date, providing a tailored opportunity to support shared understanding of climate action and the Council’s wider net zero ambitions. 2.38 Climate Week provides a further opportunity to promote climate action, practical behaviour change and partnership working across North Ayrshire. Activity includes awareness raising communications, engagement with schools and communities, promotion of energy saving and sustainable travel messages, and opportunities to showcase local climate action, renewable energy, biodiversity and adaptation work. The programme helps maintain momentum around the Council’s climate change priority and supports wider participation in the development of Sustainable North Ayrshire 2027–2032.
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Next steps 2.39 The Council exceeded its 2025/26 energy consumption reduction target and has established a lower baseline for future performance. The immediate priority is to maintain the significant year one reduction and secure further targeted savings against the lower baseline, particularly at sites where consumption is increasing. This will include continued energy audits, investigation of anomalies, improved building controls and progression of SALIX funding applications. 2.40 At the same time, the Council is progressing significant activity across renewable energy, domestic energy efficiency, biodiversity, fleet decarbonisation, electric vehicle infrastructure, waste and climate adaptation. 2.41 The Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy for 2027–2032 will bring this work together within a clear strategic framework, supported by consultation, defined outcomes, delivery plans and strengthened performance reporting. 3. Proposals 3.1 It is proposed that Cabinet: a) notes progress across the Council’s climate change and Energy & Sustainability programme; b) notes that the Council exceeded its 2025/26 energy consumption reduction target, achieving an average reduction of approximately 9% across electricity, gas, oil and LPG against the 5% target; c) notes the early 2026/27 energy position and the revised 2% consumption reduction target, recognising that the current figures cover April to July 2026 only; d) endorses the proposed strategic priorities for Sustainable North Ayrshire 2027–2032 and the planned consultation with communities and partners; e) agrees the continuation of the Energy Smart Programme into 2026/27 as Phase 3, including revised referral arrangements, an expanded package of measures and revised property funding caps to support lower income and vulnerable households; f) agrees that officers will progress the next phase of the renewable energy project pipeline, with the Bartonholm renewable energy proposal being the first to move to detailed economic business case; and g) notes the proposed programme of business cases, funding applications and delivery activity set out in this report. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The Council is investing significantly in the journey to net zero, taking action on climate change and addressing the Climate Emergency. As we progress through 2026/27, the Capital Programme and allocated funds support a variety of decarbonisation projects and external funding is sought to enhance and complement existing finance, for both the non-domestic and domestic sectors. Human Resources
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4.2 There are no direct HR or ICT implications arising solely from noting this report. Legal 4.3 The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 places duties on public bodies to contribute to statutory emissions reduction targets, support Scotland’s climate change programme and act sustainably. This report supports those duties through action on emissions reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy, adaptation and sustainable transport, and aligns with Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026–2040 and the 2026 statutory guidance for public bodies. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The ambition to decarbonise heating systems and improve energy efficiency in all buildings contributes to our socio-economic duty by ensuring our homes and buildings are well insulated and energy efficient, making them cheaper to heat and reducing their emissions. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 The report demonstrates the Council’s continued action to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and support the transition to net zero across domestic and non domestic buildings, renewable energy, transport, nature and wider climate adaptation activity. Key Priorities 4.6 The works undertaken are in keeping with the aim ‘To achieve net zero by 2030’ within the Council Plan 2023-28. Community Wealth Building 4.7 The report supports Community Wealth Building by directing investment towards locally beneficial climate action, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, fuel poverty reduction, biodiversity, EV infrastructure and climate adaptation. These activities help retain value locally, reduce household and public sector energy costs, support community resilience, and create opportunities for green skills, local supply chains and inclusive economic growth as part of a just transition to net zero. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8 This report has relevance to island communities of Arran and Great Cumbrae, through activity on domestic energy efficiency, renewable energy, flood resilience, coastal change and climate adaptation. No differential adverse impact on island communities is identified from this update report, and island considerations will continue to inform the development of Sustainable North Ayrshire 2027–2032. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9 The report supports UNCRC considerations through climate change education, school engagement and planned consultation with young people as part of Sustainable North
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Ayrshire 2027–2032. No adverse impact on children’s rights is identified from this update report. Consumer Duty 4.10 The report supports Consumer Duty considerations through action on domestic energy efficiency, fuel poverty reduction, energy affordability and public electric vehicle charging provision. No adverse consumer impact is identified from this update report, and consumer needs will continue to be considered through future consultation and delivery planning. 5. Consultation 5.1 This report has been informed by input from relevant Council services, including Energy and Sustainability, Property Management and Investment, Transport, Education and Housing. Further consultation with Council services, communities, businesses, young people and partner organisations will be undertaken to support the development of Sustainable North Ayrshire 2027–2032 and its associated delivery plans. RUSSELL McCUTCHEON Executive Director (Place) For further information please contact Laurence Cree, Head of Sustainability, Transport and Corporate Property, on (01294) 324514. Background Papers 0