New figures show emissions from the district council’s use of electricity, gas and fuel has dropped by more than 81 per cent since 2019, as efforts to become carbon neutral continue.
Rother District Council has published its annual emissions report for 2024/25 which shows it has made significant progress over the last six years.
Overall emissions, including those from waste and leisure services, has fallen by 17 per cent from the 2019/20 baseline year.
The biggest change was in direct emissions from council properties and vehicles thanks to its 100 per cent renewable energy contract and ongoing decarbonisation from the grid.
Cllr Kathryn Field, portfolio holder for climate strategy, said: “In 2019 the district council vowed to do everything it could to become a carbon neutral district by 2030.
“Since then, a great deal of work has taken place, and we are seeing the results. We recently became a Silver Carbon Literate Organisation and were named the most improved district council in the country for our efforts to tackle climate change.
“Whilst annual figures haven’t always shown reductions, the latest report shows we are making great strides towards our ambitious target with planned major initiatives certain to make a huge difference.”
Electrical improvements continue across the council’s estate including the replacement of light fittings when they come to the end of their life with energy-efficient LEDs.
A significant change comes from the joint waste contract, with the waste vehicle fleet expected to switch from diesel to hydro-treated vegetable oil in June next year, reducing fleet emissions by up to 90 per cent.
Plans in the pipeline to install solar panels at Bexhill Leisure Centre and Bexhill Swimming Pool, will also help to reduce the council’s indirect carbon emissions should they come to fruition.
Cllr Field added: “Reducing emissions remains a top priority for Rother and we know there’s more to do to enable us to become a carbon neutral district. Whilst the latest figures should be celebrated, we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to develop our strategy and look for new ways to meet our climate commitments.”
More information on the district council’s climate strategy and action plan can be found at www.rother.gov.uk/climate-emergency
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Published: 5th December 2025
