Climate change and sustainability

We measure our carbon footprint to understand where our emissions come from, how they change over time and where investment can reduce both carbon and cost. This includes emissions from council buildings, fleet vehicles, street lighting and other council operations we directly control.

What we publish:

• 2019 to 2020 carbon footprint – independently assessed by the Carbon Trust
• 2023 to 2024 carbon footprint – calculated internally using nationally recognised reporting methods
• 2025 to 2026 carbon footprint – currently in progress and due to be published when complete

For each reporting year we will publish:

• Total emissions in tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent for each category that we report on
• A short explanation of any significant increases or decreases

We use consistent national reporting guidance so results can be compared over time. Where methods or boundaries change, we will explain this clearly alongside the data.

Emissions data

Carbon category	Total emissions calculated in tonnes of CO2 for FY19/20*	Total emissions calculated in tonnes of CO2 for FY23/24	Total emissions calculated in tonnes of CO2 for FY25/26	Changes (increase/decrease)
Energy and utilities (i.e., gas, electricity, water)	17,748	10,794	TBC	N/A
Fleet (i.e., vehicles)	6,771	7,498	TBC	N/A
Business travel	452	327	TBC	N/A
Employee commuting and working from home	Not calculated	2,190	TBC	N/A
Purchased goods and services (i.e., everything we buy)	Not calculated	118,866	TBC	N/A

Our buildings account for a large share of council emissions and energy costs. We invest in retrofit and improvement works to reduce energy use, cut carbon and protect the council from future energy price rises.

Recent and ongoing projects

Eco Hub at Palatine Library

TBC

Winter Gardens

TBC

We prioritise large and public-facing buildings where improvements deliver long-term savings, lower energy demand and more reliable, secure buildings for staff and visitors.

We use action plans to guide how we cut emissions, manage costs and prepare for climate impacts.

Currently published:

• Climate action plan – focuses on reducing emissions and energy use from council operations
• Adaptation action plan – focuses on managing risks from flooding, increasing temperatures and coastal changes

We use our buying power to reduce environmental impact while ensuring the best value.

Our approach includes:

• Asking suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and energy use
• Encouraging responsible use of materials and resources
• Considering social and environmental value alongside cost and long-term affordability

You can read more about this in our procurement supplier charter, which sets out what we expect from organisations that work with us.

We support the shift to cleaner transport options that are reliable, cost-effective and futureproof.

Information about public charging points, on-street provision and council-managed locations is available on our electric vehicle charging page. This information will continue to be updated as new infrastructure is installed.

Electric vehicle charging information

We support the Fylde Coast EcoSchools network to help schools build knowledge, confidence and practical action around climate change and sustainability.

Our support has included:

• Delivering training to schools
• Supporting the development and ongoing evolution of the local EcoSchools network
• Providing Green Flag certification where funding and capacity allow

We also provide a climate action guide to support schools in developing climate and sustainability plans that reflect their own priorities and resources. Schools that would like a copy can email climate@blackpool.gov.uk.

Blackpool has worked to ensure that residents and partners are involved in shaping our response to climate change. The council has used a range of approaches to ensure local views inform both mitigation and adaptation activity.

The Climate Assembly in 2021 brought together a representative group of residents to learn about climate issues and develop recommendations for the council, ensuring that community perspectives were reflected early in the climate action plan. Alongside this, the Youth Climate Assembly and wider youth engagement work have enabled young people to share their views, influence priorities, and take part in local climate action.

More recently, the climate conversations programme in 2024 focused on adaptation, bringing residents together to explore how Blackpool should respond to climate impacts. Participants were supported to engage their communities and helped develop a shared vision and recommendations for the future of the town.

This work is ongoing, with continued community engagement and youth‑led activity supported through initiatives such as the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund, which provides external funding to help local young people develop and deliver their own climate projects.

Together, these approaches ensure that Blackpool’s climate work is informed by local experience, supports inclusive participation, and reflects the needs of the whole community.

If you have a question about climate change or sustainability work at the council, or if you’d like to participate in future resident and council collaborative discussions, we encourage you to email us at climate@blackpool.gov.uk.

If you would like to understand how you can be sustainable in your day-to-day life, see our helpful advice page.

Find out how you can be more sustainable