Town's carbon emissions fallen by 57%, data shows

Carbon emissions in Reading have fallen by more than half over an 18-year period, new government figures show.

The Berkshire town has seen the 12th biggest reduction in emissions out of the UK's 384 local authorities between 2005 and 2023, according to the data.

Reading Borough Council said it was currently working on "major projects" to reduce its own carbon footprint and "create a net zero borough".

John Ennis, the authority's climate lead, said the government figures showed "Reading's commitment to taking positive climate action".

"It is only through organisations, businesses, communities and residents working together that Reading has achieved a 57% drop in emissions and maintained its position as 12th in the country for carbon reduction," he said.

Mr Ennis said the council was "leading by example", including the work to upgrade the Hexagon theatre.

The major construction project, which started this week, includes plans to install ground and air source heat pumps across the building, replacing gas boilers.

The council said it has cut its own emissions by almost 75% since 2009, adding that it only accounts for roughly 2% of the town's overall emissions.

The Reading Climate Change Partnership, of which the council is a key member, is also currently asking people for their thoughts on how the town can achieve net zero.

"We all need to keep up the momentum in the face of rising temperatures, wetter winters and extreme weather conditions occurring more frequently," Mr Ennis said.

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