A local authority boss has outlined its progress in tackling global warming and becoming a carbon-neutral borough by 2030, including identifying three potential sites for solar farms on its land.

Growth boss Councillor Quesir Mahmood gave an update to Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive board on its Climate Emergency Action Plan in 2023/24, and its proposals for 2024/25.

Five years ago, the council declared a climate emergency and pledged to work towards becoming a carbon-neutral borough by 2030.

Since then, the authority's climate change team has been working to minimise the borough’s emissions which include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Cllr Mahmood said the focus of 2023/24 was testing tool kits, having surveys and studies done, and submitting grant applications in readiness for implementation of schemes in 2024/25.

He detailed practical work undertaken including:

  • the installation of 86 energy efficiency measures for Blackburn with Darwen homes under the Home Energy Grant, such as heat pumps and solar panels, and upgrading windows from single to double glazed, in homes with no gas central heating;
  • a feasibility assessment of solar farms on council-owned land and outline business cases for three locations that showed good potential, as well as an appraisal of how to increase solar energy generation on the borough’s commercial roof space which suggests there could be sufficient to potentially meet the borough’s entire annual electricity demand;
  • commissioning 11 electric vehicles to replace diesel vans in the council’s fleet;
  • setting up an electric vehicle pilot project to work with a private charge point operator who will provide and service 25 electric vehicle charge points at five residential sites around the borough;
  • developing the Cycle Centre in Witton Park into an Active Outdoors Hub, creating a new multi-use space for organisations to deliver walking and cycling training and workshops on active travel;
  • planting almost 1,000 trees – standards, orchards, and micro-woods – in parks and green spaces around the borough;
  • preparing a peatland restoration plan for Aushaw Moss.

For 2024/25, key strands of work include heat decarbonisation, carbon capture, transport, and housing.

Cllr Mahmood said: "I’m really pleased with the progress we have made so far in reducing the council’s impact on the climate.

"We do however have a long way to go.

"It’s not an easy task however it’s incredibly important we all do our bit to help the planet and I ask that residents consider how their day-to-day actions can help make an improvement, whether that be taking the bus to work or recycling and reusing items where possible."