Climate change

Climate change mitigation and adaptation has long been part of Angus Council's activities. In February 2007, Angus Council signed Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration. In September 2019, Angus Council declared a Climate Emergency.

We recognise the impact for now and future generations, and have a nine-point plan.

In November 2021, the Glasgow COP26 conference ended in success. Nearly 200 countries agreed the Glasgow Climate Pact to keep 1.5 degrees C alive and finalise the outstanding elements of the Paris Agreement. For the target to be achieved global emissions must decline and become net zero by 2050. Net zero means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we put into the atmosphere and the amount we're able to take out add up to zero. In response, the Scottish Government have set an ambitious target for Scotland to become net zero by 2045.

The following three key documents highlight:

  • the climate challenges faced by Angus and Angus Council
  • the progress achieved to date
  • plans on how Angus Council intends to transition the region towards net zero

Angus Council Transition to Net Zero Action Plan: 2022 to 2030

The Angus Council Transition to Net Zero Action Plan: 2022 to 2030 was approved on 8 September 2022.

The purpose of this Transition to Net Action Plan (2022 to 2030) is to ensure Angus Council meet the 2030 Scottish Government interim emissions reduction target of a 75% reduction in emission, en route to the Net Zero target by 2045. The key themes identified below, will be used drive emission reductions within key operational areas to meet the 2030 interim emissions reduction target:

  • Leadership, Governance & Procurement
  • Buildings, Energy & Infrastructure
  • Waste, Recycling & Circular Economy
  • Fleet & Business Travel
  • Land Use Adaptation

Within each of these key themes, Action Plans containing emission reduction projects and initiatives have been developed. This will be a live document; it will evolve as technologies emerge and mature, as budget resources allow and as new techniques and practices develop.

The first annual update on the implementation of the Transition to Net Zero Action Plan is now available. The Council is making good progress towards the 2030 target of 75% reduction in emissions. From the base year of 2012/13 to the end of the financial year 2022/23, the Council reduced its emissions by 58%. A RAG rating (red, amber, and green colour scheme) has been used to easily identify the progress of the actions. Red identifies actions that have not been progressed yet; amber identifies that the action is in progress or is an ongoing action; and green shows the action is complete. Significant progress has been made during 2022/23 with several of the actions being implemented or completed.


The Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP)

The Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) was approved on 4 November 2021.

It supports Angus in its commitment to:

  • sustainable development
  • environmental management
  • the transition to a low-carbon economy

This plan provides a roadmap. This highlights areas where Angus can :

  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • create potential adaptation actions in response to climate change

It also lists measures to provide sustainable, affordable, and secure access to energy.

Following consultation with key stakeholders within Angus Council, community groups, businesses and third sector organisations, a series of deliverable actions have been set throughout six key sectors:

  • buildings
  • energy
  • transport
  • land use
  • forestry, agriculture and food
  • waste

The plan also includes governance and process actions.


Public Bodies Duty Report

Angus Council submits an annual statutory report to the Scottish Government on our progress in contributing to Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets:

  • a reduction in emissions by 75% by 2030
  • 90% by 2040
  • net-zero target for 2045

The report details targets set, actions taken, outcomes achieved and further actions required.

The Climate Change Member Officer Group monitors our climate change response. It considers the council's progress in greenhouse gas reduction, implementing land use adaptation, and wider sustainability topics that play a part in our journey towards net zero.


Local Climate Impacts Profiles

Angus Council has published two Local Climate Impacts Profiles.

These give us a better understanding of our exposure to weather and climate and the area’s vulnerability to severe weather events.

This means we can measure the impact on local communities and our assets. We can also assess our capacity to deliver services.


Net Zero Guide for Schools

During Angus Climate Week 2022 a Net Zero Guide for Schools was launched. Primary school pupils will become Climate Action Superheroes to help transform their schools into climate friendly, Net Zero zones by completing various missions!

For any support or questions relating to the guide please email sustainableangus@angus.gov.uk


More on climate change and transitioning to a low carbon lifestyle

For more information contact sustainableangus@angus.gov.uk