Results show that from 2009-2010, emissions increased in 394 out of 406 local authorities – 97 percent. This is a reverse of the situation in 2008-2009 when emissions decreased in all but four local authorities.
Responding to the disappointing figures, Friends of the Earth senior campaigner, Jane Thomas, said: “These figures make for grim reading – building a low carbon economy and meeting our national carbon budgets means all parts of the UK making big emissions cuts, but it looks like we’re going backwards.
“They are a snapshot of 18 months ago – since then it is unlikely that the situation will have improved. The government has to listen to its independent climate advisors – without a requirement for councils to act on carbon, and more funding to help them do it, we probably won’t meet our national carbon budgets.”
Robert Goss, md of Conergy, added: “Local councils may be stretched right now for resources, but solar still offers solid government support for mid-sized installations on schools, leisure centres and council buildings. Companies like Sainsbury’s are re-roofing their flat roofs because they see the triple win of lower energy bills, long-term financial returns and reduced emissions, and these benefits should be just as attractive to councils.”