THE town council produced more than 176 tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2017, according to a new report.

Following a decision by Bracknell Town Council in October last year to reduce its carbon footprint, the organisation has taken steps to quantify how much carbon dioxide and other air pollutants are produced by its various activities.

The council formed the Carbon Reduction Working Group to deliver this effort, and has estimated that more than 176 tonnes of carbon dioxide were produced in 2017.

The group looked at the amount of gas, electricity, petrol and diesel the council used throughout the year, and used DEFRA guidance to estimate how much CO2 was released as a result.

The group has now identified a number of steps the council can take to reduce its carbon output, such as simply switching to LED lights to larger projects involving solar and battery storage.

Chair of the working group, Cllr Dr Peter Hill, said: "Through this exercise we’ve been able to identify a range of potential projects which could dramatically reduce our carbon dioxide production and air pollution over the next 10 years.

"Simple steps like switching to LED lights and changing energy tariffs should be easy to deliver, but we’re now developing more ambitious plans for solar and battery storage projects at some of our pavilion buildings.

"This will dramatically reduce the energy we use which comes from unsustainable sources. In the future, as technology develops, we hope to be able to replace existing diesel and petrol vehicles and equipment with electric versions.

"If we’re able to use the green electricity we produce ourselves this will also reduce our costs. This really is an important piece of work, and it demonstrates that even a small organisation like a Town Council can make a difference in the fight against climate change and air pollution.”