Test Valley Borough Council has updated its climate emergency action plan (CEAP).

TVBC says the update is in order to further cut greenhouse gas emissions.

This comes after the council declared a climate emergency in 2019, following warnings about the urgent need to cut emissions to limit global warming.

The original CEAP, set up in 2020, focused on reducing emissions through council activities and offering support to businesses and residents.

The council says it has made progress on several fronts, including reviewing renewable and low-carbon energy potential in the borough, switching its fleet vehicles from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil and electric alternatives, which significantly reduced emissions, and planting thousands of trees.

In 2024, a project to transform TVBC’s Bourne House depot in Romsey was completed, aiming to cut the building’s carbon emissions with new installations like an air source heat pump, solar panels, additional insulation, and LED lighting.

The council has also encouraged local communities and businesses to contribute to the borough's decarbonisation through grants, such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and the Test Valley Rural Net Zero Business Service.

Acting portfolio holder for climate emergency and countryside, Councillor Nick Lodge, said: "I’m very proud of the work we’ve done since the first publication of our Climate Emergency Action Plan, including our recent big steps to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"The execution of our practical projects and feasibility studies has taught us much about all aspects of energy efficiency and carbon management, as well as the value of working with local businesses and residents. Such knowledge will help us as we forge ahead with our decarbonisation challenges."

The updated action plan outlines measures to be taken until 2027, aligning with the time frame of the local authority’s corporate plan.

The 39 actions have been categorised into three groups: council emissions, borough emissions, and engagement, education, and awareness.

It includes plans to develop a new theatre in Andover to be as close to carbon-neutral as possible, produce guidance on energy efficiency and renewable energy proposals for heritage assets, and continue working with partners to consider climate change-related risks.