Bridgend County Borough Council is set to revise its net zero strategy following a public consultation in which more than 70% of respondents disagreed with the 2030 target. The update was presented to councillors at a communities and environment scrutiny committee in July 2026.
Consultation Results Show Strong Opposition
The strategy, first adopted in 2023, aimed to achieve net zero carbon emissions across council operations by 2030. However, a report by Cllr Eugene Caparros acknowledged that the target would not be met due to residual emissions and funding constraints. The consultation received 129 responses, with 72.1% opposing the 2030 target and 21.7% supporting it.
Main reasons for opposition centered on affordability, with many feeling that other budget priorities were more pressing. Some respondents doubted the feasibility of reaching net zero by 2030, while a minority claimed climate change does not exist or that local contributions are insignificant globally. The report noted that the overwhelming scientific consensus confirms anthropogenic climate change is real and driven by fossil fuel use.
Shift Toward Practical Energy Efficiency
Cllr Caparros described a move away from the 2030 target toward a more pragmatic approach focused on energy efficiency, which he called a '90's approach.' He stated: 'This strategy focuses on delivering practical carbon reductions, reducing energy costs where possible and then reviewing progress in 2030 while we continue to report annually to Welsh Government. This is not about abandoning climate action. It is about making our strategy realistic.'
Officers emphasized that cost considerations have always guided Bridgend's projects, avoiding expensive ideological initiatives in favor of sensible investments like solar panels and LED lighting that pay back over time. The revised strategy will reflect consultation feedback.
Uncertainty Over Welsh Government Response
Cllr Jon-Paul Blundell inquired whether the Welsh Government had responded to the council's admission that the 2030 target is unattainable, and whether fines or penalties could follow. Officers reported no formal views yet from the Welsh Government, but indicated that the new administration acknowledges the difficulty of reaching net zero by 2030. Cllr Martin Williams suggested removing politically divisive terminology from the strategy, focusing instead on tracking progress, energy efficiency, and investable technologies.
Final approval of the revised draft strategy is expected to go before the cabinet later this year.
