Moray Council approves new Climate Change Strategy to drive action to net zero by 2045
Moray Council has approved its updated Climate Change Strategy 2026–2036, setting out how it will cut emissions, strengthen resilience to climate impacts, and support a greener local economy over the next decade.
The strategy outlines a clear pathway for the Council to reach net zero emissions by 2045, supported by a series of five-year carbon budgets to track progress along the way.
It builds on significant progress already made, with the Council having reduced its emissions by more than 40% since 2017/18, largely through improvements such as changes to waste management.
The strategy focuses on three main priorities:
- Reducing emissions from buildings, transport and operations
- Adapting to climate impacts, including flooding, extreme weather and coastal change
- Embedding sustainability across all Council services and decisions.
Key actions include:
- Upgrading buildings through a ‘fabric-first’ approach, improving insulation and introducing low‑carbon heating
- Expanding renewable energy projects such as solar power
- Continuing the rollout of low‑emission and electric vehicles
- Increasing recycling and reducing waste
- Supporting staff, communities and businesses to take climate action.
The strategy is underpinned by four guiding principles: efficiency, preparedness, balance and collaboration, ensuring that climate action is realistic and aligned with financial constraints. While the strategy sets out ambitious action, it also recognises the financial challenges facing the Council and highlights the need to secure external funding to accelerate progress.
Recognising that climate change cannot be tackled alone, the Council is calling for ongoing collaboration with residents, businesses and partners to deliver the transition.
The strategy also aligns closely with the Council’s emerging Biodiversity Strategy, reflecting the twin crises of climate change and nature loss. Progress will be monitored through annual reporting, including the Council’s Route Map to Net Zero, with a full review of the strategy every five years.
Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “This strategy sets a clear and practical direction for how Moray Council will respond to the climate and nature emergencies.
“We’ve already made strong progress, cutting our emissions by over 40%, but we know there is much more to do. This plan focuses on the actions that will make the biggest difference while recognising the financial challenges we face make it an even tougher journey.
“Working with our communities and partners will be key as we move towards net zero and build a more resilient, sustainable future for Moray.”