SOLAR panels have been installed on the Cotswold District Council's Cirencester office.

The new photovoltaic solar panels are expected to cut the council's CO2 emissions by approximately 43 tonnes each year, which is equivalent to the emissions from driving an average petrol-powered car for around 160,000 miles.

This investment in solar panels is a significant step for the CDC towards achieving its goal to be net-zero by 2030.

This project has been funded through the Cotswold Climate Investment, launched in 2022, which allows residents and others to invest as little as £5 into local green initiatives.

So far the investment platform has raised around £500,000 which will be used to accelerate the local response to climate emergencies.

The council has also recently launched Cotswold Home Solar in partnership with Make My House Green, an initiative that aims to help homes and businesses across the district reduce both their energy costs and carbon footprint.

Cllr Mike McKeown, CDC cabinet member for climate change and sustainability, said: "We must think innovatively in our response to the climate crisis. 

"Solar investment is a significant step for the council in meeting its clean energy targets, insulating against dramatic fluctuations in the energy market and importantly limiting the amount of fossil fuel energy being used to run council buildings. 

"The council is delighted to collaborate with EcoVision Asset Management, a Gloucestershire-based company, to deliver this project, which is expected to be completed in the coming months.” 

CDC councillors are currently exploring the feasibility of installing solar panels on other council-owned buildings and have also purchased four new Peugeot Partner E-vans which will be used to support parking and environmental regulatory services.