Bracknell Forest Council leads the way in climate transparency

Bracknell Forest Council has taken an active approach to the Council Climate Action Scorecards, making it easier for the public and assessors to track their progress towards net zero by 2030. Unlike other councils, they publish all relevant climate data on their website, allowing transparent access to their initiatives.

Will Barnes, the council’s Climate Change Officer, noted that the Scorecards have helped benchmark their climate progress, inspired new projects like carbon awareness training, and supported further climate action across departments.

By leading with transparency and active participation, Bracknell Forest sets an example for other councils to follow in tackling climate change.

Barnes emphasised that projects such as aligning procurement policies with their climate goals and enforcing energy standards for rental properties are key actions that support their net-zero ambitions.

The council’s open approach provides a useful tool for benchmarking their efforts against other local authorities while supporting staff to embed sustainable practices across the organisation.

This approach shows that climate initiatives can be enhanced by integrating external assessments like the Climate Scorecards, benefiting both the council and the community.