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South Oxfordshire District Council joins UK100

Published 6 August 2024

South Oxfordshire District Council’s ambitious plans to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions has taken a step forward after the council joined UK100 – the network of local authorities committed to taking progressive climate action.

Members of UK100 share best practice and details of successful projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards net zero.

The council is determined in its plans to tackle climate change and has already made great strides, as it:

  • buys electricity for its buildings (such as council offices and its arts centre) that is from 100 per cent renewable energy sources.
  • has a programme of installing solar panels and air source heat pumps at its leisure centres in Didcot, Thame and Wheatley and its arts centre, Cornerstone, enabled by various funding sources including the council’s budget, the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and Swimming Pool Support Fund.
  • has had 62 EV chargers installed at its car parks.
  • has ordered an electric food truck for the waste collections fleet.
  • has given grants for many community climate projects through its grants programme.
  • has lobbied government for climate change action.
  • has supported cultural organisations with their climate change ambitions by supporting Green Arts Oxfordshire and its carbon literacy training programme.

Cllr David Rouane, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council and climate lead, said: “We are now continuing with an extensive programme of energy and carbon saving projects such as installing insulation, solar panels and air source heat pumps at our buildings particularly Cornerstone Arts Centre, Park Sports Centre in Wheatley, Didcot Wave and Thame Leisure Centre. 

“Moving forward we have plans to bring the same ambitions to our leisure centres in Didcot, Berinsfield and Henley and to the outdoor pool at Wallingford.

‘We are ambitious in our plans to tackle climate change, which is why we have joined UK100 to learn from and share our ideas and successes with others in local government who all have common climate goals.”

Phil Glanville, director of advocacy and engagement UK100, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome South Oxfordshire District Council to UK100. Cllr David Rouane, Leader of the council, has demonstrated the council’s commitment to working with others across the country to tackle climate change and take decisive Net Zero action head of the National Government’s target.”

Notes to editors

You can find out more about the council’s climate action plans on the council ‘s Action on Climate and Nature webpages.

UK100 is a network of local leaders who have pledged to lead a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in their communities ahead of the government’s legal target.