Cornwall Council has launched a new climate and energy plan aimed at delivering more clean local energy, warmer homes, sustainable travel and support for organisations to cut carbon emissions and energy bills.
The new plan also sets out the next stage of the authority’s response to the climate emergency in leading the way to reduce emissions across its estate and operations.
It is calling on residents and businesses to work together to achieve the economic, environmental and social benefits of tackling climate change for Cornwall.
Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, Cllr Loic Rich, said:
“We are now seeing the impacts of climate change all around us – these are no longer distant threats, they are affecting our communities, our homes, and our economy today. At the same time, global events have exposed how vulnerable we are to energy insecurity. Rising fuel prices and supply disruptions have driven up living costs, affecting households and businesses across Cornwall. This has made clear that our energy security, climate goals, and economic wellbeing are deeply interconnected.
“We know our residents expect us to act - through extensive engagement with our residents, businesses, and partners - in the development of the Local Area Energy Plan and Nature Recovery Strategy - it's clear that support for climate and nature action across Cornwall remains consistently high.
“We’re taking climate action to create wider positive outcomes for Cornwall such as lowering energy bills, promoting affordable transport and building healthier communities. These benefits can inspire positive behaviour change and gain support for climate initiatives.”
The plan come after the council’s cabinet committee’s reiterated its commitment to action and leadership on climate while acknowledging the need for national policy support, innovative finance models and strong partnerships across Cornwall’s key sectors.
It is built around four missions aligned with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Area Energy Plan.
They are:
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Delivering more affordable, secure and clean local energy;
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Making Cornwall’s homes and buildings warmer, healthier and more energy efficient;
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Enabling easier, more sustainable travel while reducing congestion and pollution;
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Supporting Cornwall’s key industry, waste and agriculture sectors to cut carbon.
The new climate and energy plan will be followed by the launch of the council’s new nature recovery action plan to be launched next month.
Story posted May 20, 2026