Carbon emissions are on a “downward trend” at Ceredigion County Council as it works towards its commitment to be a net zero authority by 2030, a committee has heard.

The current focus is on operational usage and emissions in reviews of a net zero action plan following its approval by the council last year – with a cumulative reduction of 20 per cent from 2017/18 to 2021/22 against a target of 15 per cent.

A report to thriving communities overview and scrutiny committee on Wednesday, 19 October shows that most service areas increased emission during 2021/22 compared to the year before when the UK was locked down due to the pandemic.

“Despite an emission increase in 2021/22, when compared to the previous financial year, emissions are still overall on a downward trajectory and are 9.96 per cent lower than they were in 2019/20 (pre-pandemic) and 20.48 per cent lower than the baseline year of 2017/18,” states the report.

Cabinet member for highways, environmental services and carbon management Cllr Keith Henson outlined the report, that also notes an increase in energy costs of £735,699 due to contact price increases in 2021/22.

Cllr Henson has taken over as chairman of the carbon management and climate change group, which the committee heard has been well attended by cross-party representatives to develop and oversee delivery of the net zero action plan.

Staff working from home, and using their own energy, as well as commuting emissions, are recorded under a new Welsh Government methodology, the committee was told and do count towards the authority’s targets.