Chesterfield Borough Council has published its Climate Change Annual Report 2025/26, highlighting a year of positive progress across housing, transport, green spaces, community projects and council operations.
The report shows how the council is continuing to deliver practical action against the six themes set out in the climate change strategy, while supporting residents, local organisations and partners to make greener choices and build a more sustainable borough.
Key achievements include securing more than £4 million for a three-year housing decarbonisation programme, investing in 34 electric council vehicles, completing new A-rated council homes, supporting 36 community climate projects, and continuing to improve biodiversity across parks and open spaces.
During 2025/26, the council secured £3.3 million through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund to support improvements to council homes, alongside £1.1 million through the Warm Homes Local Grant to help eligible owner-occupiers and private landlords make energy-efficiency upgrades.
The investment is delivering measures including solar panels, air source heat pumps, loft insulation, upgraded ventilation and heating controls, helping to make homes warmer, more comfortable and more affordable to run.
The council has also completed a programme of new-build, affordable and energy-efficient homes in Middlecroft and Staveley. The homes have been designed to achieve an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate and include low-carbon heating, solar panels and provision for electric vehicle charging.
Positive progress has also been made in reducing emissions from council travel. The council’s 34 electric small vans prevented the use of a further 36,238 litres of diesel during the year, saving an estimated 92 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Plans are now being developed to increase the electric fleet, with more electric vehicles expected to be on the road by 2027.
We have a number of solar panels installed across the council’s estate that continue to generate energy, and we are considering options to expand this to other council building in the future.
The council has also secured £2.4 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to support a major heat decarbonisation project at the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley.
Community action remains central to the council’s approach. Since the launch of the Community Grants Fund, 36 climate change-related projects have received support, with £179,586 awarded to local voluntary and community sector groups, charities and non-profit organisations.
The report also highlights improvements to biodiversity through a new approach to grass cutting, which is helping wildflowers to grow and creating new habitats for wildlife. The Wilder Chesterfield pilot project, led by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is also helping communities bring nature into urban streets and neighbourhoods.
Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for climate change, planning and environment, said: “This year’s annual report shows that real progress is being made across the borough. From warmer and more energy-efficient homes, to cleaner council vehicles, more support for community projects and better spaces for nature, we are taking practical steps that benefit residents now while supporting our longer-term climate ambitions.
“Climate action works best when it is delivered in partnership, and this report demonstrates the important role being played by council services, community groups, local organisations and residents. We will continue to build on this progress and work together to create a greener, more resilient Chesterfield.”
Looking ahead, the council will continue to deliver climate-related activity through to 2028, including new A-rated homes in Mastin Moor, further investment in heat decarbonisation, the continued roll-out of electric vehicles, and further opportunities for community organisations to apply for grant funding.
To read the Climate Change Annual Report 2025/26 visit our action on climate change page.
