West Dunbartonshire Council has set out its plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.

The local authority plans to cut its carbon emissions by 3.5 per cent a year for the next 10 years, and then by 2.5 per cent a year from 2030, to reach its target.

A new climate change strategy unveiled by the authority sets out plans to increase energy efficiency, cut waste and reduce harmful exhaust emissions from vehicles as well as giving more thought to the social, economic and environmental impact of all the council’s activities.

The council says it has already reduced its emissions by almost 26 per cent since 2012-13.

Councillor Iain McLaren, the local authority’s convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “It is vital that we take action now and play our part in the global effort to reduce the impacts of climate change.

“This will not only build on the existing environmental work the council is undertaking, but transform the way our organisation works by integrating climate change mitigation, adaptation and sustainability measures into our operations and empowering our communities to take their own action to make change.”

The strategy and associated action plan will be reviewed annually, with an updated strategy being published every five years.

Councillor Marie McNair, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, added: “This strategy illustrates our firm commitment to mitigating national carbon emissions by supporting the Scottish Government to meet its ambitious climate change targets.

“We have already looked at how we use and provide energy; regularly encouraged employees to be more environmentally-friendly; developed biodiversity sites throughout the area; and taken steps to manage and reduce the council-wide carbon footprint.”

“The plan outlined in this strategy will allow us continue making progress on tackling climate change locally as well as supporting national and global aims.”