Perth and Kinross retains A rating for environmental action

The award is made by the CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, a not-for-profit organisation that runs the global disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts.

An 'A' rating means that the region or city demonstrates best practice standards across climate change adaptation and mitigation, has set ambitious but realistic goals and made progress towards achieving those goals.

Councillor Richard Watters, convener of Perth and Kinross Council's Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, said: "I am incredibly proud of the progress Perth and Kinross continues to make in tackling climate change and building a more sustainable future for our communities.

"Achieving an A grade from CDP for the third consecutive year reflects the commitment and hard work of our teams, our partners, and our residents."

While the 'A' score comes with international recognition, more importantly, the actions taken are helping our residents live life well.  These include:

• Supporting over 1,638 households with free home energy advice and support for Council tenants and Perth and Kinross residents.  Energy costs for many Council tenants have been reduced by improving energy efficiency of their properties.
• Supporting communities to improve their resilience and the number of Perth and Kinross community resilience groups this year has nearly doubled this year to 63. We have supported them by providing over £220k in grants, £80k in equipment and training in how to use key tools like box walls.
• Thirty-one local businesses received PKC Green Capital Development Grant Fund projects to help boost their businesses while reducing their environmental footprint.
• Awarding 22 projects Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) allocation to boost local nature. These projects  include woodland planning, Invasive Non-Native Species control, farmland biodiversity, pond creation, pollinator planting, and tree nursery development.

The Council has reduced its carbon footprint 16% year-on-year. In addition, our new energy management system has saved the council over £100k in reduced bills.

We launched a Schools Recycling Project to invest in internal recycling resources and fit-for-purpose solutions to improve recycling rates in schools and we had successful engagement with schools for energy audits during holiday shut downs.

Councillor Watters added: "Over the past year, we have made meaningful strides—reducing our carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency in council homes, and launching the Climate Ready Tayside partnership to ensure a coordinated regional approach to climate adaptation.

"Our Nature Restoration Fund projects, school recycling initiatives, and the support provided to more than 1,600 households for home energy advice are all excellent examples of how local action delivers real benefits on the ground.

"There is still more to do, but this recognition reinforces that we are on the right path. Together, we will continue to build a Perth and Kinross that is resilient, climate ready, and focused on long term sustainability."

To achieve an A, cities and local authorities must disclose publicly through CDP-ICLEI Track, have an area-wide emissions inventory and have published a climate action plan.

A-listers must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have a climate adaptation goal to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards. Many A List locations are also taking a variety of other leadership actions.