Horsham District Council continues its journey toward net zero carbon emissions, as outlined in our recently published annual Carbon Reduction Report 2024-25.
This past year’s data reveals a 63% reduction in direct emissions since the 2019/20 baseline, driven largely by fleet improvements, while some operational buildings saw slight increases due to seasonal and operational factors.
The journey towards net zero was never going to see ongoing year on year reductions in our carbon emissions. After five years of ongoing reductions in our carbon emissions, last year we saw a slight increase as outlined in our recently published Carbon Reduction Report 2024-25. However, we are happy to say that overall we have reduced our direct carbon emissions by 63% since 2019/20.
We are working to cut emissions from the buildings, vehicles and other elements that are within our control, with an aim to be net zero from direct emissions by 2030 and from indirect emissions by 2050.
Where emissions have reduced
Fleet Transformation
The most significant reduction stems from the Council’s fleet. Diesel vehicles now run on certified hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), and 14 small to medium vehicles will have been replaced with electric models by the end of this financial year - that is almost 20% of our entire fleet. These changes have stabilized fleet emissions despite expanded waste collection rounds.
Electricity use at Parkside
Parkside, the Council’s main office location until early 2025, saw a notable 14 tCO₂e drop in electricity emissions thanks to the installation of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit. This system generates electricity on-site, reducing transmission losses and improving efficiency.
Park House and Piries Place Car Park
Park House reduced electricity emissions by 4 tCO₂e due to lower occupancy, while Pirie’s Place Car Park saw a modest 1 tCO₂e decrease.
Where emissions have increased
Gas consumption at Parkside and The Capitol Theatre
Parkside’s Combined Heat and Power unit saw an increased gas use at Parkside by 8 tCO2e, although this was offset by a 14 tCO2e decrease in carbon emissions for electricity. The Capitol Theatre’s extended pantomime season added 5 tCO₂e due to higher heating demand, which reflects that last year’s panto was the most successful in the Council’s history.
Temporary accommodation
The Housing Team is focusing on minimising the amount of time that people have to spend in B&B accommodation. They have managed to reduce void periods in temporary housing in order to house people in more appropriate accommodation. This means that more gas and electricity is used and led to a 9 tCO₂e rise in gas use, compounded by a colder winter. However, this illustrates the hard work to minimise the amount of time that people have to spend in B&B accommodation. This success in service delivery has had an impact on our carbon emissions.
Electricity use at the Forum and other sites
The Forum Car Park’s electricity emissions rose by 9 tCO₂e, returning to typical levels after a dip in 2023/24 when lifts were out of service. Hills Cemetery Chapel, Hop Oast Depot, and Southwater Country Park collectively added 8 tCO₂e, largely due to increased heating needs during a cooler winter and increased cooling needed in a hot summer.
Looking ahead
Several upcoming changes promise further reductions. The move from Parkside to Albery House could cut emissions by up to 100 tCO₂e, and the sale of the Drill Hall will remove 25 tCO₂e from the footprint. Planned upgrades, including an air source heat pump at Warnham Nature Reserve and improvements at Fiennes Court, are expected to support continued progress.
Despite minor setbacks, Horsham District Council’s commitment to climate action remains strong. The new five-year Carbon Reduction Plan launched in April 2025 will guide future efforts, with the next emissions report due in autumn 2026.