THE city council says it is on track to beat a target of reducing carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.

It follows four years of work by Winchester City Council to reduce water, gas and electricity consumption at its sites.

That has included replacing the lighting systems at the Tower Street multi-storey car park and city offices with low energy LED lights, as well as using low-energy technology in all new council homes under construction.

The council is also installing solar panel at its offices in Colebrook Street, which at its peak will generate 48KW of electricity. A spokesman added plans are being investigated to installing a 50KW panel on the roof of the depot site in Barfield Close.

It comes as the council’s carbon footprint report for 2015/2016 showed the authority produced 4646.3 tonnes of CO2, while draft figures for 2017 and 2018 indicate total carbon emissions of around 3,700 tonnes, showing the council on track to hit its 20 per cent reduction target.

Winchester City Council portfolio holder for environment Cllr Jan Warwick said: “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and being a green council focused on reducing emissions and contributing to our district’s low carbon economy.”

As previously reported, the council has announced its 12 actions for becoming a low carbon council, including buying the most energy-efficient equipment and fittings for buildings and introducing renewable energy initiatives in council-owned or as community projects.