Moray Council has approved its refreshed Climate Change Strategy for 2026–2036, setting out how it will cut emissions, strengthen resilience to climate impacts and support a greener local economy over the next decade.

The plan charts a pathway for the Council to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, underpinned by a series of five-year carbon budgets to measure progress.

It builds on substantial progress to date, with Council emissions down by more than 40% since 2017/18, in part through measures such as changes to waste management.

The strategy concentrates on three priorities: reducing emissions from buildings, transport and operations; adapting to risks including flooding, extreme weather and coastal change; and embedding sustainability across all services and decisions.

Planned actions include a fabric-first approach to upgrading buildings, better insulation and low-carbon heating; expanding renewable energy projects such as solar; continuing the roll-out of low-emission and electric vehicles; increasing recycling and cutting waste; and supporting staff, communities and businesses to take climate action.

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Four guiding principles—efficiency, preparedness, balance and collaboration—shape the approach, ensuring activity remains realistic and aligned with financial constraints. While the plan is ambitious, it recognises current budget pressures and the need to secure external funding to accelerate delivery.

Acknowledging that climate change cannot be tackled alone, the Council is seeking ongoing collaboration with residents, businesses and partners to deliver the transition.

The strategy aligns with the Council's emerging Biodiversity Strategy, reflecting the twin crises of climate change and nature loss. Progress will be reported annually, including through the Council's Route Map to Net Zero, and the strategy will be fully reviewed every five years.

Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: "This strategy sets a clear and practical direction for how Moray Council will respond to the climate and nature emergencies.

"We've already made strong progress, cutting our emissions by over 40%, but we know there is much more to do. This plan focuses on the actions that will make the biggest difference while recognising the financial challenges we face make it an even tougher journey.

"Working with our communities and partners will be key as we move towards net zero and build a more resilient, sustainable future for Moray."