Councils advance on net zero but doubt meeting 2050 targets

24 February 2026

Many councils in England are upgrading buildings and switching to cleaner energy, but most do not believe they will meet net zero targets by 2050, new research suggests.

Freedom of Information data from 199 local authorities shows widespread action to cut emissions, with the vast majority reporting that they have retrofitted existing buildings to improve energy efficiency. More than four in five councils say they have electrified infrastructure such as heating systems and electric vehicle charging points, and a similar proportion have invested in renewable technologies. Around six in ten are monitoring energy use in real time to identify inefficiencies and reduce costs.

Despite these steps, two-thirds of councils say they are not confident about reaching their long-term climate goals. Funding pressures are cited as the main obstacle, with nearly eight in ten authorities identifying budget constraints as a significant barrier. More than a third point to technology challenges, while around a third report skills shortages or insufficient expertise as additional difficulties.

The research, released by Schneider Electric, also shows that most councils have received external support, with almost nine in ten securing government or private funding for decarbonisation or energy efficiency projects in the past three years. However, the data indicates that financial and technical constraints could slow progress, even where projects are already under way.

Alice Williams, Schneider Electric’s VP digital energy, UK&I, says:

“Local authorities have a vital part to play in meeting our national net-zero targets and our research shows they are making significant progress. But they cannot do it alone. There is an urgent need for continued investment and support to ensure they can hit their targets, delivering a sustainable future for their communities whilst at the same time reaping the financial rewards that energy efficiency brings at a time when budgets are tight.”

Image supplied by Schneider Electric