Annual performance spotlights
Connect outcome - Communities and environment
Caring, connected, sustainable communities
What communities told us:
- Residents value outdoor play areas for children, as well as clubs and activities that give children and young people something to do
- The quality and safety of local parks, woodlands, nature trails and paths is important if people are to enjoy the outdoors
- Good neighbours and a sense of community make a huge difference to quality of life
- People are increasingly feeling the effects of rising prices impacting on everyday essentials such as food, clothing, travel and heating
What success will look like:
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Increase in household waste recycling
- More people reporting a strong sense of community
- Increased ownership of local assets
- Protect our natural environment and enhance our green spaces
- Develop and promote food growing opportunities
- Invest in services to protect the vulnerable
Case study: Future is bright for primary schools
As part of the council’s commitment to combating climate change and making our area more sustainable, the council has been advancing the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels across the school estate with almost half of our primary schools already seeing the benefits.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, offering a clean, renewable source of power that can lower bills and reduce carbon emissions – embodying the theme of Earth Day 2025 – Our Power, Our Planet
Craigbank Primary School is one of the schools already taking a step in the right direction towards a sustainable future with 120 panels now installed on the roof of the school building which is estimated to be able to generate almost 40,000 kWh of electricity a year – enough to heat and light 15 average sized homes annually.
Almost half of the council-run primary schools across South Lanarkshire now have PV panels installed, producing an estimated 1.5M kWh each year, helping to significantly reduce the council’s carbon emissions.
David Booth, Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, said: “The increased installation of solar panels across the school estate marks more than just a shift to renewable energy – it’s a celebration of local skill and forward-thinking investment. The panels are installed in-house by electricians employed by the council, who were upskilled to meet the growing demand for solar technology. This is yet another great example of the council’s forward thinking to ensure that we meet the sustainability needs set out in the council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change strategy.”
How we did in 2024-25
See Recycling
See Recycling
