BSI Homepage - UK
Contact Us
Back to menu Choose a country/region

No countries/regions found

Suggested region and language based on your location

    Your current region and language

    Submit
    Urban green, low angle view of buildings with greenery
    • Case Study
      Sustainability

    Tunbridge Wells becomes first council to achieve Net Zero Pathway

    Moving from ambition-led commitments to a robust, evidence-based and independently verified pathway to net zero.

    Testimonial

    “The NZP gave us confidence that our commitments are achievable and deliverable. We’re proud to be the first UK council to adopt this approach” 

    Henry Saunders Sustainability Manager, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
    Quiet residential commute by bicycle along a scenic waterfront route. A modern answer to congestion and pollution
    The People

    Delivering essential services while leading the transition to net zero

    Tunbridge Wells Borough Council serves communities across Kent while delivering a wide range of statutory and discretionary services.

    They deliver a range of services, from waste collection and environmental protection to parks and a local theatre. Through their commitment to net zero, the Council and it’s 348 employees are helping create a more sustainable future for the borough.

    The Challenge

    Turning ambitious climate commitments into a credible and achievable plan

    The Council needed a robust framework to move beyond high-level net zero ambitions towards a deliverable strategy and net zero pathway.

    Following its climate and biodiversity emergency declaration in 2019, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council set an ambitious target to achieve net zero by 2030. As reporting standards evolved, the Council gained a deeper understanding of its emissions, with Scope 3 contributing over 80%. The Council sought a framework that would provide transparency, accountability and independent verification, giving stakeholders confidence that its net zero commitments were credible, achievable and aligned to best practise.

    The Solution

    Adopting the BSI Net Zero Pathway to create a verified roadmap to net zero

    The Net Zero Pathway provided a structured framework built on verified emissions data, science-based targets and ongoing accountability.

    The Council adopted the BSI Net Zero Pathway to create a clear, independently verified route to net zero. Starting with ISO 14064-1 emissions verification and a detailed understanding of its carbon footprint, it developed a realistic, deliverable strategy aligned with best practice in ISO IWA 42. The pathway helped shift the organisation from ambition-led commitments to an evidence-based approach, with clear reduction targets, limited reliance on offsets and annual verification to provide transparency, accountability and confidence in delivery.

    Greater confidence. Stronger accountability. A clearer route to net zero.

    The Net Zero Pathway has provided structure, transparency and confidence across the organisation.

    Food delivery man riding a bicycle with a yellow isothermal backpack in a small town, delivering foo
    • Icon description

      Independently verified pathway aligned with best practiced

    • Icon description

      Greater confidence in achieving net zero commitments

    • Icon description

      Enhanced transparency and accountability for stakeholders

    • Icon description

      Clear interim targets to track progress year-on-year

    • Icon description

      Scalable framework enabling them to be ready for local government reorganisation

    Stats & Impact

    The Council has already achieved significant carbon reductions while building a long-term pathway to net zero.

    ranger monitoring the woodland ecosystem

    • 54% Reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018/19

    • 88% Of the Council's fleet is now hybrid or electric

    • 63% Reduction in diesel consumption since 2018/19

    • 4 million kWh reduction in electricity consumption since 2018/19

    • 116,000 Trees committed to be planted across the borough over 10 years

    “We wanted a framework that would verify our emissions, verify our pathway and ultimately verify once we've achieved net zero. The Pathway delivered.” 

    Henry Saunders Sustainability Manager, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
    Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team Case study
    Why BSI

    A trusted framework for credible net zero action

    BSI provided the structure, verification and confidence needed to turn ambitious net zero goals into a credible, achievable pathway.
    Contact Us

    Partner with us to build a safer workplace

    Discover how BSI can help your organization embed safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

    Get in touch
    Get in touch
    Insights & Media

    Find out more from our global experts

    View Insights & Media