A recent report highlights that the council has helped residents save nearly 18 thousand tonnes of CO2, through 453 properties receiving external wall installations.

Based on current prices, these properties will benefit from a staggering reduction in fuel bills of £4 million spanning the lifetime of the installations.

Householders are doing their bit to help recycle as much waste as possible. Residents have helped the council achieve a recycling rate of 55% and are embracing the new kerbside recycling service which will help us reach the Scottish Government target to recycle 70% of household waste by 2025.

The council said it is determined to keep this momentum going and is working on a sustainable development and climate change strategy to help drive forward change.

One of the big wins in terms of carbon reduction has been the council’s increasing use of electric vehicles. There are now 10 council electric vehicles on our roads with another 7 expected by the end of January 2019.

Another major commitment to tackling climate change is the council’s pledge to stop the use of single use plastics by 2022. Plastic straws are no longer available from council premises and the council is looking to remove other items such as plastic bottles, coffee cups and lids, plastic cutlery, plastic bags etc.

Councillor Ian Cochrane, environment portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council, said: “Climate change should be at the forefront of all our minds. The council has reduced its own CO2 equivalent emissions by 13% since last year, but more can always be done.

“We want the council to be an inspiration when it comes to protecting and enhancing our environment. We need to look at more sustainable ways of generating energy and encourage others to adopt our commitment to eradicate single use plastics.

“We will continue to build energy efficient homes and help our residents overcome fuel poverty through innovative insulation schemes.

“I would like to thank residents for all their support so far, especially for getting behind the new kerbside collection service and we will continue to work with partners and communities to protect South Ayrshire for future generations.”