Torfaen Council wins Council of the Year for energy efficiency and carbon reduction work

Torfaen County Borough Council has been named Council of the Year at the APSE Awards, with recognition for its energy team's work at Ty Blaen and Panteg Industrial Estate, plus a shortlist for climate action through peatland restoration. The council's energy and carbon reduction manager highlighted practical solutions that lower energy costs for residents, businesses, and community groups. The award reflects a broader push across Welsh local government to cut emissions and improve energy efficiency. While this is a single council, the initiatives show how public bodies can use innovation to deliver measurable decarbonization outcomes. The peatland restoration work and nature-friendly park management also point to biodiversity co-benefits that often matter as much as direct carbon savings. For anyone tracking local climate policy, this story is a useful example of how awards and peer recognition can drive further action. The council says it won't stand still, so it's worth watching whether other authorities follow the same playbook.