We have cut our carbon emissions by 24%

Awen Cultural Trust has published its third annual Carbon Emissions Report, showing a 9% reduction in carbon emissions over the last year and an overall 24% reduction since its 2019/20 baseline, despite expanding its portfolio of venues.

The report, which covers the 2024/25 financial year, reflects the charity’s long‑term commitment to sustainability. Although not legally required to report on carbon emissions, Awen continues to do so voluntarily as part of its ambition to reduce its environmental impact and demonstrate best practice.

During 2024/25, Awen’s total emissions fell to 1,266 tonnes of CO₂e, a reduction of 9% on the previous year, even with the reopening of Maesteg Town Hall and Y Muni in Pontypridd. These venues are expected to support long‑term reductions through energy‑efficient building systems.

The report highlights a range of completed carbon‑reduction projects, including the replacement of a diesel library delivery van with an electric vehicle, installation of battery storage at Betws Life Centre, and continued investment in solar PV and building management systems.

At Betws Life Centre, electricity consumption has reduced by over 80% since 2022, when rooftop solar panels were installed. Battery storage was added in February 2025 as part of the Welsh Government-funded library refurbishment project.

Awen reports emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, including energy use, fleet and fuel, business travel, commuting, waste, water, and supply chain impacts, reflecting a commitment to transparency and robust reporting aligned with Welsh Government’s carbon reporting methodologies and the goals of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.

The report also sets out future carbon‑reduction projects planned through to 2027, including further solar PV installations, expanded battery storage, additional electric vehicles, and long‑term ambitions to move away from gas heating and towards heat pumps, subject to funding and partner support.

Chief Executive, Richard Hughes, said:

“Awen’s environmental commitments are embedded within its organisational strategy, where we have set out our ambition for a healthier environment, where future generations will benefit from a cleaner, more resilient and better understood planet.

“We have a duty to protect, enhance and celebrate the natural environment. Over the next five years we must build on what we have done to date and further cut our carbon emissions, support the circular economy and use our platforms to encourage others to do the same.

“As a charity rooted in our communities, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. We are proud of the progress we have made over the past five years, but we know there is more to do, by investing in renewable energy, improving our buildings and inspiring change.”