Edinburgh council outlines plan to become net-zero

The City of Edinburgh Council has released its draft plan to become a net-zero organisation by 2030. 

Cllrs will next week (April 20th) consider the draft report, which outlines some of the first steps that the council could take to reduce emissions within its own operations.

In the report, the council will commit to:

• Ensuring that all new council operational buildings are constructed to the highest energy criteria
• A £0.6m investment in scoping and planning for the retrofit of existing council buildings so they can meet the highest energy efficiency standards
• A plan for electrifying all council car and van fleets
• An immediate improvement to school recycling facilities.
• Investing in the organisations funding capacity and expertise.
• Investing in a programme of staff training to develop climate knowledge and skills.

According to the most recent emissions calculations for the Council, buildings make up 63% of the organisation’s emissions.

The report is set to be discussed at the Policy and Sustainability Committee on 20 April. Read a full copy of the Council Emissions Reduction Plan here. 

Councillor Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council Leader said: ‘This ambitious plan aims to build on that success and sets out some of the first steps we’ll need to take across our major emissions sources, to become a net-zero organisation by 2030.

‘Although the Council’s own emissions only account for 3% of Edinburgh’s total emissions, we need to lead by example in our own work to show others what’s possible.

‘The journey to net-zero emissions will undoubtedly be difficult, but we have a track record of delivery and firm commitment to deliver on our responsivities to future generations.

‘By taking action on climate change and committing to a 10-year strategic approach to deliver a net-zero organisation, we’ll not only deliver environmental benefits but deliver wider health, economic and welling benefits for the whole city.

‘Becoming a more energy-efficient council; encouraging sustainable travel choices and reducing the amount of waste we produce will positively impact on all of us and help to unlock opportunities to reduce inequalities as we build back better and greener.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay