Edinburgh’s net-zero strategy has been approved

Edinburgh’s 2030 Climate Strategy has been approved by Councillors. 

The strategy sets out a city-wide approach to reducing Edinburgh’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

It is supported by an implementation plan which outlines the deliverables, timescales and resources needed to achieve the goals. 

When approving, Cllrs recognised the need for the strategy to act as a working document, which will be updated and strengthened as technology evolves and climate actions are developed further. 

The strategy provides a framework for a citywide effort and calls upon residents, community groups, public, private and third sector organisations to work collaboratively.

Leader Councillor Adam Mcvey said: ‘This ambitious and far-reaching strategy lays out how our businesses, public sector, organisations and residents across our communities, will work together to deliver climate action at the scale and pace we need to get to net-zero by 2030.

‘Our commitment to cut Edinburgh’s greenhouse gas emissions and prepare the city for the impacts of climate change depends on a positive step-change in the way we act as a city – from the investments we make, the decisions we make around procurement, where we source products to how our curriculum arms our young people with the facts and solutions around climate change.

‘Tackling climate change has a key role to play in improving residents’ quality of life – creating new jobs and building a fairer economy. By helping reduce fuel poverty and inequalities in the city, we can ensure a cleaner, greener future for the people who live and work in our city.’

The strategy highlights six of the most impactful actions contributing to the net-zero target:

• Unlocking and accelerating energy efficiency in homes and buildings;
• Enabling the development of a citywide programme of heat and energy generation and distribution infrastructure;
• Accelerating the decarbonisation of public transport;
• Renewing the focus on climate resilience and accelerating adaptation of the city;
• Supporting citizen empowerment, behaviour change and community activism; and
• Supporting business transition and the green economy.