A plan to ensure Edinburgh is a net zero, climate ready city by 2030 has been approved by the capital’s council.
The 2030 Climate Strategy for Edinburgh sets out a city-wide approach to reducing Edinburgh’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Amongst the six actions outlined in the plan as being required to achieve the goal is unlocking and accelerating energy efficiency in homes and buildings, and enabling the development of a city-wide programme of heat and energy generation.
Upon approving the blueprint, councillors 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.
Councillors also recognised that the council is taking a ‘leading role’ in co-creating a green, clean sustainable future for the city and ensuring a just transition to net zero, but that success will be dependent on ‘joined up action across the whole city’.
The 2030 Climate Strategy provides a framework for a citywide effort, and calls upon residents, community groups, public, private and third sector organisations to work collaboratively to achieve the city’s ambitious climate goals.
The City of Edinburgh Council depute leader, councillor Cammy Day, commented, “This comprehensive climate strategy and accompanying implementation plan have been years in the making and takes into account the needs and views of lots of different members of society, from individuals to families, communities, businesses and private organisations. This strategy is an opportunity for Edinburgh to lead the way in taking bold action to tackle climate change and reduce the impact of harmful greenhouse gasses for future generations.
“I want to thank the many of residents, businesses and organisations who have taken the time to feed into the document. Their feedback and suggestions have been hugely valuable and helped ensure this is a stronger strategy.”
The council said that the strategy will be launched in mid-December.
