Workstream 1: Buildings and energy
Introduction
The energy used within buildings made up 69% of the Council’s direct CO2 emissions in 2018/19 and approximately 72% of the citywide CO2 emissions. The use of fossil fuels (particularly coal) within the National Grid has fallen significantly in recent years as the grid has become decarbonised. Renewable energy such as wind, solar and hydro only represented 2.3% of the UK power supply in 1990 but now contributes 26.5%. Further decarbonisation of the National Grid will deliver significant reductions to the Council’s and the city's carbon emissions, but local action is needed to reduce the use of energy via the retrofitting and refurbishment of buildings, and generating energy through a variety of renewable sources.
Commitment
Reduce the CO2 emissions from the Council’s operational estate and streetlighting by at least 50% by 2025 and put in place plans for a further 50% reduction between 2025 and 2030. Support building retrofit and energy generation across the city’s buildings and ensure all future development across the city is as close to zero carbon as possible.
Actions
This workstream's actions are split between Actions for the Council and Actions for the city