How we’ll do it
We have a science-based target for carbon emission reduction. Set by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Research. This gives us a carbon budget (or total amount of carbon) we can use in the years to 2038. Our carbon budget for the five years from 2020 to 2025 is 126,336 tonnes (tCO2).
We report our progress and our carbon emissions to ensure we're accountable. Find out more about our progress and carbon budget.
We have a climate change action plan. It details how we'll reduce our direct emissions to stay within our carbon budget. The plan is under regular scrutiny to ensure it will deliver the change we need and keep us on track. We report to the committee for environment, climate change and neighbourhoods. Find out more about our climate change action plan.
We're embedding our goal to lower carbon emissions in everything we do. From building standards for our capital programmes to rules on how we buy goods and services. We now add a 10% weighting to companies working to lower emissions and tackle climate change. Find out more about our social value policy.
We’re not just decarbonising our buildings and services to meet Government targets. We want to do more. And we’re committed to helping others to do the same to improve the lives of people living in our city and beyond.
The Council’s carbon emissions are only about 2% of the city’s total. But we can influence key areas. Such as planning, building, housing, transport and economic growth. So, our plan also has actions that help the wider city.
The city’s climate change aims are at the heart of our economic and social strategies. We've invested £328million in climate projects since 2020. We’re making it easier for everyone in the city to make zero or low-carbon choices. To achieve this, we must develop our city's infrastructure.
This is also an opportunity to rebalance the use of city centre space. To promote sustainable and active travel, improve air quality and end fuel poverty. And to plant more trees and improve the environment across the whole city. In doing so, we'll help our city to grow sustainably and provide a better quality of life for all.
Find out more about our climate action.