Summary of our climate change action plan
To tackle the climate emergency, we need focused climate action. And we need environmental sustainability to be at the core of how we work. That means a comprehensive plan and a workforce that knows the role they play.
The plan has two main areas of influence: the Council and the city. Some of the actions aim to drive change within the Council. While others aim to influence the wider city. The intended area of influence is given with each action in the plan.
The plan has mitigation actions to slow down climate change. These aim to limit emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. It also has adaptation actions. These will help us to adjust to the impacts of climate change.
A coordination group, led by the Deputy Chief Executive, provides strategic oversight. This aligns the plan with other key strategies and priorities for the city. And it brings big benefits. It's not just about lower emissions.
It's about making sure our city has affordable and energy-efficient homes. It's about access to nature and good-quality green space. And public transport you can rely on. It's about better health and wellbeing for those who live, work, study and visit here. As well as supporting a growing economy and great new jobs.
In a nutshell, our climate action will:
- lower carbon emissions (ours and the city's)
- grow the use of renewable energy
- improve low-carbon travel in the city
- improve air quality
- grow the city’s natural environment and boost biodiversity
- improve resilience to flooding and extreme heat
- engage and involve our workforce and our city's communities
- reduce waste and grow reuse, repair, sharing and recycling
- support a move to a more circular economy
- minimise the negative impact of events held in the city
- develop our knowledge of our indirect emissions and lower them
- create a green financing strategy and explore new funding models for the city
- influence the environmental practices of other organisations
Structure of the plan
To drive progress and collaboration, we split our plan into themes. Each led by the senior officer best placed to embed zero carbon in our organisation. It ensures that we have a cohesive plan. And that colleagues in a range of sectors can work together on shared goals.
There are three core themes:
And three cross-cutting themes: