The City of Edinburgh Council signed the Edinburgh Climate Commission’s Climate Compact in December of 2020 where the commitment was made to make changes to its operations, transport, and buildings in order to reduce its emissions and support the city’s target of net zero by 2030. Following upon this compact, they have released their draft plan to achieve this goal.
“Although the council’s own emissions only account for three per cent of Edinburgh’s total emissions, we need to lead by example in our own work to show others what’s possible,” said councillor Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council leader.
The council has made the following commitments:
- to ensure that all new council operational buildings are constructed to the highest energy criteria;
- an investment in planning for the retrofit of existing council buildings so they meet the highest energy efficiency standards;
- a plan for electrifying all council car and van fleets;
- an immediate improvement to school recycling facilities;
- investing in the organization’s funding capacity and expertise; and,
- investing in a program of staff training to develop climate knowledge and skills.
“The journey to net zero emissions will undoubtedly be difficult, but we have a track record of delivery and firm commitment to deliver on our responsibilities to future generations,” said McVey. “By taking action on climate change and committing to a ten-year strategic approach to deliver a net zero organization, we’ll not only deliver environmental benefits but deliver wider health, economic and welling benefits for the whole city. Becoming a more energy efficient council; encouraging sustainable travel choices and reducing the amount of waste we produce will positively impact on all of us and help to unlock opportunities to reduce inequalities as we build back better and greener.”