We've set out our plans to make Plymouth carbon neutral by 2030.
We declared a climate emergency in March 2019 and committed to doing everything in our power to reduce carbon emissions locally and influence climate change efforts nationally.
Councillors have backed a Climate Emergency Action Plan for Plymouth which sets out how everyone can be part of the change needed to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. As one of the lead organisations in Plymouth, we can encourage and inspire others and lobby government for new powers and resources but we can’t achieve the 2030 without the whole City supporting this agenda.
Strategies include producing sector-by-sector greenhouse gas projections, investing in energy efficient schemes and bidding for funding specifically designed for green-centred transport schemes.
The Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan sets out what the Council itself will do and includes the replacement of fossil fuel powered vehicles with electric alternatives, reviewing street lighting and focussing on emissions and waste from buildings.
It will also fundamentally change how we make decisions and operate by requiring every new project or policy to demonstrate how it has reduced environmental impacts and supports the carbon neutral 2030 target.
We have also agreed an early review of the Plymouth Plan, which sets out how our city will grow.
The review will look at all aspects of our growth plans to ensure we can meet our aim of carbon neutrality by 2030 in a manner that leaves no one behind and allows the city to thrive. It is an opportunity to take a long hard look at how we live, travel, build and power our city more sustainably in the long term.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for Street Scene and the Environment, said: “I am full of both hope and optimism that these plans will help us achieve our ambitious target for carbon neutrality.
“The time for talking is over. In these plans, we will make things happen.
"We can’t do it alone. We need help. We need residents, we need businesses, we need schools and universities and hospitals to all come together to help us make Plymouth carbon neutral by 2030."