A net zero, climate ready Edinburgh by 2030

Net-zero is a state in which there is an overall balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere and the amount of greenhouse emissions removed from the atmosphere.

To achieve net-zero, everyone must play their part in helping drive climate action. A reduction in emissions needs to be seen in all areas of society and all business sectors. Scientific evidence clearly shows that to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, the increasing global temperature has to be limited to 1.5°C.

The Scottish government has set a net-zero target of 2045, with the City of Edinburgh Council pledging an even more ambitious target of becoming a net-zero city by 2030.

Edinburgh has an ambitious target to become a net zero city by 2030 . This means that by 2030, we want to remove the same amount of greenhouse gases that we, as a city, put into the air.

Our 2030 target recognises the need for Edinburgh to play its part in helping to deliver on national goals to reduce emissions. And that cities will need to make faster progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions if Scotland is to meet its national 2045 net zero target.

Our longer-term vision for a greener, cleaner, fairer Edinburgh will only be possible through working with others. Citizens across the city, businesses and organisations in Edinburgh and the Council must work together to achieve this goal.

There is a lot that we need to do to deliver a net zero, climate ready

There are many innovative and exciting projects being undertaken in the city to support Edinburgh’s net-zero commitment and to help the city meet it’s climate target.

A range of practical resources and toolkits , including information on the Edinburgh Climate Compact, are also available to help businesses reduce their emissions.

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