Edinburgh Climate Commission – The NEN

COP26: “We need to lead by example”, say council leaders

Edinburgh’s ‘Capital Coalition’ council leaders have laid out the scale of Council climate action and investment in Edinburgh to date as part of moves to secure a legacy of climate action from COP26.

The City of Edinburgh Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has set an ambitious target of becoming a net zero city by 2030, 15 years ahead of the national Scottish target.

Major programmes of work including: £1.3bn Granton Waterfront development – the largest net zero redevelopment undertaken in the city – and a £2.8bn Council House building investment programme and domestic building retrofit programme, are key projects which will encourage change in Edinburgh at the speed and scale needed.

The Council also committed £0.5m in funding this year along with £4m of related capital investment to improve Edinburgh’s parks, food growing sites and urban forests.

And over the next 10 years, the Council is committed to spending £68m to improve road safety and to further develop infrastructure to make it easier to walk, cycle and wheel around the city.

The Council has also been developing a 2030 Climate Strategy for the city which lays out how it will enable, support and deliver action to meet the city’s net zero ambition by working with leading strategic partners in Edinburgh. The final strategy and accompanying implementation plan are set to be published at the end of November following the global climate conference.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “The issue of climate change affects everyone in our world, Edinburgh faces the same challenges and opportunities in tackling the climate crisis as those world leaders will discuss at COP26.

“Scotland’s seven major cities make up half of the nation’s emissions and have the greatest opportunity and potential to deliver innovation and rapid acceleration of climate action. As Scotland’s capital city, we need to lead by example.

“Our vision is that by 2030, Edinburgh will be a net zero and climate resilient city. To get there we need to improve our air quality, protect our green spaces and make it easier for more people to walk, cycle and wheel for every day journeys. We also need to build warm, good quality places to live and work.

“The Council will keep on working with communities, businesses and residents to help deliver the aims in our draft climate strategy. Edinburgh has a strong record of climate action and together we can make fast progress and be at the forefront of funding opportunities to invest in change.”

Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019 the Council has also:

Joined the Race to Zero, a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. Edinburgh has also joined Race to Resilience, its sister campaign, helping to prepare for the impacts of climate change that are already set to happen
Been awarded the maximum of six badges by the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy – in recognition of the city’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts
Become the only local authority in Scotland (so far) to sign up to the newly launched national Civic Charter on Climate
Committed to developing Edinburgh as a sustainable food city after becoming a signatory to the International Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration.

The Council has also taken a number of actions within its own organisation including:

Invested £1.1m in beginning the task of retrofitting our public buildings in 2021
Committed to ensure that we no longer develop public buildings with boilers we will need to retrofit;
Committed to all new council buildings being Passivhaus standard
Delivered 60% reduction in Council organisational emissions – substantially overshooting original targets
Become a founding signatory to the Edinburgh Climate Compact, pledging to reduce operational emissions in line with the city’s target
Committed to invest in providing training to colleagues to develop their awareness and understanding of climate change and what changes they can take in their professional lives which could lead to a reduction in emissions

Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “Edinburgh offers a huge opportunity to invest in net zero action to build a better future for us all.

“Council action already under way across the city will support the reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change and will also make Edinburgh a better healthier place to live.

“However, no individual partner has the knowledge, skills, capacity or resources to deliver our net zero target on their own.

“Whether that’s the choices people make in their everyday lives, the way small businesses operate, or the strategic, policy and spending decisions made by public and private sector organisations, It will only be through collective effort that we will ensure Edinburgh can make fast progress to meet our climate targets and be at the forefront of funding opportunities to invest in change.

“And we will continue to build on our successes as a city and collaborate to make sure we achieve a legacy to COP26 for the good of the planet and all future generations who will live, work and visit this amazing place.”

Next steps for Council climate action

As part of the legacy of COP26, the final 2030 Climate Strategy for Edinburgh and accompanying implementation plan are set to be published at the end of November.

Annual city and Council emissions will also be disclosed publicly at the end of the month through CDP (formally the Carbon Disclosure Project) and the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report.

Progress will also continue of the seven areas of work identified as having the most impact on Edinburgh’s emissions. These include:

Creating a partnership of financial investment and delivery organisations to develop a business case for how all Edinburgh’s citizens will be able to affordably retrofit their homes in partnership with the Scottish Futures Trust.
Developing an Edinburgh Community Climate Forum to help empower citizens, encourage behaviour change and community activism on climate action. It will be sponsored by the Council and delivered independently by EVOC and Our Future Edinburgh.
Bringing forward business case proposals for community energy generation schemes across the city, with Energy for Edinburgh.
Working with Lothian Buses to decarbonise their bus fleet and developing a plan for shared public service charging hubs.
Developing a costed climate change risk assessment for the city and a new city adaptation plan by 2022/23, alongside a regional approach.
Establishing a business led Economic Transition Forum and also a new Business for Good programme through Edinburgh CAN B to provide practical support and training for businesses across the city to transition to net zero.
Developing a citywide programme/pipeline of green investment proposals with a Climate Strategy Investment Programme Board.

Additional action and investment towards net zero

In 2021-22 the Council committed to:

£8.4 million to finish upgrading our street lighting to energy-efficient LED lights
Trams to Newhaven project including £2.4 million to support local businesses
£7.6 million to continue to replace more than 200 vehicles with lower emissions ones
£250,000 to expand EV charging infrastructure for the Council’s own fleet, ensuring that the Council leads by example by making our vehicle fleet carbon zero.
£200,000 to improve the Council’s recycling performance.
£500,000 to drive forward the delivery of 20-minute neighbourhoods, making it easier for people to get to and access the services they need in their community.

Edinburgh aims to become net zero Capital by 2030

The Council has set out a city-wide approach to reducing Edinburgh’s greenhouse gas emissions as part of new plans being considered by Councillors to tackle climate change in the Capital.

It will call on residents, community groups and private, public and third sector organisations to work collaboratively to achieve the city’s ambitious climate goals.

Published yesterday, ahead of World Environment Day (June 5th), the Draft 2030 Climate Strategy sets a series of clear and practical steps Edinburgh will take to combat and adapt to climate change and reach its target of net zero emissions by 2030.

If the draft strategy is approved, a twelve-week online public consultation will kick off on Monday 14 June, seeking views from people and organisations all over the city on the draft strategy and on actions residents and businesses can take to tackle climate change.

The Climate Strategy, which follows on from the Council declaring a climate emergency in 2019, focuses on creating the right policy, regulatory and infrastructure conditions in the city to support net zero behaviour change.

It also lays out key areas where collaboration and partnership will be supported to deliver on Edinburgh’s climate targets.

And it further outlines how people, communities, businesses and organisations in Edinburgh can be supported and encouraged to take climate action – and stresses the need for everyone to work together to invest in a better future for the city.

The draft strategy, which will be discussed by members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday 10 June, includes commitments to:

Establishing a powerful Climate Delivery Group of the city’s most influential Chief Executives to unlock collective action and develop a pipeline of net zero projects across the city.
Delivering a city-wide heat and energy masterplan by 2022 supported by a new strategic partnership with SP Energy Networks which will maximise the benefit of grid investment for the city and its citizens.
Bringing public sector organisations together to plan and coordinate the retrofit of the cities buildings.
Expanding the City Climate Compact to support small and medium sized business to transition to sustainable businesses practices.
Running a series of citizen awareness campaigns on sustainability and working with young people to embed a legacy of change from COP26 later this year.
Creating EV charging hubs for public service vehicles, making them available to residents, where possible, at key times and in key locations.
Test approaches to retrofit in challenging mixed-tenure and heritage settings, including Edinburgh’s World Heritage site.

Within the strategy, the Council is leading by example by committing to:

Deliver an ambitious new net zero development at Granton Waterfront and around 200 hectares of new and enhanced coastal park in North West Edinburgh.
Deliver an ‘Edinburgh Homes Demonstrator’, using new materials and on-site building techniques to deliver net zero, energy efficient buildings.
Prioritise investment in expanding Edinburgh’s walking and cycling routes to connect local services and amenities.
Scope pilot proposals for creating net zero communities in two neighbourhoods within the city.
Exploring the potential for ‘Nature Climate Bonds’ and a ‘Green Innovation Challenge’ finance scheme to support investment in the city’s natural environment and business transition.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Adam McVey said: “In the year that Scotland hosts COP26, the world’s eyes will be on Scotland, and on Edinburgh as its capital and we want to ensure this leaves a legacy of action to address the climate emergency.

“This strategy will help our businesses, public sector and organisations and residents across our communities reduce or remove their carbon footprint.

“Importantly it also lays out how will come together as a city to collaborate on action at the scale and pace we need to get to net zero by 2030.

“This includes our strategic partnership with SP Energy Networks which will ensure investment in the city’s grid has maximum benefit for our infrastructure plans and for businesses and residents alike.

“It’s only by working together as Team Edinburgh and with partners beyond that we can achieve the green future we need.

“This strategy aims to create the right conditions to unlock the opportunities that climate action presents, creating jobs and a more sustainable economy while we preserve our amazing Capital City for future generations.”

Depute Lead of City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Cammy Day said: “Research shows that we could get over 60% of the way to net zero with actions that pay for themselves within seven to twelve years. And while we don’t have all the answers today, we will be relentless as a city in our pursuit of a better greener net zero future for this city and its people.

“It is great to see that organisations across the city have their own sustainability plans and programmes of activity that are reducing the city’s emissions and that Edinburgh’s communities and citizens, and especially our young people, have a strong track record of climate action.

“But we must all go further and faster – and we can only do that through a joined-up collective effort.

“I encourage everyone in the city to take part in the consultation and to have their say in the proposals. Every positive action we take now will have a 10 times greater positive impact than if we waited to take these actions in 2030.”

Next steps for the draft 2030 Climate Strategy

If approved by the Policy and Sustainability Committee next week, a 12-week public consultation on the draft strategy will begin on Monday 14 June.

This will form the basis of a finalised strategy which would be brought to Committee later in the year alongside an implementation plan and initial cost analysis.

Alex Hilliam, Commissioner for the Edinburgh Climate Commission said: “The launch of the City of Edinburgh Council’s draft 2030 Climate Strategy is the start of an exciting conversation for the city as it maps out the decisions we need to take to help tackle climate change in the capital.

“We know this topic is of huge concern to the people who live, work and visit this city and, with the eyes of the world upon Scotland later this year with COP26, this strategy is an opportunity for Edinburgh to lead the way in taking bold action to tackle climate change and reducing the impact of harmful greenhouse gas emissions for future generations.

“We’re pleased that this ambitious and long-term plan also recognises the role that tackling climate change has in improving people’s quality of life – from creating new jobs and boosting the economy, to helping reduce fuel poverty and inequalities in the city. It is critical that the final strategy and the supporting implementation plan gives meaning to this ambition and turns it into a reality.

“We look forward to responding to the consultation and urge everyone to have a say on Edinburgh’s plans.”

Guy Jefferson, Chief Operating Officer for SP Energy Networks, said: “We fully support Edinburgh’s ambition to become a Net Zero city by 2030 and today’s publication of the 2030 Climate Strategy is to be welcomed as it outlines what is required of government, industry and communities to bring about the significant change that is required in this decade.

“As the electricity distribution and transmission operator for Central and Southern Scotland, we take our responsibilities seriously and recognise that we have a key role to play in helping the city of Edinburgh deliver on its ambitious, but achievable, Net Zero target.

“We will be delighted to develop proposals for a strategic partnership with Edinburgh City Council as it is only through collaboration between government and industry that we can harness the knowledge, skills and resources we need to tackle climate change.

“Net Zero is now the prism through which we take all our business decisions, and that has been a profound change for us. It’s one of the key drivers of our decision to become a Principal Partner of the COP26 global climate change conference, which is taking place in Scotland later this year. By working with our city partners in Edinburgh we can deliver the cleaner, greener and better future we all want, quicker.

Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Mcareavey said: “The City of Edinburgh Council is taking a leadership role in tackling the climate challenge.

“Not only have we set an ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon by 2030 but the draft Climate Strategy is a clear and detailed document that outlines what needs to be done and how we all have to play our part.

“Not one sector of the city can do this alone and this strategy creates the pathway to success. I commend the work done and look forward to engaging with the City of Edinburgh Council and the business community to ensure business makes a significant contribution to our net zero ambitions but also to take advantage of the opportunities to develop our green economy.”

Bridie Ashrowan, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC) said: “At EVOC, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council, we welcome the publication of City of Edinburgh Council’s Draft 2030 Climate Strategy, not only a key milestone in Edinburgh’s journey to net zero, by 2030, while also a commitment to supporting the development of thriving local communities across the city.

“There is a recognition that every citizen, community, community or third sector organisation, and company, have a role to play in achieving Edinburgh’s ambitious climate goals is hugely important.

“We welcome the opportunity for the voluntary and community sector to collaborate in the development and delivery of the strategy as well as empowering the people and communities they support to get involved, and champion where its citizens are already taking positive action.

“We hope that the goals of the strategy will connect with other landmark initiatives, such as the actions and cultural change outlined in the Edinburgh Poverty Commission’s report, working to end poverty by 2030, while also enabling the developments in green skills and jobs, that are part of a recovery with wellbeing of people and nature at the heart of it.”

Join the Edinburgh Climate Compact

Call for more organisations to sign up and tackle climate change

Organisations across the Edinburgh are being urged to add their support to a citywide Climate Compact, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the climate emergency.

Ten of Edinburgh’s most significant employers from across the public and private sectors have already committed to the Edinburgh Climate Compact, promising to make changes within their own organisations and sectors which support the city’s ambition of net zero by 2030.

Established by the Edinburgh Climate Commission, the Compact signifies a commitment by organisations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through their operations, influence and leadership, transport and buildings.

Work continues through the Edinburgh Climate Commission to engage with businesses across the capital and encourage more organisations to sign up.

The Climate Compact commits signatories to 16 actions which will lead to clear change within their business practices, including:

Publicising what action each signatory is currently taking to address climate change. This includes the disclosure of current emission levels and publishing plans for how they plan to reduce carbon emissions.
Committing to retrofitting owned buildings and decarbonising operations to become more energy efficient and sustainable.
Prioritising active and sustainable travel in their workforce and investing in a switch to zero-emissions company owned vehicles.
Providing training for staff to develop their awareness and understanding of climate change and changes in their behaviour which could lead to a reduction in emissions.

Commissioner Clare Foster, who led the Climate Compact workstream for the Climate Commission, said: “The Edinburgh Climate Compact represents a significant step forward on the path to a new normal of sustainable business practice in a thriving green city.

“With COP26 set to take place in Scotland later this year, there never has been a better time to take stock of what kind of city we want to be, both for ourselves now and as a legacy for generations to come.

“It has been hugely encouraging to see this level of collaboration between different sectors and organisations of this size in Scotland when reducing emissions. I hope this in turn encourages other businesses and organisations to show their support and sign up to the Compact and help make a collective difference to Edinburgh’s emissions.

The Edinburgh Climate Commission will continue to provide oversight and direction to the Climate Compact.

Changeworks Chief Executive, Teresa Bray said: “Cutting carbon is at the heart of what Changeworks has done for over 30 years, and key to this is leading by example.

“We are always looking for new ways to reduce our own carbon footprint and look forward to working with the Edinburgh Climate Commission in the lead up to COP26 and beyond.”

Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive, Gordon Dewar said: “We all have a responsibility to protect our climate and whether we are acting as an individual, as a business or as a collective of organisations, the goal is to become as sustainable as possible and promote Edinburgh’s proactive approach to others.

“Emissions are just one part of the wider sustainability goal and by working together to reduce them, we can work together to preserve the fantastic city that we call home. We are proud to be part of the Edinburgh Climate Compact and the airport’s forthcoming sustainability strategy will further cement our commitment to improvement and change.”

Shepherd and Wedderburn Managing Partner, Andrew Blain, said: “We are proud to have been one of the first signatories to the Edinburgh Climate Compact, which we hope will promote radical action on climate change across the Scottish capital and provide a model for effective public and private sector collaboration that others can follow.

“Shepherd and Wedderburn is committed to supporting a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We look forward to playing our part and working with the other Compact City Climate Champions to effect change and help Edinburgh achieve its net zero ambitions.”

SP Energy Networks, Chief Operating Officer Guy Jefferson, said: “Our power networks are an important enabler when it comes to Net Zero.

“We’re already investing £7bn to increase capacity on our electricity network and ensure it is ready to accommodate the added demands of electric vehicles and decarbonised heating, therefore facilitating a safe, sustainable, low carbon energy system for the benefit of current and future generations alike.

“There is a real opportunity for businesses to lead by example and demonstrate how we’re making the transition to a cleaner and greener future a reality. That’s why we’re phasing out fossil fuels by electrifying our own commercial fleet and taking steps to manage our waste more efficiently both in the City of Edinburgh and across Central Scotland.

“We know that even the smallest changes can make a big difference if we all pull in the same direction.”

“We’re delighted to join the Edinburgh Climate Compact. Net Zero is the prism through which we take our business decisions, and that has been a profound change. It’s a key reason for us becoming a Principal Partner of the COP26 global climate change conference being held in Scotland later this year. By working together, we can deliver the cleaner, greener and better future we all want, quicker.”

Capital looks to green future

Ensuring Edinburgh’s future infrastructure and capital investments contribute to a green future is just one of the recommendations for a green recovery in a report by the Edinburgh Climate Commission.

Edinburgh Climate Commission calls on Scottish Government and City Leaders to commit to a green recovery for the future of the city and its people
Inaugural report makes 10 recommendations for ensuring a thriving, fair and sustainable Edinburgh that is resilient to future economic and public health shocks
The Edinburgh Climate Commission is the only independent climate commission in Scotland

The Commission’s inaugural report sets out 10 recommendations for Edinburgh’s green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and will be considered by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday 9 July.

Led by Chair Dr. Sam Gardner, the Commission is the only independent climate commission in Scotland and was created in February 2020 to accelerate the action on climate change in Edinburgh. It has 15 expert commissioners from a variety of sectors and backgrounds and has committed to a series of reports that will lead, inform and shape the ambition to be a Carbon Neutral City by 2030.

A working group, led by finance expert Commissioner Kaisie Rayner, has produced its first report ‘Forward Faster Together – Recommendations for A Green Economic Recovery in Edinburgh’ addressing the city’s compound emergencies: the global climate crisis and recovery from the global pandemic.

Dr Gardner is expected to call on the Council to commit to a green economic recovery, investing in net zero transport infrastructure; prioritising capital projects that deliver a greener, healthier city environment and investing in local economies with shorter supply chains that support local jobs and community wellbeing.

The Commission’s 10 recommendations call for:

A joint commitment to Green Economic Recovery from Local and National Government
Public stimulus and organisational investment decisions should be conditional upon contributing to a greener future
Redesign and invest in carbon neutral transport infrastructure
A city-wide approach to energy efficiency and renewable heat
Localise services, support and infrastructure to build community resilience
Focus on wellbeing in natural and built environment investments
Embrace new business practices to reimagine building assets and opportunities for the city
Grow skills and knowledge to deliver a city green recovery and lead a global transition
Develop low carbon sectors and business models to make the city globally competitive
Become a global leader in sustainable investment

Edinburgh Climate Commission Chair, Dr. Sam Gardner, said: “COVID-19 has shown the power of common purpose; we must now seize the moment created by the devastating pandemic to tackle the climate emergency and secure a fairer more sustainable future for this City and its people.

Edinburgh must plot a path to recovery that delivers new jobs, builds resilience and attracts investment. A green recovery does this and gives meaning to the phrase ‘build back better’; it kick-starts the much-needed acceleration to a net zero city by 2030 while improving our health and resilience to future shocks.”

A green economic recovery is in the best interests of the whole city.”

Commissioner, Kaisie Rayner, said: “Throughout this pandemic we have acted together to protect our families, our communities and have placed the highest value on our collective wellbeing.

“As we emerge from lockdown, millions of pounds are expected to be spent on our city’s recovery and it is imperative that every penny is spent wisely, delivering an economic recovery that benefits us all.

“The climate emergency hasn’t gone away and while our response to COVID 19 has seen a temporary drop in emissions it is clearly not how we need to tackle climate change. We need a planned response that has a sustained impact and puts people’s wellbeing at its heart.

“This report recommends a way forward that will position Edinburgh as a fair and sustainable economic leader in the low carbon global economies of the future and we must make the right choices now so that we create a City worth living in for ourselves and for the generations that will follow us.”

Edinburgh Climate Commission Vice Chair and Council Leader, Cllr. Adam McVey, said: The Edinburgh Climate Commission was formed out of a necessity to tackle climate change in Edinburgh as an urgent priority.

“I am very appreciative of the immense work and effort that has gone into the creation of this report by the other Commissioners and the support from the Edinburgh Centre of Carbon Innovation and the University of Edinburgh.

“It has become clear that if we are to rebuild Edinburgh as a city of the future, then a green recovery is our only option. I welcome the Commission’s recommendations and I’m committed to making sure that these are central drivers within our post-Covid plans, both short term and long term, to deliver our 2030 carbon target.”

The Edinburgh Climate Commission is part of the Place-based Climate Action Network (PCAN), which works to translate climate policy into action ‘on the ground’.

Supported by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) and local partners, the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation and the University of Edinburgh, PCAN brings together the research community and decision makers across the private, public and third sectors through city-based climate commissions, in a network that is expanding across the UK.