A recent report has disclosed that a council, despite declaring a “climate emergency” over four years ago, has only managed to reduce emissions by 3%.
In 2019, Sheffield City Council committed to achieving a net-zero target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, encompassing both the council and the city.
The first annual climate action report from the authority indicates a modest 3% decrease in emissions since the declaration.
The report acknowledges that the overall 3% reduction for the council doesn’t account for “energy efficiency works” conducted in its housing stock due to a lack of annual data.
Significant progress has been observed in areas such as a 32% reduction in street lighting emissions and a 27% cut in emissions from the council’s operational estate.
Minor reductions have also been achieved by the council’s contractors.
Ben Miskell, the chair of the council’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, said, “The recent Annual Climate Report showed the fantastic work that has already taken place between 2019 and 2022 across the council’s estate and operations to help us achieve net zero emissions from the organisation by 2030.
“However, we can’t ignore that much, much more is needed to be done if we are to reach our goals.”
Miskell emphasized the necessity for financial assistance from the government to support the council in reaching its net-zero target.
“If the government is prepared to match our ambition and put the financial support in place to support councils across the country, we will be able to achieve so much more,” Miskell said.
“Urgent action is required, and we also need to work at a pace not seen before.”
