Edinburgh City Region

Net zero by 2030

Edinburgh is one of 15 cities taking part in EIT Climate-KIC’s Deep Demonstration of Healthy, Clean Cities – an initiative that aims to model an ambitious, systemic approach to driving exponential leaps in decarbonisation, resilience, wellbeing and prosperity in line with Paris targets. The City has committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 across the whole city, whilst also aspiring to be a healthier place to live.

Mapping the challenge and framing the intervention strategy

EIT Climate-KIC is working with the City of Edinburgh authority and local partners to map the opportunity space for change. They are looking at access to finance and investment; new business models for housing and transport, new approaches to citizen engagement, rethinking governance, and regulations on procurement and planning.

Edinburgh’s approach incorporates a wide range of fundamental shifts; from increasing electric vehicle use to developing greener housing and infrastructure. Simultaneously, policy levers are being used to drive behaviours change, for example through low-emissions zones and trialling vehicle-free streets. The Council is engaging with public and private organisation to ensure emissions reductions targets are adopted across the board. This will be supported by a best practice approach to evaluating and reporting on the sustainability impact of council decisions to ensure continuous improvement.