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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.

Featured Projects in The Edinburgh City Region

Edinburgh Procurement Pathfinder

An EIT Climate-KIC Pathfinder project explored how to bring sustainability and carbon-impact focus to the University of Edinburgh’s procurement and construction activity, driving increased sustainability throughout their supply chains.

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Edinburgh Procurement Pathfinder
Financing Sustainable Cities

The Pathfinder project also brought together investors, local government and innovators to identify ingredients for local development, and identify specific investment opportunities and action plans. The programme lays the groundwork for tailored Sustainable Cities Finance Programmes that will be rolled out to other Cities across Europe.

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Financing Sustainable Cities

Climate-KIC Programmes in The Edinburgh City Region

Climate-KIC Accelerator

The only EU accelerator focused on climate impact through CleanTech commercialisation, providing knowledge, resources, tools and coaching. The Accelerator has supported more than 1500 companies, raising over €600m investment. The Edinburgh Accelerator is focused on businesses addressing rural, water and data driven innovation.

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Climate-KIC Accelerator
Climate Launchpad Grand Final

The world’s largest green business ideas competition, helping the people who have great cleantech ideas develop them into startups making global impact. ECO2Blocks from Portugal, which produces masonry blocks with industrial waste-based materials, won ClimateLaunchpad’s fifth edition, hosted in Edinburgh.

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Climate Launchpad Grand Final