Sheffield City Council will be holding the city’s first ‘climate summit’ to outline their plans on how Sheffield can become zero carbon.
The city’s response to the climate crisis will be revealed in the ‘Pathways to Zero’ report on 19 March where different speakers from the council will highlight the desperate need for people in the city to work together to reduce emissions.
Councillor Mark Jones, Cabinet Member for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change, said: “We knew that zero carbon was an ambitious commitment and would be a challenge, but these reports give us a clear, evidence-based route we can take to reduce emissions.
“We remain ambitious and will continue striving towards our target.
“We can lead the way, but we can’t do it alone, we need everyone, as well as the Government to recognise their responsibility in this so we can all look forward to a cleaner greener future.”
The long-promoted green city has seen a recent installation of new electric charge points and plans for a greener vehicle fleet which are just two examples of the progress Sheffield has already made.
By 2030, the council says it is possible for Sheffield to reduce carbon emissions by 85% and the report shows the important steps that people across the city can take.
The biggest reductions can be made by replacing gas boilers with efficient heat pumps and switching away from petrol or diesel cars.
Jon Hall, trustee from Zero Carbon Yorkshire, said: “I’m very excited to see what is going to come out of what has been a long time of consultation over how Sheffield will become net zero. It is fantastic to see that they can get 85% reduction of emissions by 2030.
“There are huge questions around how this will actually be done. Businesses and environmental organisations have been consulted, but what have the people and communities of Sheffield got to say and how are they going to be involved. Is this transition going to be done to the people of Sheffield or with them.
“We need to utilise new technologies to demonstrate that zero carbon is possible and that it creates healthier, better cities and can bring about a more inclusive, comfortable place for people to live and work.”
