City of York Council’s latest City-Wide Emissions Report shows a 16 per cent reduction in city-wide carbon emissions since 2021.
The council is seeking to improve health, cut costs and reach net zero by 2030.
The figures show emissions fell from 906,000 tonnes to 758,000 tonnes in 2023. Credit is given to changes in transport (like cleaner buses and more cycling) and better energy efficiency in buildings – that account for over 80 per cent of York’s emissions.
Lower emissions reduce harmful pollutants linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, while sustainable travel measures improve physical and mental wellbeing, while energy efficiency helps cut operational costs, easing pressure on homes, businesses and council budgets, supporting value for money for council taxpayers.
Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:
“A 16 per cent drop in emissions is a great achievement for York and backs up our recent ‘A rating’ for leadership on climate action, awarded by the CDP (formally known as Carbon Disclosure Project), for the third year running. This isn’t just about reducing the impacts of climate change – it’s about making York a more liveable city for everyone. To see our emissions rates drop below those recorded during the Covid pandemic is a big part of making this happen.
“Ways we are doing this include introducing energy efficiency via insulation, solar panels, LEDS and heat pumps – this all means lower bills and warmer homes. An electric fleet means cleaner air and fewer respiratory illnesses, and supporting bus services and active travel reduces congestion and helps keep our city moving in the most sustainable way. These actions benefit everyone, and we’re determined to keep pushing forward.”
The Council’s Climate Change Strategy (2022–2032) sets out a roadmap to net zero, with co-benefits including improved wellbeing, economic savings, and resilience against extreme weather events. The latest measures approved include expanding EV charging infrastructure, retrofitting council buildings, and investing in active travel routes.
