York cuts carbon emissions by 16% as city accelerates toward net zero
The findings show emissions have dropped from 906,000 tonnes to 758,000 tonnes
York has achieved a 16 per cent reduction in city-wide carbon emissions since 2021, according to the latest City-Wide Emissions Report published by City of York Council.
The findings show emissions have dropped from 906,000 tonnes to 758,000 tonnes in 2023, marking significant progress toward the city’s ambition to reach net zero by 2030.
The reduction is largely attributed to improvements in transport, such as cleaner buses, greater cycling uptake and investment in public transport, as well as better energy efficiency in buildings, which together account for more than 80 per cent of York’s total emissions.
Council leaders say the success isn’t just about meeting environmental goals, but also about improving residents’ health and cutting costs.
Cleaner air and sustainable travel are linked to lower rates of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, while energy efficiency projects are helping to lower household and business bills and reduce operational costs across council services.
"It’s about making York a more liveable city for everyone"
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) outlines York’s roadmap to net zero, highlighting benefits including better wellbeing, economic savings and greater resilience to extreme weather.