Accelerating York's Net Zero Transition

Climate change is the greatest threat facing our planet. In York, we are committed to tackling this threat; in 2019, City of York Council declared a climate emergency and set an ambition for York to be net zero carbon by 2030\.

Previous research has shown that buildings are the largest source of emissions in York, accounting for over 60% of our locally derived emissions. There are more than 80,000 homes in York, with additional commercial and public buildings. To achieve net zero, over half of these homes will need to be retrofitted (44,000) with insulation, glazing and draughtproofing improvements, as well as installing 73,000 heat pumps.

Transport is another significant contributor to emissions in York (27%), with a projected requirement for 91,000 fully electric vehicles to decarbonise the transport system. York has one of the most extensive public EV charging networks outside of London, following a programme of off-street infrastructure provision. In the last 5 years, we have seen a 10-fold increase in the number of charging sessions on the public network, with reports that users are finding it increasingly difficult to access available charge-points.

The increased electrification of heating and transport systems across the city will increase York's annual demand for electricity from 773 GWh to 1,273 GWh. Modelling has indicated the potential for rooftop solar PV to contribute 91 GWh per year at an estimated capital cost of £137million.

By combining social, capacity, financial and structural approaches, this project creates a holistic and practical application of the outcomes from Local Area Energy Planning - providing a framework for local areas to achieve decarbonisation through local acceleration zones.