York has recorded a 16% reduction in its city-wide carbon emissions over a two-year period, according to new figures from the City-Wide Emissions Report. Total emissions fell from 906,000 tonnes in 2021 to 758,000 tonnes in 2023.
Transport and buildings remain the city’s largest emitters, and both sectors have driven most of the progress. Cleaner buses, higher levels of active travel and better energy performance across public and private buildings have contributed to the decline. These areas make up more than 80% of York’s overall emissions footprint.
The council is continuing to deliver measures set out in its climate strategy, which targets net zero by 2030. Recent actions include expanding the EV charging network, upgrading council buildings to cut energy use, and strengthening investment in walking and cycling infrastructure.
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.”
The council notes that the fall in emissions is also delivering wider economic and operational benefits, including reduced running costs for public assets, improved efficiency for local businesses and lower long-term pressure on budgets.
