By Sarah Hilley
Copyright glasgowlive
Cars, buses and other types of transport are the biggest polluters in Glasgow followed by people’s homes.
The third largest source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the city is the commercial sector, which includes shops followed by industry and lastly the public sector.
Glasgow City Council has been trying to mitigate climate change through installing solar panels on public buildings, adding more cycle lanes and introducing the LEZ among other measures.
Recent data shows the city is currently on track to cut carbon emissions by 70 per cent come 2030 if current trends continue – meaning it will miss its ambitious net zero target.
Emissions during 2023 per sector (ktCO2) in Glasgow Transport – 765Domestic – 610.8 Industrial – 210.5Commercial – 328.1Public sector – 190.3
A council report said emissions from transport “were the highest of any sector in 2023 at 765 ktCO2” and have shown the lowest reduction over time since 2006 by 20 per cent.
It highlighted how the commercial sector covering offices, stores and restaurants has made the most progress in slashing emissions – down from 66.8 per cent since 2006 and also showing a decrease of 14.5 per cent between 2022 to 2023.]
The report added: “Commercial emissions reductions accounted for 39 per cent of overall reductions in 2023 with industrial emissions accounting for 18 per cent of total reductions.”
Industrial emissions refer to work taking place involving manufacturing, production, storage, and distribution of goods in factories, warehouses, and power plants among others.”
According to the report, commercial emission decreases are likely down to a “higher reliance of electricity over gas for heating within the commercial sector coupled with increased import of electricity from France during 2022, which would have lowered emissions more in sectors that have a higher reliance on electricity for heating.”
The update on emissions will be presented to next week’s net zero and climate progress monitoring city policy committee.
The most recent data available, relating to 2023, shows the city’s emissions in 2023 totalled 2,170.4 kilo-tonnes² of carbon dioxide (ktCO2) – 6.2 per cent down from 2022.
It has been estimated previously that to hit net zero would cost £40 billion for Scotland’s biggest city. The council set a target to have no emissions by 2030, which is no longer considered possible.
The local authority has produced two potential roadmaps for 2030 goals. One puts forward a £23.5 billion of investment to achieve a 60 per cent reduction in emissions and the other accelerated effort would see 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 with £36.8 billion cash required.
The accelerated approach would involve a major shift to electric vehicles, electrification of freight vehicles as well as the council leading on the development and delivery of heat networks and also a substantial rise in the use of heat pumps.
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