City on the right road as it cuts carbon emissions
CARBON emissions spouting from vehicles, homes, and businesses in Glasgow have been cut by more than one million tonnes, according to a new report.
Figures presented to city councillors showed that since 2006 the amount of carbon dioxide in the city’s air fell steadily up until 2014.
From more t han 4,000 kilotonnes (kt) of carbon dioxide recorded over 10 years ago, the latest figures available showed a decrease to just under 3,000 kt. The steady drop in carbon emissions, which is taken as the overall indicator for the city, also keeps the city on track to cutting its emission by 30 per cent by 2020.
The report said: “These are clearly very positive statistics for the city. The latest forecast shows Glasgow will need to achieve continuing minimum annual reduction on 0.58 per cent to reach the 30 per cent reduction target by 2020.
“This is achievable if partners maintain their collective commitment to action in support of lowering their emissions.”
The report, presented to the sustainability and the environment policy development committee, added that thre is room for im- provement when it comes to the transport sector.
The readings for 2014 show emissions totalled 2,996.4 kt of carbon dioxide.
This was a 13 per cent decrease from a reading of 3,035.4 kt in 2013.
The report said that this reduction was due to local and national efforts to i ncrease renewable energy generation and working to reduce the dependency of carbon-based fuels to produce electricity.
The biggest drop in emissions produced in the city came from the industrial and commercial sector which reduced 330 kt compared to last year.
The domestic numbers fell by 196 kt, while the reduction from transport in the city only reduced by 1,000 tonnes.
A council spokeswoman said: “Glasgow has set a target of being one of the most sustainable cities in Europe and we are making good progress towards our 2020 reduction target for carbon emissions.
“Our CO2 emissions per head of population is already low
“However we recognise there is more to be done at both a local and national level to reduce energy consumption and drive down city emissions.”