Glasgow aims to cut emissions by 30%

Charlene Sweeney

Glasgow aims to cut its carbon emissions by 30 per cent in ten years.
The proposals by the city council were outlined in a report, Sustainable Glasgow, which recommended installing systems to turn sewage and other waste into biogas, a “smart” electricity grid, creating urban woodlands and increasing the use of electric vehicles.
The project aims to transform the city into a hub of the sustainable energy sector, delivering jobs and training. It will also play a major role in attempts to regenerate communities and tackle fuel poverty over the next 10 years, potentially attracting £1.5 billion of investment.
Launching the report, Steven Purcell, the leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face over the next decade but it is also a complex challenge as we balance our increasing demand for energy with the need to lower carbon emissions, use renewable energy technologies and continue apace with the city’s economic regeneration effort.
“The answer lies in developing a strategic city-wide and integrated approach with key stakeholders that understands our energy consumption, projected future use and how this can be provided in a sustainable way to meet the needs of all citizens, businesses and communities alike.”
The report suggested initiatives such as the creation of systems to turn the city’s sewage and municipal waste into biogas; a drive to increase the use of biogas and electric vehicles; the development of natural biogas-fuelled combined heat and power systems and a ‘smart’ grid system to deliver power. Other schemes include the creation of urban woodlands on vacant city land and projects to encourage “behavioural change” among the city's residents.
The Sustainable Glasgow project includes the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow City Council, Scottish and Southern Energy and Scottish Enterprise.
Jim Mather, the Energy Minister, praised the plans and said he hoped they would be replicated across Scotland.