Brighton & Hove has earned an A grade for its efforts towards net zero and biodiversity from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for the third consecutive year. This recognition highlights the city’s commitment to climate action across various sectors, including housing, transport, and waste management.
The CDP, which collects environmental data from over 1,000 cities globally, awards top grades to cities that set ambitious climate goals and effectively improve their environment and economy. Councillor Tim Rowkins emphasized that tackling climate change is not just important—it’s a moral obligation. He expressed pride in the city’s ongoing initiatives and the strong community collaboration driving these efforts.
Recent achievements from Brighton & Hove include:
- Solar Power: Over 300 new solar systems have been installed on council homes, resulting in approximately £75,000 in savings for tenants.
- Energy Efficiency: 88% of council homes now have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above, and nearly all gas boilers listed are A-rated.
- Leisure and Education: Five leisure centers produced one million kilowatt-hours of clean energy, while 35 schools saw savings of nearly £25,000 through solar installations. Peter Gladwin Primary is now the first fully zero-carbon heated school.
Waste management has also improved. The city expanded recycling services to include more materials and initiated weekly food waste collections.
Brighton & Hove is stepping up its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, planning 6,000 lamppost chargers and more than 1,200 fast chargers to support the growing EV market. By spring 2025, the city recorded half a million journeys on its cycle hire scheme, with over 86,000 people cycling a total of 1.2 million kilometers.
The introduction of electric buses is on the horizon, with the first 16 set to launch in March 2026, helping reduce emissions in key areas.
Councillor Trevor Muten noted the city’s commitment to reducing transport-related carbon emissions and improving air quality. Major projects include extensive sea defenses and sustainable drainage systems aimed at protecting local water sources and reducing flooding risks.
In addition to these initiatives, Brighton & Hove has planted over 25,000 trees and established biodiversity zones that attract a wide range of wildlife.
As the city prepares to publish an updated routemap and action plan for a circular economy, it’s evident that Brighton & Hove is on a proactive path towards sustainability. For further details, you can review the Decarbonisation Pathways Study, which outlines the framework for these critical environmental efforts.
Together, these efforts paint a hopeful picture of a city dedicated to securing a more sustainable future for its residents.
