After the 2023 election, I became curious about what a net-zero Brighton & Hove would look like. What would it take to install heat pumps? How many homes would need to join heat networks? How much local electricity would we need? And most importantly, what would this cost? Surprisingly, these questions hadn’t been fully explored yet.
To get answers, we launched a major study on the city’s energy systems. This research led us to identify 110 crucial projects aimed at cutting emissions. These include heat networks, building retrofits, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, heat pumps, and solar panels. These initiatives are not only about sustainability but will also help lower bills for residents and businesses.
We also made strides with our own facilities. Last year, we achieved the largest installation of rooftop solar panels to date, including 292 panels at the Prince Regent Swimming Complex.This effort also extended to several office buildings, a nursery, and a social care facility.
We recently kicked off our first school renovation aiming for zero fossil fuel use. At Peter Gladwin School in Portslade, we’re replacing the existing gas boiler with air source heat pumps, all powered by solar energy. These upgrades show how an integrated approach can effectively eliminate emissions.
Despite already having the best EV charging network outside London, we’re on track to add thousands more chargers. Many potential EV users worry about charging costs and availability. Our plans aim to tackle these concerns head-on.
I’m eager for us to do even more and move faster. Recently, our climate action efforts earned us a Grade A rating for leadership in this area, making us one of only 48 cities in Europe to achieve such recognition.
While we push ahead, other political parties seem to be stepping back from solid environmental commitments. Recent polls reveal strong public support for action on climate change, yet the Tories are backtracking on previous promises. Meanwhile, Reform has discredited the goal of reaching net-zero.
The stakes are high. A global temperature rise over 1.5 degrees presents alarming consequences for future generations. Ignoring this represents a severe neglect of responsibility. However, the economic benefits cannot be overlooked. A study by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) indicates that the net-zero economy is growing three times faster than the overall economy, expecting over 10% growth in 2024.
Now, let’s talk about biodiversity. The UK faces severe nature depletion, largely due to intensive farming. Yet, Brighton & Hove has a unique chance to contribute positively. Surprisingly, 44% of our city falls within the South Downs National Park, and we own most of that land. We even possess more agricultural land than East and West Sussex combined.
Historically, the South Downs were lush chalk grasslands, rich in wildlife, similar to rainforests in diversity. We are collaborating with local farmers to transition towards more regenerative practices, aiming to enhance biodiversity and restore these vital ecosystems.
This effort just received a boost through a significant 150% increase in funding for the government’s Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), which rewards farmers for environmentally beneficial practices alongside food production.
I’m proud to be at the forefront of this initiative. Brighton & Hove can lead the way in tackling these pressing challenges, blending sustainability with economic growth.
