York Net Zero
YorEnergy was established in response to the City of York’s commitment to addressing climate change.
Human activities are driving changes in the world’s climate. In 2019, the City of York declared a Climate Emergency and set the ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The national UK target for Net Zero is 2050. York is set to be a front runner in tackling climate change head on.
The City of York acknowledges the global and local threats posed by climate change and are dedicated to implementing bold, local climate actions that bring economic and social benefits. These include new jobs, economic savings, market opportunities, and enhanced well-being for York residents.
Ensuring that homes are more sustainable is a key area for change to ensure a greener future.
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What is net zero?
Net zero carbon means achieving a balance between the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed, resulting in a net total of zero carbon. To achieve Net Zero a number of different measures must be undertaken. These include a transition to renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, a move to greener forms of transport and very importantly switching to energy-efficient solutions in homes.
Benefits of Achieving Net Zero
Achieving net zero offers a wide range of benefits, both environmentally and economically, as well as improvements in public health and overall quality of life. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Environmental Benefits
Climate Stabilisation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero helps limit global temperature rise, mitigating the effects of climate change.
Ecosystem Protection: Lower emissions reduce environmental pollution, helping to preserve ecosystems and biodiversity.
Air Quality Improvement: Achieving net zero reduces air pollution, leading to cleaner air and healthier environments.
2. Economic Benefits
New Jobs: Transitioning to a green economy creates jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and other green industries.
Innovation and Growth: Pushing for net zero stimulates innovation in clean technologies, leading to new business opportunities and economic growth.
Cost Savings: Increased energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources can lower energy costs for businesses and consumers.
3. Health Benefits
Reduced Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases: Better air quality resulting from lower emissions can decrease the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Healthier Living Conditions: Reduced pollution contributes to healthier living environments, enhancing overall public health.
4. Social Benefits
Improved Quality of Life: Healthier environments and economic growth contribute to an enhanced quality of life for communities.
Energy Security: Diversifying energy sources through renewables increases energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Community Resilience: Efforts to achieve net zero can strengthen community resilience against the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events.
5. Global Leadership and Responsibility
International Influence: Countries and cities that achieve net zero can lead by example, influencing global climate policies and encouraging others to take action.
Moral Responsibility: Achieving net zero aligns with the ethical responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
Overall, achieving net zero is not just about reducing emissions but also about creating a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for all
Current Position
York has made strides in reducing emissions, demonstrating a strong commitment to our Net Zero goals. Since 2005, the city-wide emissions have decreased by 39%. This achievement is the result of several key factors including decarbonising areas of the Electric supply, supporting greener practices and improving efficiency. Plans for the continual improvement of York and North Yorkshire have been formed through Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and the City of York Council.
However, there is a long way to go to achieve York’s Net Zero target. The Business as Usual Pathway will not result in the scale of change required. Significant emissions reductions are needed. As can be seen from the graph below York’s Net Zero ambition will not be met if the current trajectory action is not taken.
York is a historical city with a beautiful built heritage and the homes reflect this. When making changes the heritage of the City of York will be preserved whilst still modernising and improving the homes to create a more sustainable future.
The potential impact of installing energy-efficient solutions can be shown as in 2018, York's greenhouse gas emissions totaled 936 ktCO2e, with most emissions coming from buildings (61.9%) and transport (27.9%). The emissions from Domestic Buildings alone, is 31.8% of York total net emissions.
Encouraging a switch to energy-efficient solutions across York’s homes will make a huge difference to helping achieve the Net Zero target.
I have future proofed our family home and it has paid for itself in under two years.
Darren, 35, York
The impact of energy-efficient solutions
At YorEnergy we are focused on improving the energy efficiency of homes across York, offering a fantastic all in one service to make sure everyone can access the benefits of home improvements.
Around 80% of the current UK housing stock will still be in use in 2050 and therefore implementing measures in homes that are already built is vitally important as relying on more sustainable new homes will not resolve the carbon emissions issues. Based on this, it is vital to improve the sustainability of homes that are already built and have been around for many years.
This service offers:
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A free home assessment which will review suitability for a number of solutions
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An accredited list of suppliers
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A range of finance solutions
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Advisor to help make the process as cost effective and easy as possible.
As a company dedicated to supporting York's journey toward Net Zero, we are proud to contribute to York’s Net Zero ambition and continue working towards a sustainable future.
The Role of YorEnergy
YorEnergy was established to support York in achieving its 2030 goals by enhancing the city's housing stock and making homes more sustainable.
At YorEnergy we believe that everyone should have access to the home energy and heating products that will allow them to live comfortably, cost efficiently and sustainably, whilst supporting York’s Net Zero ambitions.
YorEnergy provides consumers with an all in one service.
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The Role of YorEnergy
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