Welcome

The Sustainable Glasgow Initiative aims to make Glasgow one of Europe’s most sustainable cities within 10 years.   Download the Sustainable Glasgow report here.

Cities are major concentrations of people and resources.  Globally they consume 75% of the world’s energy and are responsible for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions.   The way we live and work in cities must change if we are to be successful in tackling climate change.

Glasgow currently emits around four million tonnes of CO2 per annum linked to its energy use – around 8% of Scotland’s carbon emissions.  The long-term trend is for this to increase unless action is taken.

Based on a detailed analysis of the city – its resources, infrastructure and pattern of energy demand – Sustainable Glasgow has taken an unparalleled strategic approach to delivering a clean low-carbon energy infrastructure for the city.  This will lead to major reductions in Glasgow’s carbon emissions.

For Glasgow sustainability has to deliver more than environmental targets – sustainability must also deliver economic growth, and help tackle social issues within the city.

This city-wide strategic analysis has enabled the initiative to identify those opportunities that will deliver significant carbon emission reductions – as well as being both technically and commercially feasible.  Major opportunities have been identified in the areas of combined heat and power/district heating; waste to energy systems; renewable energy; sustainable transport; smart energy networks; and energy management.

Sustainable Glasgow is clear that delivering large scale carbon reduction emissions requires major change – in part delivered by large scale projects and investment - but also through engaging  with citizens, communities and employers and by putting in place strong and supportive public policies.

These opportunities complement each other – together they will result in tangible projects that will benefit people and businesses in Glasgow:

• Delivering jobs
• Attracting new businesses
• Helping tackle fuel poverty
• Reducing carbon emissions
• Making Glasgow a cleaner city
• Helping develop communities
• Making Glasgow a leader in sustainable urban living