Sustainable Glasgow proposes reducing the city’s carbon emissions through improved energy management and the development of new integrated low carbon energy systems for the city. 

By looking at the city in a new way Sustainable Glasgow takes a holistic view of the city and its opportunities – and proposed energy systems are designed so that they support each other, as part of a wider framework. 

These systems have been designed to meet Glasgow’s requirements – supporting the city’s growth, and meeting the needs of communities. The systems have also been designed in an integrated fashion so that projects support each other – both technically and financially. This integrated approach increases the opportunities available; reduces risk; and increases the positive impacts of each project.

Proposed integrated low carbon energy systems for Glasgow

Some of the main proposals are summarised below:

• Implementation of improved energy management systems and energy efficiency measures across all sectors;
• Creation of systems to turn the city’s sewage and municipal waste into biogas;
• Creation of urban woodlands on the city’s vacant land – and use of the resultant biomass for heat and power generation;
• Development of a district heating system for the city – starting in 5 identified zones;
• Development of highly efficient natural gas/biogas fuelled Combined Heat and Power systems;
• Restricting use of petrol and diesel vehicles;
• Development of light rail systems for passengers and freight;
• Increased use of biogas and electrically powered vehicles;
• Phasing out electrical, coal, and oil heating across the city;
• Implementation of public policies (eg in planning and procurement) that support the delivery and use of the above systems;
• Drawing in the resources and enthusiasm of Glasgow’s people, businesses, and public sector organisations.

The map below shows the location of the main low carbon opportunities in Glasgow.

(click for higher resolution image download)

The main themes for reducing the city’s carbon emissions are summarised in the table below.  The list below is not a hierarchy, all of these opportunities need to be pursued in an integrated fashion in order to maximise carbon emission reductions.  No one technology or approach can deliver the levels of carbon emission reduction required. 

Sustainable Glasgow’s Main Approaches to Reducing Carbon Emissions