LEICESTER has been named as a global leader on climate action, achieving a top score on CDP’s 'Cities A List' for the sixth year running.
It means Leicester’s bold leadership, ambition and transparency on environmental action in its response to the climate emergency highlights the city as one of only 112 cities worldwide to receive an A rating from environmental impact charity CDP.
This year, over 970 cities around the world were rated for their climate action by CDP, with Leicester among the 15 per cent to receive the top A rating.
Just 48 European cities are on this year’s ‘Cities A List’.
In achieving its A rating, Leicester was able to demonstrate that it has a city-wide emissions inventory, has set an emissions reduction target and published a climate action plan, and has completed a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards, among other actions.
Hanah Paik, CDP Global Director for Cities, States and Regions, said: “The cities, states and regions on CDP’s 2024 A List are setting the global benchmark for environmental leadership. Through robust disclosure and decisive action, they are ensuring that essential data is surfaced for informed decision-making across governments, markets and communities – and for unlocking access to the climate finance needed for implementation. They are not only accelerating their own progress but also charting a path for others to follow.”
Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “We’re very proud that Leicester has been recognised by CDP for its work on climate action with a place on its A List for the sixth year in a row.
“As a council, we remain committed to reducing our own emissions and to support local people, schools and business to make the changes needed to help reduce the city’s overall carbon footprint.
“Being on the CDP’s global A List provides an important acknowledgement of the action we are taking to ensure that Leicester is a climate ready city.”.
When the council declared a climate emergency in Leicester in 2019, there was no doubt about the challenge involved in responding to this as a city.
“We’ve achieved a great deal since then and our ambitious Climate Ready Leicester Plan aims to build on that momentum with a focus on putting people first in the way we promote and support change towards net zero.”
The new Climate Ready Leicester Plan can be viewed in full at www.leicester.gov.uk/ClimateEmergency
A new climate ready action guide for residents, that includes more than 50 actions that people can take to help reduce their carbon impact at home and in their daily lives, is also available to download.
Residents can also explore how they can make their homes more energy efficient, save money and reduce their carbon footprint by using the new Homewise digital advice tool, developed by Energy Saving Trust.
This free online service helps homeowners identify energy efficiency improvements they could make to their homes. By completing a simple online survey, people can get a personalised action plan tailored to their needs and budget. They’ll also receive a breakdown of the cost for any improvements and potential savings.
To find out more about Homewise, and to register for free tailored energy advice for your home, visit leicestercitycouncil.homewise.energy