Net Zero in Brighton & Hove

Our commitment to becoming a Net Zero city is stronger than ever. It is part of a global effort to prevent the worst effects of climate change, from flooding to food insecurity. It is part of our council’s plan to tackle inequality, improve air quality, create better homes and lower energy bills. 

Scale of the Net Zero challenge

Our energy system is the single largest contributor to the greenhouse gases emitted within the city, so transitioning to zero carbon energy will help bring energy security and end residents’ exposure to sudden and uncontrolled fuel price rises. It will support local growth and new skills.

For the first time we have evidence of the scale of the challenge of changing from fossil fuels to renewable energy across the city, through the Decarbonisation Pathways Study.

In Brighton & Hove:  

• 86% of homes are heated by gas, mostly through gas boilers
• more than 70% of domestic properties have an energy performance certificate of D or below
• 40% of domestic properties have uninsulated walls and 80% need a glazing upgrade
• around 97% of private vehicles registered in the city are powered by petrol or diesel
• the cost of making moderate improvements (retrofit) of domestic properties alone is estimated at nearly £655 million

Decarbonisation Pathways Study 

Our citywide energy decarbonisation study, commissioned by the council, looks in detail at how changing to low carbon energy systems can be achieved across the whole city. 

The study:

• maps baseline data and evidence about energy systems in the city
• kooks at electricity, gas, petrol, diesel and other fuel used in travelling, homes, shops, businesses and public services
• identifies areas of the city with high demand for heat that might be suitable for heat networks
• heat networks supply heat from a central source to consumers, through a network of underground pipes carrying hot water. They can cover a large area or even an entire city, or be fairly local, supplying a small cluster of buildings
• considers the affordability of energy for Brighton & Hove residents
• considers likely future changes to government regulations such as 
• improved building standards
• stopping sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles

Read the Decarbonisation Pathways Study.

How we will use the study

The Decarbonisation Pathways Study provides us with a renewed focus on high impact Net Zero action and we will use it to guide projects that will have real impact on reducing emissions and bring positive benefit for residents.

The Study suggests evidence-based measures to cut emissions. These could include: 

• making energy systems and buildings more efficient – for example, better insulation and communal heat networks
• increasing renewable energy generation, such as solar panels 
• switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy – for example, heat pumps and electric vehicles
• realistic and affordable ways to scale up action in the short term

We will use evidence from the study to target actions that are achievable for residents and businesses, are inclusive, and have measurable, positive impact.

Delivering Net Zero

We are working in partnership to do the work which will deliver clean energy and reduce emissions. 

This work will also help bring energy security and end residents’ exposure to sudden and uncontrolled fuel price rises. It will support local growth and new skills, with the potential to create 2,500 jobs.

Working as one council, we are joining up plans and strategies to bring a single, strategic focus to Net Zero, from housing and transport, to climate adaptation, increasing biodiversity and regenerating nature. 

Read more about what we’re doing to ensure plans and projects complement and strengthen the delivery of Net Zero and its benefits across council services.

We look forward to working with communities, businesses, energy companies, public sector organisations and the government to transform Brighton & Hove to deliver positive change for every area and every community.

Discover some of the decarbonisation projects already underway in the city.