Zero Carbon Oxford is the goal for Oxford to achieve net zero carbon emissions across the city as a whole by the year 2040 - ten years ahead of the legal deadline set by Government.
In July 2021, we published the Zero Carbon Oxford roadmap which divides almost all the city’s emissions into the five sectors with the greatest climate impact - domestic, commercial, industry, institutional, and transport.
Watch 'Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership' on YouTube (2 minutes, 26 seconds)
Following Zero Carbon Oxford roadmap, it is predicted that by 2040 we can reduce Oxford’s carbon emissions by 88% (compared with 2018 levels).
This means:
- Domestic emissions must be reduced by 87%
- Commercial emissions must be reduced by 86%
- Industry related emissions must be reduced by 86%
- Institutional related emissions must be reduced by 91%
- Transport related emissions must be reduced by 88%
The roadmap is broken down into five-yearly carbon targets over the 22 year period between 2018-2040.
How will we achieve a Zero Carbon Oxford
Zero Carbon Oxford partnership
Partnership and collaboration is key to achieving this goal, and in February 2021, the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership was created, following the Zero Carbon Oxford Summit. The partnership is a group of leaders from Oxford’s main institutions and employers, including the universities, hospitals, businesses and other organisations.
Zero Carbon Action Plan
In addition to the Zero Carbon Oxford roadmap, the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership has approved an Action Plan, which outlines how we can achieve our 2040 target.
The Action Plan highlights the steps we need to take before 2030 to stay on track. This includes retrofitting council homes, delivering a biodiversity strategy, supporting transformative energy systems and projects, and lobbying the government to raise energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector.
As we achieve these pre-2030 actions, the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership will decide on appropriate additional longer-term actions.
Download the Zero Carbon Oxford roadmap and action plan
