Stevenage Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency in June 2019, confirming its commitment to battling climate change by setting a target for Stevenage to be net-zero emissions by 2030. Tackling climate change and improving sustainability must be a key foundation for all activities by the Council, local businesses and residents.
In September 2020, the Council released the Stevenage Climate Change Strategy, identifying 8 strategic themes that lead the action plan towards net-zero. Here you will find details of the actions established to address climate change and their progress.
If you have any feedback please contact our Climate Action team here.
SBC Emissions Baseline and Expected Trajectory
The Council tracks emissions in two different categories: emissions generated by the town at a Stevenage-wide level which are under the scope of local authority influence, otherwise known as territorial emissions, and emissions generated as direct result of the Council’s operations, also known as organisational emissions.
Stevenage Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (Territorial)
Territorial emissions for Stevenage are recorded and published by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The dataset can be found here: Local Authority Carbon Dioxide Emissions
The graph below shows these territorial emissions that are under the Council’s scope of influence (i.e., the Council is deemed to have the ability to influence these emissions).
Between 2005 and 2024, emissions have reduced by 52%, from c. 582 kt CO2e to c. 276 kt CO2e. Emissions are categorised per sector, displayed in the pie chart below.
Stevenage Borough Council Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (Organisational)
Emissions generated from Council operations are calculated annually by the Council. Emissions are categorised into 3 scopes (1, 2 and 3) in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, creating an emissions inventory.
More information on the reporting of these annual emissions can be found in Action PA7.
Strategic Themes
Select one of our eight key themes to see what climate-related actions we're working on in that area.
The Council published an evidence-based Climate Change Strategy - September 2020 in September 2020 following the declaration of climate emergency and an extensive public engagement and consultation.
For an overview of the progress of the Council's response to the Climate Emergency, please refer to our annual progress update: