Hull’s carbon footprint falls to 20-year low as city stamps out emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions in Hull fell to a 20-year low in 2023, according to recently-released Government figures.

The city’s emissions were recorded at 950.6 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023, down from 1,047.27 the previous year.

Significantly, it marks a two-decade low, with CO2 emissions having more than halved since data was first recorded.

The figures were released by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, as part of an annual publication of UK local and regional greenhouse gas emissions.

Matt Dass, Managing Director of Springfield Solutions and Oh Yes! Steering Group member, said: “The latest Government figures demonstrate the significant progress which has been made in Hull to cut down on carbon emissions.

Hull’s greenhouse gas emissions have fallen to a 20-year low.

“Across our Oh Yes! membership, we’re seeing businesses embrace the benefits associated with carbon reduction, from reduced energy costs and new tender opportunities, to recruiting top talent who want to work for companies committed to sustainability.

“All the signs point to the same thing – that carbon reduction isn’t just good for our planet, it’s good for business too.”

Hull’s carbon footprint fell more than nine per cent from 2022 to 2023. Since 2005, that figure has fallen by 57 per cent.

Across the UK, greenhouse gas emissions decreased in 340 of the 361 local authority areas.

Oh Yes! Net Zero has more than 170 active members across Hull, East Yorkshire and the Humber region.

The campaign supports its members through a number of key projects – perhaps most notably, its fully-funded Carbon Clinic workshops.

Dozens of businesses have already attended a Carbon Clinic workshop, working with local sustainability consultancy BACB Renewables to understand their scope one, two and three carbon footprint, and create an outline reduction plan.

Dozens of Oh Yes! members have attended a Carbon Clinic workshop and created a reduction plan.

The workshops provide advice on renewable energy solutions such as solar and heat pumps, and help businesses take simple steps and actions to reduce their emissions.

Oh Yes! Net Zero’s Climate Changemakers programme works with primary and secondary schools across Hull to educate young people on the impacts of climate change, creating the next generation of sustainability leaders.

The campaign has also partnered with the University of Hull to provide placement opportunities for students at Oh Yes! member businesses.

A pilot placement is underway at Hull-based digital packaging specialist Springfield Solutions, focused on logistics and transport.

The partnership provides real-world experience for students, and means companies can benefit from expertise and resource to help them reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable initiatives.