Net zero pathway for Southampton - Pathfinders - Phase 2

Cities are responsible for approximately 75% of CO2 emissions, and hence can play a critical role in achieving net-zero carbon. Decisions made by national and local governments, citizens, businesses, investors as well as other actors greatly impact resources and their consumption in cities requiring optimised provisions of services to support better infrastructure and growing populations in a period of increasing climate change impacts.

The city of Southampton is no different, it has a variety of specific challenges and opportunities which make it an ideal city to be propelled to net-zero, by 2050 (UK target) or earlier. Southampton has the power to use its political, economic, financial, and social influence to protect the environment and sustainably accelerate the city to net-zero.

The challenges in creating the net zero pathway for cities are diverse and complex spanning both technical and nontechnical considerations. The phase-1 feasibility report found that unlocking these at a city scale will need a strong and appropriate governance underpinned by a whole systems approach encompassing new processes and organisations that can represent the needs of all city stakeholders.

We will build on work conducted during phase-1 through a combined techno-economic methodology that will focus on the following key principles that represent the integrative approach: 1\. Net zero governance 2\. City electrification & decarbonisation 3\. Data digitalisation & dissemination 4\. Replication & legacy

The methodology and the derived strategies will allow an effective Plan with a coherently structured programme aligned with the vision to deliver net-zero at city scale. The Plan will be delivered through a capable team with high level buy-in from the partners (including the local authority) and stakeholders, coupled with the required levels of resources. An effective reporting mechanism and a risk register will also be established to support the vision and the derived strategies.