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West Yorkshire Climate and Environment Plan

West Yorkshire has one clear goal: net zero carbon by 2038 - 12 years ahead of the government's own target. Our Climate and Environment Plan sets out exactly how we'll get there.

West Yorkshire's plan to reach net zero carbon by 2038 - 12 years ahead of the government target

The West Yorkshire Climate and Environment Plan sets out how the region will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 81% before 2038, through investment in clean energy, zero-emission transport, energy-efficient homes, green jobs and nature recovery. It covers Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, and requires around £6 billion in public investment to deliver.

Delivering net zero takes all of us. The Combined Authority works alongside West Yorkshire's five local authorities, businesses, communities and the public sector to drive climate action across the region.

Get involved and be part of the journey towards a greener West Yorkshire.

Secure, cost effective, clean energy for all

Becoming a net zero carbon region by 2038 will require West Yorkshire to be powered by electricity generated by wind, solar and other low-carbon sources. We will ensure our actions focus on delivering secure, cost effective and clean energy for residents, businesses and communities across our region.

Learn more about net zero

Reliable, affordable, integrated zero-emission transport 

Transport is one of the highest emitting sectors in the region, accounting for 37% of all greenhouse gases emitted. To cut this, we need more journeys made by walking, cycling and public transport, more people switching to electric vehicles and more freight moving in sustainable ways.

Learn more about transport

Climate resilient and nature-rich region

The natural environment is a precious asset, and it has a key role to play in helping to manage the effects that climate change has already locked in, while also reducing future emissions in the natural environment.

Learn more about our environment

Warm, comfortable, low carbon homes

Homes produce around 31% of the region’s emissions, mostly from heating with gas and other fossil fuels. Improving the energy efficiency of properties will be central to helping households manage their energy costs and keep warm.

Learn more about Home Energy West Yorkshire

Decarbonised businesses, good green jobs and a skilled workforce

Becoming a net zero carbon region needs a skilled workforce and businesses that can grow sustainably. West Yorkshire had an estimated 73,400 green jobs in 2021, and the move to net zero could create thousands more.

Learn more about business sustainability

Climate and Environment Plan flagship actions for 2025-28

Six flagship actions will focus the Combined Authority’s work over the next four years.

Investment and progress to date

£217m
invested under the first Plan (2021–24)
£6bn
total public investment needed to reach net zero
£45m
secured to retrofit 4,500 social homes

Plan timeline

First Climate and Environment Plan
01 January 2021
This plan - flagship delivery
01 January 2025
Scale up and accelerate
01 January 2029
Net zero carbon West Yorkshire
01 January 2038

 Read the Climate and Environment Plan in full

Frequently asked questions

Net zero

Home Energy West Yorkshire

Restoring nature