Edinburgh Council's carbon emissions have reduced by 60%, which is better than its aim of a 42% reduction by 2021.

Figures released as part of the latest Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report, revealed the reduction in emissions is due to state-of-the-art waste reprocessing facilities at Millerhill becoming fully operational in 2019-20.

The move has helped divert more than 107,000 tonnes of rubbish from landfill turning it instead into a resource which generates energy. The waste processing facility also removes and recycles metals from waste, providing a further environmental benefit.

Changing to a greener electricity supplier and reducing electricity consumption through moves such as upgrading street lighting to make it more energy efficient also helped the council beat its goal.


Council Leader and Policy and Sustainability Convener, Councillor Adam McVey said: "Exceeding our own carbon emissions target ahead of schedule is a major achievement and hugely encouraging and shows that the work we are doing to lower emissions and drive towards a net-zero position is having a real positive impact.

"Our focus remains on becoming a net-zero carbon Capital City by 2030. This is an important step forward but there is still much more we need to be do if we’re to meet this goal and we can only achieve this is everyone is behind our efforts to build a sustainable future for Edinburgh."

Deputy Leader and Policy and Sustainability Vice Convener, Councillor Cammy Day said: "It's very welcome to see that major projects such as the switch to energy efficient street lighting across the city, and the state-of-the-art waste treatment facility at Millerhill have contributed so significantly to the Council exceeding our own emissions targets for 2019-20.

"It shows the value of investing in projects such as these, which not only help to improve our services but contribute to Edinburgh meeting its climate targets."