Exeter’s push for Net Zero continues as Devon emissions drop

Devon’s carbon emissions have fallen again, according to newly released data, with both national and local officials highlighting the role of communities, clean-energy projects and local initiatives in driving progress, including those in Exeter.

New figures from the Devon Climate Emergency (DCE) partnership show that emissions across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay dropped by 4 per cent between 2022 and 2023, and by 29 per cent since 2010. 

The reductions come as the Government continues to promote its national clean-energy strategy and its plans to expand investment in low-carbon power.

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A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said the UK “owes it to current and future generations to tackle the climate crisis by becoming a clean energy superpower.” 

“In the last year, we have set a world-leading target to reduce emissions by at least 81 per cent by 2035, committed to delivering up to 400,000 extra clean-energy jobs by 2030, and seen over £62 billion of private investment announced for clean energy in the UK.”

The spokesperson said Great British Energy and Great British Energy-Nuclear are backed by £8.3 billion and are already investing in local projects across the country, “cutting bills for over 250 schools and around 260 NHS sites”.

National data shows that agriculture remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Devon, accounting for 43 per cent of the county’s total. Transport represents 33 per cent and domestic properties 17 per cent. 

Emissions have now fallen by 38 per cent since 2005, although further reductions are required to meet long-term climate targets.

The DCE partnership (made up of local councils, businesses and voluntary groups) said the latest progress reflects the impact of local initiatives, including the reopened Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton, the Energy Saving Devon free advice line, and upcoming zero-emission bus schemes. 

Despite the improvements, Devon exceeded its carbon budget by 9 per cent between 2018 and 2022, meaning emissions will need to fall by around 7 per cent annually to meet the 2030 target of halving emissions from 2010 levels.

Claire Pearce, Chair of the Devon Climate Taskforce, described the findings as “an encouraging step forward” but said the county must accelerate its efforts. 

She highlighted the importance of sustainable transport, renewable energy, home retrofitting and community-led climate projects in achieving deeper emissions cuts.

Exeter continues to play a central role in the county’s climate action, with major projects under way in renewable energy, district heating, sustainable transport and energy-efficient housing. 

Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Biodiversity & Transport, Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, said the latest figures show progress but added that “we know we must go further and faster” to reach the goals set out in the Devon Carbon Plan.

DESNZ said its Local Power Plan will ensure communities benefit directly from the clean-energy transition, bringing “energy security, good jobs and economic growth”. 

With emissions continuing to fall and further investment promised, both national and local leaders say the coming years will be crucial in determining whether Devon (and Exeter) can reach their long-term climate ambitions.