Birmingham recognised for taking bold leadership on environment

The city has kept it’s ‘A List’ status, awarded by globally-recognised non-profit environment impact group CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project). It annually publishes its ‘A List’ of cities that build climate momentum, taking four times as many climate mitigation and adaptation measures as non-A Listers.

CDP has announced its scores for 2024, with only 15 per cent of cities that were scored receiving an A score.

To score an A, among other actions, a city must disclose publicly through CDP-ICLEI Track, have a city-wide emissions inventory and have published a climate action plan. It must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and the council’s production of one for the city will have been a key factor in reaching A status. Many A-List cities are also taking a variety of other leadership actions, including political commitment to tackle climate change.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “It is great to see this recognition once again from such a respected global organisation.

“There is really important work going on across the council and city, we are committed to reducing the city’s carbon emissions and limit the climate crisis, and we take that responsibility very seriously.

“For example, we have retrofit projects, helping people stay warm and comfortable in their homes with reduced energy bills.

“We're offering support for businesses through grant funding for energy efficiency measures for small and medium sized enterprises.

“And Solar Together is a fantastic project that brings residents together through a group-buying scheme—making it easier and more affordable to install solar panels, battery storage, and even EV charge points

“While we can only directly control our own emissions, we will continue to use our wide-ranging powers to influence others and to help citizens play their part so we can build a greener, healthier and fairer future for all.”