Enabling a net-zero county

Climate action in Oxfordshire

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face. We are working to:

• reach net zero emissions as a council by 2030
• support Oxfordshire to become carbon neutral well before 2050

Our progress

Our latest report sets out what we have achieved so far:

• climate action report (PDF, 338 KB)
• summary highlights (PDF, 566 KB)

Why action is needed

Climate change is already affecting people around the world, including in Oxfordshire. We must act now and work together to reduce the risks and impacts.

Taking action also brings benefits. It can:

• improve health and wellbeing
• create green jobs and support businesses
• protect and strengthen our natural environment

We need everyone involved — businesses, residents, community groups and schools — to make a real difference.

Oxfordshire’s strengths

Oxfordshire has:

• world-leading universities and research
• active communities
• a growing low-carbon economy

This puts us in a strong position to lead the move to a low-carbon future.

Planning for net zero

In 2021, we worked with partners and the University of Oxford to develop a plan for reaching net zero.

The Pathways to a Zero Carbon Oxfordshire (PAZCO) report sets out:

• the changes needed across different sectors
• the level of investment required

We are also part of the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign, which brings together organisations working to speed up climate action.

What we are doing

Transport

• The Local Transport and Connectivity Plan sets out how we will create a net-zero transport system.
• A Zero Emission Zone in Oxford aims to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
• Our electric vehicle strategy supports charging options across the county, including:
  • ‘Park and charge’ schemes in council car parks for people without off-street parking

Energy

• Projects such as Local Energy Oxfordshire (LEO) and Energy Superhub are helping develop cleaner energy systems.
• We support collaboration between universities, businesses and the public sector through shared workspaces like mini-TESA.
• Energy efficiency improvements have been delivered to 150 homes experiencing fuel poverty through the Green Homes Grant.

Waste, resources and food

• 59.5% of household waste is recycled or composted, making us one of the best-performing councils in England.
• We support local food initiatives through the Good Food Oxfordshire network.
• Our Circular Economy Plan explains how we reduce waste and reuse resources wherever possible.

Working with partners

• We support the Community Action Group (CAG) Project, which includes over 100 local groups leading community climate action.
• We are part of Zero Carbon Oxford, working to create a sustainable and thriving city.

Evidence and research

We continue to update our evidence base through the PAZCO report, working with:

• Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP)
• district and city councils

What you can do

The Climate Action Oxfordshire website provides practical advice to help you:

• reduce your carbon footprint
• save energy and money

It includes information for residents, communities and organisations, with guidance on:

• travel
• home energy use
• shopping and lifestyle choices
• supporting nature and biodiversity