Climate Action Plan 2025-2028

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Foreword

By Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe
Leader of City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council

The 2025-2028 Climate Action Plan provides a measurable pathway to net zero which will be the catalyst for innovation, clean growth and exciting employment opportunities across the Bradford District.

Following the groundbreaking impact of Bradford District’s Clean Air Zone on air quality and public health, the Council is now driving forward major sustainability projects in infrastructure, industry and innovation. Projects attracting investment include Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements scheme, Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen, Mass Transit Tram System, Southern Gateway & Rail Station, Bradford’s Industrial Decarbonisation Prospectus, and City Village. Such initiatives will stimulate demand for new ‘green’ skills, technology and talent, leading to a better quality of life within healthier, more socially inclusive and better-connected communities.

From wild moorlands to managed parkland, Bradford District enjoys a rich and diverse landscape, which is home to a variety of wildlife habitats and nationally significant biodiversity. Through the designation of Bradford’s very own National Nature Reserve, stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife will be protected and restored. Not only do these green spaces play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and storing carbon, but they are an important factor in what makes the district an attractive place to live and work.

We recognise our role in leading and facilitating climate action, working collaboratively with businesses, communities and partner organisations to accelerate our progress towards net zero whilst at the same time attracting investment into new technologies and industries. As a major employer of the district, the Council will continue to decarbonise its own operations, embed sustainability across all its services and utilise its influence to enable the district to become more sustainable.

The Council will continue to support communities, schools and businesses to become more resilient and to adapt to extreme or adverse weather whilst ensuring everyone is equally and fairly represented. Individually and collectively, we all have a role to inspire, encourage and take positive and progressive climate action, which in turn will create a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous district for everyone.

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Introduction

The Challenge

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and the breakdown of waste are raising greenhouse gas (GHG) levels in the atmosphere, contributing to a temperature rise of over 1°C above pre-industrial levels. As a result of this global temperature rise, recent years have seen Bradford District and the UK more broadly, experience some of the warmest and wettest months on record, with extreme weather events such as heat waves and storms resulting in droughts, wildfires, damage to crops, and frequent flooding with devastating consequences to lives, health, economy and the natural world.

Bradford District’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come predominantly from energy use in domestic buildings (31%), Transport (25%), Industry (18%) and commercial buildings (14%). Other sources include the public sector, waste, agriculture and land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF).

The Response

The United Kingdom is aiming to limit global warming to “well below 2°C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C” in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement. In 2024 the UK government announced a new ambitious target of reducing emissions by 81% by 2035.

In Bradford District, the Council declared a “Climate Emergency” in 2019, a “Biodiversity Emergency” four years later and committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions for Bradford District by 2038, with ‘significant progress’ by 2030.

The Plan

Bradford District’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2025-28 outlines actions to set the district on a path to achieving Net Zero by 2038, starting with an emissions baseline and aligning strategies at national, regional, and local levels. The plan aims to address the urgent challenges posed by anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change and biodiversity loss, and to help people, businesses and the council itself to become more resilient to the realities of an already changing climate.

It includes actions across eight key priority areas, with examples of local best practice, governance strategies, and impact measurement. The plan will help us to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, protect and enhance nature, strengthen our climate resilience and promote sustainable behaviours and policies across all areas of life in our district.

Whilst it is impossible to note every positive action or initiative the plan recognises the ongoing and innovative efforts being made by residents, communities, businesses and organisations across the entire district.

The Vision: Net Zero Bradford District 2038

With a mix of youth, energy, wisdom, heritage and diversity on our side, an innovative hard-working spirit and a wealth of natural and community assets, Bradford District has all the right ingredients to tackle the challenge of Climate Change and seize all the opportunities that our journey to a Net Zero future presents.

By addressing climate change collaboratively, Bradford District will reduce emissions, protect nature, and deliver co-benefits such as improved health and sustainable economic growth.

A Net Zero Bradford District will feature low-carbon industries, energy-efficient homes, green infrastructure, and vibrant, connected communities adapting to climate change and ensuring fairness for current and future generations.

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The Co-benefits of Climate Action

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines co-benefits as being “the positive effects that a policy or measure aimed at one objective might have on other objectives.”

Taking action on Climate Change and protecting nature have many co-benefits – from improving our health and attracting investment, to increasing our food and fuel security. The list below shows just some of the multiple co-benefits that we will experience on our journey to a net zero and biodiverse Bradford District.

• Social Mobility
• Equity and Inclusion
• Better health and Wellbeing
• Investment and Job Creation
• Access to Nature
• Improved Air Quality
• Skills Development
• Reduced Costs
• Sustainable and Cohesive Communities

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Emissions baselines for Bradford District

To enable Bradford District to effectively mitigate climate change and monitor progress against the district’s emissions reduction targets, the Council commissioned air quality and emissions specialists to quantify and analyse baseline data for the district.

As the modelling work develops, emission reduction pathways will be used to inform climate action priorities which will continue to align with and inform local, regional and national policy, whilst also supporting improvements in service delivery around mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Overall, emissions in Bradford are dominated by fuel use (e.g. gas boilers, petrol/diesel vehicles), with non-fuel emissions (e.g. from waste, livestock) only making up around 14% of the total.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Trend

Overall, total GHG emissions in Bradford decreased by around 47% between 2005 and 2022. By comparison, in both England the UK, emissions decreased by 43%.

The biggest relative decrease in Bradford can be seen in the Waste sector with 74%, followed by the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector with 67%. The biggest absolute decrease can be seen in the Domestic sector with 605 kt CO₂e (48%), followed by industry with 360 kt CO₂e (52%).

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Regional alignment and local planning

Climate & Environment Plan 2025-28 - West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA)

The Bradford District Climate Action Plan will broadly align with and support the delivery of this regional plan’s mission to “tackle the climate and environment emergency and become net zero in an equitable and inclusive way”. Bradford’s Climate Action Plan priority areas are more numerous but encompass all five objectives from within the West Yorkshire plan:

1. Secure, cost effective, clean energy for all
2. Reliable, affordable, integrated zero-emission transport
3. Climate-resilient and nature-rich region
4. Warm, comfortable, low-carbon homes
5. Decarbonised business, good green jobs and a skilled workforce

Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission (YHCC)

In addition, actions and principles within the Bradford District’s plan address and incorporate the ‘Four Pillars of Climate Action’ from the YHCC’s “Climate Action Plan Update 2024 which focus on:

“Rapid emissions reduction, climate adaptation and resilience, nature restoration and a just transition”.

Local Plan

The Council is leading on delivering a new Local Plan during 2025. The Local Plan plays an important role in tackling climate change requiring new development to incorporate both mitigation and adaptation measures, whether it is through the location of development, for example, near sustainable transport, services and facilities, away from areas of flood risk or protected wildlife sites, or through the incorporation of specific measures relating to energy efficiency, building design, biodiversity enhancement and green and blue infrastructure.

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Priority Areas and Actions

Priority 1: Transforming Travel and Transport

Road transport accounts for almost a third of emissions in West Yorkshire and remains the largest emitting sector in the UK. Around 45,000 people commute daily between Bradford and Leeds, with 74% travelling by car, contributing to poor air quality and health issues.

Public health bodies emphasize that reducing greenhouse gas emissions often benefits health, as demonstrated by Bradford District’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), launched in 2022 which has led to significant health improvements, reducing nitrogen dioxide levels and NHS cost savings relating to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. One in five people live in the UK's most deprived areas, where declining bus access exacerbates inequalities in employment and education. A reliable, affordable bus network can help to reduce these disparities.

In Bradford District, transport accounts for 24% of energy use, of which 79% are petrol vehicles. As petrol-based fuels are highly emissions-intensive, decarbonising transport is essential. While a shift from private cars to public transport and active travel is needed, increasing the use of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) is also crucial. ULEV adoption has grown, with battery electric vehicles now comprising 50% of the ULEV market in Bradford.

The West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040 (PDF) aims to enhance travel in West Yorkshire, focusing on increasing public transport and active travel, with mid-point targets of 25% increase in bus trips, 75% more rail trips, and 300% more bicycle trips by 2027.

In line with this vision, Bradford Council and partners continue to roll out progressive sustainable transport infrastructure and behavioural change schemes to reduce emissions by shifting more trips onto public transport, walking, cycling and wheeling which are accessible, affordable, inclusive and improve public health.

Key Travel and Transport initiatives include:

1. Public Transport Infrastructure

• With construction commencing in 2028 and in operation by the early 2030s, Phase One of a new, integrated low-emission Mass Transit Tram system will link Bradford and Leeds city centres via communities and businesses to improve transport connectivity, whilst creating opportunities for regeneration and sustainable growth.
• Located to the south of Bradford city centre, the new £2 billion Southern Gateway through rail station will link the tram system with Bradford Forster Square Station. Commencing in 2028, this investment will provide low-carbon homes and employment growth.
• A new platform at Bradford Forster Square station will be completed by mid-2025 and facilitate additional daily services between Bradford and London.
• As part of the wider West Yorkshire Franchising Programme to improve service levels, Bradford District buses will be franchised by 2027. By 2036, it is expected that West Yorkshire’s bus fleet will be zero emissions, powered by electricity or green hydrogen.

2. Active Travel

• Further expansion of walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, including the Bradford Leeds Cycle Superhighway, Canal Road Cycleway/Greenway, Bradford City Centre Walking & Cycling Improvement scheme will help to reduce emissions and improve health. Segregated lanes and Greenways aim to encourage cycling, with plans for an E-bike Share scheme which will enhance tourism, health, and the local economy.
• Combining new infrastructure with community and behavioural programmes, such as Social Prescribing, School Streets, Active Travel Neighbourhoods and Active Travel Hubs increases active travel and improved health outcomes.

3. Low Emission Vehicles

• Through West Yorkshire’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme, on-street public charging points will be installed in over 200 locations across Bradford District by 2027.
• Following the Clean Air Zone grant programme, 99% of Bradford’s licensed taxi fleet is now either electric hybrid or dedicated electric.
• Both the Council and local businesses are trialling low emission vehicles, such as an electric delivery truck for a local builders’ merchant, zero-emission library van, electric gritter and refuse trucks.

4. Policy Development

• The new Bradford District Local Plan will include transport policies that support a sustainable, integrated transport system.
• The Council’s new Zero Emissions Transport Strategy and plan will align with West Yorkshire’s emerging Local Transport Plan which aims to guide regional investment decisions.
• Review the Council’s Travel Plan to encourage sustainable commuting habits, with consideration for a new Electric Vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme.

Priority 2: Increasing Renewable Energy & Fuels

To meet net zero targets, Bradford aims to switch all energy sources to renewable alternatives, leveraging local renewable installations like domestic solar panels and large-scale projects such as solar farms or wind farms. This effort aligns with the UK government's goal of achieving 95% clean power by 2030 under the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan (PDF).

Bradford Council, in collaboration with partners, is driving innovation in renewable energy and clean fuels to attract investment, create skilled jobs, and ensure residents and businesses have access to secure, low-carbon energy sources. The Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) for Bradford and West Yorkshire districts identifies investment opportunities and actions for a whole net-zero energy system across power, heat, transport, and storage.

Major renewable energy projects being developed within the district include:

1. Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen Facility

West Yorkshire’s Draft 2025-28 Climate & Environment Strategy estimates that 20% of industrial demand for energy will be met by hydrogen. Currently the only planned hydrogen production scheme in West Yorkshire and expected to be one of the country’s biggest sites, this facility will produce 12.5 tonnes of hydrogen daily by 2027, sufficient to fuel 800 diesel buses. Located at the old Birkshall Gas Works, it will support industry, aviation, and transport as a diesel alternative, generating up to £120m to the local economy and up to 125 jobs.

2. District Heat Network

Bradford Council is working with partners to develop the Bradford Energy Network (BEN) which is a £70million low emission centralised heat system, based in the city centre and distributing energy via pipes, utilising one of the UK’s largest air-source heat pump networks. The Council is on track to connect City Hall to the network. St George's Hall and the Alhambra may be added at a later stage. The University of Bradford, Bradford College and the Law Courts are also joining as part of their own net-zero commitments.

3. Other renewable initiatives

• Bradford Council emissions. Through building energy optimisation, low-carbon heating and LED lighting, the Council’s emissions have reduced by 75% since 2009/10, exceeding the annual 10% reduction target over the last five years. A new low-carbon procurement policy will expand Scope 3 emissions monitoring and reduction
• Solar PV Arrays have been installed on 10 council buildings, generating electricity and revenue. Additional solar farm projects are being explored on Council-owned land, including solar canopies over car parks, with 40% capability for self-sufficiency.
• To be finalised in 2025, the Smart Streetlighting LED Project has replaced 59,000 streetlights, reducing annual power consumption by 65% and expected carbon emissions of 6,000 tonnes, whilst delivering £3.5m in social value investment in apprenticeships, training, local employment and supply chains.
• Biomethane Production. The Council is exploring renewable fuel generation from an anaerobic digestion facility in Bradford.

4. Policy Development

• The new Local Plan for Bradford District will include policies for advocating the energy hierarchy in new development design, for example, smart technology, fabric energy efficiency, and on-site renewable energy.

Priority 3: Decarbonising Industry

Bradford hosts over 16,000 businesses, generating a combined turnover of £35 billion. Manufacturing employs 24,000 people which accounts for 12% of district jobs, making Bradford the UK’s 4th largest city for manufacturing employment. However, manufacturing, is also responsible for 18% of Bradford’s total GHG emissions, and faces challenges from rising energy costs, largely due to fossil-fuel-generated heat. Industrial decarbonisation offers a transformational opportunity which would yield long-term cost savings and secure competitive advantage.

Developed and led by the Council, Bradford Manufacturing Futures (BMF) is a cross-sector partnership of nine local organisations, including the University of Bradford, who have come together to develop the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Project (LIDP).

The partnership provides a platform to share the responsibility and knowledge to support the transition to renewable energy sources for 30 manufacturers in some of the highest emitting sectors, including chemicals, food, basic metals, mineral products and metal fabrication.

The project aims to cut manufacturing emissions by 90% by 2038 as outlined in the strategic Decarbonisation Roadmap and Investment Prospectus and identifies investment opportunities in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, solar PV, wind, hydrogen, and biomethane. These efforts are expected to protect 24,000 jobs and create further employment growth for the district.

Key actions and outputs include:

• Emissions analysis, stakeholder engagement, and site surveys.
• Exploring innovations like CO2 capture and heat repurposing.
• Creation of a Zero Carbon Knowledge Hub by the University of Bradford to support manufacturers.
• Development of a Scope 3 Emissions Assessment Tool by the University of Bradford.
• The development of 5 Clean Growth Hubs for collaborative low-carbon initiatives.
• Decarbonisation plans for individual manufacturers.
• Ongoing support from the Council for the BMF cross-sector partnership as it continues to evolve.

As part of its broader renewable energy strategy, the Council will continue to attract investment, ensuring low-cost, renewable energy access to secure the future of Bradford District’s manufacturing sector while reducing emissions.

Priority 4: Growing a Sustainable and Inclusive Economy

Bradford is committed to fostering a sustainable and inclusive economy that enhances well-being, supports businesses, and attracts skills for long-term success.

• England’s low-carbon economy employed 185,000 workers in 2018 and is projected to rise to 1.18 million by 2050, however a skills gap persists. Key GTS areas in Bradford include wind, alternative fuels, building technologies, and geothermal energy, accounting for 63% of activity.
• Analysis from the Confederation of British Industry found that the net zero sector is growing three times faster than the overall UK economy, with a 10% growth reported in 2024.
• The West Yorkshire Green Economy Report 2024 values the region’s Green Technologies and Services (GTS) sector at £8.1 billion and is expected to grow 37% by 2026.
• Over 71,000 green jobs could be created in West Yorkshire by 2050, with Bradford forecasting 12.5% growth in green sector jobs by 2025/26.
• It is estimated that 7,787 direct ‘green’ jobs will be required in Bradford by 2030 and will grow to 12,331 by 2050. This doesn’t include employment in land and nature.

West Yorkshire’s productivity is 14% below the national average, with significant deprivation in some areas. Reports highlight that sustainable, inclusive growth can boost productivity, reduce waste, and support health by creating liveable cities and improving nature access. Clean technologies concentrated in less productive areas offer environmental and economic benefits while addressing inequalities.

Sustainable Business

Increasingly, Bradford District’s businesses are understanding the value of embedding sustainability into their operations. Investing in energy-efficiency measures and transitioning to renewable energy sources can realise cost savings and reduce a company’s carbon footprint which leads to new market access, investor confidence, new skills, talent and innovation opportunities, creating create competitive advantage.

Through Invest in Bradford and collaborations with West Yorkshire Combined Authority , the Business Improvement Districts (BID) of Bradford, Keighley and Ilkley, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, University of Bradford, Bradford Manufacturing Futures, key employers, the education sector and Bradford’s Skills House, the Council is in a strong position to promote sustainable business and training.

To illustrate Bradford’s position as a leader in sustainable growth and innovation, successful case studies include:

• Bradford College. Investment in solar energy training bays and education in ‘green’ building at the College’s Green Skills Centre will help to close the skills gaps in renewable energy systems, technology, transport and sustainable construction.
• Darley Street Market. Opening in 2025, this energy-efficient hub for food, entertainment and culture will deliver £32 million in economic benefits over 10 years and create 400 jobs, including apprenticeships. The building features sustainable technology including heat pumps, solar panels, rainwater capture and sustainable planting for biodiversity.
• Bradford City Village is a 25-hectare regeneration project which aims to create a green, sustainable neighbourhood with up to 1,000 homes in a well-connected, pedestrian-friendly area, with dedicated cycle lanes and reduced car reliance. The design will support local living and business growth.
• Repurposing Bradford’s heritage. As a vibrant cultural and retail hub, Salts Mill is just one successful example of Bradford’s history in re-purposing former mills to sustain community wealth.

Key actions to Grow a Sustainable and Inclusive Economy include:

• Further develop sustainable procurement practices at Bradford Council to embed carbon emission measurement and reduction, social value, circular economy and Fairtrade principles within all commissioning.
• Explore Carbon Assessment, Accounting and Budgeting possibilities for use across the Council.
• Pilot sustainable initiatives such as Ecosia as the default search engine on Council devices to support global tree planting.
• Support the implementation of West Yorkshire Pension Fund’s sustainable investment plans and net zero target.
• Promote sustainable economy related opportunities, support, funding, advice and information to businesses in the district.
• Embed sustainable development policies into the new Local Plan to ensure ‘brownfield first’ and maximise the density of new developments to reduce land-take and habitat loss.
• Create benchmark on sustainability for future UK Cities of Culture

Priority 5: Providing Warm and Comfortable Buildings

Improving energy efficiency in homes and workplaces is vital for reducing carbon emissions, alleviating fuel poverty, and adapting to climate change.

• Housing in West Yorkshire produces 3.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually (30% of regional emissions), with 26% from Bradford’s domestic buildings. To reach net zero by 2038, almost 700,000 of the region’s one million homes need improved thermal efficiency, with over 650,000 requiring heat pumps.
• It is estimated that 26.7% of households in West Yorkshire live in fuel poverty and up to 49% in some Bradford areas face fuel poverty due to rising energy costs and inefficient housing.
• Only 32% of Bradford homes meet the energy efficiency rating of EPC Band C or better, lagging behind regional and national averages. Most housing predates 1950, making retrofitting complex. Just 0.1% of households heat their home using renewable energy and 0.3% use a combination of renewable energy and another heating source.
• Over the last ten years, the average annual heating cost was £814 per home in the Bradford postcode area compared to £652 nationally, equating to approximately 15% of the district’s households living in fuel poverty. It is estimated that with the right energy efficiency measures, heating costs could be reduced by 31.5% alleviating significant levels of fuel poverty, whilst reducing emissions.
• In 2024, the Mayor of West Yorkshire pledged to retrofit all 650,000 social homes in West Yorkshire by 2038. This commitment forms part of an emerging 10-year plan for Home Energy West Yorkshire.

A combination of grant schemes, advice, retrofit and energy efficiency measures will continue to drive Bradford District’s efforts to create energy-efficient, low-carbon communities and reduce household energy costs and the health and economic impacts of extreme or adverse weather:

• West Yorkshire’s Home Energy Scheme offers low-interest loans, information on grants and advice for retrofitting, including the new ‘One Stop Shop’ to be launched in 2025, which will provide a trusted energy efficiency advice hub for residents.
• Schemes such as Warm Homes Healthy People Scheme provides energy assessments, free guidance and minor energy-saving measures for residents.
• West Yorkshire’s Solar Together scheme facilitated affordable solar panel installations with significant homeowner engagement.
• Government and Council-backed schemes, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, LAD 3, Great British Insulation Scheme, Warm Homes Fund and Housing Decarbonisation Fund have supported insulation, heat pump installation, and energy upgrades for thousands of private and social housing units.
• Starting in 2025, the Warm Homes Local Grant scheme will deliver energy performance and low carbon heating upgrades for low-income households.
• West Yorkshire’s Area Based Scheme (ABS) will address energy efficiency and retrofit across the region, with a focus on internal wall insulation, heating systems, and large-scale retrofits for Bradford to reduce energy bills and improve comfort.
• Social Housing providers such as Incommunities are committed to achieving a minimum of EPC rating ‘C’ for all their properties by 2030.

Future planning and policy development

• The £2bn Southern Gateway Regeneration project provides opportunities to build low carbon homes and jobs on the back of major transport investment.
• Bradford City Village (Pictured) aims to create a green, sustainable neighbourhood with up to 1,000 homes in a well-connected, pedestrian-friendly area, bringing low carbon design into the heart of Bradford.
• The new Local Plan will include policy on housing standards which support the Government’s Future Homes Standard to achieve high energy efficiency standards from 2025.

Priority 6: Enabling Community Climate Action

Achieving net zero relies heavily on societal and behavioural changes, with local communities playing a pivotal role in addressing climate change. Community-driven initiatives deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits while tackling inequalities tied to climate change impacts.

Often facilitated and supported through the Council’s Locality Neighbourhoods and Communities Area Teams, residents, faith groups, schools and voluntary organisations collaborate on initiatives such as community growing, upcycling, tree planting, energy saving tips and litter picks, which align with national themes like No Mow May.

Local climate action successfully fosters social inclusion, reduces inequalities, and improves physical and mental wellbeing.

Key Programmes and Achievements include:

• The Clean Air Schools Programme (CASP) reduces air pollution around schools through education, anti-idling enforcement, and active travel initiatives. Over £400,000 was awarded to 48 schools for projects such as bike shelters and nature-inspired learning.
• West Yorkshire Mayor's Climate Community Grant Scheme allocated almost £370,000 to fund diverse projects across Bradford District, including renewable energy for community buildings, promotion of active travel and enhancement of local nature reserves.
• Business in the Community’s (BiTC) Community Climate Fund aims to deliver £5 million in climate action benefits in Bradford by 2030, supporting retrofitting, community food growing, and energy efficiency to address both climate and cost-of-living crises.
• Bradford’s Play Streets Scheme enables children to play safely in traffic-free areas, receiving over 20 applications since May 2024.
• The Council’s Climate Action Newsletter engages nearly 4,500 subscribers, sharing stories, events, and funding opportunities. We aim to increased readership by a minimum of 100% during 2025.
• Bradford Council will further develop its Climate Action Network (BCCAN) bringing colleagues together to advocate for sustainability within the Council and beyond through initiatives such as piloting staff carbon literacy training and promoting sustainable commuting.
• Raise awareness around how citizens can use their voices to influence government policy and business practices in relation to the climate and nature emergencies.

Research and Future Plans - Inclusive Engagement Research and Community Conversations

• To support greater diversity in climate-related research and to support an inclusive and just approach to a net zero transition, the Council will collaborate with the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) and York University to engage communities in climate conversations around sustainability and climate change. This bespoke approach involves the selection of two wards for intensive engagement, and the recruitment and development of Community Researchers to understand the barriers faced by communities in accessing mitigation and adaptation measures, as well as some of the impacts they already face from a changing climate.
• Working with partners and the education sector, the Council will explore how to support schools and colleges to address climate change and develop local actions.
• The Council will continue to support and signpost community climate action groups by sharing grant information, parallel service initiatives and policies.

Community-led climate action fosters environmental stewardship, develops skills, and enhances social cohesion and economic resilience, positioning communities as key players in Bradford District’s Net Zero journey.

Priority 7: Managing Land and Nature

Land and nature are critical to our health, wellbeing, economy, and the fight against climate change. Restoring biodiversity, protecting natural spaces, and promoting sustainable land use are essential for a healthier, more resilient future.

Bradford District is fortunate to be home to extensive areas of beautiful countryside and green and blue spaces. This includes valuable peatland and moorland. Natural infrastructure and local restoration projects not only help land to absorb and lock up carbon, but they also play a valuable role in habitat creation to reverse biodiversity loss and reduce flood risk. However, no amount of nature-based solutions can substitute for the need to stop releasing GHGs to the atmosphere and to change the way we use the land.

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries, with 60% of priority species lost since 1970. Habitat loss and intensive agriculture have devastated ecosystems and caused biodiversity decline. Urgent action is needed to meet the government’s "30 by 30" target to protect 30% of land and sea for wildlife by 2030.

Biodiversity levels across Bradford District are broadly in line with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s State of Yorkshire’s Nature 2024 Report which states that nearly 1 in 5 species have declined by more than 25% in the last 20-30 years and that nearly 2000 species may have disappeared from Yorkshire over the last 200 years, with a further 3000 at risk of extinction.

Key collaborative programmes and achievements include:

1. Tree Planting and Urban Forestry

• Ending in 2023, over 60,000 trees were planted in 140 schools with extensive community involvement as part of Bradford’s A Tree for Every Child
• Since 2020, Bradford has been recognised as a Tree City of the World to recognise the commitment to urban forestry, leading to the planting of 13,518 urban trees which provide shade, flood management, and wildlife habitats.
• Part of the Northern Forest, the Council is working with White Rose Forest with the aim of increasing tree cover from 13% to 19% through woodland projects, including street and flood-resistant trees.

2. Habitat and Nature restoration projects

• Ilkley Moor involves a programme of measures such as peatland restoration, dams for flood management, and diverse vegetation creation.
• Chellow Dene Wetlands is a £80,000 project to reduce flooding and enhance wildlife through wetland improvements.
• The Council is working towards achieving the designation of Local Nature Reserve sites with Natural England and designation of Council-owned nature reserve sites as a recognised National Nature Reserve (NNR)
• The Council will continue to support the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for West Yorkshire and Bradford and South Pennines Nature Recovery Project.

3. Green Spaces and Community Engagement

• Bradford District is home to numerous public parks, greenspaces and woodland. Many are rich in biodiversity, with nature reserves, areas of wildflowers and wetlands, enhanced through community planting and litter picks. Six of Bradford’s parks have received Green Flag Accreditation to recognise the approach to sustainable management.
• Woodville Activity Centre in Keighley is a social enterprise hub which supports volunteering opportunities, land and nature-based activities.
• A collaboration project, known as “Wild Uplands” in Haworth for City of Culture 2025 will help the public to engage with nature through art.
• Walking groups have come together to celebrate the 45 mile circular Bradford Millennium Way during the City of Culture 2025.

4. Flood Resilience

• The Council is part of the collaborative West Yorkshire Flood Innovation Programme (WYFLIP) which focuses on nature-based solutions, water management, flood warning systems and property flood resilience.
• The Council’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy outlines the approach to managing flood risk from all water sources, aligning with current legislation, guidance and Council policy, such as the Local Plan.
• The Council promotes Property Flood Resilience, supporting householders, businesses and communities to BeFloodReady.
• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) have been incorporated into city centre green spaces to manage rainwater and boost biodiversity.

5. Sustainable Food and Agriculture

Agriculture accounts for 3.4% of district emissions, primarily from livestock. While local changes are limited, low-emission, nature-positive projects include:

• The Bradford District Sustainable Food Partnership which promotes local supply chains and supports community growing initiatives.
• Grow Bradford aims to expand allotment sites and encourage residents to grow their own food.
• Initiatives from the Bradford District Good Food Strategy 2023 and Grow Well to Eat Well campaign includes the distribution of 1,000 food-growing kits and planting of 15 micro-orchards.

6. Policy Development

• The Council is aiming to establish a Council-owned multi-site Habitat Bank in order to support the delivery of a 10% biodiversity gain legislation from new developments.
• The new Local Plan will include additional policies to protect and enhance the natural environment, ensure new developments mitigate any negative impact from climate change and meet the Urban Greening Factor (PDF)

Bradford is committed to safeguarding nature and adapting to climate challenges by increasing tree cover, supporting sustainable food systems, and ensuring resilience against extreme and adverse weather.

These efforts not only protect the environment but also strengthen community wellbeing and economic stability.

Priority 8: Reducing Consumption and Waste

What we make, buy and waste all contribute to climate change and biodiversity loss. To combat this, reducing waste, reusing, repairing, and recycling must become priorities. Waste needs to be minimised, and where it does exist, we must innovate to harness its potential for re-purposing into new products or for generating clean energy.

Bradford District aims to transition towards a zero-waste, circular economy that minimises waste, maximises resource efficiency, and fosters green job creation.

Bradford district produces a high level of waste, with 64% of collected material being general waste or waste from Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). The target of household waste sent for re-use, recycling or composting is 40%, however domestic recycling rates are hindered by contamination.

Waste contributes less than 4% of Bradford’s emissions, however 61% of these emissions come from landfill. Reducing waste at its source is critical for addressing consumption-related emissions. Emissions from food waste is also a significant problem, with UK families wasting £80 of food monthly.

Strategies and Initiatives include:

Adopting a Circular Economy approach keeps resources in use for longer and improves resource efficiency. Investing in infrastructure, public education campaigns and community engagement will help to promote the waste hierarchy of prevention, re-use, recycling and recovery.

1. Council measures and community engagement initiatives include:

• The removal of misused bins and enforcement against commercial waste offenders.
• The introduction of city centre street recycling bins, discounted compost bins, and the Neighbourhood Clean-Ups initiative to promote a culture of re-using and recycling.
• Promotion of the LitterLotto App to incentivise residents to pick up litter.
• Establishment of a New-to-Me Shop, based at a local Household Waste Recycling Centre which sells household items for as little as £2, helping to reduce waste and support low-income households.
• The Council’s obsolete IT hardware is donated to a local organisation to repurpose for digitally excluded communities. This principle could be expanded to include the re-using of unwanted office furniture as part of the Council’s new low-carbon procurement efforts.
• The development of a Council single-use plastic policy could help to reduce plastic consumed within catering, vending machines and schools.
• Designing a public education campaign, using an electric Exhibition Wagon to ensure proper disposal methods for food waste.

2. Policy development and legislation

• Under the Environment Act 2021, businesses will need to source a contractual collection of food waste from April 2025. In advance of this, the Council is trialling a dedicated food waste collection with interested organisations.
• The Council will collect household food waste from April 2026 and encourage minimisation of food waste.
• An Anaerobic Digestion facility, based in Bradford, has the potential to produce Biomethane from the district’s food waste and other organic matter to fuel vehicles and reduce emissions both from food waste and from vehicles.
• The new Local Plan will include policies about waste management, use of recycled materials in construction, resource efficiency.
• Introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in October 2027 will ensure that less single-use containers go to landfill – reducing plastic pollution and carbon emissions from plastic degradation.

By promoting waste prevention and innovative recycling measures, Bradford aims to create a sustainable future and support the shift towards a circular economy, creating green jobs and economic opportunities.