The Gibraltar Net Zero Delivery Board, attended by three members of cabinet together with senior officials from across Government, has agreed short term targets in areas where improvement to reach net zero targets can be achieved in the shortest time.

Following an update from external consultants Ricardo on the review of the 2022 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Results, manageable emissions have been broken down by sector.

Significant areas for improvement have been identified within transport fleets and Government is working towards transitioning as much of its own fleet to electric-powered vehicles as soon as possible, in line with the Climate Change Strategy. This is in conjunction with the ongoing trial of Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel on Gibraltar Bus Company buses, and to extending HVO use to other transporters.

The Gibraltar Electric Authority has made progress with the project to install photovoltaic panels at Gibraltar International Airport, which is expected to increase by two thirds the amount of electricity generated by solar energy across Gibraltar. The GEA reported that the use of LNG and increased efficiency of the new power plant has reduced its own emissions by 3%.

In a drive to effect significant organisational, behavioural and cultural change to progress net zero, within the Department of Education, 6 schools have so far undertaken Carbon Literacy Training, with a further 5 schools to follow suit this academic Year.

The Department is also working with young people through positive meetings with learning ambassadors to identify and address their specific climate concerns. As a direct result young people are voicing their concerns about recycling rates and waste management. Secondary schools in particular will take a harder approach to single use plastic bottles on school premises and will actively encourage the uptake of reusable bottles.