With Guernsey already on course to meet its 2030 interim target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure has published a policy letter about reaching net zero by 2050.
The letter proposes a way forward that is pragmatic, realistic and significantly more affordable than it would be to continue with the current approach.
In terms of energy expenditure alone, the efficiencies brought about by net zero initiatives could save the island up to £125m every year by 2050. However, net zero in Guernsey won’t just deliver financial savings and reduce the cost of living: it will also create opportunities for economic growth, such as in attracting new green energy businesses, improve transport infrastructure to give people more choice in how they travel on-island, and benefit people’s health.
The policy letter is informed by expert advice and has been developed with key stakeholders, modelling three potential pathways towards net zero. However, rather than recommending a specific pathway up until 2050, the Committee is recommending that Guernsey adopts a seven-year cycle of action starting in 2025, to adapt its approach as technology evolves and improves. Detailed analysis shows that, like other jurisdictions, for Guernsey to reach net zero by 2050 it will require additional means that are not yet developed or ready for adoption, such as carbon capture technology.
If approved, the first seven-year cycle will focus on addressing the emissions sectors that are readily actionable – buildings and transport, including introducing Energy Performance Certificates and continued implementation and optimisation of the Integrated Transport Strategy.
The policy letter also makes it clear that the States of Guernsey will continue to facilitate approaches made by private businesses and third parties that can provide renewable energy, low carbon fuel and other sustainability solutions for the island. As part of this, the Committee proposes that a Net Zero Forum is set up to continue co-operation and communication between government and individuals, businesses and organisations, supporting the realisation of the significant economic opportunities associated with net zero.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee, said: “Thanks to our existing interconnector to France and the States-agreed Electricity Strategy, the detailed analysis shows that Guernsey’s emissions are already heading in the right direction. This means that we’re on course to meet our 2030 interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 57% on 1990 levels.
“While emissions reduction is an important factor, nothing in the proposed approach is included for its carbon impact alone. In fact, in a way, it’s the opposite: every suggestion makes sense irrespective of any emissions reductions: all initiatives stand on their own merits such as economic and social benefits, even if their carbon reductions potential is entirely discounted.
“If we want to capitalise on these benefits and achieve net zero in line with international standards to maintain our reputation as a sustainable finance centre, we will need to embrace initiatives like these that are sensible, affordable and grounded in reality.
“Given the technology and other solutions that currently exist, Guernsey can get close to net zero, but not reach it. However, we know that there is a lot of innovation going on, so instead of proposing a specific pathway to take us to 2050, with the uncertainty of what that innovation will bring, we are proposing to monitor and review our approach every seven years so we can make the most of advances that might benefit Guernsey as they develop.
“Guernsey is in many ways in a much more fortunate position than the UK. We have already transitioned our electricity sector to low carbon sources, for example, so any costs attributed to the UK achieving net zero are not necessarily relevant here. We are not requesting any funding through this policy letter, and we’re keen to keep the momentum up so we can deliver savings and wider benefits as soon as possible.”
