Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, City Futures, setting out the Annual Climate Progress Report 2026 which provided an update on progress towards Sheffield's climate commitments and wider net zero ambitions. 

The report brought together Sheffield City Council emissions for 2025 and Sheffield city-wide emissions for 2024 (the latest year for which data is available) alongside evidence on programme delivery, investment, policy developments and partnership activity. The report

also summarised climate-related activity delivered between January 2025 and June 2026 across themes including energy, buildings, transport, nature, waste, adaptation and enabling change, highlighting key achievements, challenges and priorities for future action. 

The report supports transparency, accountability and Member oversight of climate action, while ensuring emerging risks, opportunities and priorities are understood as delivery continues.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:- That the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee:

(a)  notes the progress, achievements, challenges and opportunities set out in the Annual Climate Progress Report 2026; and

(b)  approves the Annual Climate Progress Report 2026 for publication.

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

Approval and publication of the Annual Climate Progress Report 2026 will provide a transparent assessment of progress towards Sheffield’s climate commitments and help ensure that Member oversight, public accountability and future climate-related decision-making are informed by the latest available evidence. The report shows that Sheffield’s citywide greenhouse gas emissions have reduced by 23.6% since the 2017 baseline and that the Council’s reported operational emissions have reduced by 21.93% since 2019. However, emissions are not currently reducing at the pace required to meet the city’s 2030 net zero ambition, and progress varies significantly across sectors.

1. 3.2

The report also demonstrates the breadth of activity being undertaken by the Council and its partners to reduce emissions, strengthen climate resilience, support nature recovery and embed climate considerations within governance, investment and service delivery. Publication will enable Members, residents, partners and stakeholders to understand the progress made, the challenges that remain and the priorities and opportunities that will influence future delivery.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 1: Do not publish the Annual Climate Progress

Report:

This option was not recommended. Publication of the Annual Climate Progress Report supports transparency, accountability and public understanding of progress towards the Council's climate commitments and the city's wider net zero ambitions. Not publishing the report would reduce visibility of achievements, challenges and emerging priorities and limit opportunities for Member, stakeholder and public scrutiny. 

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2: Publish a reduced or summary version of the

Report:

This option was considered but not recommended. Whilst a shorter report could reduce the resource required to prepare and review the document, it would provide less context regarding emissions trends, sector performance, key achievements, challenges and future priorities. This could increase the likelihood of additional questions or requests for clarification from Members, partners and residents and reduce the transparency and accountability provided through annual climate reporting.

1. 4.3

Recommended Approach:

The recommended option is to approve and publish the full Annual Climate Progress Report 2026. This provides Members, residents, partners and stakeholders with a comprehensive and transparent assessment of climate progress, achievements, challenges and future priorities.