Guernsey needs 'systemic changes' to go net zero

Guernsey has been told to focus on transport, heating and waste to bring down its carbon emissions

Guernsey will need to make "big systemic changes" if it is to achieve its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, the Jersey Association of Sustainability Practitioners (JASP) says.

In 2020, the States of Guernsey agreed to the aim with a target of initially reducing emissions by 57% on 1990 levels by 2030.

Now the island is looking to work with Jersey to achieve the net-zero emission ambition.

Michelle Ryan, JASP chairperson, said the two islands must focus on transport, heating and waste in order to reach the goal.

She said: "The big drops in both islands' carbon footprints has come as a result of energy transition and that jump won't come again without this focus on transport and heating, and waste, particularly Guernsey.

"About 15% of emissions comes from the treatment of waste.

"Waste water but also physical waste, so it is really thinking about our consumption behaviour so we do not generate as much waste in the first place."

JASP was created to advance Jersey's sustainability agenda with Ms Ryan explaining her group has a "really great collaborative relationship" with the government.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of Environment and Infrastructure, said the island's carbon objectives had informed policy decisions across the committee's mandate, including on energy, housing, transport and biodiversity.

This was reinforced as politicians locally agreed to extend the Paris Agreement to Guernsey.

It means that Guernsey's emissions will be reported under the UK's nationally determined contribution, which contains information on targets, policies and measures for reducing national emissions.

The expectation is the island will continue to report its emissions, maintain policies and project expected emissions.