York and North Yorkshire’s ambition to enhance the environment and support a thriving, greener economy is the subject of a major public consultation launched today (15/04/26).
The eight-week exercise seeks the views of residents, businesses and organisations on how York and North Yorkshire can unlock the economic, social, and environmental opportunities of transitioning to a resilient, low carbon economy.
Responses to the online consultation will inform York and North Yorkshire’s Strategy for a Sustainable Future – the document which sets out how the region will reach its goal of becoming England’s first carbon negative region by 2040.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“We’ve got the expertise and the ambition to go further than any other region in England and become the first carbon negative region by 2040.
"To get there, we need to hear from the people who know their area best. We need your insight to ensure our strategy cuts your energy bills, enhances our natural environment, and delivers the warm and affordable homes our communities deserve.
“Together, we can build a sustainable future that delivers real benefits for every resident and business in our region."
Cllr Jenny Kent, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:
“This strategy prioritises health, fairness and affordability to tackle climate and environmental challenges and secure a liveable future for all.
“It aims for energy independence, warmer, healthier homes, better connected, affordable and sustainable transport, and a circular economy.
“From city to coast our landscapes are home to thousands of species, feed us, and enhance our lives. They need protection and restoration. Please have your say and help shape a sustainable future for York and North Yorkshire.”
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, said:
“We’ve built strong foundations for a greener future, protecting and enhancing the landscapes that make our region special. In every decision and project, we work to cut carbon emissions while ensuring schemes remain affordable.
“This consultation gives residents and businesses an important chance to help shape the ambition for York and North Yorkshire to become a carbon negative region. By working together, we can create a thriving, climate‑resilient county that supports our communities, environment and economy for generations.
“We are working with the combined authority to help ensure this new strategy delivers on that vision.”
The draft strategy is in the final stages of preparation by YNYCA and is expected to be published later in 2026. The document comes following collaboration between YNYCA and experts at the regional authorities, both national parks and a number of stakeholders and businesses.
The strategy sets out how York and North Yorkshire could become England’s first carbon negative region through enhancing the environment, achieving energy independence, and moving towards a less wasteful economy through a concept called the circular economy.
The consultation seeks views on a range of opportunities and how residents and business are best placed to adopt them, such as greener transport, retrofitting existing homes, and organising community energy.
The document also commits to improving everyday life for residents by creating warmer homes, improving air and water quality, and reducing energy bills.
Sue Jefferson is Co-Founder and Director of Malton & Norton CIC, an organisation inspiring people to reuse and repurpose waste and reduce energy. She urged residents and businesses to take part. She said:
“We think of sustainability and the circular economy as great ways to save money, heat our homes affordably and help businesses build competitive advantage.
“This strategy means taking such actions in a joined-up way between residents, business and local authorities, so maximising benefits for everyone in our region. Sharing your view on these proposals will mean the way we do this, and priorities, can be set by us - the people who live and work here.”
The consultation runs from April 15th 2026 to midnight on June 10th 2026 and can be accessed now through this link https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/strategy-for-a-sustainable-future-public-consultation/
