Welsh Government’s Net Zero Strategic Plan

The Welsh Government’s Net Zero Strategic Plan sets out how Wales will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lead the transition to a cleaner, greener and more resilient future. First published in 2022, the plan outlines how Welsh Government will meet its ambition to become a net zero organisation by 2030, supporting the wider national goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. [gov.wales], [gov.wales]

The plan builds on Wales’ declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, placing climate and nature considerations at the heart of decision‑making and long‑term planning. It recognises the crucial role public sector organisations must play in cutting emissions and leading by example. [gov.wales]

What the Plan Aims to Achieve

The Net Zero Strategic Plan sets out how Welsh Government will transform its operations to tackle climate change, focusing on:

• Reducing emissions across buildings, travel, energy use and materials, while addressing harder‑to‑control supply chain emissions. [gov.wales]
• Aligning with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, ensuring Wales addresses long‑term challenges such as climate change, health inequalities and poverty. [gov.wales]
• Embedding climate action in all government activities, from policy development to investment decisions. [gov.wales]

The plan supports Welsh Ministers’ ambition for all public sector organisations in Wales to reach net zero by 2030. [gov.wales], [energysavi…ust.org.uk]

How Wales Is Taking Action

Alongside the Strategic Plan, Welsh Government has introduced a series of actions through the Net Zero Wales Plan, a five‑year programme shaping the nation’s pathway to net zero by 2050. Key areas of focus include:

• Ensuring all public sector organisations report emissions and publish net zero plans.
• Delivering 20,000 new low‑carbon social homes for rent.
• Investing in sustainable travel, including public transport, walking and cycling improvements.
• Supporting businesses to develop green skills and take advantage of decarbonisation opportunities. [energysavi…ust.org.uk]

These steps contribute to a greener, fairer and more secure Wales, helping communities adapt to climate impacts while creating new opportunities for jobs, innovation and healthier lifestyles.

Why This Matters for Cardiff

Cardiff’s journey toward sustainability is strongly supported by the national commitment to net zero. The Strategic Plan helps guide local action on:

• Cutting emissions from public buildings and operations.
• Supporting cleaner travel choices across the city.
• Strengthening resilience to more extreme weather and future climate risks.
• Ensuring investment decisions align with long‑term environmental goals.

This complements the Council’s existing climate ambitions, including One Planet Cardiff and the drive to reduce transport emissions through active travel, public transport improvements and better urban design.

Looking Ahead

Wales is continuing to plan for the next phase of climate action. A discussion paper published in 2025 sets out the challenges and opportunities for the 2026–2030 Net Zero Transition, highlighting the need for fair, inclusive and evidence‑based action to protect communities and future generations. [gov.wales]

This will shape the next national net zero plan, due by the end of 2026.

Find Out More

• Read the full Welsh Government Net Zero Strategic Plan. [gov.wales]
• View the Government’s public summary and updates on Net Zero Wales. [gov.wales]
• Explore the Net Zero Wales Plan for 2021–2025. [energysavi…ust.org.uk]
• Learn about the upcoming 2026–2030 Net Zero Transition. [gov.wales]