Beyond carbon reduction : mapping health co-benefits and spatial equity of decarbonisation strategies in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland

Abstract

This thesis investigates how local decarbonisation strategies can maximise health benefits whilst addressing spatial inequalities, addressing a critical gap in Scottish climate policy implementation. Despite Scotland's ambitious net-zero targets (2045), local authorities lack frameworks for integrating health co-benefits into climate planning, potentially missing opportunities to tackle persistent health inequalities through climate action.

The research employs three complementary methods: (1) spatial multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) using fifteen indicators weighted through Analytic Hierarchy Process to map priority intervention zones; (2) systematic policy content analysis examining health integration across six decarbonisation themes; (3) Health Equity Audit assessing greenspace accessibility using 500-metre network buffers. Analysis integrated Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (2020), Energy Performance Certificates (2015-2023), DEFRA air quality models (2022), and Landsat imagery (2023) for East Dunbartonshire.

Results demonstrate that health-equity-centred targeting differs fundamentally from conventional deprivation or carbon-focused approaches. Three priority zones emerged where vulnerabilities converge: Bishopbriggs South, Central Kirkintilloch, and parts of Bearsden/Milngavie. Building retrofits and active transport infrastructure offer optimal pathways for health-equity gains. However, significant spatial misalignments exist—Bishopbriggs South receives minimal policy attention despite convergent disadvantages. Greenspace accessibility analysis revealed systematic inequalities correlating with demographic vulnerabilities. Policy integration varies considerably: strong health consideration in the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy contrasts with limited integration in transport planning.

The research concludes that maximising health co-benefits requires fundamentally different spatial targeting strategies than current practice. The evidence-based framework developed provides local authorities with methodologies to integrate health equity into climate action. Effective implementation demands enhanced cross-sectoral coordination, systematic health monitoring, and recognition that optimal intervention locations may diverge from traditional targeting criteria.