Third Thursday: Supporting Local Authorities to reach Net Zero

Over 300 local authorities in the UK have declared climate emergencies – representing 90% of the population and many have set target dates to achieve net zero for both their own operations and for the wider community. This is the easy bit. Translating this intent into action in a way which reflects local realities and priorities – but also reduces emissions at the pace needed – is no easy task.

Connected Places Catapult is working with partners at CDP, Useful Projects, Space Syntax and others to help address these challenges through the creation of a Net Zero Framework and tool which helps local authorities:

• Understand their current emissions profile: what are the major sources among transport, buildings, waste, energy and land use?
• Contextualise their capabilities by comparing to other local authorities with similar challenges and characteristics
• Identify a suite of customised interventions to help reduce emissions and build a business case to execute them
• Strengthen the case for change by highlighting the additional ‘co-benefits’ which come with the interventions – for example improving citizen health or creating jobs