The role of people in delivering a place-based approach to net zero

Investing in skills, leadership and behaviour change is essential to turning net zero strategies into real‑world results. In this final part of a five-part thought leadership series, Mott MacDonald fellow and global cities lead Clare Wildfire explores what’s been learned about the influence of people since the Net Zero Infrastructure Industry Coalition’s 2021 report on A place-based approach to net zero.

At the heart of every successful net zero strategy are people: the leaders who set the vision, the skilled professionals who deliver change and the community whose choices and engagement make transformation possible. While powers, partnerships and data platforms discussed earlier in this thought leadership series provide the structure for action, it is people who bring these elements to life.

UK cities and regions have learned that investing in skills, leadership and community engagement is essential for turning net zero ambitions into real-world results.

 

Building the skills capacity for net zero 

The transition to net zero requires a workforce equipped with new skills and expertise. Across the UK construction industry, persistent challenges in meeting demand, especially for large-scale retrofit and clean energy projects have highlighted the need for upskilling and professionalisation. The Clean Energy Jobs Plan, launched by the government in 2025, promises 400,000 additional jobs in the sector and identified 31 priority occupations. Stable pipelines of work that the plan aims to set out allow supply chains to build capability, attract investment and deliver consistently high-quality outcomes.  

However, the sector faces a significant skills gap. For example, the UK currently has around 1000 retrofit coordinators, but it is estimated that 50,000 will be needed by 2030. Of those qualified, far fewer are actively working, increasing the risk of sub-standard delivery that has the potential to undermine trust with homeowners and social housing providers. The industry requires confidence and evidence that the pipeline of work is growing to appropriately train the workforce to meet demand. 

Haringey’s retrofit ready programme

The London Borough of Haringey’s Retrofit for Haringey outreach and mentoring initiative is working to overcome this skills shortage and build SME capacity for retrofit. By investing in local people and businesses, the programme is helping to ensure successful delivery of net zero projects and creating local jobs, demonstrating how targeted upskilling can address both immediate and long-term needs.  

Local champions and engaging with business

Visible, committed leadership is critical to making the step changes needed across the climate agenda. Cities and local authorities that have made the most progress are those with empowered local champions – individuals who inspire, coordinate and drive action. Leadership is needed not only at the top but throughout organisations and communities, creating a culture of confidence, collaboration and innovation.  

Businesses also play a vital role in the net zero transition. Potential decarbonisation levers include improvements to heating, cooling and lighting of buildings, cutting emissions related to business processes and reducing emissions from purchased goods and services. However, most actions are currently voluntary and small scale. A step change in speed and size is needed and local authorities can support businesses by providing guidance and instilling confidence, for example through accelerator programmes that create opportunities for standardisation, collaboration and shared learning.  

Another example of how local government can support people to be part of the journey to net zero is the Mayor of London’s Zero Carbon Accelerator. This initiative helps public sector organisations such as local authorities, health, education and social housing providers co-create and implement net zero plans. The programme offers flexible support at every stage, including advice, training, technical expertise and funding guidance. The Accelerator’s Green Funding and Finance Finder add clarity to a complex landscape, making it easier for organisations to access green finance. 

Getting community buy-in 

Most solutions to the climate crisis depend on societal behaviour change. Local authorities have recognised their role in using soft power to influence hearts and minds, encouraging appropriate behaviours and buying choices.  

Successful approaches have included using language that resonates with local people and focusing on benefits like reduced bills, warmer homes and improved health. Employing people who can tell their stories to build trust and connections, as well as leveraging local media to raise awareness of council choices and community schemes have also proved effective.  

Community buy-in requires engaged and empowered individuals who are both willing and able to act. Local authorities can provide structure, guidance and support to increase knowledge and capacity. Community energy groups, such as Community Municipal Investments, enable local investment and engagement. 

People are the driving force behind net zero delivery. By investing in skills, leadership, and engagement, cities and regions can turn strategies into results that build resilient, prosperous and equitable communities.  

If the role of people is combined with the other three pillars – powers, partnerships and data platforms – set out in the NZIIC’s initial report and updated in this thought leadership series, then delivery of a place-based approach to net zero is achievable and will leave a lasting legacy of decarbonisation.