Learning lessons from a place-based approach to net zero

The transition to net zero is one of the most urgent and complex challenges of the current era and, as the UK and other countries commit to ambitious decarbonisation targets, the need for effective, locally tailored solutions has never been greater. Mott MacDonald fellow and global cities lead Clare Wildfire explores the evidence of using a place-based approach in the first of a five-part thought leadership series looking at different aspects.

It is now seven years since the government legislated to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 but many organisations are still grappling with how to turn national ambition into local action.

Part of the answer lies in a place-based approach – one that empowers cities and regions to lead, innovate and deliver. This was first presented in the Net Zero Infrastructure Industry Coalition’s (NZIIC) A place-based approach to net zero report published in 2021. Five years on, this series of articles adds further evidence to the case put forward in the report and places a lens on how local government can use this knowledge to drive greater decarbonisation.

Why place matters

Cities are the source of the majority of emissions with estimates suggesting that 45% of all carbon emissions in the UK are generated by the country’s 63 largest cities and towns. But they are also where policy meets people, where infrastructure is built and maintained and where the impacts of climate change are most acutely felt. Local authorities, empowered with the right tools and resources, can drive change that is responsive to the unique needs and opportunities of their communities. Since the NZIIC report on place-based delivery of decarbonisation was published, cities have demonstrated that when local mandates, empowered partnerships, data-driven planning and community engagement align, they can deliver not just on climate, but also on economic prosperity, health and energy security.

The four pillars of place-based net zero

What we do know is that climate change does not operate in isolation. The cities that have been the most successful in addressing the net zero challenge have adopted a holistic, systems-based approach, recognising the interdependencies between climate, health, economy and community. This approach is anchored in four pillars:

• Powers: Devolving authority to local levels enables tailored and impactful interventions. Local leaders need the ability to make decisions on transport, energy and planning that reflect local priorities and conditions.
• Partnerships: Collaboration across sectors pools resources and expertise. No single organisation can deliver net zero alone; partnerships between public, private and community sectors are essential.
• Platforms: Data and digital tools drive clarity, trust and investment. Effective use of data enables better decision-making, transparency and accountability.
• People: Skills, leadership and citizen engagement turn plans into reality. Ultimately, it is people, who deliver change on the ground.
  
  

Estimates suggest that 45% of all carbon emissions in the UK are generated by the country’s 63 largest cities and towns.

The journey so far: Lessons from leading cities

To reach net zero by 2050, the need for integrated, locally tailored solutions is clear. The four pillars strategy has been rapidly adopted by cities such as Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow and London, each demonstrating that systemic, place-based action is both effective and essential. These cities have pioneered new approaches to transport, energy, data and community engagement, providing valuable lessons for others to follow.

• Manchester: Used devolved powers to create an integrated public transport system, reducing emissions and improving mobility.
• Bristol: Formed a long-term partnership to deliver large-scale energy efficiency and renewables, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.
• Glasgow: Leveraged data platforms to map its decarbonisation journey and engage stakeholders across sectors.
• London: Invested in the Zero Carbon Accelerator, supporting public sector organisations to implement decarbonisation strategies.

These examples, which will be outlined in more detail in this thought leadership series, show that when cities are empowered to act, they can deliver tangible benefits, such as improved air quality, healthier communities, economic growth and greater energy security.

The four pillars are interconnected and progress in one area often enables or accelerates progress in others. For example, devolved powers can make it easier to form effective partnerships, while robust data platforms can build trust and support among stakeholders. The most successful cities are those that have taken a holistic, systems-based approach, recognising the interdependencies between climate, health, economy and community.

The challenge of funding and finance

One of the most persistent challenges for local authorities has been accessing the funding needed to deliver net zero. Many organisations, particularly in the public sector, lack the upfront capital to invest and are navigating a complex and evolving landscape of financial solutions. The establishment of the National Wealth Fund and innovative models such as Community Municipal Investments are helping to bridge this gap, but continued collaboration between national and local government, as well as between public and private sectors, is essential.

What to expect in this series

The journey to net zero is complex, but by focusing on place-based strategies, it is possible to unlock the innovation, investment and engagement needed to deliver a sustainable future for all.

The articles that follow will explore each of the four pillars in more detail, starting with a review of powers and examples of how these have been applied since the NZIIC report was published in 2021.