Recent content

This is a list of all content published on Net Zero Go recently. (2 months)

Resources

Published	View	post_type	View	Title	Summary
28/01/2026	View	resources	insights-from-the-net-zero-living-programme-webinar-series	Insights from the Net Zero Living programme: Webinar series	A series of webinars that will equip you with knowledge and practical guidance around three areas of place-based innovation: Buildings and retrofit; Community empowerment; and Planning, pipeline, and finance.
28/01/2026	View	resources	net-zero-living-podcasts	Net Zero Living: Podcasts	This series of podcasts explores some of the learnings from the Net Zero Living programme, looking at building local retrofit workforces; empowering communities; and planning and finance.
29/01/2026	View	resources	the-uks-retrofit-workforce-for-heat-and-fabric-efficiency	The UK's retrofit workforce for heat and fabric efficiency	Developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme in partnership with Regen, this insight outlines the challenges and considerations for local authorities to ensure a thriving retrofit industry capable of transforming the UK’s housing stock into warm, affordable, low-carbon homes.
29/01/2026	View	resources	net-zero-living-impact-stories	Net Zero Living impact stories	Over 50 stories from projects in the Net Zero living programme. Each one contains practical lessons and evidence of impact from the local authorities and businesses who are breaking new ground as they improve the lives of the people in their communities.
29/01/2026	View	resources	mind-the-gap-ensuring-heat-policy-reaches-space-constrained-homes	Mind the Gap: Ensuring heat policy reaches space-constrained homes	The Mind the Gap insight, developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme in partnership with Regen, examines how to support those homes that fall between individual heat pumps and large-scale heat networks.
29/01/2026	View	resources	retrofit-in-rural-environments-insights-for-uk-local-authorities	Retrofit in rural environments: An insight report for UK local authorities	Developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme, this insight report examines the role that local authorities play in rural retrofit, and how can they address and enable innovation in this context.
29/01/2026	View	resources	enable-embed-enact-maximising-the-value-of-local-net-zero-planning	Enable Embed Enact: Maximising the value of local Net Zero planning	Developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme in partnership with Regen and the Carbon Trust, the ‘Enable Embed Enact’ report provides practical guidance for councils to activate local climate plans.
29/01/2026	View	resources	communities-driving-change-learnings-from-the-net-zero-living-programme-for-empowering-communities	Communities driving change: Learnings from the Net Zero Living programme for empowering communities	Developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme in partnership with Regen and the Involve, this insight report draws learnings from local authority-led projects to identify innovative solutions for accelerating and delivering local Net Zero.
29/01/2026	View	resources	citizen-engagement-on-net-zero-local-authority-self-assessment-questionnaire	Citizen engagement on Net Zero: Local authority self-assessment questionnaire	A self-assessment tool that embeds community insight into local decision-making. It provides a clear framework that helps councils understand where their gaps are in terms of local engagement, distilling best practice into a simple, navigable set of diagnostic questions.
29/01/2026	View	resources	how-to-support-community-energy-in-your-local-authority-area	How to support community energy in your local authority area	Developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme in partnership with the Carbon Trust, this process guidance and background information pack outlines a comprehensive approach for local authorities who want to understand and explore opportunities for community energy projects.
03/02/2026	View	resources	powering-local-ev-infrastructure-a-guide-for-councils	Powering local EV infrastructure: A guide for councils	This guide covers the full journey of EV infrastructure planning, development, and delivery. It offers practical advice on site selection, partnership models, fleet electrification, funding opportunities, and collaboration with key stakeholders such as government agencies and technical experts.
03/02/2026	View	resources	energy-across-the-authority-sixth-edition	Energy across the authority: Sixth edition	This is the sixth edition of APSE Energy’s Energy Across the Authority. It features nine case studies and showcases the range of ways councils are engaging with the energy and climate change agenda with their diverse and innovative projects, highlighting the actions being taken to decarbonise operations.
05/02/2026	View	resources	farm-of-the-future-journey-to-net-zero	Farm of the future: Journey to Net Zero	A pioneering study outlining how UK farming can adapt to climate change through rural decarbonisation. It explores soil health restoration, biodiversity enhancement, low-emission technologies, energy integration, and sustainable land use. The report informs policy and highlights opportunities for low-carbon farming and supply chain transformation.
05/02/2026	View	resources	anaerobic-digestion-in-the-midlands	Anaerobic digestion in the Midlands	This briefing report and its related feasibility studies across different local authorities provide a better understanding of the opportunities available to maximise the potential of anaerobic digestion as part of the Midland’s energy mix and future circular economy approach.
10/02/2026	View	resources	midlands-nuclear-siting-study	Midlands nuclear siting study	Aligning with the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, this study evaluates where and how nuclear energy could be deployed to supply low-carbon electricity, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels for industry, transport, and homes across the Midlands. It is accompanied by a visually engaging brochure that highlights the region’s potential.
10/02/2026	View	resources	building-nuclear-capability-a-midlands-workforce-analysis-and-strategy	Building nuclear capability: A Midlands workforce analysis and strategy	Aligning with the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, this report provides a comprehensive analysis of nuclear-relevant skills in the Midlands. This includes a review of the educational and training opportunities for the current workforce, and recommendations for future skills development to meet the needs of a growing nuclear sector.
10/02/2026	View	resources	the-case-for-mine-energy-unlocking-deployment-at-scale-in-the-uk	The case for mine energy: Unlocking deployment at scale in the UK	This guide explores the potential of using mine water as a renewable heat source. Based on insights and evidence from a literature review and a series of interviews with over 50 expert stakeholders, it includes case studies, technical guidance, and collaborative frameworks developed across multiple Net Zero Hubs.
10/02/2026	View	resources	decarbonising-the-leisure-sector-a-practical-guide-to-accelerating-the-path-to-net-zero	Decarbonising the leisure sector: A practical guide to accelerating the path to Net Zero	This guide provides actionable insights for local authorities to decarbonise leisure centres. It includes retrofit options, funding pathways, and case studies. Leisure centres are high energy users and contribute significantly to council emissions, making them key targets for energy efficiency improvements.
11/02/2026	View	resources	midlands-climate-action-benchmarking	Midlands Climate Action Benchmarking	This study enables councils to assess their climate action performance using key indicators across transport, retrofit, biodiversity, and more. It supports strategic planning, peer comparison, and identification of improvement areas across Net Zero themes, such as community energy, adaptation planning, and sustainable procurement.
11/02/2026	View	resources	building-management-system-webinar	Building management systems: Webinar	This webinar, hosted by the Northwest Net Zero Hub, focuses on building management systems (BMS) and their critical role in achieving energy efficiency and net zero goals within buildings. The Northwest Net Zero Hub supports local authorities and communities in the Northwest region of England by providing independent advice on clean energy transitions.
11/02/2026	View	resources	making-net-zero-happen-crematoria-decarbonisation	Making Net Zero Happen: Crematoria decarbonisation (webinar)	This webinar provides comprehensive, evidence-based guidance for local authorities and crematorium operators considering decarbonisation strategies aligned with Net Zero ambitions.
12/02/2026	View	resources	blended-finance-regional-funds-for-net-zero	Blended Finance Regional Funds for Net Zero	This insight report outlines how local and combined authorities should consider regional funds as a route to accelerate Net Zero delivery. It outlines how such funds can be designed and operated to mobilise capital at scale for local climate priorities as well as providing case studies to show how it has been done in practice.
12/02/2026	View	resources	unlocking-climate-capital-a-business-case-framework-for-local-authority-net-zero-projects	Unlocking climate capital: A business case framework for local authority Net Zero projects	A framework developed to offer a structured approach to help local authorities prepare for the Green Book option process, ultimately supporting councils to design, appraise, and fund capital-intensive Net Zero investments. This insight also highlights key financial metrics and appraisal techniques that improve transparency and comparability.
12/02/2026	View	resources	retrofit-skills-pilot-midlands	Retrofit Skills Pilot: Midlands	The Retrofit Skills Pilot identified key challenges in workforce development, including low awareness, coordination gaps, and training barriers. It delivered local pilots, a regional skills plan, and practical outputs like training rigs, SME engagement videos, and workshops. Recommendations included forming a leadership group, youth engagement, employer networks, and data tracking.
16/02/2026	View	resources	local-investment-in-natural-capital-linc	Local Investment in Natural Capital (LINC)	The LINC programme provided five local and combined authorities with funding to help them develop the capability to secure private finance for local nature-based priorities. It aimed to develop a pipeline of investment-ready natural capital projects that would generate revenue and returns while also directing investment towards protecting and enhancing the domestic natural environment.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-heat-pump-finance	Business model: Heat pump finance	This model enables rural households to benefit from the installation of a heat pump without paying upfront costs. Instead, households pay monthly instalments to recover the initial investment.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-clean-heat-discount	Business model: Clean heat discount	Electrically heated homes pay higher taxes than homes heated by gas boilers (per unit of energy consumed) because of greater levy costs.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-maximising-self-consumption	Business model: Maximising self-consumption	In this model, households pay installers to install solar panels in combination with a heat pump to reduce reliance on grid imported electricity and the amount they spend on energy.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-community-owned-renewable-heat	Business model: Community-owned renewable heat	This model provides heat pump owners with discounts on their energy bills through investing in a cooperative.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-heat-pump-as-a-service	Business model: Heat Pump-as-a-Service	In this model, heat pump owners pay no upfront cost; they instead pay a monthly service fee.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-comfort-as-a-service	Business model: Comfort-as-a-Service	Comfort-as-a-Service (CaaS) is an outcomes-based business model where customers pay for a guaranteed level of comfort rather than kilowatt-hours of energy.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-pay-as-you-save-energy-as-a-service	Business model: Pay-as-You-Save / Energy-as-a-Service	In Pay as your save (PaYS) business models, some or all of the energy bill savings achieved by retrofitting a home are used to pay back the capital cost of the measures.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-heat-pump-flexibility	Business model: Heat pump flexibility	Heat pump owners are incentivised to shift their energy usage in line with flexibility events.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-smart-electricity-tariffs	Business model: Smart electricity tariffs	In this model, heat pump owners are incentivised to shift their energy usage in line with times that energy is cheaper with Smart electricity tariffs.
19/02/2026	View	resources	business-model-retrofit-one-stop-shop	Business model: Retrofit One-Stop Shop	Retrofit One stop shops aim to provide householders with all the assistance they need to retrofit their homes, in one place.
23/02/2026	View	resources	building-physics-made-simple-glossary	Building physics made simple: Glossary	This collection of terms covers the physics of heat, moisture, sound, and energy within buildings. It is also an accompaniment to our e-learning course 'Building physics essentials', which delves into the fundamental principles of building physics.
23/02/2026	View	resources	net-zero-cremations-introduction	Net Zero cremations: Introduction	A short guide outlining low‑carbon options for replacing/upgrading crematorium infrastructure. Highlighting technology choices, carbon reduction potential, and key steps local authorities can take when planning Net Zero‑aligned crematorium projects.
25/02/2026	View	resources	funding-mechanisms-group-purchasing	Funding mechanism: Group purchasing	Group purchasing is an approach where numerous customers come together to buy products and/or services at scale to achieve cost reductions.
25/02/2026	View	resources	funding-mechanisms-concessional-finance	Funding mechanism: Concessional finance	Concessional finance offers customers more favourable financing terms than those available in the open market, such as lower interest rates, extended repayment periods, grace periods, and/or percentage grants.
25/02/2026	View	resources	funding-mechanisms-property-linked-finance	Funding mechanism: Property-linked finance	Property-linked finance (PLF) is a financial mechanism where loans are attached to a property rather than an individual or business.
25/02/2026	View	resources	funding-mechanisms-community-crowdfunding	Funding mechanism: Community crowdfunding	Community crowdfunding is a fundraising method where individuals, businesses, and organisations contribute financially to community projects. It includes debt-based, equity-based, and donation-based models.
25/02/2026	View	resources	funding-mechanisms-community-shares	Funding mechanism: Community shares	Community shares are a way for co-operative societies and community benefit societies to raise finance for local projects.
25/02/2026	View	resources	funding-mechanisms-carbon-credit-monetisation	Funding mechanism: Carbon credit monetisation	Carbon credit monetisation provides an additional funding stream for social housing retrofit via the Retrofit Credits scheme, developed by HACT with PNZ Carbon.
25/02/2026	View	resources	funding-mechanisms-local-carbon-offset-funds	Funding mechanism: Local carbon offset funds	Local carbon offset funds are set up by local authorities to collect and distribute carbon offset payments made by developers as part of their Section 106 agreements.
25/02/2026	View	resources	business-models-and-complementary-funding-mechanisms-to-support-heat-pump-deployment	Business models and complementary funding mechanisms to support heat pump deployment	Energy Systems Catapult have complied a list of potential business models and funding mechanisms that support heat pump adoption. The report describes these, with case studies, and summarises their key benefits.
25/02/2026	View	resources	delivery-models-for-small-scale-heat-network-deployment	Delivery models for small scale heat network deployment	This report provides local authorities with a structured assessment of key delivery models for small‑scale heat networks, outlining their roles, risks and responsibilities across the project lifecycle.
25/02/2026	View	resources	a-go-to-market-approach-for-a-one-stop-shop-support-service-for-heat-pump-deployment	A go-to-market approach for a One-Stop-Shop support service for heat pump deployment	This report sets out a clear, evidence‑based go‑to‑market strategy for accelerating heat pump deployment through a retrofit One‑Stop Shop. It outlines the landscape of current service offerings, priority customer segments, delivery partnerships, and financial considerations to support effective local rollout.
09/03/2026	View	resources	the-best-laid-plans-how-resp-can-allow-local-governments-to-focus-on-what-matters	The Best Laid Plans: How RESP can allow local governments to focus on what matters	The Best Laid Plans report, developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme in partnership with Regen explores the benefits of regional energy strategic planning for local authorities.
09/03/2026	View	resources	from-plans-to-power-strengthening-local-planning-policy-on-renewables	From Plans to Power: Strengthening local planning policy on renewables	The ‘From Plans to Power’ insight report, developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme in partnership with Regen, explores how, with the right policy framework, local authorities have the power to unlock potential for renewables.
09/03/2026	View	resources	join-the-dots-embedding-climate-action-in-local-authorities	Join the Dots: Embedding climate action in local authorities	The Join the Dots report, developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme in partnership with Regen and the Carbon Trust, builds on the “Enable, Embed, Enact” framework to explore how embedding climate action across organisations enhances project delivery.
09/03/2026	View	resources	investing-in-places	Investing In Places	The ‘Investing in Places’ insight report, developed under Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme in partnership with Regen, shows how local authorities can turn net zero ambitions into credible propositions that attract investment, at pace and at scale.

Case studies

Published	View	post_type	View	Title	Summary
28/01/2026	View	case-studies	net-zero-living-project-videos	Net Zero Living project videos	Innovate UK’s £60 million, three-year Net Zero Living programme helped regional authorities and businesses accelerate the transition to Net Zero, across the UK, and internationally. Find out about the programme’s impact through our case study videos.
29/01/2026	View	case-studies	lead-new-boiler-installation-for-elderly-resident	LEAD: New boiler installation for elderly resident	A multi-agency intervention supported an elderly resident in East Lindsey by securing grant funding for a new gas boiler, clearing £1,000 of fuel debt, and providing warm packs and fuel vouchers, which significantly reduced the resident's heating costs.
29/01/2026	View	case-studies	lead-supporting-a-renter-with-utility-bills-and-an-eco4-application	LEAD: Supporting a renter with utility bills and an ECO4 application	A vulnerable renter in Ingoldmells with learning difficulties and mobility issues received multi-agency support to reduce energy costs and apply for ECO4 funding. The intervention secured fuel vouchers, provided a warm pack, and lowered water bills by £200 annually.
29/01/2026	View	case-studies	lead-multi-agency-approach-to-resolve-fuel-debt	LEAD: Multi-agency approach to resolve fuel debt	A multi-agency intervention supported an elderly resident in East Lindsey who was long-term sick, in fuel debt, and struggling with energy bills. Partnering with charities and Citizens Advice, they cleared £500 of fuel debt, provided £100 in fuel vouchers, and helped the resident to secure a part-time job.
29/01/2026	View	case-studies	lead-empowering-a-resident-to-receive-energy-efficiency-upgrades	LEAD: Empowering a resident to receive energy efficiency upgrades	A pension-age homeowner in Leicestershire sought help to access energy efficiency upgrades for a hard-to-treat property. The team arranged an updated EPC rating and provided ECO4 funding links. Surveys by Octopus Energy and E.ON were scheduled, and advice on safety and maintenance was given.
29/01/2026	View	case-studies	lead-creating-a-phased-retrofit-schedule-to-reduce-energy-consumption	LEAD: Creating a phased retrofit schedule to reduce energy consumption	Nottingham Energy Partnership supported a homeowner in a Derbyshire conservation area to improve energy efficiency in a Grade II listed property with an EPC rating of E. Through a Future Fit Home Energy Plan, they proposed a phased 15–20-year schedule to cut energy use by 78%.
05/02/2026	View	case-studies	low-carbon-horticulture-study	Low-carbon horticulture study	Feasibility studies on co-locating horticulture with waste heat sources, exploring vertical farming, biomass heating, and greenhouse design. The project identified energy opportunities in the agri-food sector and proposes new business models for low-carbon horticulture and integrating food production with renewable energy.
09/02/2026	View	case-studies	exploring-a-microgrid-at-wilsford	Exploring a microgrid at Wilsford	Wilsford Community Land Trust aims to deliver affordable homes and Net Zero solutions in Wilsford village. After refurbishing the Village Hall with insulation, a microgrid was proposed featuring ground source heat pumps, solar panels, and an EV charging canopy. Expected benefits include up to 75% household energy savings, 35% savings for the hall, and 32 tonnes of carbon reduction annually.
09/02/2026	View	case-studies	eckington-hydroelectric-power-project	Eckington hydroelectric power project	Feasibility assessment of hydroelectric generation at Eckington Weir. Evaluates technical viability, environmental impact, and financial modelling for a community-scale renewable energy scheme.
09/02/2026	View	case-studies	derbyshire-dales-community-energy	Derbyshire Dales community energy	Derbyshire Dales Community Energy worked with Matlock Town Council to look at ways of advancing Net Zero goals through community-owned renewable energy projects. This project delivered a feasibility study that identified and assessed potential sites for electricity generation in Matlock, with a focus on roof-mounted solar PV systems.
09/02/2026	View	case-studies	cromford-mills-hydro-energy-project	Cromford Mills hydro-energy project	Cromford Mills is a Grade I listed building and UNESCO World Heritage site, with project aims to reinstate its waterwheel to provide hydroelectric power, get an existing hydro-turbine back in service, and install a water source heat pump to replace electric heating, revitalising the Mill as a community hub and local attraction.
09/02/2026	View	case-studies	brassington-community-heat-network	Brassington community heat network	Brassington, a small Derbyshire village with older housing and no gas grid, faces limited options for low-carbon heating. A proposed solution is installing air source heat pumps that would be powered by Carsington wind farm electricity, which would cut carbon emissions, remove oil/LPG tanks, and improve air quality.
10/02/2026	View	case-studies	the-industrial-zones-decarbonisation-project	The Industrial Zones Decarbonisation Project	Five feasibility studies were funded for industrial clusters in Boston, Dudley, Redditch, Staffordshire, and Worcester to explore decarbonisation opportunities and create decarbonisation plans for these commercial and industrial zones. These included renewable energy integration, microgrids, and peer-to-peer energy trading.
11/02/2026	View	case-studies	spatial-energy-planning-for-local-authorities-derbyshire	Spatial energy planning for local authorities: Derbyshire	Developed by local authorities across Derbyshire, this project provides spatial data and analysis tools to support local authorities in planning energy systems that align with climate mitigation goals. It helps identify optimal locations for renewable energy and infrastructure deployment, supporting Net Zero policy and decision-making.
11/02/2026	View	case-studies	low-carbon-and-environmental-goods-and-services-sector-midlands-study	Low-carbon and environmental goods and services sector: Midlands study	This study quantifies the size and value of the low-carbon and environmental goods and services (LCEGS) sector across the Midlands. It supports local authorities in identifying opportunities for growth and investment in the green economy. The datasets can be used by local authorities as a proxy for the green economy and to identify skills challenges across the region to reach Net Zero targets.
11/02/2026	View	case-studies	gllep-circular-economy-evidence-base	GLLEP circular economy: Evidence base	The Midlands Net Zero Hub supported the Greater Lincolnshire LEP in developing a regional circular economy strategic framework, starting with an evidence base focused on commercial, industrial, and research sectors. The initiative engaged local businesses to explore circular economy opportunities and inform strategic planning for sustainable growth.
12/02/2026	View	case-studies	home-decarbonisation-skills-training-competition-evaluation	Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition: Evaluation	The Home Decarbonisation Skills Training Competition was launched to support the UK’s Net Zero goals by addressing critical skills gaps in retrofit and low-carbon heating. It enabled access to subsidised, accredited training aligned with national standards and retrofit schemes. Over 15,000 course completions supported job creation, productivity, and engagement with government schemes.
23/02/2026	View	case-studies	the-decarbonisation-of-huntingdon-crematorium	The decarbonisation of Huntingdon Crematorium	Huntingdon Town Council examined the options for decarbonising their crematorium.

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