Organisation

Net Zero Go

Net Zero Go is run by Energy Systems Catapult, funded & backed by Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, and co-created with Net Zero Hubs, local authorities, and industry experts. Our team is here to help increase the capacity, capability & collaboration of UK local authorities delivering local Net Zero energy projects, and amplify the reach of the work by others in the space by referencing to them.

Resources

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Resource

Resource

Case study

Case study

E-learning

E-learning

Funding

Funding

Collections

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Collection

Financing across the project lifecycle

Investment and funding options are reviewed through the lifecycle of a project. This process outlines the activity to develop and implement an investment strategy within the Plan of Work project...

Experience level: Foundation

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Funding Directory

A directory of funding programmes and opportunities for local authorities across the UK.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Best practice procurement

This Net Zero Go guide provides a review of steps that should be carried out to ensure successful procurement of products or services for local energy projects.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Fleet decarbonisation for local authorities

Fleet decarbonisation is an important part of achieving Net Zero targets. This guide highlights best practice and some of the pitfalls of fleet decarbonisation

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Webinar – Unlocking Net Zero finance: Local climate bonds

Securing funding for local Net Zero projects can be challenging. Local Climate Bonds (LCBs) provide an innovative solution by allowing local authorities to raise money directly from citizen investors, offering...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Calderdale Energy Performance Contract

Calderdale council have undertaken an energy performance contract through the Re:fit 3 Framework to optimise the energy efficiency of selected premises and sites, improve the energy performance of its assets...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Selected BIT case studies: Energy

A selection of case studies that have been researched and provided by the Behavioural Insights Team. Below are those related to the topic of energy.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Hackney’s decarbonised RCV journey

London Borough of Hackney is navigating the best route to the next phase of decarbonising more than 500 vehicles.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Service: Electric refuse collection vehicles

Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Service are embarking on a journey to fully transition their entire fleet of refuse collection vehicles.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Exeter City Council: Electric refuse collection vehicles

Exeter City Council has started out on an exciting journey to transition all their vehicles to greener fuels.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Cardiff Council: Behaviour change strategy

A five-stage strategic approach aimed at tackling behaviour change in reducing carbon emissions across the council’s operations.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Selected BIT case studies: Sustainable consumption and the circular economy

A selection of case studies that have been researched and provided by the Behavioural Insights Team. Below are those related to the topic of sustainable consumption and the circular economy.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Selected BIT case studies: Water and sustainable diets and agriculture

A selection of case studies that have been researched and provided by the Behavioural Insights Team. Below are those related to the topics of water and sustainable diets and agriculture.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Selected BIT case studies: Climate communications and transport

A selection of case studies that have been researched and provided by the Behavioural Insights Team. Below are those related to the topics of public engagement and climate communications and...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Peterborough Integrated Renewables Infrastructure (PIRI)

Peterborough Integrated Renewables Infrastructure aims to deliver low-cost and low carbon emission energy for the Peterborough community

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Quick wins for carbon reduction – Briefing note for decision makers

There is a variety of different methods you can adopt in your business, whether it’s lowering your heating or changing your energy provider. Equally, there are varying scales at which...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Southwark’s journey with local climate bonds

Caroline George from Southwark council describes how Southwark used local climate bonds as a powerful community engagement tool, raising £1.5 million to fund visible climate projects while building local investor...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

West Berkshire’s experience with local climate bonds

West Berkshire was the first UK council to launch a climate bond, raising £1 million to fund ready-to-go green projects while cutting borrowing costs and building stronger public accountability.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Northumberland County Council solar car port

Northumberland County Council is celebrating the launch of its new state-of-the-art solar car port array – one of the biggest of its kind in the UK.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Perth and Kinross strategic heat network programme

The programme highlights the importance of zonal planning in the development of heat networks, emphasising the need to designate heat network zones to create scalable and exclusive infrastructure.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Local area energy planning in Perth and Kinross

The Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) has adopted a heat-led, whole energy systems approach through its Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES) and Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP) initiatives.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Decarbonising leisure centres masterclass: Inverclyde Waterfront Leisure Complex

This video is a masterclass on decarbonising leisure centres using the Inverclyde Waterfront Leisure Complex in Greenock as a deep dive to understand the options for retrofit, energy sources, and...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Gravesham resident received a ground source heat pump through the LAD2 scheme

LAD2 funding was used to deliver communal ground source heat pumps to local residents in Gravesham living in sheltered housing flats.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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What is social listening? (Video)

Danica Caiger-Smith, Insight Practice Manager at Catapult Energy Systems, explains what social listening is and shows some examples.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Community-led domestic retrofit in Essex

Aaron Goldie-McSorley from Essex County Council shares some effective behaviour change strategies and methods for domestic retrofit projects.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Domestic retrofit in Lewisham

Rebecca Hart, Decarbonisation Manager at United Living, shares some of her experiences delivering retrofit in Lewisham.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Enfield fleet decarbonisation

Enfield have moved to decarbonise their vehicle fleet.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Rossendale Valley: The Net Zero terraced street

The Net Zero Terrace project will demonstrate how to decarbonise an entire terraced street using a Smart Local Energy System (SLES) that is integrated with the network, optimised, affordable to...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Sunderland smart city adventures

Since 2019, the Smart City team at Sunderland City Council has been researching, ideating, and delivering creative solutions for various transportation and building projects aimed at sustainably securing a smart...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Worthing Crematorium switched to hydrogen energy for world-leading trial

Worthing Crematorium became the first in the world to trial a switch to cleaner, greener hydrogen energy. The pioneering Worthing HyCrem project involved one of the three cremators at the...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Offset options in Devon to achieve Net Zero by 2030

Devon County Council set a Net Zero target by 2030 and is implementing a carbon reduction plan to reduce its emissions by 70%. Its preferred offset type is certified nature-based...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Fleet Decarbonisation on islands

The decarbonisation journey of islands presents unique challenges associated with logistics and transportation. A successful transition meets the decarbonisation targets to electrify the islands government owned vehicles as soon as...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Fleet decarbonisation for remote places: East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Stretching across just under 1000km2 of remote pasture, the idyllic scenes of Yorkshire present unique obstacles for fleet decarbonisation. Refuse collection services completed by the council are looking to cover...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Car park space calculator

Quick tool to understand how the inclusion of safety buffer zones can affect the number of car parking spaces that can be created in a given area.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Visualisation of energy project data

Data visualisation is the art of translating data into visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps to make it easier to understand and interpret. It’s taking a bunch of numbers...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Datasets for energy projects: Land use

In order to understand the potential usage of land for an energy project, a large amount of data needs to be collected and analysed. Much of this data is available...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Financial strategy

Developing a robust financial strategy is paramount when working for local authorities in the UK.

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Project financial management

Effective project financial management is vital for success.

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Tender documents required in a pack

Description of documents that should be included in a tender pack.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Procurement Route Process

There are a number of procurement routes available to local authorities. Each has its own processes and timescales.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Net Zero Go: Local Energy Business Case Development | 6 October 2022

Learn about how we supported local authorities with the development of their Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) applications by providing templates and guides, and hear about the new content that...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Resources | Building the Business Case for EV Infrastructure in Local Authorities | 19 January 2023

On 19 January 2023, we ran our Net Zero Go UK LA Quarterly Webinar. We had 145 people attend from a variety of UK local authorities, our partner organisations, academic...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Net Zero Go: Innovator Workshop | Solar Projects Business Case Validation and Investment | 16 March 2023

Net Zero Go Innovator Workshop – Investment, Commercial Arrangements, and Business Case Development.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Resources | Net Zero Go: Innovator Workshop | Developing Robust Strategic and Commercial Cases for Heat Decarbonisation Projects | 18 May 2023

Energy Systems Catapult’s (ESC) Net Zero Go team has been building a set of guidance and templates for developing an early-stage local energy business case, based on the Green Book...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Strategic Outline Case (SOC) – Heat Network Template

The purpose of this document is to provide a template for a council to draft a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) for heat network projects. This template is based upon the...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Strategic Outline Case (SOC) – Retrofit Template

The purpose of this document is to provide a template for a council to draft a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) for retrofit projects. This template is based upon the HM...

Experience level: Foundation

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Strategic Outline Case (SOC) – Solar PV Template

The purpose of this document is to provide a template for a council to draft a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) for solar PV projects. This template is based upon the...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Outline Business Case (OBC) Generic Project Template

The purpose of this document is to provide a template for a council to draft an Outline Business Case (OBC). This template is based upon the HM Treasury Green Book...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Strategic Outline Case (SOC) Generic Project Template

The purpose of this document is to provide a template for a council to draft a Strategic Outline Case (SOC). This template is based upon the HM Treasury Green Book...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Net Zero Go project management support tool

Tool to assist project managers create robust project information

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Net Zero Go Investment Decision Tree

This decision-making tree is intended to support Local Authority decision-makers in assessing various financial options which may be available to fund a project.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Knowledge and capabilities matrix

A matrix of core knowledge and capabilities relevant to local energy projects, providing a means for local authorities to self-assess their internal maturity level and produce a visual representation of...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

Case Study

Manchester City Council energy efficiency and optimisation project

Manchester City Council (MCC) are leading the public sector in their commitment to ensure Manchester plays its part in meeting climate change commitments. In order to meet Greater Manchester’s target...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Investment Appraisal Tool

Net Zero Go has developed an appraisal tool that can be used for an initial financial assessment of different options. The tool has been built on Microsoft Excel and it...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Managing and categorisation of risk

Categorising risk is important in making sure the right people are consulted during a project lifecycle

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Privatisation / As-a-Service agreements

Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) agreements are a financing delivery model that combines not only hardware and software but also services, allowing outsourcing of non-core services and, in theory, cost reductions.

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Purchasing Tools (Frameworks & DPS)

Framework agreements and dynamic purchasing systems (DPS) are the preferred commercial purchasing tools for local authorities procuring products, works or services.

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Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are long term contracts where the project functions (operations, financing, construction etc) are transferred to the private firm.

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Finding Frameworks and Dynamic Markets

Framework agreements and DM are commercial purchasing tools available to all local authorities. They are agreements between one or multiple local authorities and one or multiple suppliers that simplify the...

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Business Case (Strategic Outline Case)

The Business Case examines and appraises possible approaches or options against the Project Outcomes (social, environmental and economic considerations) defined in the Requirements . On a small project, the Business...

Experience level: Foundation

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Contract or Receivables Funding

Contract or receivables funding is a fundraising technique where the rights to future cashflows under a contract over a fixed term are sold to the lender at a discounted rate,...

Experience level: Foundation

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a way of raising money to finance projects and businesses. It enables fundraisers to collect money from a large number of individual investors via online platforms.

Experience level: None

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Decision Making Doughnut

The primary outcome of this section is to provide a decision-making framework that will support the assessment of the impact that a project is expected to have on a local...

Experience level: Foundation

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Developer Contributions

Developer contributions are planning tools that can be used to secure financial and non-financial contributions (including affordable housing), or other works, to provide infrastructure to support a development and mitigate...

Experience level: Foundation

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Energy Performance Contract (EPC)

An EPC (Energy Performance Contracting) is a contract that transfers the financial risks from the project owner to a third party called the Energy Service Company (ESCo).

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Equity

This page looks at how private investors can provide equity financing to local authorities for their projects. It looks at the numerous ways in which the funds can be raised.

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Experience from local authorities creating climate action plans

The research presented was carried out on behalf of ESC by Delta-EE through interviews with 10 local authorities who had declared a climate emergency and developed a climate action plan...

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Feasibility studies

A feasibility study is a desktop analysis that considers all of a project’s relevant factors, including economic, technical, legal and political considerations, to ascertain the likelihood of the project achieving...

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Project risks, constraints and dependencies

Risk analysis and management is a key project management practice to ensure that the least number of surprises occur while your project is underway. While we can never predict the...

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Municipal green bonds

Bonds are fixed-income securities that can be issued by a local authority to obtain debt funding for green projects.

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Net Zero Go benefits framework

A list of benefits that a local energy project could provide. These are aligned with the Ashden Co-benefits Toolkit.

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Net Zero Go Case Studies

In order to provide a clear structure and set of consistent language we have gathered a suite of cases studies that have driven our understanding of what a local energy...

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Open procedure

An Open Procedure means that any organisation can respond to the advertised Contract Notice, request/download the procurement documents and submit a tender. All tenders must be evaluated in line with...

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Outline Business Case (OBC)

This is based on the Treasury green book project guidance using the 5 case model. The Outline Business Case increases the maturity of the 5 cases in the 5 cases...

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Plan of work stages Overview

The Plan of Work comprises eight stages, which are designed to act together to inform the briefing, design, construction, handover and use of an energy project. Energy Systems Catapult has...

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Asset sale and land development

Local areas often own undeveloped land which can be used in a variety of ways to raise funds to invest in infrastructure.

Experience level: Foundation

Provided by: Net Zero Go

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Procurement Strategy

The procurement strategy lays out how each Plan of Work stage will be procured, which teams will be responsible for managing and delivering each stage and what procurement process will...

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Procurement thresholds

This page contains information on thresholds set by the central government for public procurement.

Provided by: Net Zero Go