A report and companion guide exploring how public sector organisations can attract investment, build investable project pipelines, and unlock green finance to accelerate local Net Zero delivery.
Resource
Financing public sector Net Zero and building the investment pipeline
This resource combines a strategic report and practical companion guide to help local authorities and public sector organisations unlock green finance for Net Zero projects. Together, they explore the shift from grant-led delivery to programme-led investment, outlining how organisations can develop investable pipelines, attract long-term capital, and build the governance, skills and structures needed to deliver Net Zero ambitions at scale.
The report sets out the case for change and key investment priorities, while the companion guide provides practical advice on developing investment-ready projects and building a strong pipeline for delivery.
From projects to investment: Financing public sector Net Zero
This report provides practical guidance for local authorities on moving from grant-led, individual Net Zero projects towards long-term, investable programmes. It explores how projects can be aggregated into portfolios, matched with appropriate sources of public, private, and community finance, and developed through clear pipelines with credible revenue streams and robust governance.
Focusing on solar, retrofit, public buildings, and heat networks, it examines a range of financing models and North West case studies. It also sets out practical actions to improve investment readiness, including standardising delivery models, matching capital to risk, and engaging investors earlier.
Building the investment pipeline: Companion guide
This document provides practical guidance for local authorities on taking Net Zero projects from initial ideas through to investment decisions. It sets out seven stages for building and managing an investment pipeline, alongside five finance gateways to support effective oversight and decision-making.
The guide explains what makes a project investment ready, covering evidence, economics, risk, governance, and capital, with a practical readiness checklist. It also explores how different investors assess opportunities and emphasises early engagement to test and strengthen proposals. The guide helps councils develop credible, investable pipelines that can attract appropriate sources of finance.
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