Hosted by James Johnson from NWNZH, this webinar introduces how local authorities can strengthen Net Zero planning through improved carbon accounting, updated emissions data tools, and Local Area Energy Planning. It highlights the need to align local strategies with evolving national policies, funding opportunities, and governance changes, while maintaining transparent reporting, engaging communities, and targeting effective decarbonisation action.

Megan Elliott from WSP delves into how the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory supports local authority greenhouse gas reporting by providing consistent, spatially detailed emissions data. Widely used for monitoring and climate planning, the dataset may evolve to offer greater sector detail and clearer scope 1, 2 and 3 reporting, while maintaining consistency and transparency.

Poli Pencheva from University College London presents the challenges that English local authorities face in Net Zero reporting, including inconsistent targets, fragmented data, limited resources, and a lack of standardised frameworks. She highlights the need for harmonised reporting, better digital tools, stronger governance, and greater recognition of climate co-benefits to support effective and transparent climate action.

Emilie Becault from CDP discusses the 2025 CDP disclosures from UK local authorities, highlighting strong engagement in emissions reporting and ambitious Net Zero targets. While many authorities use tools such as SCATTER and report comprehensive inventories, challenges remain around data quality, completeness, and timeliness. CDP continues to support improved reporting, transparency, and climate action.

Jade Soiza gives us an insight into how ClimateView helps local authorities turn Net Zero ambitions into practical action through data-driven transition planning. Its platform combines emissions inventories, target setting, action tracking, and reporting, while the UK Data Playbook automates emissions data processing, helping councils develop consistent, transparent, and evidence-based climate strategies.

David Trousdale and Reece Lloyd tell us about Newcastle City Council’s locally tailored, bottom-up carbon inventory, developed to support its Net Zero 2030 target. Using detailed local datasets and global reporting standards, the approach provides more accurate, actionable emissions insights than generic tools, helping guide climate action, track progress, and support reporting requirements.

George Tarvit, Morgan Watkins, and Alreem Alshimmari outline Scotland’s collaborative approach to climate action through Sustainable Scotland Network and Scottish Climate Change Intelligence Service. By providing standardised emissions inventories, shared data platforms, and capacity-building support, the framework helps local authorities track progress, improve accountability, and integrate Net Zero goals with wider social, environmental, and economic outcomes.