The path to net zero: why it’s important to talk about the challenges

We took part in a panel discussion at this week’s Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Net Zero 2024 event.

LGC Net Zero 2024 was at Factory Works in Birmingham bringing together key stakeholders from across the country to explore innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing local authorities on their journey to net zero.

Our senior programme manager Liam Gillard took part in the panel discussion, investing for a greener tomorrow, to discuss how the funding schemes we deliver support the public sector. 

He explained how exploring the challenges helps us collectively come up with the solutions which contribute toward their sustainability goals across the sector.

Liam said: “Participating in the panel offered a great opportunity to explain who we are and what we do, answer audience questions and also to demonstrate how we are able to help local authorities to meet their net zero goals."

Liam focused on the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and Low Carbon Skills Fund which we deliver on behalf of government. He used examples of how these schemes have developed since 2020 to continue to support the decarbonisation of the public sector estate. 

In 2020, we launched the first phase of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme which provided £1 billion of grant funding for carbon reduction projects and supported the creation of jobs under the Low Carbon Skills Fund. Both schemes have been highly successful, and we are now delivering further phases of them.

In 2023, we were also appointed by the UK government as delivery agent for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and Home Upgrade Grant schemes. These projects focus on delivering warm and comfortable energy efficient homes for the future, tackling fuel poverty.

Throughout the day, our team was also available at an exhibitor stand where we answered questions, shared advice, and openly discussed challenges facing the industry and solutions that address these challenges. 

Liam added: “The day also offered a great opportunity to connect with stakeholders from councils across England, some of whom we’ve worked with before and others who were interested to discuss how our schemes could potentially support them in the future.”

The inaugural event offered a platform for those leading net zero projects and strategies within local authorities to come together to discuss challenges faced and how these can be overcome. 

Liam added: “Thank you to everyone who came to talk to us on the day. Our participation demonstrates the importance of knowledge sharing and learning from counterparts across the industry and the vital role that this plays in achieving success.”

You can view more events where you can meet our team via our website.