Decarbonising heat is a critical and complex challenge that will need both national and local government to work together effectively.
During the first half of 2022, Regen is exploring what a national – local partnership on delivering heat decarbonisation could look like in England.
– Regen, The decarbonisation of heat paper, 2020
Energy efficiency and low carbon heating are not just about the climate emergency; they have the potential to radically improve the quality of life of the poorest and most vulnerable in society, build healthy resilient communities and create new green jobs.*
However, despite some notable successes at a local and community level, progress across England is slow. The market is still in it’s infancy, public engagement is poor and the supporting policy isn’t there.
The Committee on Climate Change’s independent assessment of the Net Zero Strategy in 2021 also highlighted the need for greater clarity:
The Net Zero Strategy recognises that 30% of the emissions reductions that will be needed depend on actions that involve local authorities. It represents a positive first step in acknowledging the role that local leaders can play in engaging their communities and delivering change that works within their local contexts, and in identifying steps to unlock effective local delivery.
However, greater clarity is needed on the roles of different layers of government to enable a full contribution from local actors, along with adequate resourcing and strengthened capacity and capability.
No single group or method is capable of setting us on the path towards zero carbon heating. While there is consensus that there will be commonalities, each region, community and household must be empowered to do what makes the most sense given their circumstances. Read more on our thoughts on this here.
We also know that a level of strategic planning is required both locally and nationally, supply chains need some initial support and we need to present as a clear, cohesive front to the public.
Our aim is to develop the framework for a national and local partnership on decarbonising heat. We want to set out the powers and responsibilities localities need: to carry out heat planning for their area; to ensure the skills and infrastructure are in place; and to lead a conversation with their communities and consumers on the need for a major renovation of our homes and buildings.
We want this work to reflect the work of local authorities and other organisations that have already made important contributions to developing this policy area. Therefore, we are engaging stakeholders to gather ideas and input throughout the process.
We are working across three key themes, where we will be exploring what different roles, powers and resources are needed and at what level in government. The themes are:
