Research reveals drivers behind local authority Net Zero initiatives
New research has revealed that many local authorities in England are making significant strides in retrofitting their buildings, adopting renewable energy and electrifying infrastructure as part of their Net Zero journeys. Despite this, two-thirds are not confident they will achieve targets by 2050, with 79% citing budget constraints as a significant barrier.
This is according to Freedom of Information (FOI) data from 199 local authorities in England, released by Schneider Electric. The vast majority (95%) have retrofitted existing buildings to improve energy efficiency. 83% have electrified infrastructure such as EV charging points, buildings and heating systems. 82% have invested in renewable technologies to decarbonise. 61% are measuring real-time energy usage and performance metrics to identify where costs can be reduced and efficiencies gained.
Whilst nine in 10 local authorities (89%) have received either government or private funding for decarbonisation or energy efficiency initiatives in the past three years, there are challenges, particularly around funding, that could hold them back. Budget constraints are the most significant barrier according to 79% of local authorities. Technology is an issue for over a third (37%). Skills shortages and insufficient knowledge are also a challenge for one in three (33%).
“Local authorities have a vital part to play in meeting our national Net Zero targets and our research shows they are making significant progress. But they cannot do it alone,” said Alice Williams, Schneider Electric’s VP Digital Energy, UK&I. “There is an urgent need for continued investment and support to ensure they can hit their targets, delivering a sustainable future for their communities whilst at the same time reaping the financial rewards that energy efficiency brings at a time when budgets are tight.”
