Great news for our nation’s commitment to a greener future! A groundbreaking £19 million pilot programme has been initiated to accelerate green projects across the UK. This funding will help combined authorities speed up their fight against climate change, propelling the country towards its Net Zero target.
A Sustainable Solution
In the past, councils faced obstacles in attracting private investment for smaller net zero programmes. However, this new funding aims to break these barriers by allowing authorities to secure large-scale investments for a range of green initiatives. More funding means they can expand their efforts to combat climate change in the years ahead.
By combining various green projects across sectors, the Local Net Zero Accelerator Programme makes it easier to attract long-term private investment. The programme steers authorities away from short-term project requests. This sustainable approach is crucial for securing funds that will have a true, lasting impact.
Green Projects in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands
Two Local Net Zero Accelerator pilots in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will boost investment in several green projects. Their focus is on crucial sectors like energy, housing, and transport. These initiatives are pivotal in aligning with the UK’s climate targets. Due to their importance, the projects will be handpicked by the combined authorities themselves, ensuring that the chosen projects bring maximum benefit to their local communities. Think solar panels, battery storage, green buses, and more. Overall, everything is designed to reduce harmful emissions.
Mayor Andy Street of the West Midlands expressed confidence in the region’s ability to lead the charge towards net zero:
“The government’s decision to ask our region to help lead the drive to net zero represents a real vote of confidence in what we can do and indeed are already doing here in the West Midlands. Whether it’s the strides we’re making to retrofit homes – making them warmer and more energy efficient – or cutting energy bills for local businesses or indeed ensuring our transport network is more sustainable, we’re taking the practical steps on the ground to advance the net zero cause. Together, we can help draw in the required public and private finance that will accelerate the rollout and take up of net zero related projects right across the UK as a whole.
Green Projects in York
Excitingly, a third separate pilot is set to launch in the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. It will follow a successful model in Bristol that generated around 1,000 jobs. Bristol’s City Leap programme, a unique public-private partnership, attracted millions in investments. It revolutionised the city’s energy system through solar, wind, heat networks, and more.
These initiatives mark a significant stride towards achieving net zero ambitions. The lessons learned from these pilots will be instrumental in supporting other combined authorities across England in their pursuit of net zero targets, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for all.
If you would like to find out more about this, you can read the government’s green projects press release.
