Local authorities have moved beyond declaring climate emergencies and setting net zero targets.
The challenge today is converting ambition into investable, procurement-ready projects capable of delivering measurable outcomes.
Our research examines how councils are embedding sustainability into core functions such as regeneration, housing, procurement and asset management while responding to financial pressures, funding uncertainty and infrastructure constraints.
Need advice on your decarbonisation strategy?
From heat networks and energy projects to procurement, funding, commercial structuring and strategic partnerships, our specialists help local authorities turn net zero ambitions into investable, deliverable programmes.
Our research explores how councils are embedding decarbonisation into asset management, regeneration, housing and service delivery, while navigating funding pressures, governance challenges and emerging opportunities in the energy transition.
Get in touch to discuss how we can support your organisation's transition to net zero.
Download our local government decarbonisation sector report
Our research explores how local councils are approaching funding, procurement, resident engagement and delivery models as they seek to accelerate progress towards net zero while continuing to provide safe, affordable and sustainable homes.
Click here to download
From Ambition to Delivery: Why Decarbonisation is Now a Commercial Challenge
One of the strongest messages from our research was that local authorities don't have an ambition problem. Most councils have climate strategies. They've got net zero targets. They know where they want to get to.
In this short video Rupert Lugg and Mo Olajide what challenges local authorities are wrestling with.
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At a glance
From Declaration to Delivery
Local authorities have moved beyond setting targets and declaring climate emergencies. The focus is now on developing investable, deliverable projects that can generate wider social, economic and environmental benefits while supporting long-term net zero ambitions.
Commercial Innovation
As traditional grant funding becomes less certain, councils are increasingly exploring energy service contracts, concessions, strategic partnerships and innovative finance models. These approaches can help unlock investment, transfer risk and accelerate project delivery.
Heat Networks and Energy Infrastructure
Heat decarbonisation remains one of the most significant challenges facing local government. Emerging heat network zoning reforms, growing energy demand and grid capacity constraints are making energy infrastructure a strategic priority for councils across the UK.
Procurement as an Enabler
Procurement and governance are becoming critical delivery tools rather than back-office functions. Councils are increasingly embedding sustainability objectives into procurement, commissioning and contract management to support decarbonisation and reduce scope 3 emissions.
Funding, Capability and Delivery
Securing funding is only part of the challenge. Successful delivery also depends on having the technical, commercial, procurement and legal expertise needed to develop robust projects, attract investment and manage risk throughout the project lifecycle.
How we can help councils to decarbonise
Our team can help councils navigate decarbonisation in a number of ways.
Heat network projects
Local authority procurement
Funding structures
Strategic partnerships
Concession agreements
Energy saving contracts
Energy as a Service (EaaS)
Governance and risk management
Development and regeneration projects
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Need advice on your decarbonisation project?
Whether you are procuring infrastructure, structuring funding, managing risk or developing a net zero strategy, our team can help.