Deconstructing Net Zero – Terri Wills interview

Terri Wills

Terri Wills, Net Zero Lead for the Towns Fund Delivery Partner, shares her thoughts and recommendations on the technologies and approaches that can be delivered to bring Towns, projects, and communities closer to Net Zero.

Why is it important that Towns ensure their projects are line with Net Zero targets?

Net Zero Carbon must be placed at the heart of all Towns Fund projects as we seek to decarbonise and reach Net Zero by 2050 – we know that this deadline is essential to keep within 1.5 degrees of global warming. But it is also really important that Towns are prepared for requirements from private investors, partners, and potential future legislation so that they are not faced with expensive changes to their projects in the future.

The UK has set legally binding targets of 68% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, and to reach full Net Zero by 2050. In future some of these targets could get passed down to local authorities. Furthermore, over 3,000 UK companies have signed up to the ‘Race to Zero’ and have set their own 2050 Net Zero targets. These include private investors who will require that Town projects are compliant with a trajectory towards 50-70% reductions by 2030 (compared to our current ‘business as usual’ emissions) and Net Zero by 2050 in order for them to invest.

The Towns Fund Net Zero programme is supporting Towns in understanding these requirements and how to achieve them across four areas: retrofit and refurbishment, transportation, and nature and greening.

How can Towns deliver a cost-effective Net Zero strategy in their business plans?

Towns may be able to make significant cost savings by looking at how much they have to deliver themselves – and what requirements they can pass on to third party and private organisations involved in the project. The Towns Fund Delivery Partner Programme (TFDP) for Net Zero focuses on understanding spheres of influence – what powers, levers, and mechanisms local authorities and Towns can require of contractors to reduce the onus on Towns to bear the costs. For example, we’ll be exploring the role of local plans and related approaches and requirements, procurement, but also partnerships and engagement.

With Towns now integrating Net Zero objectives into their investment projects, can you give us a sense of what technologies are available?

There are many technologies available, whether low cost and easy to implement or larger, more advanced, and more complex investments.

There are a few considerations when evaluating technologies. Some focus particularly on energy efficiency which could result in a higher upfront cost but then reap rewards in cost savings later – for example heat pumps which are more expensive than a boiler, but which over time will result in energy savings. For these kinds of technologies, it’s important to look at budgets and assess how future energy cost reductions could be taken into account to compensate for the upfront cost.

An additional consideration is that in the future some technologies will no longer be available, and there will be no choice but to use future technologies – so Towns need to be ready for this. By 2030, no one will be able to purchase a new petrol or diesel vehicle; and by 2025, no new homes can have gas boilers. Preparing for these inevitabilities will enable Towns projects to be future-proofed.

Related to this, some technologies may be more expensive now – but as demand increases with the looming Net Zero targets and legislation, the price will come down. For example, many electric vehicles are currently more expensive than petrol or diesel – but it is predicted by some experts that by 2024 there will be price parity between internal combustion engine vehicles (petrol and diesel) and electric vehicles. The same will likely be true for technologies like heat pumps and electric boilers. Budgeting for these investments in advance will help make their implementation a reality when the time is right.

It is worth noting that there are grants available to Towns including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) which will encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps and help property owners overcome the upfront cost of low carbon heating technologies. More information on this can be found here. The Energy Savings Trust also provides funding and support for on-street charging for electric vehicles, found here.

 Other than these technologies, are there any opportunities that could benefit Towns?

The way we plan and design our buildings and wider communities can have a significant impact. In buildings, we should think about carbon across its whole life – that includes the energy used for operating the buildings, but also the embedded carbon in producing materials (what we call embodied carbon). Using different materials (such as lower carbon concretes and steel or timber), as well as using materials differently (recycling and low carbon transportation of the materials for example) can also have an impact. If projects are district or community scale, they can also look at the way the area is designed so it encourages walking, cycling and public transport over driving. 

Does geographic location make a difference to how readily available Net Zero technologies and methods are?

Naturally, different geographic regions may cause some differences between what is available and suitable. But irrespective of geography, there are widely available technologies that will work for all Towns such as electric boilers, heat pumps, and electric vehicles.  

What will vary geographically, however, is the degree of what we call ‘climate hazards’ that Towns will experience. Towns close to the coast or in floodplains will experience greater levels of flooding. Towns with dense urban centres may experience more heat stress, as concrete and buildings can absorb heat. Using natural solutions and greenery can both remove carbon from the atmosphere, and protect Towns, by helping with flood water absorption and cooling effects. These climate hazards will vary depending on regions and will need to be layered in as considerations. We’re exploring some of these solutions in our programme.

Finally, what recommendation would you give the Towns, to help bring them closer to achieving Net Zero?

Can I give two?

The first is to look hard into what spheres of influence the Town can have to leverage more action from partners and developers – for example, what does, or could, be required as part of your local plan and procurement policies?

Secondly, implementing renewable power for local authorities can be a hugely transformative tool. As we decarbonise, the Climate Change Committee has predicted that we’ll see energy use almost double – as we move away from fossil fuels, we’ll move towards electrification (e.g., electric vehicles, electric boilers). As demand goes up, the importance of using 100% renewables for all power needs increases to make sure we’re on track to Net Zero.  Several local authorities are procuring renewables. They can do this through community energy projects or purchasing renewable energy from local solar farms or wind farms. For example, Warrington Borough Council has signed a Power Purchase Agreement to ensure that all its energy comes from renewable sources.

Towns need to look beyond the potential of a project and look across the local authority at actions they can take that are cost effective and increase energy resilience. There is huge precedent for this across the UK, and we look forward to working together with Towns to create a more sustainable future.