LGC Net Zero was launched in 2020 and is now established as the leading event for the local government community to share learnings and insights into effectively tackling the climate crisis an a local level. It is attended by senior local government leaders and service heads across housing, transport, planning, waste, energy and community services.

The 2024 event was well attended and very well received. One of the key takeaways was the need to modify the language we’re using to communicate with local communities, to shift the debate away from ‘net zero’ – which doesn’t mean a great deal to a large proportion of the general public – to a focus on the co-benefits of climate action such as reduced energy bills, warmer homes, cleaner air, and better local transport.

Local government faces acute funding constraints and needs to balance ambitious climate targets against limited budgets and competing demands, many of which are statutory such as adult social care, special education needs, and waste management.

Meanwhile national government policy has shifted, and the direction isn’t always clear, which makes long-term planning and investment very challenging. The political landscape is also much transformed, with the rise of Reform UK which is opposed, or at least very cautious about, investing in net zero and decarbonisation. Meanwhile, the increasing popularity of Zack Polanski’s Green Party demonstrates that for a significant proportion of the public the climate is a very important issue, if not the most important one of all. This polarisation of local opinion is a major challenge for local government leaders.

We have also seen an evolution of delivery models in recent years, especially with the emergence of Net Zero Hubs (five across England, funded by central government). Councils are also working together, and with Combined Authorities, with private sector organisations, and with community groups. This collaboration is essential when expertise and funding is limited. There are also workforce and skills shortages especially in specialise areas such as retrofit, energy planning and climate finance.

LGC Net Zero is a vital forum for our audience, providing an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning, cross-sector collaboration and the sharing of practical solutions.

Countdown to event

Organisations that attended included: