Local Zero

Bye for now: a message from team Local Zero

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

After 113 episodes, reaching 35,000 unique listeners, in 150 countries - the award-winning Local Zero podcast is having to say 'bye for now'.

Sadly, we’ve reached a point where continuing to fund production of Local Zero has become a challenge.

We are working hard to identify a way forward, and hope to have a resolution early in 2026, so we can begin publishing new episodes again.

We are extremely proud of all that we’ve achieved so far, and have had tremendous fun along the way.

Particularly, we've loved hearing from people who've got in touch to let us know how listening to the podcast has helped them shape their approach to sustainability and local climate action.

To all our past guests, our listeners, and especially to anyone who has ever got in touch or shared positive reviews - thank you!

All past episodes and transcripts will remain available on podcast platforms - and searchable on the website www.localzeropod.com

If you'd like to get in touch with the team - especially if your organisation has ideas for funding or commissioning episodes of Local Zero or if you have stories to share about the impact of the podcast or of particular episodes - we would love to hear from you. Drop us an email at localzeropod@gmail.com, or contact us directly on LinkedIn.

We hope to be back soon. Stay following Local Zero, so that new episodes - when they come - land straight onto your device.

The UK Co-Benefits Atlas: mapping the positive side-effects of reaching net zero

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:01:00 +0000

Matt and Fraser explore the UK Co-Benefits Atlas, a new, interactive platform for communicating the co-benefits of reaching net zero across the UK. Co-benefits are the positive changes that could happen as a side-effect of cutting carbon emissions – such as cleaner air, healthier homes, and better diets.

This is the third and final episode in our series focusing on projects funded by the Scottish Research Alliance for Energy Homes and Livelihoods (EHL). Our guests are Dr Andrew Sudmant, Data Programme Manager at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and co-lead of the EHL’s “Financial Pathways” theme, and Dr Sean Field, Director of Policy and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Energy Ethics at the University of St Andrews and Lead Analyst at the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Follow EHL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-homes-livelihoods/

Sign up to the EHL newsletter: https://energy-homes-livelihoods.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=95f64f8471e335ca66577e8ac&id=8f3acb33ed

Links:

Local Zero homepage: https://www.localzeropod.com/

UK Co-Benefits Atlas: https://ukcobenefitsatlas.net/

Dr Andrew Sudmant: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk/team-1/andrew-sudmant-2/

Dr Sean Field: https://energyethics.st-andrews.ac.uk/people/sean-field/

Van dwelling versus #vanlife: the reality of life on the road

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Matt and Fraser hit the road to explore the reality of "van life", going beyond the glossy image often presented on social media. To what extent is van dwelling really a choice, and how easy – or otherwise – is it to live sustainably in a vehicle?

This episode is the second in our series focusing on projects funded by the Scottish Research Alliance for Energy Homes and Livelihoods (EHL). Our guest is Dr Louise Reid, Senior Lecturer in Geography and Sustainable Development and Co-Director of the St Andrews Centre for Critical Sustainabilities (StACCS). Along with Dr Rachel Hunt and Dr Rachel Creaney, Louise is part of an EHL-funded project exploring people's lived experiences of van dwelling in Scotland, in an attempt to fill an evidence gap on the topic.

Follow EHL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-homes-livelihoods/

Sign up to the EHL newsletter: https://energy-homes-livelihoods.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=95f64f8471e335ca66577e8ac&id=8f3acb33ed

Links:

Scottish Research Alliance for Energy Homes and Livelihoods: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk

Dr Louise Reid: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/geography-sustainable-development/people/lar9

Van Dwelling – An Evidence Mapping Workshop: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk/2024/08/23/vandwelling-home-is-where-you-park-it-an-evidence-mapping-workshop/

‘They lump us all together’: van-dwellers and homeowners clash over life near Bristol Downs (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/15/van-dwellers-homeowners-clash-life-near-bristol-downs

Local Zero: https://www.localzeropod.com/

Climate change and infrastructures of care

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:01:00 +0000

What does it mean to respond to climate change with care? And how might we do a better job of caring for the environment, for each other, and for ourselves?

This episode is the first of a series focusing on projects funded by the Scottish Research Alliance of Energy Homes and Livelihoods (EHL). In it, Jen and Matt talk to Dr Vanicka Arora, Lecturer in Heritage at the University of Stirling, and Dr Arno Verhoeven, Senior Lecturer in Design at the University of Edinburgh and Director for Sustainable Development at Edinburgh College of Art. Vanicka and Arno are both leading EHL-funded seed projects exploring “infrastructures of care” as they relate to climate change and sustainability.

Follow EHL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-homes-livelihoods/

Sign up to the EHL newsletter: https://energy-homes-livelihoods.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=95f64f8471e335ca66577e8ac&id=8f3acb33ed

Links:

Scottish Research Alliance of Energy Homes and Livelihoods: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk

Dr Arno Verhoeven: https://www.eca.ed.ac.uk/profile/dr-arno-verhoeven

Dr Vanicka Arora: https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1852699

Emerging and Sustaining Infrastructures of Care: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk/2024/12/02/emerging-and-sustaining-infrastructures-of-care

Culture and Sustainability: Exploring Stability and Transformation with the Cultures Framework (open access book by Janet Stephenson): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-25515-1

Scottish Wildlife Trust Community Stories – The Isle of Eigg: https://community.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/story/isle-of-eigg

Past Local Zero episodes on related themes:

Episode 24: Retrofit for the future: Jobs, skills and training for zero-carbon homes: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/retrofit-for-the-future-jobs-skills-and-training-for-zero-carbon-homes

Episode 69: Whole person, whole place - social relations and energy retrofit: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/69-whole-person-whole-place-social-relations-and-energy-retrofit

Episode 110: Adapting our homes and communities to a changing climate: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/adapting-our-homes-and-communities-to-a-changing-climate

Adapting our homes and communities to a changing climate

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

When it comes to climate change in our homes and neighbourhoods, much of the focus has so far been on mitigation – reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. But with the impacts of climate change increasingly tangible, how can we adapt our buildings and infrastructure – as well as our culture and lifestyles – to make sure they're resilient?

Jen and Matt speak to Chris Carus, co-founder and Executive Officer of Loco Home Retrofit CIC, and Becky McLean, Director of Sustainability at Team Civic. As Chris and Becky explain, adaptation needn't be complicated or expensive – and it can have a huge range of knock-on benefits, too.

Links:

Team Civic: https://www.team-civic.com/

Loco Home Retrofit CIC: https://locohome.coop/

Loco Home CIC YouTube video – CASE STUDY Climate Breakdown in Glasgow – Nithsdale Road: https://youtu.be/ovWMJMc0Tp4

Loco Home CIC YouTube video – Warmer, Wetter, Wilder: Adapting our Homes and Neighbourhoods to the Impacts of Climate Change: https://youtu.be/FXwsKbpVkH4

The Kelpies: https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/canals/visit-the-forth-clyde-canal/attractions/the-helix-including-the-kelpies

Past Local Zero episodes on related themes:

Episode 24: Retrofit for the future: Jobs, skills and training for zero-carbon homes

Episode 69: Whole person, whole place – social relations and energy retrofit

Episode 107: Climate change adaptation – a primer

Water scarcity: a growing problem

Fri, 30 May 2025 12:30:00 +0000

The UK isn't exactly famous for its dry, sunny weather – and yet, water scarcity is an increasingly widespread and urgent problem. Why? And what are the implications – environmental, economic, and cultural?

Jen and Matt explore causes and impacts of water scarcity, with Laura Major, Research Fellow and anthropologist and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, and Ellie Willmott, Principal Hydrologist in the Water Resources Unit at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Links:

Dr Laura Major – staff profile

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

SEPA water scarcity levels tool

Taps Aff project – share your experiences of water scarcity

Drouthy Days: is Scotland prepared for drought? – report from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre

Decentralised Water Technologies project

Some past Local Zero episodes on related themes:

Episode 76: Water, water... everywhere? with Hugo Tagholm

Episode 74: How can our gardens protect the environment? with Kate Bradbury

You can also find links and transcripts to all past episodes at the Local Zero podcast website.

Community benefit funds: how can we enhance their impact?

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

What is good practice for setting up and operating community benefit funds? And how do we make sure communities really do properly benefit from renewable energy (and other) projects?

In this episode, Fraser gets the low-down from Matt and Jen on a new framework from the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities that explores exactly these questions.

The framework is called "Guiding Principles and Actions for Enhancing Community Benefits from Community Benefit Funds".

Links:

Download the framework itself - Guiding Principles and Actions for Enhancing Community Benefits from Community Benefit Funds.

Some past Local Zero episodes on connecting themes:

Episode 93 – Community benefit funds – what does success look like?

Episode 46 – Community benefit from offshore wind

Episode 68 – Carbon Offsetting For Communities 2 - Framing, evaluating and facilitating community benefit from nature-based carbon offsets

You can also find links and transcripts to all past episodes at the Local Zero podcast website.

Climate change adaptation: a primer

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Matt and Jen are joined by researcher Dr Emma Yule for a comprehensive primer on climate change adaptation. What is it, and how does it interact with mitigation? What could adaptation look like in practical terms? How do we measure success? What are some of the challenges to effective adaptation – and what kind of benefits could arise from it?

But first, the episode kicks off with Matt and Jen exchanging wildlife sightings and nature observations – some unsettling, some exciting.

Links:

Local Zero podcast: https://www.localzeropod.com/

Dr Emma Yule: https://edinburghcentre.org/team/emma-yule

Progress in adapting to climate change: 2025 report to Parliament: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/progress-in-adapting-to-climate-change-2025/

Episode 37 – Decarbonising infrastructure: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/decarbonising-infrastructure

Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-national-adaptation-plan-2024-2029-2/

UK Government Third National Adaptation Programme: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/third-national-adaptation-programme-nap3

Local authorities, community energy and a just transition

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:45:00 +0000

How can local authorities collaborate with community energy groups to deliver a just transition? To explore this question, Fraser and Jen – making their co-hosting debut – are joined by Ellie Radcliffe, Project Manager at Carbon Co-op, and Charlotte Norton, Associate Director at The Carbon Trust.

The conversation focuses on the Innovate UK-funded Net Zero Living programme, which aims to help local authorities accelerate the transition to net zero.

Links:

Local Zero podcast: https://www.localzeropod.com/

Carbon Co-op: https://carbon.coop/

Carbon Trust: https://www.carbontrust.com/

Net Zero Living programme: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/programme/net-zero-living/

Episode 12 – Community energy: power to the people: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/12-community-energy-power-to-the-people

Episode 35 – How to kick-start community energy?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/community-energy

Episode 70 – Putting the "us" in energy justice: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/putting-the-us-in-energy-justice?rq=70

Episode 105 – The Local Power Plan and community energy: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/105-the-local-power-plan-and-community-energy-with-energy-minister-michael-shanks-mp

The Local Power Plan and community energy - with Energy Minister Michael Shanks: FULL EVENT RECORDING

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:17:00 +0000

This is a full recording of the event "The Local Power Plan: Powering a community energy revolution in Scotland?", hosted by the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities and the British Institute of Energy Economics (BIEE).

The event featured a keynote speech from Michael Shanks, Under-Secretary of State at the UK government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and a lively panel discussion between Minister Shanks, Professor Keith Bell from Strathclyde University, Claire Mack, CEO of Scottish Renewables, and Zoe Holliday, CEO of Community Energy Scotland.

You'll also hear some reflections from attendees, recorded after the event.

Links:

Michael Shanks MP: https://www.gov.uk/government/people/michael-shanks

Professor Keith Bell: https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/bellkeithprof/

Scottish Renewables: https://www.scottishrenewables.com/

Community Energy Scotland: https://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/

GB Energy Founding Statement: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introducing-great-british-energy/great-british-energy-founding-statement

Episode 102 – Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/102-shared-ownership-of-clean-energy-projects-what-how-and-why

https://www.localzeropod.com/

The Local Power Plan and community energy - with Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Matt and Fraser discuss some of the highlights from our event at Strathclyde Business School, "The Local Power Plan: Powering a community energy revolution in Scotland?", hosted by the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities and the British Institute of Energy Economics (BIEE).

Links:

https://www.localzeropod.com/

Professor Keith Bell profile: https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/bellkeithprof/

Scottish Renewables: https://www.scottishrenewables.com/

Community Energy Scotland: https://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/

Episode 102 – Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/102-shared-ownership-of-clean-energy-projects-what-how-and-why

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Arup's Tom Butterworth

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 01:00:00 +0000

We're all familiar with the concept of Net Zero – but what about Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)? Joining Matt and Jen to explain BNG and its implications is Tom Butterworth, Nature Lead at ARUP for the UK, India, the Middle East and Africa.

Onward links:

Episode 74 with nature writer and journalist Kate Bradbury: how can our gardens protect the environment?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/74-how-can-our-gardens-protect-the-environment

UK Government guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain

Local Zero is produced and edited by Katie Revell at Bespoken Media podcasts

A new year for climate action: looking back at 2024 and ahead to 2025

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 14:31:00 +0000

As we start the new year, Matt and Jen reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, and share their hopes and expectations – and a few fears – for 2025. Plus: there’s exciting news on the future of the podcast.

Links:

https://www.localzeropod.com/

Episode 76 – Water, water... everywhere?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/76-water-watereverywhere

Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities: https://www.strath.ac.uk/business/huntercentreforentrepreneurship/sisc/

Surfers against Sewage: https://www.sas.org.uk/

Episode 97 – Election special with Sir John Curtice and Daisy Powell-Chandler: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/97-election-special-with-sir-john-curtice-and-daisy-powell-chandler

Episode 101 – What to expect from COP29, following Trump’s victory?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/101-what-to-expect-from-cop29-following-trumps-victory

Episode 102 – Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/102-shared-ownership-of-clean-energy-projects-what-how-and-why

Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

What is shared ownership of energy? What opportunities and challenges does it present, both for communities and private companies? And how might it help accelerate the transition to net zero?

Fraser and Matt are joined by Jake Burnyeat, Director of Communities for Renewables CIC, and Jessica Hogan, Energy Analyst at Regen, to discuss Regen's new report, "Sharing Power: Unlocking shared ownership for a fast and fair net zero transition".

Links:

https://www.regen.co.uk/publications/sharing-power-unlocking-shared-ownership-for-a-fast-and-fair-net-zero-transition/

https://cfrcic.co.uk/

https://www.localzeropod.com/

What to expect from COP29, following Trump’s victory?

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Joining Matt and Jen for a look-ahead to COP29 are Dr Simon Evans, Deputy Editor and Senior Policy Editor at Carbon Brief, and Professor Francesco Sindico, Professor of International Environmental Law at the University of Strathclyde Law School and Director of the Climate Change Legal Initiative.

Relevant links:

https://www.wri.org/insights/cop29-climate-summit-what-to-expect

https://www.localzeropod.com

Episode 100 - four years of Local Zero

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

It's a landmark episode! Somehow, this is the 100th episode of Local Zero. A big thanks to our listeners, guests, and supporters, without whom, we definitely would not have made it to three figures.

One last time, we're joined by our co-host Becky, who has some news to share about her new adventure.

The team mull over their highlights since starting the pod in 2021, and what the next 100 episodes might look like!

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/07/chris-boardman-premier-league-football-sport-england-climate-change?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

https://thegreatplantbasedcon.com

Waste not, want not: top tips to tackle household food waste

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

After the unveiling of a new co-host (!!!), and some discussion about recent visits to Orkney and Ayrshire, we are joined on the pod by Laura Young (@LessWasteLaura) and Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland to examine how we can avoid creating unnecessary food waste in the home.

Reducing Food Waste at Home bitesize course: https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/bitesize-food-waste-course

A new dawn for net zero? A forward look at Labour’s plan for government

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Matt and Fraser return after a (washout) summer to share their expectations, hopes and any potential concerns about the new Labour government's Net Zero manifesto and policies.

There is also an important update on the future of Local Zero.

Linkedin - Local Zero Podcast

https://www.localzeropod.com

Election Special with Sir John Curtice and Daisy Powell-Chandler

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The long-awaited 2024 General Election is just around the corner - but how important will climate change be in the context of voting intention? Joining Matt and Fraser to discuss this, and analyse the key differences between the manifestos, are Daisy Powell-Chandler from Public First, and Sir John Curtice, political scientist and Professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, who you'll all recognise from election nights gone by.

https://www.publicfirst.co.uk/

https://www.meyland.co.uk/podcast

https://www.carbonbrief.org/uk-election-2024-what-the-manifestos-say-on-energy-and-climate-change/

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/environment-energy-resources/news/2024/jun/comparing-party-manifestos-energy-policy

Food and farming in a net-zero Scotland

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

How do agriculture and food production affect climate change and biodiversity, and can we fully decarbonise this industry?

Becky, Fraser and Matt are joined by agriculture and environment consultant Keesje Avis, and Mike Robinson, Chief Exec of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and Co-Chair of the 'Farming for 1.5 Degrees' report.

SPECIAL EPISODE: Launch of the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities

Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Matt is joined by Dr Jen Roberts as they share the launch of their brand new institute - the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities, or SISC for short. We hear from some of the attendees and also some selected highlights from the event itself.

Waste not, want not: leasing, fixing and borrowing to reduce consumption

Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

How to reduce consumption and cut waste, with a focus on re-use and sharing. Joining the Local Zero team are Samantha Moir from Zero Waste Scotland, and Jo Hartga, who runs the Southside Tool Library at South Seeds, a Glasgow charity helping people to live more sustainably.

Community Benefit Funds - what does success look like?

Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Matt and Becky return from their Easter breaks to welcome Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland, and Fiona Smith, chair of Glenkens and District Trust, to discuss the successes and difficulties of community benefit funds from two different perspectives.

https://www.glenkenstrust.org.uk/

Harnessing the Power of Open Data

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Fraser and Becky (& Becky's dog Kaya!) are joined by Angus Paterson, Electric Vehicles Strategy Senior Officer at Essex County Council, and Joe Ash, Net Zero Associate at UK Power Networks.

In this episode we chat about how Essex is harnessing the power of open data to fulfil their net zero planning ambitions, and how the relationship between councils and UKPN works.

As promised in the episode:

https://ukpowernetworks.opendatasoft.com/pages/laep/

https://www.yourlocalnetzerohub.co.uk/

Greener Better Living: Finance for the Future

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Living Places is a social enterprise focused on funding and delivery of community focused, place-based models for a just net zero transition. Becky and Fraser are joined by their co-founder, Rufus Grantham, to discuss his work in this space. There's a bit of maths and finance - but stick with it!

https://livingplaces.earth/

The Fuel Poverty Research Network: Understanding Fuel Poverty

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

What can we do to tackle fuel poverty more effectively?

A busy episode of Local Zero as Matt, Becky and Fraser are joined by Dr Nicola Willand from RMIT University in Melbourne, Professor Lucie Middlemiss from the University of Leeds, and Dr Neil Simcock from Liverpool John Moores University.

Nicki, Lucie and Neil are part of the Fuel Poverty Research Network. The Fuel Poverty Research Network (FPRN) is an international network that brings together students, researchers, policymakers and other professionals to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration in relation to all aspects of fuel poverty.

Citizens assemble: participatory approaches for climate action

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

After catching up on professional and personal news, Matt, Becky and Fraser welcome Rachel Coxcoon to the pod. Rachel, a former councillor and founder/director of Climate Guide, and is currently doing a PHD at Lancaster University.

In this episode, we talk about the role of deliberative democracy such as climate assemblies, and how we can use these effectively to achieve Net Zero.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPTION

[music flourish]

Becky: Hello and welcome to Local Zero with Becky, Matt and Fraser.

Becky: Joining us today is Rachel Coxcoon. Rachel spent many years working at the Centre for Sustainable Energy, leading their work around local and community empowerment. She's a former councillor, Director of Climate Guide, and if that wasn't enough, is now doing a PhD at Lancaster University, exploring how socioeconomic differences and political outlooks influence how people engage with the Net Zero transition.

Fraser: In this episode, we'll be chatting about the role of deliberative democracies such as citizens assemblies in climate policymaking and how to use these effectively as a core part of the Net Zero transition.

Matt: Really looking forward to this one. But before we get stuck into the episode, a plea from us to review Local Zero five stars, of course, wherever you listen to your pods and please do get in touch with us. If there's anything you'd like us to discuss, you can do that via email Localzeropod@gmail.com or Twitter at Local Zero pod.

Matt: We really do love hearing from you all.

Fraser: Yes, and if you enjoy Local Zero, the number one way you can help us is by recommending us to friends and colleagues. So if you could take two seconds to send the pod on to others, we would really, really appreciate it.

Becky: And you can also find further reading, episode transcripts, and the entire back catalogue of Local Zero on our website, localzeropod.Com.

Matt: So we've been asking many of you to get in touch with examples of how Local Zero has informed your work and it's been very heartening to hear the responses. So thank you to all of those who've taken the time. Now we had an email from Isaac Beaver who was recently on the pod about how Local Zero has influenced climate action scorecards in Canada, Isaac said, I thought I would let you know that a Canadian organization called the climate reality project, listen to your original podcast with Hannah and found out about our project.

Matt: They got in contact with us last year, and there is now a scorecards based project in Canada, with the results that are going to launch in June. Hope that's helpful for your funding impact as well as a nice story for a Monday afternoon. Well, Isaac, it was indeed a nice story and it's really great to hear that we're shifting the dial elsewhere.

Matt: Maybe we'll try to organize a chat with them, add that to the website and on the show notes.

Becky: Very, very exciting. That's cool. Like just shows that influence around the world. Absolutely

Matt: amazing. It was. And. A little closer to home. We also had a chat with Alistair McPherson, who's CEO of Plymouth Energy Community.

Matt: So a community owned and led charity that's looking to essentially deliver zero carbon houses and also community owned renewables. Uh, Alistair organize a quick chat with me, 20, 30 minutes. Basically just saying this pod has really helped to inform his thinking, his colleagues thinking about the next steps their organization is going to take.

Matt: So Alistair, thank you for taking the time. It's really, really appreciated.

Fraser: We're everywhere. We're everywhere.

Becky: Ultimately, this is the goal, right? Because so much of the, the knowledge that folk have that work in this space, I feel like stays in bubbles, not even just kind of the academic sector or, you know, whatever sector you're working, but even more micro bubbles than that.

Becky: And I just think that having the opportunity to share insights and learnings and knowledge more widely is, I mean, it's the heart of why we're doing all of this. So yeah, really warms my, really warms my spirit. And please, please, if you've got more stories like that, we'd love to hear them.

Matt: We're not just screaming into the void.

Matt: Yeah,

Fraser: it really, it really, I think it's just nice to hear that someone out there is listening. Sometimes we have these conversations and we've, we almost, we almost forget that there's an audience for this. So it's always nice to, it is to hear from, to hear from all of you. So absolutely get in touch.

Matt: Yes, absolutely.

Matt: We're, we're, I mean, we're all about positivity here and good news stories and never, never talk about the other side. So, so here's another good news story. Fraser, you have just been, not just nominated, you've now been ratified. You have been awarded fellowship from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

Matt: So that is, acknowledgement, I think, of the sterling work that you've been doing in this space. So congratulations and insert round of applause here, please.

Fraser: Thank you very much, Matt. Yeah, no, it's a, it's a lovely, lovely thing. So it's a, an honorary fellowship from what I think if anyone's not familiar with Royal Scottish Geographic Society, they're a wonderful, wonderful organization and very much at the forefront of, of thinking of, of policy influence and advocacy of working with communities on, on climate and sort of broader Net Zero issues in Scotland.

Fraser: An organization that do tireless work with really, really great members. Other honorary fellows include, for instance, Ban Ki moon. I don't know if you recall the name, but some really, really cool people are part of this network. So it's nice to be recognizing that.

Fraser: And again, just another, um, Another example of it's nice to know that the work that you're doing and the things that you show incessantly about aren't just completely hurled into the void.

Matt: I'm definitely jealous. Um, as I did a geography degree. So this is the, the Nirvana. This is the promised land. So, um, Fraser, I, I bow to you and your prowess, you've, you've scaled, scaled the summit.

Matt: Well done.

Fraser: Thank you.

Becky: So in future episodes, can we expect to see. Another kind of certificate award behind you alongside your PhD.

Fraser: Well, I will insist on, I will insist on being called, you know, your supreme excellency, just something to that effect. Yeah. It's not quite a knighthood. I actually think this is better to be honest, but

Matt: yes, I completely agree.

Matt: Um, now as as we sit here, um, we are probably by the time this goes out, I think the manifestos for the forthcoming election will start to emerge. But as we sit here, we are being bombarded with news, uh, about various parties, green policy credentials, what will be in these manifestos, what won't be. And one of the will they, won't they stories has been Labour's infamous 28 billion pound commitment to green energy amongst other things.

Matt: As we sit here, it's looking like it's going to get pulled / water down and I don't know. I just wanted to pause and reflect here. So we're, I think it's not a massive stretch to say this is a monumental election. It's a monumental year for elections. Generally, it's not just the UK that's doing this, but the US and many, many other countries, but green, the green agenda will very much beyond that.

Matt: And one of the, the kind of the context, around this is about looking to be economically and fiscally sensible, a safe pair of hands. And one of the first things that could be cut is green. So wanted your quick kind of back of the fag packet response on that.

Fraser: I so I find this incredibly frustrating and not just the flip flopping around on the 28 billion, I don't think that's quite as important as the commitment to investment full stop.

Fraser: And what I find frustrating is the idea that they want to seem economically sensible. So they're going to curb sort of pull back on any commitments to investment. When you see the, the catastrophe, the absolute disaster that's been caused by under investment over the last 14 years. There's nothing left to cut.

Fraser: There's nowhere else that money can come from. So this, this, this narrative that to show that you're economically sensible means that you have to show that you're willing to make tough decisions and that you're willing to sort of enact misery and in a lot of law ways and not spend anything in the face of an existential climate crisis, of a cost of living crisis, of decline in living standards, and demonstrable underinvestment compared to the rest of, of the OECD, compared to the rest of sort of wealthy or more developed nations, I think is an absolute nonsense.

Fraser: I also think against that background, sorry, I will give way, but against that, the backdrop of the state of the country just now, the idea that people are at all interested in fiscal rules that anyone's going to go and vote based on your arbitrary fiscal rules versus the the opportunity to invest and make things better.

Fraser: I think this is the point where you challenge the narrative. You don't backtrack to say we're not going to spend anything because people will think we're sensible. I think people have broadly had enough of not spending and sensible fiscal rules. Now's the time to get behind investment and to really stand on it because at some point or other you're going to have to, lest we completely miss it.

Fraser: everything that we have to do on climate, economy, and society in general. Thank you very much. I'll see you next week.

Matt: So, so, so not a fan then Fraser. It, it's short, not happy. Becky, any, any immediate response?

Becky: Well, I will, I will layer onto the fact that I think Fraser's right about where a lot of people are kind of coming to, uh, coming to this debate from and time and again, and not just at the kind of at this sort of political level, but even within programs run by the energy industry itself.

Becky: There's this assumption that we are completely motivated by money and the economic argument yet. All the social science research out there from, you know, not just in the energy domain, but in so many different domains shows us that really, that is not the most, that is not the strongest way in which people make decisions.

Becky: And Fraser's absolutely right. Like aligning with deeper, um, and more intrinsic core values is absolutely the way to win over people and votes. So, you know, I think you've, I think you're onto a point there. I think for me, the bigger issue is it's just short term thinking, isn't it? Because the reality is, is that we need to invest in this in order to avoid a lot of the, um, detrimental impacts.

Becky: And more spending down the line. So it feels, you know, it's just another, another way in which spend less now spend more in the future. We're loading and loading this on to future generations and not future generations, you know, that many away, probably, probably later in our own lives and our kids lives.

Becky: And it just, yeah, it feels very short term to me.

Matt: My, okay, so I'm going to, I'm going to play devil's advocate and come at this about maybe some of the, um, ways in which I understand what they're doing before then maybe disagreeing with it. I understand moving, stepping away from a big number, uh, which they can be turned against them and used, um, you know, during the election as an example, which some people would frame of, of labor, you know, increasing tax and increasing spend.

Matt: So a lot of people are happy with increased spend as long as it doesn't result in increased tax. And given the cost of living crisis for some, you know, not all let's remember that there's some people doing. Plenty well out of the current situation, but I can understand the sensitivity sensitivities and that there's this talk Pat McFadden and others bomb proofing the manifesto, but this is the big, but if, if this is one of their five key missions, it's a massive plinth for economic stimulus for social welfare and justice.

Matt: And also, lest we forget dealing with these problems before they get bigger and require more effort and cost to, to resolve if they're going to step back on this. It does raise a question on what they're for. So I hope, I hope they're binning the number, but not the commitment. And we shall see.

Becky: We shall see.

Becky: Let's lighten up a little bit. That was quite, quite heavy. I want to talk about sheep in wells, in homes.

Matt: Amazing. I'm in. What about them?

Becky: Um, so maybe not as controversial as you might think, but there's a new project.

Matt: it's definitely a scene change, isn't it?

Becky: Yep. From, from labor to Welsh sheep. This is a project in North Wales where they're looking to, you know, Use traditional products like wool, like sheep's wool to help make homes more energy efficient for less.

Becky: And so it's really looking at how can we take more traditional materials and use them in new ways to improve the housing stock and look at. What, uh, what performance of that could be. And so this is really this, this big eco project trying to lead a major decarbonization program, working alongside communities and businesses over the next 10 years, but using those, uh, those things that we have right there on the doorstep.

Becky: To, to see how we can do better with them.

Matt: Plenty on the doorstep of Wales. That's great. No, I mean, I'm, I love this idea about building with, with more organic, natural materials, many of which that we can, we can capture and harness on our doorstep. I mean, I'm amazed by what you can do with, with wool. So I would love to see this.

Matt: And one of the places I actually really want to visit is the center for alternative technologies in Wales, where I think these types of technologies are being profiled. So that's, that's another place for me to drag my children along to next time we're in Wales and that might be Easter time kids. So,

Becky: Oh, your kids are getting quite the education, aren't they?

Becky: It's absolutely awesome.

Matt: Very bored. Um, no, that, I really liked that. Okay. So. I think we need to bring our guest in because a lot of maybe the discussions that we've, we've been having now by this manifestos, what have you, it's, I think it's all about how we engage the public, how we inform the public, how do we bring them in as part of this?

Matt: So I think it's probably about time to bring them in.

Rachel: Hello, my name is Rachel Coxcoon and I'm a PhD researcher at Lancaster University in the climate citizens team.

Becky: Hi, Rachel. Thank you so much for joining us. I noticed that you introduced yourself as a PhD researcher, but actually you've got a really, you're not a.

Becky: perhaps, uh, traditional type of PhD researcher. You've got quite an extensive background working in, well, a huge diversity of spaces. So maybe just give us a little bit of an overview of, of, you know, what, what you've done before and how you got into this really exciting space and PhD program.

Yeah. Um, so yes, I don't fit the normal PhD student mold in that I am a great deal older than most of them.

And I got into the PhD really at the end point of, of thinking about engaging with communities and local government around the climate crisis. So I, my, my main background is that I worked for about 15 years for an organization called the Center for Sustainable Energy based in Bristol, where I set up and then led the local and community empowerment team, which was focused really on supporting communities around things, particularly like community owned energy renewables, you know, community wind farms and so on, as well as a lot of work around the planning system.

So neighborhood planning at that very local scale, as well as supporting local councils to write their planning frameworks around Net Zero. Um, and all that work with communities and local government, when I moved to the Cotswolds about 10 years ago. Kind of really um, open my eyes to the fact that the council there was doing very badly on climate change, um, for such a beautiful green area.

There was very little actually going on, um, and that encouraged me to run for election, principally about making sure that building was better around there. And so I managed to, to win, but was also part of a group who then took part to control of the council. So sort of more by accident than by design, I became cabinet member for climate change and forward planning at Cotswold District Council, which was, you know, fascinating and rewarding and frustrating, probably in equal measure, which I did for about four years.

Uh, and then I'd moved away from the area, but a lot of the work that that I'd done through all of that, through working with communities, through representing my own community, through the development of things like the future energy landscapes, um, consultation approach that I developed for the campaign for rural England at the campaign to protect rural England.

It was all that kind of, how do you help people make decisions that are very local? Because I've kind of been around in this game long enough to have seen what happens, like what happened under the last Labour government, where for very good reasons they were really promoting the rollout of renewables.

And that ultimately caused the backlash against, for example, onshore wind that we have, when we had lots of people feeling like Infrastructure had been imposed upon them. So doing all that kind of work with communities and say, where is that right scale to make these decisions geographically, spatially, and culturally, how do we help people come together to make decisions about energy planning particularly, ultimately led me to wanting to think.

Think more about it, uh, which then led me to applying for the PhD that I'm doing now.

Becky: So maybe you can just help before we get started, just a bit of clarity over some of the terminology that we might be using. You know, you talked about engaging people and supporting, I guess, more democratic decision making.

Becky: So we hear terms like that. We also hear things like climate assemblies, mini public citizen juries, you know, and, and there's probably a few more, maybe you could just set out some

Every Tree Tells a Story

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Matt has very exciting news to share before he and Becky welcome James Bonner from Every Tree Tells a Story to discuss his work.

https://everytree.uk/

Origami Activism - Paperboats, The Arts, and Local Climate Action

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Joining Becky and Fraser for the first episode of 2024 are Scotland's Makar (National Poet) Kathleen Jamie, and writer Sandy Winterbottom, who talk to us about 'Paperboats' - a campaign led by Scottish writers, poets and creatives, and about the need to repair the divide between the arts and science.

2023 Wrapped: Local Zero's Festive Review of the Year

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Somehow it's that time of the year once again! Becky, Matt and Fraser break down the highlights and lowlights of the year, are joined by Patrick from the production team to pick out their favourite episodes, and there might - MIGHT - be a Future or Fiction in there somewhere!

Thank you to you, our listeners, for your time, energy, and support this year.

Is your local council a climate leader?

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In January this year, Hannah Jewell, then of Climate Emergency UK, joined us to discuss their Council Climate Plan scorecards.

Months later, the results are in, and Isaac Beevor joins the pod to discuss how the roll-out went and discuss the key findings.

Before this, Matt and Fraser break down a busy month of climate news...

Countdown to the UK General Election - full panel discussion

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000

Recently, we brought you edited highlights from a live panel discussion held in Edinburgh, entitled Countdown to the General Election: Scotland’s next steps to net-zero.

This episode is the panel discussion in full, including 10 minutes of opening remarks from Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, and over an hour of indepth debate featuring, alongside Chris:

Charles Hendry, President of BIEE and former UK Government Energy Minister (chair)
Guy Jefferson, COO Scottish Power Energy Networks
Professor Janette Webb, chair in Sociology of Organisations, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh
Chris Birt, associate director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree foundation

This discussion considers:

Are the main parties' decarbonisation goals realistic and achievable?
Can decarbonisation goals be made more compelling to voters who are concerned that they will have a negative impact on costs of energy and energy security; and what steps are needed to achieve this?
Where do significant policy gaps lie and what are the priorities for action?
Recommendations for parties’ manifestos to accelerate a just transition to net-zero.

With thanks to BIEE and Edinburgh University's Business School for allowing us to record and share the discussion.

The Ashden Awards: celebrating local and sustainable energy

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Matt and Fraser welcome Nick Lyth, Founder of Green Angel Ventures, and Stephen Hall, Head of Awards at Ashden. The Ashden Awards are given to organisations and businesses that deliver local, sustainable energy schemes with social, economic and environmental benefits - and this year, Fraser was involved in deciding the winners.

https://www.carbonbrief.org/the-carbon-brief-quiz-2023/

https://youtube.com/@Ashden_org?si=RbQHRG-C0fGuJL3J

Countdown to the UK General Election: next steps for net-zero

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A different episode format for you this time round - Matt and Fraser dissect the key highlights from a recent live panel discussion in Edinburgh, titled Countdown to the General Election: Scotland’s next steps to net-zero.

The next general election is widely expected to take place during 2024. Political parties are already spending significant time developing their manifestos, where energy and climate change are likely to feature heavily.

Scotland lies at the heart of this debate. Both Scottish and UK governments have been warned by the CCC that there is no clear delivery plan to meet its 2030 and 2040 interim carbon targets.

Featuring insights from:

Charles Hendry, President of BIEE and former UK Government Energy Minister (chair)

Guy Jefferson, COO Scottish Power Energy Networks

Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee

Professor Janette Webb, chair in Sociology of Organisations, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh

Chris Birt of the Joseph Rowntree foundation

Swaffham Prior: Lessons from the UK's first rural heat network

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In 2022, Swaffham Prior, a village in East Cambridgeshire, became the first village to develop a rural heat network. Before welcoming Emma Flether, who worked on this project and is now Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, Becky and Fraser discuss what we can expect from fuel bills this winter, in the midst of plummeting UK temperatures.

Making our homes smarter and fairer

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Fraser is back, just in time to discuss the recent party conferences - before the team welcome Rachel Mills from Citizens Advice, and Mairi Brookes from Low Carbon Hub, to discuss how soon we can make our homes smarter and faster.

Low-carbon islands

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In 2021, Scottish Government committed to making four Scottish Islands Carbon Neutral by 2040. This was increased to six islands following COP26. The ‘lucky six’ islands selected were Barra, Great Cumbrae, Hoy, Islay, Raasay and Yell – and, to quote the Scottish Government, this would ‘lay the foundations for future action relevant for all other islands in Scotland.’

Matt and Becky chat to Darragh Keenaghan and Rosie MacInnes, who are both working on the Carbon Neutral Islands project, to discuss their progress so far.

All Aboard the Glasgow Bike Bus

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Matt and Becky reveal some very exciting news from the Local Zero team (!) before discussing the logistics of the school commute - and then welcome Camille Warrington from the Shawlands Bike Bus to discuss this movement in more detail.

2023 so far - a stock take on the UK’s climate ambitions

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

How is it August already?!... As the summer holidays come to an end, Matt, Becky and Fraser are joined by Local Zero icon Dr Jeff Hardy to discuss both their personal and broader highlights and lowlights of the year so far.

Hugo Tagholm: Water, water... everywhere?

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

We can’t live without water, but who controls the supply, and who looks after it, has been a highly debated and contentious issue in the UK, particularly in recent years.

Matt, Becky and Fraser catch up on a hefty week of climate-related headlines before welcoming Hugo Tagholm, formerly of Surfers Against Sewage, and now executive director and vice president of Oceana, to talk about the controversies regarding water ownership and how best to tackle them from a national, and local perspective.

Rights Community Action

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Why is place-based work so important?

For the 75th (!) episode of Local Zero, Becky and a rain-battered Fraser are joined by Naomi Luhde-Thompson, leader of Rights Community Action, to discuss how we can work with communities, not for them.

www.rightscommunityaction.co.uk

How can our gardens protect the environment?

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

How can we utilise our garden spaces, balconies, window boxes and/or pots to benefit the environment?

Matt, Fraser and Becky catch up on all things summer, and discuss their own gardening skills before being joined by Kate Bradbury, an award-winning author and journalist, who specialises in wildlife gardening.

Carbon Offsetting for Communities 4: Empowerment, Enrichment & Impact

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What actions could usefully be taken to ensure these projects empower and enrich communities?

In the fourth and final episode of our Carbon Offsetting for Communities mini-series, we explore how projects associated with nature-based carbon offsetting positively and negatively impact communities.

Carbon Offsetting for Communities 3: Ownership, Governance and Finance

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

How are these carbon offsetting schemes financed and governed, and who actually owns these projects?

The third and penultimate episode in our Community Carbon Offsetting mini series features many different voices and perspectives from the event held at the University of Strathclyde in March 2023. Consider this a deep dive into the world of nature based offsetting, guided expertly by your host, Professor Matt Hannon.

Decarbonising the UK music industry

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The UK music industry contributes billions of pounds to the economy every year, but just how carbon intensive is streaming and touring? Becky and Matt are joined for a fascinating discussion by Lewis Jamieson from Music Declares Emergency, and Carly McLachlan and Christopher Jones from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

Putting the "us" in energy justice

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 03:00:00 +0000

Becky and Fraser double as both co-hosts AND expert guests this time - updating Matt on a major local and community energy project they've been running for the Scottish Government, as part of their work at Regen. The team talk about how and why local and community energy can support a fairer transition to net zero. We also hear insights from a 'People's Panel' that was run as part of the project, asking how energy can be made to work for everyone, including low income, vulnerable, and 'hard to reach' communities.

Whole person, whole place - social relations and energy retrofit

Thu, 25 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

How do our social relations with other people and places influence decisions about domestic energy retrofit?

Becky and Matt reunite at the University of Strathclyde to speak with Professors Lucie Middlemiss and Mark Davis from the University of Leeds, and hear separate case studies from Iain Cairns, Ruth Bookbinder and Giulia Mininni.

Carbon Offsetting for Communities 2: Framing, evaluating and facilitating community benefit from nature-based carbon offsets

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

How do we frame, evaluate and facilitate community benefit from voluntary nature-based carbon offset projects?

The second episode from our Community Carbon Offsetting mini seires is a live recorded Q&A session featuring Hamish Trench, CEO of the Scottish Land Commission, Sarah Nicholas, Carbon Projects Manager at Forestry and Land Scotland, and Ailsa Raeburn, Head of the Community Assets Team and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Chair of Community Land Scotland.

Carbon Offsetting for Communities 1: Rekindling Community with Alastair McIntosh

Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In March, Matt hosted the Community Carbon Offsetting conference at the Unversity of Strathclyde, which formed a fascinating gathering of people to discuss how land use and ownership is changing across rural Scotland in response to the booming carbon offset market.

This mini series will showcase highlights from the conference - the first of which is this passionate talk about community with reknowned writer, academic and activist Alastair McIntosh.

You can access the slides Alastair refers to here: https://www.scottishinsight.ac.uk/Portals/80/SUIIProgrammes/Community%20Carbon%20Offsetting/Community%20Carbon%20Offsetting%20March%202023%20workshop.pdf

Focus on Edinburgh

Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Edinburgh is both prosperous and wealthy - but also has unique and complex issues to tackle when it comes to reaching their ambitious Net Zero targets. This episode is a deep dive into Scotland's capital city, featuring Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Bridie Ashrowan, Chief Executive of EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisation's Council) and Matthew Lancashire, Director of Zero Matters.

Energy networks and smart local systems

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 03:00:00 +0000

What role do energy network operators - or DNOs - have in developing smart local energy systems? Becky - along with guest co-host Dr Jeff Hardy - lead an EnergyREV panel discussion with:

Maxine Frerk, director at Grid Edge Policy

Adam Bell, head of policy at Stonehaven

Melanie Bryce, SSEN Oxfordshire programme director on Project LEO (Local Energy Oxfordshire)

Doug Cook, deputy director at OFGEM responsible for digitalisation and decentralisation

Live: Energy-smart places and a just transition

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

What is the role of energy-smart places and smart local energy approaches in securing a just transition? In this Local Zero Live, recorded at EnergyREV's final summit in central London, Becky and Fraser welcome a panel of guests to explore how tech innovations and energy policy can work fairly, and for citizens and communities.

Guests in this episode:

Karen Barass of Climate Insights

Donal Brown, University of Sussex research fellow

Joanne Wade from the Association for Decentralised Energy and the UK Energy Research Centre

Syed Ahmed from Community Energy London

Introducing... Dr Fraser Stewart (pending a viva)

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Fraser has finally completed his PhD ... but what was it about? This episode is dedicated to the themes of Fraser's thesis, exploring social inequalities in uptake of low carbon technologies like solar pv and heat pumps, and uncovers ways to rectify those inequalities at local and community levels. Congratulations Fraser!

Some elements of Fraser's PhD work are already publicly available - here:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301421521003827

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030142152200057X

Prospering From the Energy Revolution 4: Impact and Engagement

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 01:00:00 +0000

Concluding our four-part mini-series focusing on the work of Innovate UK's Prospering From the Energy Revolution (PFER) Programme, Matt and Fraser chat with Eva Goudouneix from Repowering London and Jamie Rea from the Electric Storage Company. This week: how to engage the public with energy projects and technology.

Prospering from the Energy Revolution 3: Skills and Supply Chain

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 01:00:00 +0000

This penultimate instalment of our month-long Prospering from the Energy Revolution (PFER) series focuses on Skills and the Supply Chain. Matt, Becky and Fraser chat acronyms, and a personal experience of issues faced by those trying to find work in the energy sector, before being joined by Louise Alter from Equans and Melanie Bryce from SSEN.

Prospering From the Energy Revolution 2: Finance

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 01:00:00 +0000

This February, the Local Zero team are bringing you weekly podcasts focused on the work of the Prospering from the Energy Revolution (PFER) funding innovation. This week the focus is on finance. Joining us for the second of these special episodes are Cheryl Hiles, Director of Energy Capital (West Midlands Combined Authority) and Tim Rose, Programme Manager of Energy Superhub Oxford. But before all that, the team celebrate the submission of a certain PhD...

Prospering From the Energy Revolution 1: Policy and Regulation

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 01:00:00 +0000

This February, the Local Zero team are bringing you a new podcast every single week! These special episodes are all focused on the work of the Prospering from the Energy Revolution (PFER) innovation funding. First up, a focus on policy and regulation to unleash smart, local energy systems (SLES). This one features Chris Dunham from Carbon Descent, and Merlin Hyman, Chief Executive of Regen.

Rate my council: Climate Emergency UK's Climate Action Scorecards

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 01:00:00 +0000

How well do our local councils perform when it comes to tackling the climate crisis? One not-for-profit organisation - Climate Emergency UK - makes it its business to rate and measure the performance and progress of local authorities, with their innovative Council Climate Action Scorecards. For our first episode of 2023, Becky and Matt are joined by Hannah Jewell, the group's Campaigns and Policy Officer.

2022 wrapped: Local Zero's festive review of the year

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Joining the usual team for a look back at 2022 in energy (with festive drinks and mince pies in hand) are Strathclyde University's Dr Jen Roberts and Manish Joshi. Together, they unpack an eventful (!) year, discuss key learning points from the energy crisis, and look for reasons to be cheerful. There is also the long-awaited return of Future or Fiction.

Corporates and communities: how renewable energy funds community assets

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 01:00:00 +0000

How are communities benefitting financially from commercial suppliers paying them for playing host to wind farms? Matt chats to Ian Leaver, Chief Officer of Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company, and SSE Renewables' Lindsay Dougan, to explore the benefits of these schemes, using Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston as an example.

Scottish Power's role as a decarbonising leader

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Scottish Power's Robin Cathcart and Owen Black on the company's role in helping Scotland and the UK to decarbonise. Scottish Power is part of the Iberdrola Group, which recently announced a target to be net zero in all scopes by 2040 - 10 years sooner than had been previously aimed for.

Our World in Data with Dr Hannah Ritchie

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Are there reasons to be cheerful about climate change? What are the most data-driven changes we can make to really move the dial on carbon emissions? Dr Hannah Ritchie is Head of Research at Our World In Data, an online platform hosted by Oxford University which aims to 'make progress against the world’s largest problems'. Matt speaks with Hannah about how the data she sees and collates tells a surprisingly optimistic story - and how numbers can be a powerful tool to hold governments and policy-makers to account.

https://ourworldindata.org/

COP26 and Glasgow: one year on

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 01:00:00 +0000

A year since Glasgow hosted COP26, the team reflect on the event's legacy for the city, and particularly for Strathclyde University. Matt, Becky and Fraser are joined by Dr Roddy Yarr, Strathclyde's Executive Lead for Sustainability, and Manish Joshi, CEO of the Students Union.

Professor Jim Skea on Net Zero and the just transition

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Ahead of COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Matt and Becky are joined by Professor Jim Skea, Co-Chair of Working Group III of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change) to discuss the benefits, practicalities and obstacles standing in the way of a just transition.

Jim is also a Professor of Sustainable Energy at Imperial College, and Chair of Scotland’s Just Transition Commission.

Crisis averted? Government response to fuel poverty and soaring bills

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 01:00:00 +0000

With the energy crisis showing no signs of slowing, and UK government policy changing and changing again seemingly by the hour, we return to the pressing issue of fuel poverty. Joining Matt and Fraser are Jessica Cook from National Energy Action (NEA) and Aimee Ambrose, Professor of Energy Policy at Sheffield Hallam University.

Can a smart-meter change your life?

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Can a smart-meter really change your life? This is the fiftieth full-length episode of Local Zero - Matt, Becky and Fraser reflect on being half a century old, EVs, and the recent energy cap announcement -- before being joined by guest Jeremy Yapp. Jeremy is Head of Flexible Energy Systems at BEAMA (the UK Trade Association for Manufacturers and Providers of Energy Infrastructure Technologies and Systems). Jeremy outlines how just how crucial Smart Meters can be for household budgeting, and what we need to succeed in a smart energy transition.

The future of smarter, more local energy systems - Local Zero live from EnergyREV's 2022 summit

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Recorded at EnergyREV's central London summit on smart local energy, the team explore what a smarter, more local energy system might look like, and how it could drive the push to net zero and tackle the energy crisis. Matt and Becky are joined by EnergyREV's Rob Saunders, Teodora Kaneva from Tech UK, UK100's Karen Barrass, and Professor Jeff Hardy, Senior Research Fellow in Climate Change and the Environment at Imperial College London's Grantham Institute.

Links:

https://www.energyrev.org.uk/

https://www.techuk.org/

https://www.uk100.org/

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/

Disability and the energy crisis

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 13:45:00 +0000

Disabled people and their households are among those most likely to be impacted by the energy crisis and associated rise in living costs. Until now, impacts on disabled consumers seem all too often to have been overlooked by both policy makers and media. For this special episode, the team are joined by Gemma Hope, director of policy at Leonard Cheshire, and Lizzie Green, campaigns manager at Sense.

Power for People: Lobbying and Local Electricity

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 21:00:00 +0000

The Local Electricity Bill could - if enacted - open up local supply of electricity to nearby communities. Supporters claim it could bring to market some of the most affordable forms of renewable power, like onshore wind and solar. The bill has support from around 300 MPs, and is currently moving through the Westminster parliament. Fraser, Matt and Becky are joined by Power for People's Steve Shaw, to explore what the proposed change could mean, particularly for energy bills. Steve also has great tips for successful lobbying of MPs and others.

Community benefit from offshore wind

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 01:00:00 +0000

The UK Government has committed to installing 50GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. What are the impacts of offshore wind on communities, and how can we ensure they benefit? Fraser, Becky and (newly minted Professor!) Matt are joined by Grace Millman, Energy Analyst at Regen, and Dr Claire Haggett, Senior Lecturer of Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

The carbon cost of holiday flights

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 01:00:00 +0000

As many of us gear up for a summer break, often jetting off to the sun, just how culpable are flight emissions in the context of the climate emergency? Who is most responsible? And is guilt-free flying ever likely to be possible? Joining the LZ team for this chat are Anna Hughes, CEO of Flight Free UK, and Abhilasha Fullonton, a Research Associate at Tyndall Manchester. Find us at www.localzeropod.com.

Shifting and flexing home energy demand

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 01:00:00 +0000

How can we shift our demand for energy in the home, perhaps by shaping and flexing our domestic routines to match periods of peak 'clean' energy production?

Does our relationship with technology have to change in order to reduce demand and therefore cut emissions?

This episode continues our focus on the role of demand in delivering net zero - specifically focusing on one key area of energy consumption - in our homes.

Joining Matt and Becky this time are:

Sarah Darby, Associate Professor in the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford, and Phil Steele, Future Technologies Evangelist (what a title!) at Octopus Energy.

Energy Demand and Net Zero

Thu, 26 May 2022 01:00:00 +0000

What is the impact of our own behaviours and attitudes, as households and consumers, on carbon emissions? The latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report contains, for the first time ever, a chapter specifically focusing on how the choices we each make impact emissions. To discuss this, the team are joined by Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh from the University of Bath, director of the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), and Oxford Professor Nick Eyre, director of the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS).

The rise of Scotland's 'Green Lairds' - with Magnus Davidson

Fri, 13 May 2022 16:36:00 +0000

The phenomenon of so-called 'Green Lairds' buying up land for carbon offsetting is increasingly a phenomenon that Scotland is having to reckon with. Magnus Davidson from the University of the Highlands and Islands, who is also a board member of Community Land Scotland, joins Matt and Fraser to review a recent panel event held jointly between the University of Edinburgh's Business School and the British Institute for Energy Economics (BIEE).

An unedited recorded of the panel discussion, chaired by Charles Hendry, Honorary Professor and President of BIEE, is adjacent to this episode in the Local Zero feed. Find Local Zero online at www.localzeropod.com.

Green Lairds and the great carbon offset: Edinburgh University/BIEE panel event

Fri, 13 May 2022 15:57:00 +0000

How to reconcile natural capital, net-zero and just transition priorities? In this unedited recording, an expert panel discuss the trends for large-scale land purchases for carbon offsetting in Scotland. What is driving these trends, and what the future holds?

The discussion was a joint event between the University of Edinburgh's Business School and the British Institute for Energy Economics (BIEE)

Chair: Charles Hendry, Honorary Professor and President of BIEE

Panellists:

Dave Reay, Professor of Carbon Management, University of Edinburgh; Executive Director for Edinburgh Climate Change Institute; Director of Policy at ClimateXChange

Kirsten Jenkins, Lecturer in Energy, Environment and Society, University of Edinburgh

Ailsa Raeburn, Chairperson for Community Land Scotland; Chair of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust

Stephen Young, Head of Policy at Scottish Land and Estates

https://www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/event/green-lairds

Micro grid energy and community cohousing

Thu, 05 May 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Making homes both more sustainable and more affordable: these are two of the most pressing challenges facing society today. In this episode, the team explore solutions presented by community-led cohousing, and community-owned micro-grid energy. In particular, we look at what exciting possibilities can be unlocked when both systems can be integrated together onto one site. We hear from Andy O’Brien from the Bristol Energy Cooperative, and Monica King from Bridport Cohousing in Dorset.

Energy advocacy services in a time of crisis

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 01:00:00 +0000

As the energy crisis bites and price cap rises against a backdrop of climate change, energy advocacy services are becoming crucial to supporting people in need, and local net zero action. In this episode we ask: what is the role of energy advocacy services? What issues are they facing, and how can they support a fair and just net-zero transition for communities?

Matt and Fraser are joined by Frazer Scott, CEO Energy Action Scotland, Dr Danielle Butler from National Energy Action and Energy Advisors, Agnes Berner and Poppy Ives, from Glasgow’s South Seeds.

Co-benefits of local climate action

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Climate action can deliver a huge variety of co-benefits, alongside carbon reduction: improving health from active travel, reducing fuel poverty through better insulation, and creating better jobs and more resilient communities, to name just a few. Matt and Becky are joined by PwC's Dom Boyle, to discuss how keeping it local can accelerate net zero, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and bring huge social benefits across the UK. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

Decarbonising infrastructure

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Cutting carbon from future infrastructure projects is a massive and costly long-term challenge. It is also a critical part of the path to net zero. So how can bridges, roads, hospitals, power stations, railway networks, and all the big-ticket items we rely on for the proper functioning of our society and economy be decarbonised? Becky and Matt are joined by:

Alan Hendry, Director of Sustainability at Mott MacDonald

Sarah Thiam, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry.

Kit England, Green Economy Manager at Glasgow City Council

www.localzeropod.com

The cost of Net Zero

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Radical changes are needed to our infrastructure if we want to deliver a Just Energy Transition and meet our net-zero goals. But it’s not that simple.

Matt and Becky are joined by Dr Jo Patterson to discuss the stagnant costs of clean heating and making our homes more energy efficient. The incentive is just not there for most homeowners, our finance and policy instruments are outdated and ineffective. What we need now is something innovative incredibly local, as we hear from Rufus Grantham of Bankers Without Boundaries. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

How to kick-start community energy?

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Community-led energy projects offer a way forward as energy bills spiral and carbon emissions need to be cut. However, community energy in the UK is struggling. How can government unleash its potential?

Matt and Becky are joined by experts Kayla Ente, Founder of Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-operative and Nigel Cornwall, Director at Hydrogen East, Net Zero East and New Anglia Energy. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

Focus on Aberdeen: the UK oil capital's just transition

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Aberdeen has been the epicentre of UK oil and gas - and prospered as a result - since the 1970s. How can a community so steeped in fossil fuels engage successfully with a just transition? Becky and Matt are joined by Prof Tavis Potts from the University of Aberdeen, and Aberdeen Climate Action's Alison Stuart. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

2022: the year of local climate action?

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 01:00:00 +0000

As concern grows over spiking energy bills and its impact on poorer households, what challenges lie ahead for net-zero and a just transition? As ever, we explore how local action can have a positive impact. Matt and Becky are joined by Dr Jen Roberts, Chancellor's Fellow in Energy at the University of Strathclyde, and Dr Jeff Hardy, Senior Research Fellow in Climate Change and the Environment at Imperial College London's Grantham Institute. Find us and explore more episodes at www.localzeropod.com

2021 Wrapped

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 23:24:31 +0000

We managed an actual face-to-face catch-up in Fraser's flat! (squeezed in before the ramping up of COVID-19 measures). There *may* have been alcohol, as we reflected on personal, professional and podcasting highlights from an extraordinary year. Huge thanks for being with us in 2021. The whole LZ team wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. X

Was COP26 a success or failure? With Prof David Reay

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 01:00:02 +0000

Prof David Reay, director of the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, gives his verdict on COP26. The commitment to 1.5 degrees of warming is, he says, 'on life support'. David also talks about plans for his climate-friendly farm on the beautiful Mull of Kintyre. Tweet us @LocalZeroPod or email localzeropod@gmail.com

COP26 team debrief

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 01:00:15 +0000

Post COP26, an extremely tired Local Zero team gather their initial thoughts and responses. We return to fortnightly Local Zero episodes, every other Thursday from today. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

COP26: Becky and Matt's long overdue catch up

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 20:26:55 +0000

Matt and Becky finally manage a catch-up, swapping stories and insights from their experiences of COP26. Matt also visits Sunny G community radio in Glasgow's Govan neighbourhood, and takes part in a panel discussion by the 'liberal conservatism' pressure group Bright Blue. We are back to 'business as usual' fortnightly episodes from next week. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

COP26: Matt in the Blue Zone

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 13:59:29 +0000

In the COP26 Blue Zone, Matt reflects on global uptake of electric vehicles, bumps into California Democrat Congressional candidate Shrina Kurani, and learns about the surprising climate consequences of working from home. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

COP26: Sustainability in Glasgow with Gavin Slater

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 04:30:12 +0000

At COP26, Becky and Matt chat with Gavin Slater, Glasgow City Council's Head of Sustainability. Gavin outlines action being taken to reach net zero goals on heating, transport and technology, and how COP26 has energised the movement.

COP26: Becky’s Bicycle Diaries

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 17:30:03 +0000

Becky joins the Moving for Climate NOW Bike Ride, cycling across Scotland and into Glasgow. Becky talks to the other cyclists about turning targets into action and making sure vulnerable people are included in the transition to Net Zero. She cycles past wind farms, along cycle paths and dashes white-knuckled through rush hour traffic to reach COP26 with the group's manifesto.

COP26: Is 'net zero' an accounting trick?

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 17:03:19 +0000

On his first visit to the COP26 Blue Zone, Matt narrowly misses Barack Obama, hears warnings that carbon offsetting is merely 'an accounting trick', and dips into a session about an initiative in India to help women tackle heat stress. He also compares notes with Fraser as the pair get set for the legendary Carbon Brief quiz. Find us at www.localzeropod.com

Live at COP26: Delivering a just transition

Sun, 07 Nov 2021 14:40:32 +0000

What does a just transition to net zero look like and how can it be delivered? Our #LocalZeroLive COP26 panel show, recorded with a capacity audience at Glasgow's Lighthouse, features:

Richard Lochhead – Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work
Prof. Jim Skea CBE - Centre for Environmental Policy Imperial College; Co-chair of Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); Chair of Scottish Government’s Just Transition Commission
Miriam Brett - Director of Research & Advocacy Common Wealth.
Katie Gallogly Swan - Policy Coordinator UN Conference on Trade and Development and the Global Development Policy Center, Boston University.
Scott Mathieson - Director of Network Planning and Regulation at Scottish Power Energy Networks.
Alison Stuart - Co-founder and Director of Aberdeen Climate Action.

With thanks to the Lighthouse, Scottish Government and Visit Scotland for hosting the event, and to Cameron Events for PA support.

COP26: "This is our fight" - Fraser shares a stage with Greta Thunberg

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 11:29:54 +0000

Fraser Stewart reflects on sharing a stage with Greta Thunberg, Vanessa Nakate and indigenous peoples from around the world - after giving a climate justice speech at the Fridays For Future rally in Glasgow's George Square. "From Dundee to Dhaka, this is our fight".

Fraser and Matt chair Local Zero Live, a panel discussion at Glasgow's Lighthouse from 4.45pm today. The event is sold out but you can stream it here: https://visitscotland.eventsair.com/scotlands-climate-ambition-zone/public-programme

COP26: Snapshots from Friday's youth march

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 23:18:45 +0000

COP26 day 6 saw thousands of young people marching through the streets of Glasgow - with Becky, Matt, and Matt's family all among them.

COP26 Energy Day: How bad are bananas?

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 14:59:26 +0000

Becky hits the Green Zone and plays 'How Bad Are Bananas?' Matt is talking heat innovation and geoenergy at a showcase run jointly by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.

Contributors:
Prof Malcolm McCulloch, Oxford University Energy and Power Group
Dr Mauricio Zaglio, Hank Torbet, Victor Aguilera and Andrew Bissell from East Lothian based East Lothian heat battery innovator Sunamp
Nicole Figueiredo de Oliviera from Brazilian climate change campaign group Arayara
David Townsend of TownRock Energy
Jodie Evans from Future We Want

COP26 Finance Day: First impressions and PlanetPod's Amanda Carpenter

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:23:07 +0000

Matt's first foray into COP26 was into the Green Zone on Finance Day. This mini-episode gives a flavour of talks he attended, and the atmosphere around Glasgow. There's also a chat with Amanda Carpenter from the excellent www.theplanetpod.com

COP26: what we're doing when

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 07:35:26 +0000

COP26 is here! We look ahead to a whirlwind two weeks, get excited, and sketch out plans. Sign up now if you want to be at Local Zero Live on Saturday 6th Nov, and make sure you subscribe to the podcast feed, as we switch to 'breaking-news' style ad-hoc content drops across the fortnight whenever we have them available. Follow us on twitter: @LocalZeroPod.

Leo Hickman: COP26 hopes and fears

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 00:30:14 +0000

Leo Hickman of the Carbon Brief looks ahead to COP26. We also invite back a selection of guests from across Local Zero's first year, to hear their hopes and fears ahead of this historic climate summit getting underway in Glasgow.

Energy Crisis and Beyond

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 00:00:14 +0000

Concern over energy prices has dominated headlines in recent weeks - but what does the energy 'crisis' mean for consumers, communities and the road to net zero? The team are joined by Clem Cowton from Octopus Energy, Dhara Vyas from Citizens Advice, and Dr Jeff Hardy, of Imperial College London.

Jobs, skills and training for zero-carbon homes

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:00:12 +0000

What jobs, skills and training are needed to deliver smart zero-carbon home heating? How big is the skills-gap? (Spoiler: It's quite big). Matt and Becky are joined by Cardiff University's Dr Jo Patterson, and Adam Chapman, director of Heat Geek, while Fraser's been chatting about retrofitting and the just transition with Carbon Co-op co-founder Jonathan Atkinson. Tweet us @LocalZeroPod, or email localzeropod@gmail.com - we always love to hear from you.

Back to the Future: industrial history and community in the just transition

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 00:20:16 +0000

Dr Ewan Gibbs joins us to discuss what the history of UK industry and energy can teach us about a just transition.

Can communities built around industries of the past drive forward, as well as benefit from, a greener future?

Tweet us @LocalZeroPod or email localzeropod@gmail.com

Dr Alice Bell director of climate charity Possible

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 00:00:12 +0000

Dr Alice Bell discusses the work of the climate change charity Possible to get communities engaged with climate action. Her recent book is called Our Biggest Experiment: A History of Climate Change. Tweet us @LocalZeroPod or email localzeropod@gmail.com

Bonus ep: IPCC report 'code red for humanity' - Local Zero responds

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 12:32:50 +0000

A landmark UN scientific report has detailed how human activity is changing the climate in unprecedented and irreversible ways. It warns of increasingly extreme heatwaves, droughts and flooding, and is widely reported to be "a code red for humanity". In this bonus episode, the Local Zero team, Becky, Matt and Fraser, share their thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears in response to the report.

Rob Saunders from Prospering From the Energy Revolution (PFER)

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 01:00:17 +0000

The team fact-check the science around recent government proposals for climate change “micro-steps”. Our guest is Rob Saunders, Challenge Director for the UK’s flagship Prospering from the Energy Revolution (PFER). Tweet us @LocalZeroPod or email localzeropod@gmail.com

Local heroes: spotlighting Glasgow's local climate activists

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 00:30:12 +0000

We meet people taking action in their communities to tackle climate change. We hear about their important work fighting locally against the climate emergency, and the wider impacts this work is having. Fraser records at the home of the Pollokshields Community Trust, with Bill Fraser, and South Seeds manager Lucy Gillie. Also in this episode, our first interactive Future or Fiction - listen to find out how to play along!

Gridlocked: energy networks, DSOs and net zero

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 00:50:06 +0000

How is the energy network changing, and what does it mean for net zero? How can we manage our networks to accommodate smart, local innovations in energy generation, and what opportunities does this present for the future? Guests this week: Professor Keith Bell, ScottishPower Chair in Smart Grids at the University of Strathclyde and Dr Jeff Hardy, Senior Research Fellow in the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London.

Permission to land 2: land use and net zero

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:10 +0000

From land *ownership* in our last episode to land *use* this time. How can land be used to mitigate climate change? What are some innovative uses of land, and what major barriers still remain? Guests this week: Guy Shrubsole, environmental and rewilding campaigner and author of 'Who Owns England?', and Dr Alona Armstrong, Senior Lecturer in Energy and Environmental Sciences at Lancaster University. Meanwhile, Alan McDonnell from Trees for Life shares how how land can be used creatively to better serve both the climate and communities.

Permission to land 1: ownership and net zero

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 00:00:07 +0000

What is the current state of UK land ownership, and how can this be overhauled to better meet the needs of both climate and communities? The team are joined by Malcolm Combe, senior law lecturer at the University of Strathclyde , Kate Swade from Shared Assets CIC, and Magnus Davidson from Community Land Scotland.

Get smart: data in local net zero

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 21:51:55 +0000

What role does “smart” have to play in a local, net zero transition? How crucial is data? What are the key issues to address? The team are joined by Stephen McArthur, Professor of Intelligent Energy Systems at Strathclyde, and Gavin Starks, founder of Icebreaker One, a company working to unlock the value of data to deliver net-zero.

Greg Barker, coalition government climate change minister

Thu, 20 May 2021 00:05:09 +0000

Gregory Barker, now Lord Barker of Battle, was energy and climate change minister in the coalition government. He was pivotal to UK policies like the Green Deal, feed-in-tariff, & the Green Investment Bank. He reflects on his time in the role, and shares tips and advice for his successors.

A green COVID recovery?

Wed, 05 May 2021 23:10:09 +0000

What could a green post-COVID economic recovery look like, and how can we make sure it has carbon reduction and a just transition at its core? Guests this time are Miriam Brett, research director at the Common Wealth think-tank, and Mairi Spowage, Interim Director of Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander economic institute.

Community energy: power to the people

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 00:00:02 +0000

From turbines in the remote Western Isles to solar PV in Brixton, community energy projects represent a challenge to our mostly centralised energy system. They can also bring enormous local social and economic benefits. But the sector is at a crossroads due to policy changes - so what is the future of community energy? Joining the team are Emma Bridge from Community Energy England, and Professor Patrick Devine-Wright, an expert in community energy and public participation from the University of Exeter.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:12 +0000

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) almost always encounter anger and resistance - but are shown to cut driving and increase walking and cycling where they are introduced. Leo Murray from the climate change charity Possible and Jon Burke, who introduced LTNs during his time as a Hackney council cabinet member, join the team. We'll also meet Brenda Puech, who turned an on-road parking space into a mini park or 'parklet'.

Movin’ on up: Transport for a net zero future

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:30:20 +0000

Transport makes up nearly 40% of the average UK household's carbon footprint (with wide variation between different sections of society). While other sectors have made progress on cutting carbon, the dial has barely moved on transport emissions. So is the elephant in the room actually an SUV? Joining the team this time are Professor Iain Docherty, transport policy expert at the University of Stirling, Dr Debbie Hopkins, Associate Professor in sustainable urban development at the University of Oxford, and Leo Murray, director of innovation at climate change charity Possible.

Zero-carbon homes: building a supply chain and workforce

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:15:14 +0000

Delivering UK net zero requires a massive switch to carbonless heat and power in all our buildings - but the tools and systems to make that switch don't currently exist. The team look at the scale of that challenge, and ask what can be done, particularly in jobs, skills and supply chains. They are joined by Jo Patterson from Cardiff University's Welsh School of Architecture, and Nigel Banks from zero-carbon housing developer Ilke Homes. Fraser chats with Nathan Gambling, a leading trainer of heating engineers.

Too Hot to Handle? Decarbonising heat in homes and industry

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:00:14 +0000

Heat is a key challenge in achieving carbon net-zero. What is being done to decarbonise heat systems, and how can this work be accelerated? Heat policy experts Richard Lowes and Jen Roberts address barriers and challenges to a just transition of heat. We also hear from some of very few householders to have already installed heat-pumps.

Show me the money: funding the net zero transition

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 23:30:03 +0000

Who pays for local energy systems in the net-zero transition, and why? What are the financial barriers that local and community energy models need to overcome? Barbara Hammond MBE shares lessons she's learned over ten years of running Oxford's Low Carbon Hub, and renewable finance guru Bruce Davis of Abundance Investment details different types of green energy finance.

Power To The People: Net Zero and Citizen Engagement

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 23:30:04 +0000

How do those leading the charge on carbon reduction bring everyone else in society along for the ride? Our guest is Professor Rebecca Willis, who leads on citizen engagement in climate change at Lancaster University. Her book on this subject is called 'Too Hot To Handle: The Democratic Challenge of Climate Change'.

Chris Stark of the UK Climate Change Committee

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 21:33:51 +0000

Chris Stark, chief executive of the UK's Climate Change Committee, shares his hopes, ambitions and fears over climate change goals, and his aspirations for Glasgow as it prepares to host COP26 later this year.

The team refer to a document in the episode entitled 'Local Authorities and the Sixth Carbon Budget'. You can download it at this link: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/local-authorities-and-the-sixth-carbon-budget/

Fuel poverty and net zero: Leave no-one behind

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 02:00:08 +0000

Fuel poverty is a pervasive and persistent issue for some of society's most vulnerable groups. How can the push for net zero help to end fuel poverty, and how can local solutions help? We meet fuel poor households in Glasgow, and visit Orkney - which has some of the UK's worst fuel poverty - but also some of the most innovative solutions.

We hear from:

Prof Aimee Ambrose, Energy Policy professor at Sheffield Hallam University and chair of the UK's Fuel Poverty Research Network
Luke Fraser from The Orkney Islands Council on Orkney's pioneering energy project ReFLEX.
Gareth Davies from Orkney-based company Aquatera, also on ReFLEX.

Glasgow's challenge: a net zero city by 2030

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 23:59:00 +0000

What is required to bring one of Britain's biggest cities down to net zero? In this episode, we focus on Glasgow as a case study for ambitious, city-level climate action, and set out the vital roles to be played by local authorities, communities and other key actors.

Contributors:

Anna Richardson - Glasgow City Council Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction
Lucy Gillie - general manager of Govanhill-based community environmental organisation South Seeds
Roddy Yarr - leads on developing and implementing climate change policy and solutions for the University of Strathclyde

COVID's Lessons for the Road to Net Zero

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 23:49:45 +0000

With guests Polly Billington and Jim Watson, the team assess the impact of Coronavirus on net zero transition. How can local energy help bring about a prosperous and fair pandemic recovery? Polly is a member of Hackney Council in East London and director of UK100, a network of more than 100 UK councils that is committed to tackling the climate emergency. Jim is Professor of Energy Policy at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources.

Countdown to COP26 in Glasgow

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 23:00:07 +0000

COP26 in Glasgow is one year away - so where are we on the path to a zero carbon future? In this first episode, the Local Zero team tackle the big questions on climate change, and start to explore how local ‘place-based’ solutions may hold the key.

Local Zero is a podcast from Glasgow-based climate change researchers Dr Rebecca Ford, Dr Matt Hannon and Fraser Stewart, brought to you by EnergyREV. Subscribe now to get every episode straight to your podcast feed.

Episode 1 contributors:

Renee Van Diemen a senior scientist from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Sam Gardner, Scottish Power's Head of Climate Change & Sustainability, and chair of the Edinburgh Climate Commission
David Reay, Chair in Carbon Management & Education at Edinburgh University
Erin Curtis, aged 16, volunteer coordinator for Glasgow Youth Strikes
Angus Miller, Glasgow City Council's Environment, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Chair.

Coming soon: climate action on your doorstep

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 13:26:33 +0000

Local Zero kicks off on November 5th, and launches a twelve month countdown to COP26. With Earth's most urgent conversation landing in Scotland, Glasgow-based climate change researchers Dr Rebecca Ford, Dr Matt Hannon and Fraser Stewart will be your trusted guides to smart local energy and a zero-carbon future. Subscribe now to get every episode straight to your podcast feed.