How the Zero Carbon Accelerator is helping deliver a just transition
“From clean air to green jobs and lower energy bills, we have an opportunity to deliver real benefits to our communities, especially those who have been historically left behind.”
Mete Coban MBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy
The Zero Carbon Accelerator is focused on delivering greater social benefits for all Londoners.
But what does this look like and how are we supporting organisations to consider their communities’ needs?
As organisations, government and individuals continue to work towards net zero and tackle climate change, we must ensure that vulnerable individuals and groups are at the heart of our work.
Community, inclusion and integration are core principles of the Zero Carbon Accelerator, to support a just, equitable and fair transition to net zero for all.
What is a just transition?
Reaching net zero is about cutting CO2 emissions. Reaching a just transition is about improving the quality of life for all on our decarbonisation journey. The Mayor of London defines this as including:
- making homes warmer and more efficient
- tackling fuel poverty and the cost-of-living crisis
- making neighbourhoods greener and more walkable
- supporting the creation of well-paid green jobs.
How is the Zero Carbon Accelerator supporting a just transition?
The Zero Carbon Accelerator offers technical support, free learning events and a Knowledge Hub of resources to support a just transition. Our free events and Hub aim to make the net zero journey as accessible as possible for the people who need to lead, own and develop decarbonisation projects.
Get technical support for a just transition
As part of our direct technical support offering, organisations can access expert guidance on maximising social value and reducing inequalities through their decarbonisation journey. This can help them to better understand how:
- their decarbonisation projects can deliver real benefits for their communities, organisation and stakeholders
- to embed social value into business operations and purchasing decisions, connecting suppliers with community-based organisations
- to assess project impacts on vulnerable groups of people, such as low-income households and people with protected characteristics
- to implement measures that mitigate negative impacts related to decarbonisation measures, such as community advocacy and ensuring tenants do not have increased financial costs
- promote inclusion through project delivery and ensuring different viewpoints are considered, from empowering local communities to diversifying decarbonisation project teams.
If your organisation could benefit from this support on their journey to net zero, submit an Expression of Interest and select that option and give any relevant details when requesting the type of support.
The Zero Carbon Accelerator is particularly keen to support projects that benefit London communities most impacted by structural inequalities. If your organisation is going through the Self-assessment form, be sure to emphasise any relevant work you’re doing.
Learn about decarbonisation for free
We hold free webinars to help upskill organisations on their journey to net zero. These webinars are open and accessible to all.
Our upcoming Inclusive Procurement for Decarbonisation Projects particularly explores how procurement in the public sector can be approached with equity in mind. Join us on Monday 24 March to learn more and ask questions.
To stay up to date with the latest webinars, sign up to our newsletter.
Explore free Knowledge Hub resources
Our Knowledge Hub shares technical expertise for organisations to use on their journey to net zero, from advice and training to knowledge sharing and finance.
You can filter by topic, format, sector and stage to access the right tools and information depending on your needs. Helpful topics to look at for a just transition include social outcomes and procurement.
Does your organisation need help in delivering a just transition? Submit an Expression of Interest to kickstart your journey and get the support you need.
*A Just Transition in Retrofits: interim report The London Sustainable Development Commission, found here
The Mayor of London is delivering the Zero Carbon Accelerator in collaboration with Mott MacDonald, Energy Saving Trust and an alliance of experts: ACA Studios, Altair, Ambue, Arthian, ClimateView, COWI, EEVS, Energiesprong UK, ERM, IES, Pascall+Watson Architects, Pollard Thomas Edwards, Retrofit Academy, S&J Consulting and Zerogram.
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