Research reveals that many local authorities in England are making significant strides in retrofitting their buildings, adopting renewable energy and electrifying infrastructure as part of their net-zero journeys.

Despite this, two-thirds are not confident they will achieve targets by 2050, with 79% citing budget constraints as a significant barrier.

This is according to Freedom of Information (FOI) data from 199 local authorities in England, released by Schneider Electric.

Local authorities across England are advancing towards their net-zero goals by retrofitting buildings, embracing renewable energy, and electrifying infrastructure in their efforts to meet net zero targets.

  • The vast majority (95%) have retrofitted existing buildings to improve energy efficiency
  • 83% have electrified infrastructure such as EV charging points, buildings and heating systems
  • 82% have invested in renewable technologies to decarbonise
  • 61% are measuring real-time energy usage and performance metrics to identify where costs can be reduced and efficiencies gained

Whilst nine in ten local authorities (89%) have received either government or private funding for decarbonisation or energy efficiency initiatives in the past three years, there are challenges, particularly around funding, that could hold them back.

  • Budget constraints are the most significant barrier according to 79% of local authorities
  • Technology is an issue for over a third (37%)
  • Skills shortages and insufficient knowledge also a challenge for one in three (33%)

“Local authorities have a vital part to play in meeting our national net-zero targets and our research shows they are making significant progress. But they cannot do it alone,” said Alice Williams, Schneider Electric’s VP Digital Energy, UK&I. “There is an urgent need for continued investment and support to ensure they can hit their targets, delivering a sustainable future for their communities whilst at the same time reaping the financial rewards that energy efficiency brings at a time when budgets are tight.”