Future Local Lab
Local Government ExplainedEnergy saving and greener homes: Case studies and resources for local government
Sid Hayward, LGIU
Every week, we highlight inspiration and innovation from local government worldwide. In this article, we’re focusing on how we can help create and retrofit greener homes and be more efficient with household energy use. You’ll find best practice from Ireland, Spain, India and New Zealand, along with plenty of practical policy and resources.
Every week, we highlight inspiration and innovation from local government worldwide. In this article, we’re focusing on how we can help create greener homes, retrofit existing dwellings to be more sustainable, and be more efficient with household energy use. You’ll find best practice from Ireland, Spain, India and New Zealand, along with plenty of practical policy and resources for more insight and guidance on the topic.
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Policy innovation and inspiration examples from the local government sector
Report: Enabling electrification: addressing the barriers to moving off gas faced by lower-income households
This paper examines the issues households in Victoria, Australia have reported in disconnecting from gas and switching to less-intensive or renewable fuel sources. It finds that most respondents supported a transition away from household gas, with housing tenure a key factor in electrification. It also highlights policy solutions to achieve equitable electrification, such as greater access to solar panels and targeted approaches to address stressors that may prevent households from prioritising electrification.
Report: Smarter energy use: how to cut energy bills and climate harm
This report also highlights the necessity of electrifying our homes, arguing it will lead to greater efficiency, lower energy bills during a cost of living crisis, and cut emissions in the climate crisis. This report takes a closer look at the important role efficiency will play with electrification in the energy transformation. It also highlights practical, affordable ways people can improve the energy performance of their home, as well as how all levels of government can work together to improve housing performance.
Study: Sustainable housing at a neighbourhood scale
The strategies and policy levers employed in “eco-neighbourhoods” are examined in this report. It looks at how these case study neighbourhoods from across Europe and Australia can inform future policy and practice. It also considers the challenges and opportunities of planning, designing and implementing sustainable housing developments at the neighbourhood level.
Toolkit: The role of local government in advancing a just transition in the built environment
The social impacts of local policy to decarbonise the built environment can vary considerably, ranging from helping those most in need to exacerbating inequality. This report identifies ways local governments can ensure net zero planning policy can both tackle inequality while reducing carbon emissions. It provides six tools with guidance and examples to help ensure the green transition in housing and planning is grounded in human rights.
Looking for even more on this topic? Check out our collection of resources on environmental governance! Make sure you subscribe to LGIU to never miss out on this essential service for the local government sector everywhere.
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