Case studies

Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved in.

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Greater Manchester: Your Home Better

Nearly every home in the UK has the potential to use less fuel for heating, lighting and appliances. To support home and building owners with understanding how they can make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable, Greater Manchester has set up Your Home Better, a one-stop-shop to support people with advice, finding contractors, as well as overseeing installation.

Derby City Council: Bee bus stops

Living Roofs contribute towards climate resistance, through absorbing rainwater falling on the roof, helping to reduce the ‘Urban Heat Island Effect’, capturing particulates from the air, and helping make the city a greener and happier place. The roofs are made from a mix of 13 native wildflower and 5 sedum species; selected by experts to aid and support bees and other pollinators.

Devon County Council: Commercially Recycling EV Batteries

Devon County Council have supported Altilitech through the Green Innovation Fund to scale-up their proprietary process for recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries to a commercial operation. Verified by the University of Plymouth, the innovative method recovers over 95 per cent of the critical metals contained within spent batteries at a quality for reuse in new batteries. Altilitech operates under a circular economy model; retaining value in the local economy whilst reducing the toxic waste and emissions produced in mining.

West Hendon Playing Fields Masterplan

In June 2021, the London Borough of Barnet approved the Outline Business Case for the development of an £18.8M strategic sports hub including a wider leisure and community offer at West Hendon Playing Fields.

Scarborough Borough Council: HVO fleet decarbonisation trial

In order to reduce the carbon footprint of the Council and demonstrate leadership locally, regionally, and nationally, Scarborough Borough Council has rolled out hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) into almost two thirds of its fleet vehicles. The fuel is being used as a straight replacement for diesel in the majority of the diesel fleet, from bin wagons to ride-on mowers. Over the course of a full year, the project could lower emissions by up to 900 tCO2e.

South Cambridgeshire District Council: Zero Carbon Communities grant scheme

The Zero Carbon Communities grant scheme is part of a wider programme which offers practical and financial support to non-profit organisations and parish councils, empowering them to take action in response to the climate emergency. The annual grant scheme funds projects which reduce carbon emissions or engage communities on climate change. Projects have been funded which promote sustainable travel, improve the energy efficiency of community buildings, encourage shifts to lower carbon diets, and plant trees. The wider programme provides workshops, community networking events and a newsletter sharing good practice and ideas.

Wiltshire Council: The Salisbury River Park Project

The Salisbury River Park project is a collaborative project between Wiltshire Council and the Environment Agency, with support from both the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) and Salisbury City Council to deliver essential flood alleviation and major environmental improvements through the central riverside spine of the historic city of Salisbury.

Brighton & Hove City Council: Council tax rebate donation scheme

Brighton & Hove Council identified a number of households who said they do not need the energy council tax rebate which is intended to help with fuel bills. In response, they supported the launch of the Brighton & Hove Cost of Living Crisis Appeal, the funds of which will go directly to supporting the most vulnerable households in the area.

Hertfordshire country and district councils: Energy advice app

Hertfordshire Council partnered with Energy Saving Trust to provide an energy efficiency app, to help residents save money on their bills.

South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City Council: Zero carbon fleet drive

As part of their fleet decarbonisation drive, the shared service between South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City Council took delivery of a fully electric Faun Zoeller E-Rotopress in July 2022. The councils are working to replace bin lorries with electric or alternative fuel vehicles as existing diesel trucks come to the end of their working lives.