Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

The case study highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in England and Wales as they strive to implement urgent actions to combat the climate crisis and achieve net-zero carbon by 2050. Many councils are hindered by budget cuts, which have reduced resources for planning authorities, and by national building regulations that do not adequately address whole-life carbon emissions. This situation has left sustainability-driven developers struggling to enter the market due to high land values.

To address these issues, local authorities can adopt a holistic approach through the One Planet Living framework, which emphasizes a triple-bottom line perspective that considers environmental, social, and economic benefits. This framework has been successfully applied in various projects, including the BedZED development, which was the UK’s first large-scale sustainable community. BedZED, developed in collaboration with Peabody Trust and others, features 100 homes (50% affordable), community facilities, and green spaces. Residents benefit from significantly lower utility bills, using 27% less electricity and 36% less gas compared to similar households. The project was made feasible by the London Borough of Sutton, which sold the land at a below-market rate, factoring in the carbon emissions savings.

Another example is Sutton Farm, established by Bioregional, which transformed underutilized land into a productive farm to provide fresh produce and reduce carbon emissions associated with food transport. Additionally, the redevelopment of Saxon Court in Milton Keynes, supported by Bioregional, will include 288 new apartments and a public square, generating an estimated £300 million in social value over 20 years. This project will be fossil fuel-free and achieve a 25% net gain in biodiversity, showcasing the potential for local authorities to leverage their assets for sustainable community development.

These case studies illustrate how local authorities can overcome barriers to sustainable development by focusing on long-term community benefits rather than short-term financial returns, ultimately creating thriving, resilient communities.