The UK needs an ambitious and comprehensive residential retrofitting and energy efficiency programme in order to achieve net zero by 2050. This is a complex challenge requiring policy and knowledge co-ordination. It could lead to big changes in society and economic benefits.

But we need to make sure that no one is left behind in such an effort, including lower-income groups and places in particular. At the same time, the recession created by Covid-19 is likely to force more and more people into unemployment.

Can the UK maintain its commitment to net zero while also supporting people affected by the pandemic’s economic damage? Does the solution lie in investing in the Green Industrial Revolution? What types of new skills policies would need to be developed to support this?

To discuss these issues and more, Stefan Bouzarovski, Professor of Geography at the University of Manchester, will join us at an online event to talk about the interaction between energy policy and economic prosperity in UK cities and large towns.

His presentation will be followed by a contribution from Centre for Cities’ Policy Officer Simon Jeffrey and a Q&A session chaired by Chief Executive Andrew Carter.

This event is kindly sponsored by: