Low Carbon Case Studies

Find out the ways cities are creating a low carbon economy in our case study library

Case study library

Why go low carbon

A low carbon economy can offer financial as well as environmental returns to cities. Despite lacking a clear mandate and operating in difficult financial and policy contexts, UK cities are taking action to support economic growth whilst reducing their carbon emissions.

Cities can support the move towards a low carbon economy in many different ways: by pursuing jobs growth in low carbon sectors, by working with businesses to reduce energy demand and consumption, providing finance, promoting regulations, and providing incentives.

Case study Policy aim Location Country Lead organisation(s)
1. Building business support networks and promoting information sharing Support growth in low carbon businesses South West of England and London UK Regen Southwest, Low Carbon Southwest
2. Reducing the costs of energy Support growth in low carbon businesses Belfast UK Belfast City Council
3. Championing green legislations targeting energy efficiency in buildings Support the growth of a low carbon economy New York City New York, US New York City Authority
4. Using comprehensive and long-term laws Support the growth of a low carbon economy San Francisco California, US City and County of San Francisco
5. Improving co-ordination on low carbon infrastructure using City Deals Support the growth of a low carbon economy Liverpool UK Liverpool City Region
6. Incentivising recycling with a Pay As You Throw scheme Encourage low carbon decisions and behaviours Cities in the UK and abroad International Multiple organisations
7. Challenging businesses to lead the way Encourage low carbon decisions and behaviours New York city New York, US New York City Council
8. Promoting behaviours change campaigns Encourage low carbon decisions and behaviours Cities across the UK UK The Carbon Trust
9. Incentivising the use of new technologies Encourage low carbon decisions and behaviours London UK Greater London Authority
10. Simplifying procurement and cutting the costs of public bodies Deliver green jobs and help develop a low carbon economy Birmingham UK Buy for Good
11. Using the city as a test-bed Deliver green jobs and help develop a low carbon economy Hamburg Germany City of Hamburg
12 . Stimulating consumer demand through GPP Deliver green jobs and help develop a low carbon economy Leeds UK Leeds City Council
13 . Investing in energy efficiency, energy provision and building retrofit Maximise leverage of commercial funds into low carbon projects Cities across the UK UK Energy Co-Operatives
14. Using co-investment models Maximise leverage of commercial funds into low carbon projects London UK The London Energy Efficiency Fund

More case studies on Business and Enterprise

Read more

More case studies on housing and transport

Read more