Discover how UK institutions, including universities and local councils, are advancing toward carbon neutrality. These case studies showcase the practical steps taken through the Refit framework, from integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels to upgrading outdated infrastructure with efficient heating systems. Each example highlights the substantial cost savings and carbon reductions achieved, reflecting a shared commitment to a sustainable, greener future.
Aberystwyth University has applied the Local Partnerships’ Re:fit framework to increase energy efficiency across its buildings, including installation of a solar farm, which will reduce carbon emissions by 500 tonnes annually.
Barnsley Council embarked on a multi-phase project to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. The comprehensive approach is set to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 529 tonnes and deliver over 2 million kWh in energy savings, while future-proofing the Council’s infrastructure and optimising energy efficiency.
The Beckfoot Trust’s Environmental Strategy, using the Re:fit framework, achieved substantial energy and cost savings, reducing carbon emissions while educating students and the community on sustainability.
Carmarthenshire County Council, is advancing its 2030 net-zero goal, reducing emissions by 675 tonnes and saving £315,000 annually through energy upgrades.
Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust is cutting 4,939 tonnes of CO2 and saving £1.25 million annually through energy upgrades supported by the Re:fit framework.
Anglesey County Council’s Re:fit initiative aims to cut over 1,672 tonnes of CO2 annually, advancing its goal of net zero by 2030 through energy-efficient property upgrades.
Manchester City Council’s Re:fit initiative aims for carbon neutrality by 2038, cutting 1,416 tonnes of CO2 annually through energy savings and renewable generation.
Swansea Bay University Health Board’s Re:fit project, including Wales’ first hospital solar farm, cuts 3,471 tonnes of CO2 annually and delivers substantial energy and cost savings across its hospitals.
Westminster City Council is leveraging renewable technologies through the Re:fit framework to significantly reduce carbon emissions and achieve its 2030 carbon neutrality goal.
Discover guides, toolkits and case studies that build on this topic
The Climate Adaptation and Resilience Matrix is a practical tool designed to help local authorities understand, assess and respond to the potential impacts of climate change and extreme weather on waste services and supporting infrastructure.
The matrix considers a range of climate-related hazards, including heatwaves, flooding and extreme cold, and their potential implications for collection services, household waste and recycling centres, transfer stations, operational depots and key supply chain facilities. It provides a high-level checklist of both short- and longer-term adaptation and mitigation measures that authorities can consider to strengthen the resilience and continuity of their services.
Drawing on research, case studies and stakeholder engagement, the matrix brings together practical actions and considerations in one place. It is not intended to prescribe a single approach; rather, it provides a flexible framework that local authorities can adapt to reflect their own climate risks, infrastructure, service models, geography and local circumstances.
The toolkit also highlights opportunities to embed climate resilience into existing organisational processes and decision-making, rather than treating adaptation as a standalone activity. This includes considering resilience measures through procurement and contract management, budget and capital planning, policy and strategy reviews, asset management, service transformation programmes and wider operational planning.
By using the matrix as a prompt for discussion, review and forward planning, local authorities can identify vulnerabilities, prioritise appropriate interventions and progressively build greater resilience into waste services, infrastructure and supply chains.
With NESO inviting participation in RESP Strategic Boards and Working Groups, this guide helps local and combined authorities consider what they need to put in place to take an effective role in regional energy planning.
Drawing on interviews with local authorities, it sets out practical approaches to:
An accompanying executive summary provides a concise overview for senior leaders and elected members, explaining why RESP matters, the risks of limited engagement and the organisational arrangements needed to respond effectively.
The guide was funded by West Midlands Combined Authority and draws on learning from the Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital Environment (PRIDE) project.
The Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool has been developed by Local Partnerships in collaboration with the Local Government Association (LGA) to provide councils with a straightforward and consistent approach for calculating their carbon baseline and annual emissions reporting.
For assistance and feedback, please email ghgaccounting@localpartnerships.gov.uk
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