Local Net Zero Accelerator

Description

WMCA’s Local Net Zero Accelerator (LNZA) programme, which is scheduled for completion by March 2026, has been built off the back of significant research and evidence, including the Zero Carbon Rugeley and Net Zero Neighbourhoods initiatives, and will cover four main areas of activity: 1. Development of a pipeline of up to six place-based net zero projects across the region through the Net Zero Neighbourhoods programme, which will include: undertaking community engagement activity; retrofit surveys and assessment; installation of monitoring equipment; installation of energy improvement measures (subject to funding availability); and technical feasibility work looking at potential for energy infrastructure improvements within each area such as heat networks, embedded generation and storage and smart grids. 2. Design and development of a data infrastructure and specification to collect, store, analyse and report on data from place-based net zero projects, including Net Zero Neighbourhoods. 3. Design, development and establishment of a regional net zero fund and governance structures needed to channel investment into net zero projects across the region. 4. Engagement with investors, which will include the development of detailed investment cases for Net Zero Neighbourhoods, development of suitable resources for marketing and engagement and securing commitment of investors to fund projects via the regional net zero fund.