Caerphilly

Caerphilly helps residents connect Net Zero technologies to everyday benefits and real-life use.

In Caerphilly, where many communities face daily struggles with housing, energy and transport, Net Zero can feel distant or irrelevant. Many residents are unsure what terms like ‘Net Zero’ or ‘climate change’ actually mean for their lives.

Rather than sideline these concerns, Anna Lewis, Transformation Project Officer at Caerphilly County Borough Council, used them as a starting point.

With support from Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Pathfinder and Dr Stephen Carr from the University of South Wales, she co-designed a new engagement model — asking over 1,500 residents from diverse backgrounds what they need to feel informed, involved and confident in using Net Zero technologies and infrastructure.

Innovation funding enabled the team to adapt their approach to unexpected challenges, including varied communication needs.

The resulting plain-language toolkit is now informing inclusive engagement through Net Zero Living’s Pioneer Places programme, and Caerphilly’s wider partnerships with Welsh Government and Cardiff Capital Region.

Find out more

If you are interested in learning how to transform your community, town or city, then read the Citizen engagement on Net Zero: Local Authority self-assessment questionnaire report. If you would like to speak to someone about this project, contact the Net Zero Living team.