Essex
Using data to raise funding
Lead Organisation
Essex County Council
Location
East of England
Using new models and data to create a local solar market and tackle congestion in Essex
Essex County Council is using innovation to make everyday life easier and more affordable for residents, while enabling the shift to Net Zero.
The EssNet Pathfinder has established Essex Community Energy CIC, a not-for-profit that connects communities with funding, data and delivery partners to get solar and storage projects off the ground.
By testing a ‘pay-as-you-go’ model and supporting parish partnerships, the project showed that local trust and clear data can unlock self-funded installations. One area supported by the project became one of the UK’s top three hotspots for rooftop solar in early 2024.
The council is also working with schools and families through the HomeRun School Travel Analytics Platform (STAP), which uses real-time data to reduce congestion and carbon from school journeys.
Local business We Care For Air, involved in the STAP project, has explored opportunities in India through Net Zero Living support.
Find out more
If you are interested in learning how to transform your community, town or city, then read the Blended Finance Regional Funds for Net Zero report. If you would like to speak to someone about this project, contact the Net Zero Living team.