Reimagining Community-Led Decarbonisation Strategies

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

The built environment is at a pivotal crossroads. As we grapple with the pressing challenges of climate change, the way we plan, fund, and implement changes in our communities can make all the difference. Recent insights from sustainability experts Alex Calkin and Eliott Higgins highlight a transformative approach to decarbonisation at the neighbourhood level that promises not only to enhance the resilience of our communities but also to improve the overall wellbeing of individuals living within them.

In their discourse, Calkin, a Sustainability and Social Impact Consultant, alongside Higgins, an Associate from the Energy team at Buro Happold, shed light on their Urban C:Lab project, which seeks to address these challenges head-on. They argue that by moving from a perspective of ‘me’ to ‘we’, communities can effectively tackle the hurdles of decarbonisation together.

But how exactly does this shift in perspective manifest in practical terms? Let’s delve into the innovative concept of ‘Hyper:Shared’ infrastructure, a methodology designed to empower communities to reimagine their neighbourhoods collectively.

Understanding the Hyper:Shared Approach

At its core, the Hyper:Shared approach begins with recognising the unique needs of each community. The beauty of this initiative is that it isn’t about starting from scratch; rather, it draws from a wealth of successful examples of neighbourhood decarbonisation already taking root across the UK. From community-owned renewable energy projects to innovative Libraries of Things, these existing models provide a solid foundation on which to build.

Communities are encouraged to explore a toolkit of potential interventions tailored to their specific circumstances. This could include establishing energy cooperatives, implementing neighbourhood-wide retrofit schemes, enhancing green infrastructure, or creating shared solutions for transport and resource management. By employing a collaborative mindset, residents can devise strategies that not only reduce carbon emissions but also foster a sense of ownership and pride within their neighbourhoods.

Identifying Opportunities and Overcoming Barriers

The next critical step in the Hyper:Shared framework involves identifying opportunities while simultaneously eliminating barriers that impede the establishment of shared and co-owned infrastructure. One of the most significant challenges faced by community-led initiatives and holistic decarbonisation schemes is the struggle to commercialise projects and secure adequate funding.

The Hyper:Shared model seeks to address this issue through a strategy known as ‘bundling’. This involves grouping various neighbourhood-level initiatives into a cohesive and investable portfolio, making it easier to match these projects with green finance opportunities, carbon offsets, biodiversity net gain credits, and other relevant funding sources. By presenting a united front, communities can significantly enhance their attractiveness to potential investors.

A Comprehensive Support Structure

Hyper:Shared is not merely a theoretical concept; it encompasses a comprehensive technical assistance programme, an open-source methodology, an investable portfolio, and a robust governance and funding structure. This initiative acts as a bridge, facilitating communities in securing the necessary finance to implement multiple initiatives concurrently within existing neighbourhoods. Such an approach not only expands the scope of decarbonisation efforts but also amplifies their effectiveness.

Moreover, the implementation of Hyper:Shared aims to ensure that financial resources are retained and reinvested within local neighbourhoods. This focus on local economic resilience is crucial in fostering long-term prosperity and sustainability.

Why Is This Approach Timely?

In today’s context, the urgency for innovative solutions has never been more pronounced. Current data reveals a substantial pipeline of projects awaiting commercialisation, coupled with an abundance of green finance seeking viable opportunities. The overarching goal is to connect these two elements, enabling a broader array of interventions encompassing transport, green infrastructure, retrofitting, and resource utilisation.

Across the UK, inspiring examples of community-led decarbonisation are already emerging. Civic Square in Birmingham showcases remarkable community-led initiatives, while Ambition Lawrence Weston Community Interest Company boasts England’s largest onshore wind turbine, achieved through 100% community ownership. Similarly, Human Nature’s Phoenix development in Lewes embraces bold principles centred around shared spaces and resources, reflecting the potential of community-driven projects. Another noteworthy example is ShareOurCars in Oxford, which has successfully established a community-run car share club, demonstrating the scalability of such initiatives to residential streets.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the current landscape where smaller-scale projects often fail to attract investors and are laborious to set up individually. This is where the Hyper:Shared initiative shines, providing the necessary governance framework to simplify the setup process for communities while maintaining a community-centric approach.

The Need for Local Retention of Wealth

As we navigate the financial pressures of rising council tax and other living costs, it is imperative to recognise the greater decarbonisation potential that schemes like Hyper:Shared offer. By ensuring that wealth generated through these initiatives remains within the local area, communities can realise significant economic and environmental benefits. Isolated schemes can be bundled together to create a compelling, investable portfolio, accelerating the implementation of multiple interventions while fostering robust community engagement and stakeholder buy-in.

A Path Forward

A critical next step involves establishing a delivery mechanism that attracts investment, enabling the simultaneous execution of numerous multifaceted schemes. The Cities Commission for Climate Investment (3Ci) is actively addressing this challenge, with Buro Happold proudly partnering in their efforts. Furthermore, the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Local Net Zero Accelerator Programme is in development and holds immense potential. Notably, the funding and commercialisation mechanisms they are exploring closely align with the principles of Hyper:Shared, which is encouraging for future collaboration.

The Benefits of Hyper:Shared

As we consider the potential impact of the Hyper:Shared model on communities, it’s essential to highlight four key benefits that stand to emerge:

1. Enhanced Decarbonisation Potential: The model allows communities to decarbonise more efficiently and effectively, maximising their impact on climate change.
2. Financial Rewards: By reducing the cost of living and retaining wealth locally, communities can experience tangible economic benefits.
3. Increased System Resilience: The approach fortifies communities against future financial shocks and existing grid constraints, ensuring a sustainable future.
4. Improved Wellbeing: The positive impact on health, participation, and equity fosters a greater sense of community and belonging.

Next Steps

Immediate action is crucial in the face of the climate crisis. While the Hyper:Shared methodology is currently in its conceptual phase, Calkin and Higgins are actively seeking collaboration partners to co-create processes and projects that will bring this vision to fruition. Together, we can harness the power of community-led initiatives to drive meaningful change in our neighbourhoods.

For more insights and information, visit www.burohappold.com.

This article is inspired by the original piece featured in the May 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. To stay informed and engaged, consider subscribing to the magazine for more updates on energy management and sustainability.