We need to move away from fossil fuel powered energy and heating sources and ensure our homes are ready for the impacts of the future climate. Our aim is to reduce our emissions to meet net zero targets.

With over 650,000 domestic properties across the region, this is not an easy task. We need to understand the barriers to retrofitting, such as lack of funding, misinformation and availability of installers confident to install retrofitting measures. We can then work with colleges and universities in the area to plan for the changes needed.

Project area

Fife Council is running the Net Zero Innovation and Delivery Programme. It covers the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal area. This includes the councils of Fife, the City of Edinburgh, West Lothian, Midlothian, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders. The project covers the full region but includes challenges and opportunities unique to each of the local authorities above.

Project outputs

The Net Zero Innovation and Delivery Programme aims to explore non-technical barriers to net zero through two areas of research:

1. Energy Supply and Infrastructure

The Project aim is  to understand non-technical net zero skills gaps for public sector domestic retrofitting through energy efficiency measures and decarbonised heating solutions.

We are exploring whether we can retrofit domestic properties across the region with decarbonised heating solutions and energy efficiency measures. This could be heat pumps, insulation, and solar panels to name a few. We will work with external consultants Optimat and John Gilbert Architects to complete a feasibility study. We will use this to support colleges to develop and deliver courses for upskilling, reskilling and new training opportunities.

2. Industry and Manufacturing

The project aim is to develop an inclusive high-skilled manufacturing workforce, to meet zero emissions heat supply chain demands.

We will focus on manufacturing and supply chain challenges across the region for decarbonised heating solutions such as heat pumps. We will be bringing on an external consultant soon to support this feasibility study.

Fife Council will publish the final reports and delivery plans by July 2025.

The Fast Followers Programme

Fife Council Climate Change and Zero Waste Team are taking part in the Fast Followers programme. The programme funds 25 projects in local authorities across the UK to support action towards net zero. Each project explores a different sector, from retrofit to finance to community engagement. Some are implementing change within the council system; others are supporting communities and businesses to take action against climate change. Innovate UK is funding the 2-year programme. It supports places and businesses across the UK to speed up the transition to Net Zero.

For more information on the full Fast Followers programme, please visit Innovate UK's Fast Followers accelerate towards Net Zero page.

Project Funder - Innovate UK

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. They work to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. With an annual budget of over £1 billion, they provide businesses with the expertise, facilities and funding they need to test, demonstrate and evolve their ideas, driving UK productivity and economic growth.

In partnership with:

  • The City of Edinburgh Council

  • West Lothian Council

  • Midlothian Council

  • East Lothian Council

  • Scottish Borders Council

  • University of Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh College

  • Fife College

  • West Lothian College

  • Borders College

Project Contact

To find out more, please contact the Fife Council project lead