Fast Followers Funding Secured To help accelerate Towards Net Zero

The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Net Zero Innovation and Delivery Programme has received Innovate UK funding to accelerate progress towards hitting Net Zero targets.

As the fastest growing region in Scotland, a 40% increase in new homes is needed every year. To transform both public and private housing to meet Net Zero ambitions, the region needs a well-trained workforce with the skills and capabilities for domestic retrofit and energy efficiency in new homes.

The current and future construction workforce crosses South East Scotland local authority boundaries, so it makes sense for all councils to work together with government, industry, City Region Deal organisations, colleges and universities.

This funding will allow the appointment of a Net Zero Innovation and Delivery Officer to: run feasibility studies on the skills barriers for Net Zero housing; maximise upskilling delivery; and avoid duplication of effort to create a common regional approach.

Fast Followers is part of Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme, designed to help places and businesses across the UK to accelerate the delivery of the transition to Net Zero.

A competitive process saw 21 Local Authorities across the UK receive £6m funding from Fast Followers to help their areas to accelerate innovation, all with one aim – achieving Net Zero.

The projects are all designed to overcome non-technical barriers like citizen engagement or procurement.

Find out more on the Innovate UK website.