We want to test an ambitious approach to the coordinated planning and delivery of low-carbon heat. We’re interested in whether more homes could be offered the chance to switch to low-carbon heat together, on a street-by-street basis, and we want to understand what may be the best way to deliver that. This project will build on the experience of those already involved in the delivery of low-carbon heat and citizens.

We will be co-creating a blueprint highlighting the "behind the scenes" of an early policy note by Nesta. The policy blueprint will visualise the actors, steps and interactions and connect the theory of the policy note to the reality of how it is delivered. Illustrating the interactions that constitute the services being offered, the switch to low-carbon heat, as well as the bodies or individuals critical to the delivery of a policy.

You can read a summary of our initial policy note here. This note discusses policy options which we intend to explore as part of this project and has not been widely tested.

If we can identify a workable delivery model for coordinated switching to low-carbon heat, there will be more scope for delivering this successfully in the UK. By working with those who may be involved in delivering coordinated planning and delivery of low-carbon heat, we hope to build confidence in the note, while de-risking it and improving the ease with which suggestions could be adopted.

The current approach to transitioning to low-carbon heating is primarily market-led and based on individual choice. Individual homeowners decide whether and when to switch to low-carbon heating in isolation. Businesses develop technologies and services and try to sell them to households. The government provides some incentives and support for low-carbon heating but does not significantly plan or guide the process.

This individual-led approach has problems and risks, which will become more apparent as the transition to low-carbon heating progresses. Nesta has drafted a policy note that argues the UK will need to:

1. do more active planning on low-carbon heating
2. make more use of coordinated approaches to low-carbon heating, such as street-by-street switching and shared infrastructure.

This does not mean abandoning a market approach or individual choice for low-carbon heating but providing a stronger planning framework for them to operate in. In particular, we argue that the principle of securing people’s support is crucial in the transition to low-carbon heat.

This project will work with government, industry stakeholders and citizens to test this note. Co-creating and mapping the note to learn from those who may already be testing and delivering coordinated approaches to low carbon heat, highlighting the areas where new organisations or capabilities may need to be developed and suggesting structures and requirements of these.

We will be using a strategy based on service design principles to develop a detailed visual plan, that we’re calling a policy blueprint.

Phase 1 – February 2024: laying the groundwork, we'll first draft a visual blueprint capturing the policy's implementation journey, identifying key actors and their intricate connections. We will work with those who may be already delivering elements of the blueprint, such as those already preparing local energy plans.

Phase 2 – March 2024: co-creation and refinement, we move from blueprint conception to collaborative enhancement. We'll convene workshops where stakeholders become active participants. Together, we'll identify potential roadblocks and areas requiring deeper exploration. By openly addressing critiques and contentious points, we'll refine the blueprint iteratively.

Phase 3 – April 2024: iterating for impact, drawing on valuable insights from stakeholders, we'll refine the policy note, resulting in a robust V2 of the blueprint and policy note. This iteration will highlight key recommendations for improvement, ensuring the approach is comprehensive and effective. This collaborative process centred on feedback and iteration, aims to deliver a broadly supported policy.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact Martina Kavan.