Bristol City Council’s Energy Initiative: City Leap Project

Bristol is one of the leading green cities in the UK, setting an example for local councils around the UK (Ecologist). We welcomed Councillor Kye Dudd, Cabinet member for Waste, Energy, Climate & Ecology, Bristol City Council to our Local Government Climate Action Conference 2023. Kye discussed Collaborating with Local Business Partners to Drive Green Investment and Create Green Jobs. Bristol’s City Leap Project exemplifies the city’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030, leveraging strategic partnerships and community involvement to drive green investment and job creation. The full presentation is available above, with a summary given below.

Bristol City Council has launched the Bristol City Leap project, a pioneering initiative designed to make the city carbon-neutral by 2030. This innovative project, formed in partnership with Ameresco and Vattenfall, aims to attract over £1 billion in investment over the next 20 years, significantly transforming Bristol’s energy infrastructure.

Related articles:

• Net Zero: 5 Key Climate Action Areas for Local Governments
• Collaborative Climate Change Approach: GLA & London Councils
• 6 Key Strategies to Improve UK Transport for Local Governments

Project Highlights

Investment and Job Creation

• The project promises to inject nearly £500 million into low-carbon energy infrastructure within the first five years. This includes solar, wind, heat networks, heat pumps, and energy efficiency measures​ (Bristol City Council)​​.
• It is set to create over 1,000 new jobs, apprenticeships, and work placements, with a significant portion of these opportunities located within the Bristol City Council postcode area.

Energy Efficiency and Heat Networks

• Bristol City Leap will expand the city’s heat network, aiming to connect 65,000 buildings and install heat pumps in 95,000 more. This network includes the largest water source heat pump in the UK, located at Castle Park​ (Bristol City Council)​.
• The initiative will also focus on upgrading the energy performance of council housing to achieve at least an EPC C rating by 2030​.

Community and Social Value

• The project includes a £1.5 million Community Energy Development Fund and a £500,000 R&D Fund to support innovation within the city. Additionally, it aims to generate £61 million in social value, primarily through local supply chain spending.
• Community involvement is a key aspect, with opportunities for local groups to access crowdfunding platforms and participate in energy projects.

Strategic Partnerships

• The partnership model involves a joint venture where Bristol City Council holds a 50% stake, ensuring public interest is maintained while leveraging private sector investment.
• This model is designed to be replicable across other cities in the UK and globally, showcasing Bristol as a leader in innovative climate action​.

Bristol City Council’s Commitment to Carbon Neutrality by 2030

Bristol City Council’s Bristol City Leap project exemplifies the city’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030, leveraging strategic partnerships and community involvement to drive green investment and job creation. The initiative focuses on expanding energy efficiency, developing extensive heat networks, and fostering local economic growth through significant investments and job opportunities, setting a benchmark for other cities.

With projects like the Community Energy Development Fund and the R&D Fund, it advances technological innovation while ensuring social value and community engagement. This collaborative model, maintaining a 50% public stake, serves as a replicable blueprint for municipalities worldwide, demonstrating that ambitious climate goals can be achieved through visionary planning and inclusive community initiatives.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Bristol City Leap website.

This was presented at our Local Government Climate Action Conference 2023. For further insights, join our upcoming Biodiversity Net Gain in the Planning System Conference, which will provide guidance on integrating green infrastructure and sustainable habitat conservation.

Join us to hear the latest guidance and best practice in enabling biodiversity net gain. High-level keynotes will provide insights into the latest national updates and strategic guidance on working in partnership to deliver biodiversity net gain. Topics of best practice include insights into integrating green infrastructure into the development process and implementing strategies to provide a sustainable solution to woodland and habitat conservation. A breakout networking session offers the opportunity to share your experiences whilst networking with other senior colleagues from a variety of sectors.