Local Zero

After 113 episodes, reaching 35,000 unique listeners, in 150 countries - the award-winning Local Zero podcast is having to say 'bye for now'. Sadly, we’ve reached a point where continuing to fund production of Local Zero has become a challenge. We are working hard to identify a way forward, and hope to have a resolution early in 2026, so we can begin publishing new episodes again. We are extremely proud of all that we’ve achieved so far, and have had tremendous fun along the way. Particularly, we've loved hearing from people who've got in touch to let us know how listening to the podcast has helped them shape their approach to sustainability and local climate action. To all our past guests, our listeners, and especially to anyone who has ever got in touch or shared positive reviews - thank you! All past episodes and transcripts will remain available on podcast platforms - and searchable on the website www.localzeropod.com If you'd like to get in touch with the team - especially if your organisation has ideas for funding or commissioning episodes of Local Zero or if you have stories to share about the impact of the podcast or of particular episodes - we would love to hear from you. Drop us an email at localzeropod@gmail.com, or contact us directly on LinkedIn. We hope to be back soon. Stay following Local Zero, so that new episodes - when they come - land straight onto your device.

Matt and Fraser explore the UK Co-Benefits Atlas, a new, interactive platform for communicating the co-benefits of reaching net zero across the UK. Co-benefits are the positive changes that could happen as a side-effect of cutting carbon emissions – such as cleaner air, healthier homes, and better diets. This is the third and final episode in our series focusing on projects funded by the Scottish Research Alliance for Energy Homes and Livelihoods (EHL). Our guests are Dr Andrew Sudmant, Data Programme Manager at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute and co-lead of the EHL’s “Financial Pathways” theme, and Dr Sean Field, Director of Policy and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Energy Ethics at the University of St Andrews and Lead Analyst at the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Follow EHL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-homes-livelihoods/ Sign up to the EHL newsletter: https://energy-homes-livelihoods.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=95f64f8471e335ca66577e8ac&id=8f3acb33ed Links: Local Zero homepage: https://www.localzeropod.com/ UK Co-Benefits Atlas: https://ukcobenefitsatlas.net/ Dr Andrew Sudmant: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk/team-1/andrew-sudmant-2/ Dr Sean Field: https://energyethics.st-andrews.ac.uk/people/sean-field/

Matt and Fraser hit the road to explore the reality of "van life", going beyond the glossy image often presented on social media. To what extent is van dwelling really a choice, and how easy – or otherwise – is it to live sustainably in a vehicle? This episode is the second in our series focusing on projects funded by the Scottish Research Alliance for Energy Homes and Livelihoods (EHL). Our guest is Dr Louise Reid, Senior Lecturer in Geography and Sustainable Development and Co-Director of the St Andrews Centre for Critical Sustainabilities (StACCS). Along with Dr Rachel Hunt and Dr Rachel Creaney, Louise is part of an EHL-funded project exploring people's lived experiences of van dwelling in Scotland, in an attempt to fill an evidence gap on the topic. Follow EHL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-homes-livelihoods/ Sign up to the EHL newsletter: https://energy-homes-livelihoods.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=95f64f8471e335ca66577e8ac&id=8f3acb33ed Links: Scottish Research Alliance for Energy Homes and Livelihoods: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk Dr Louise Reid: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/geography-sustainable-development/people/lar9 Van Dwelling – An Evidence Mapping Workshop: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk/2024/08/23/vandwelling-home-is-where-you-park-it-an-evidence-mapping-workshop/ ‘They lump us all together’: van-dwellers and homeowners clash over life near Bristol Downs (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/15/van-dwellers-homeowners-clash-life-near-bristol-downs

What does it mean to respond to climate change with care? And how might we do a better job of caring for the environment, for each other, and for ourselves? This episode is the first of a series focusing on projects funded by the Scottish Research Alliance of Energy Homes and Livelihoods (EHL). In it, Jen and Matt talk to Dr Vanicka Arora, Lecturer in Heritage at the University of Stirling, and Dr Arno Verhoeven, Senior Lecturer in Design at the University of Edinburgh and Director for Sustainable Development at Edinburgh College of Art. Vanicka and Arno are both leading EHL-funded seed projects exploring “infrastructures of care” as they relate to climate change and sustainability. Follow EHL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-homes-livelihoods/ Sign up to the EHL newsletter: https://energy-homes-livelihoods.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=95f64f8471e335ca66577e8ac&id=8f3acb33ed Links: Scottish Research Alliance of Energy Homes and Livelihoods: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk Dr Arno Verhoeven: https://www.eca.ed.ac.uk/profile/dr-arno-verhoeven Dr Vanicka Arora: https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1852699 Emerging and Sustaining Infrastructures of Care: https://www.energy-homes-livelihoods.ac.uk/2024/12/02/emerging-and-sustaining-infrastructures-of-care Culture and Sustainability: Exploring Stability and Transformation with the Cultures Framework (open access book by Janet Stephenson): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-25515-1 Scottish Wildlife Trust Community Stories – The Isle of Eigg: https://community.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/story/isle-of-eigg Past Local Zero episodes on related themes: Episode 24: Retrofit for the future: Jobs, skills and training for zero-carbon homes: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/retrofit-for-the-future-jobs-skills-and-training-for-zero-carbon-homes Episode 69: Whole person, whole place - social relations and energy retrofit: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/69-whole-person-whole-place-social-relations-and-energy-retrofit Episode 110: Adapting our homes and communities to a changing climate: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/adapting-our-homes-and-communities-to-a-changing-climate

When it comes to climate change in our homes and neighbourhoods, much of the focus has so far been on mitigation – reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. But with the impacts of climate change increasingly tangible, how can we adapt our buildings and infrastructure – as well as our culture and lifestyles – to make sure they're resilient? Jen and Matt speak to Chris Carus, co-founder and Executive Officer of Loco Home Retrofit CIC, and Becky McLean, Director of Sustainability at Team Civic. As Chris and Becky explain, adaptation needn't be complicated or expensive – and it can have a huge range of knock-on benefits, too. Links: Team Civic: https://www.team-civic.com/ Loco Home Retrofit CIC: https://locohome.coop/ Loco Home CIC YouTube video – CASE STUDY Climate Breakdown in Glasgow – Nithsdale Road: https://youtu.be/ovWMJMc0Tp4 Loco Home CIC YouTube video – Warmer, Wetter, Wilder: Adapting our Homes and Neighbourhoods to the Impacts of Climate Change: https://youtu.be/FXwsKbpVkH4 The Kelpies: https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/visit/canals/visit-the-forth-clyde-canal/attractions/the-helix-including-the-kelpies Past Local Zero episodes on related themes: Episode 24: Retrofit for the future: Jobs, skills and training for zero-carbon homes Episode 69: Whole person, whole place – social relations and energy retrofit Episode 107: Climate change adaptation – a primer

The UK isn't exactly famous for its dry, sunny weather – and yet, water scarcity is an increasingly widespread and urgent problem. Why? And what are the implications – environmental, economic, and cultural? Jen and Matt explore causes and impacts of water scarcity, with Laura Major, Research Fellow and anthropologist and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, and Ellie Willmott, Principal Hydrologist in the Water Resources Unit at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Links: Dr Laura Major – staff profile Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Taps Aff project – share your experiences of water scarcity Drouthy Days: is Scotland prepared for drought? – report from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre Decentralised Water Technologies project Some past Local Zero episodes on related themes: Episode 76: Water, water... everywhere? with Hugo Tagholm Episode 74: How can our gardens protect the environment? with Kate Bradbury You can also find links and transcripts to all past episodes at the Local Zero podcast website.

What is good practice for setting up and operating community benefit funds? And how do we make sure communities really do properly benefit from renewable energy (and other) projects? In this episode, Fraser gets the low-down from Matt and Jen on a new framework from the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities that explores exactly these questions. The framework is called "Guiding Principles and Actions for Enhancing Community Benefits from Community Benefit Funds". Links: Download the framework itself - Guiding Principles and Actions for Enhancing Community Benefits from Community Benefit Funds. Some past Local Zero episodes on connecting themes: Episode 93 – Community benefit funds – what does success look like? Episode 46 – Community benefit from offshore wind Episode 68 – Carbon Offsetting For Communities 2 - Framing, evaluating and facilitating community benefit from nature-based carbon offsets You can also find links and transcripts to all past episodes at the Local Zero podcast website.

Matt and Jen are joined by researcher Dr Emma Yule for a comprehensive primer on climate change adaptation. What is it, and how does it interact with mitigation? What could adaptation look like in practical terms? How do we measure success? What are some of the challenges to effective adaptation – and what kind of benefits could arise from it? But first, the episode kicks off with Matt and Jen exchanging wildlife sightings and nature observations – some unsettling, some exciting. Links: Local Zero podcast: https://www.localzeropod.com/ Dr Emma Yule: https://edinburghcentre.org/team/emma-yule Progress in adapting to climate change: 2025 report to Parliament: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/progress-in-adapting-to-climate-change-2025/ Episode 37 – Decarbonising infrastructure: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/decarbonising-infrastructure Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-national-adaptation-plan-2024-2029-2/ UK Government Third National Adaptation Programme: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/third-national-adaptation-programme-nap3

How can local authorities collaborate with community energy groups to deliver a just transition? To explore this question, Fraser and Jen – making their co-hosting debut – are joined by Ellie Radcliffe, Project Manager at Carbon Coop, and Charlotte Norton, Associate Director at the Carbon Trust. The conversation focuses on the Innovate UK-funded Net Zero Living programme, which aims to help local authorities accelerate the transition to net zero. Links: Local Zero podcast: https://www.localzeropod.com/ Carbon Co-op: https://carbon.coop/ Carbon Trust: https://www.carbontrust.com/ Net Zero Living programme: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/programme/net-zero-living/ Episode 12 – Community energy: power to the people: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/12-community-energy-power-to-the-people Episode 35 – How to kick-start community energy?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/community-energy Episode 70 – Putting the "us" in energy justice: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/putting-the-us-in-energy-justice?rq=70 Episode 105 – The Local Power Plan and community energy: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/105-the-local-power-plan-and-community-energy-with-energy-minister-michael-shanks-mp

This is a full recording of the event "The Local Power Plan: Powering a community energy revolution in Scotland?", hosted by the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities and the British Institute of Energy Economics (BIEE). The event featured a keynote speech from Michael Shanks, Under-Secretary of State at the UK government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and a lively panel discussion between Minister Shanks, Professor Keith Bell from Strathclyde University, Claire Mack, CEO of Scottish Renewables, and Zoe Holliday, CEO of Community Energy Scotland. You'll also hear some reflections from attendees, recorded after the event. Links: Michael Shanks MP: https://www.gov.uk/government/people/michael-shanks Professor Keith Bell: https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/bellkeithprof/ Scottish Renewables: https://www.scottishrenewables.com/ Community Energy Scotland: https://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/ GB Energy Founding Statement: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introducing-great-british-energy/great-british-energy-founding-statement Episode 102 – Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/102-shared-ownership-of-clean-energy-projects-what-how-and-why

Matt and Fraser discuss some of the highlights from our event at Strathclyde Business School, "The Local Power Plan: Powering a community energy revolution in Scotland?", hosted by the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities and the British Institute for Energy Economics (BIEE). The event featured a keynote speech from Michael Shanks, Under-Secretary of State at the UK government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and a lively panel discussion between Minister Shanks, Professor Keith Bell from Strathclyde University, Claire Mack, CEO of Scottish Renewables, and Zoe Holliday, CEO of Community Energy Scotland. Links: https://www.localzeropod.com/ Professor Keith Bell profile: https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/bellkeithprof/ Scottish Renewables: https://www.scottishrenewables.com/ Community Energy Scotland: https://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/ Episode 102 – Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/102-shared-ownership-of-clean-energy-projects-what-how-and-why

We're all familiar with the concept of Net Zero – but what about Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)? Joining Matt and Jen to explain BNG and its implications is Tom Butterworth, Nature Lead at ARUP for the UK, India, the Middle East and Africa. Onward links: Episode 74 with nature writer and journalist Kate Bradbury: how can our gardens protect the environment?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/74-how-can-our-gardens-protect-the-environment UK Government guidance on Biodiversity Net Gain: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain Local Zero is produced and edited by Katie Revell at Bespoken Media podcasts

As we start the new year, Matt and Jen reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, and share their hopes and expectations – and a few fears – for 2025. Plus: there’s exciting news on the future of the podcast. Links: https://www.localzeropod.com/ Episode 76 – Water, water... everywhere?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/76-water-watereverywhere Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities: https://www.strath.ac.uk/business/huntercentreforentrepreneurship/sisc/ Surfers against Sewage: https://www.sas.org.uk/ Episode 97 – Election special with Sir John Curtice and Daisy Powell-Chandler: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/97-election-special-with-sir-john-curtice-and-daisy-powell-chandler Episode 101: What to expect from COP29, following Trump’s victory?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/101-what-to-expect-from-cop29-following-trumps-victory Episode 102: 102: Shared ownership of clean energy projects: what, how and why?: https://www.localzeropod.com/episodes/102-shared-ownership-of-clean-energy-projects-what-how-and-why

What is shared ownership of energy? What opportunities and challenges does it present, both for communities and private companies? And how might it help accelerate the transition to net zero? Fraser and Matt are joined by Jake Burnyeat, Director of Communities for Renewables CIC, and Jessica Hogan, Energy Analyst at Regen, to discuss Regen's new report, "Sharing Power: Unlocking shared ownership for a fast and fair net zero transition". Links: https://www.regen.co.uk/publications/sharing-power-unlocking-shared-ownership-for-a-fast-and-fair-net-zero-transition/ https://cfrcic.co.uk/ https://www.localzeropod.com/

Joining Matt and Jen for a look-ahead to COP29 are Dr Simon Evans, Deputy Editor and Senior Policy Editor at Carbon Brief, and Professor Francesco Sindico, Professor of International Environmental Law at the University of Strathclyde Law School and Director of the Climate Change Legal Initiative. Relevant links: https://www.wri.org/insights/cop29-climate-summit-what-to-expect https://www.localzeropod.com

It's a landmark episode! Somehow, this is the 100th episode of Local Zero. A big thanks to our listeners, guests, and supporters, without whom, we definitely would not have made it to three figures. One last time, we're joined by our co-host Becky, who has some news to share about her new adventure. The team mull over their highlights since starting the pod in 2021, and what the next 100 episodes might look like! Relevant links: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/07/chris-boardman-premier-league-football-sport-england-climate-change?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other https://thegreatplantbasedcon.com

After the unveiling of a new co-host (!!!), and some discussion about recent visits to Orkney and Ayrshire, we are joined on the pod by Laura Young (@LessWasteLaura) and Andrew Pankhurst from Zero Waste Scotland to examine how we can avoid creating unnecessary food waste in the home. Reducing Food Waste at Home bitesize course: https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/bitesize-food-waste-course

Matt and Fraser return after a (washout) summer to share their expectations, hopes and any potential concerns about the new Labour government's Net Zero manifesto and policies. There is also an important update on the future of Local Zero. Linkedin - Local Zero Podcast https://www.localzeropod.com

The long-awaited 2024 General Election is just around the corner - but how important will climate change be in the context of voting intention? Joining Matt and Fraser to discuss this, and analyse the key differences between the manifestos, are Daisy Powell-Chandler from Public First, and Sir John Curtice, political scientist and Professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, who you'll all recognise from election nights gone by. https://www.publicfirst.co.uk/ https://www.meyland.co.uk/podcast https://www.carbonbrief.org/uk-election-2024-what-the-manifestos-say-on-energy-and-climate-change/ https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/environment-energy-resources/news/2024/jun/comparing-party-manifestos-energy-policy

How do agriculture and food production affect climate change and biodiversity, and can we fully decarbonise this industry? Becky, Fraser and Matt are joined by agriculture and environment consultant Keesje Avis, and Mike Robinson, Chief Exec of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and Co-Chair of the 'Farming for 1.5 Degrees' report.