In the latest episode of Steer's Voices of the Industry podcast series Steer Director Nicola Kane is joined by Mark Atherton, Director of Environment at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and Shivali Mathur of Amberside Advisors.

The episode delves into Local Area Energy Plans (LEAPs) and the role they play in helping local authorities take action on decarbonisation. The insightful discussion highlights the significant challenges and innovative solutions at play as Greater Manchester works towards its ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2038.An essential guide to efforts to decarbonise at a local level, the episode shows that if local governments, private investors and the community come together ambitious climate goals can be met.

Key takeaways

• Local Area Energy Plans (LEAPs): Discover how LEAPs function as data-driven spatial planning tools that help local authorities map their energy use and create bespoke roadmaps to net zero.
• Investment strategies: The conversation covers the necessity of blending public and private finance to fund decarbonisation projects and the importance of creating robust business cases to attract investment.
• Collaborative approaches: The podcast emphasises the need for collaboration between local and national governments, private investors, and communities to effectively implement sustainable energy solutions.

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