Ahead of this year’s London Climate Action Week, James Hardy details how new legislation can pave the way for fresh City Hall sustainability initiatives.
The English Devolution Bill has helped to provide an opportunity to integrate climate responsibilities, powers, and funding into expanded devolution settlements.
The economic and environmental case is strong. UKRI research suggests that place-based net-zero strategies could save £137bn in investment and yield £431bn in benefits.
Yet most mayors are under-resourced, constrained by short-term funding and fragmented national policymaking.
Trailblazer deals with the West Midlands and Manchester — offering broader powers and single funding settlements — are early models. These should be expanded with added responsibilities over driving local net zero ambitions.
Transport policy could easily follow the similar model. Devolved authorities need both funding and regulatory power to improve public transit and reduce vehicle emissions across city regions across the UK.
First, local leaders must be given the tools to act, backed by strong national coordination through a better devolution settlement.
As part of London Climate Action week 2025, Turner & Townsend will be hosting a panel event on this very theme entitled: “Devolution: Empowering the Transformation of Tomorrow”, which will explore the critical role of combined and local authorities in accelerating the UK’s transition to a net zero carbon economy.
Upcoming event — Devolution: Empowering the Transformation of Tomorrow
4pm-7pm, Thursday 26 June 2025, Turner & Townsend, One New Change EC4M 9AF
As the UK progresses on its ambitious path to decarbonisation, the importance of empowering local governments and devolved administrations has never been clearer. Devolution offers the opportunity to unlock local innovation, harness regional strengths, and tailor solutions to the unique challenges faced by diverse communities. But with opportunity comes complexity; how can devolved regions effectively align with national targets while addressing local priorities? What lessons need to be learned to take us into successful delivery, and what obstacles remain to be overcome?
Keynote Speaker and Panelists:
1. Mete Coban MBE, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy (Keynote)
2. Chris Skidmore OBE, Chair of the Climate Action Coalition (Panelist)
3. Rachel Solomon-Williams, Executive Director of Aldersgate Group UK (Panelist)
4. James Hardy, Director & Head of Sustainability at Turner & Townsend (Moderator)
5. Additional speakers to be announced!
Our Event Objectives:
1. Showcase the opportunities devolution offers the public and private sectors.
2. Examine lessons learned to expand the green economy.
3. Explore the connection between London’s built environment and the energy transition.
4. Facilitate networking and connections with panelists.
To find out more and to register please visit the event page here.
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Turner & Townsend’s expertise spans real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources – the segments that define how we live, work and connect. From delivering resilient cities to advancing clean energy, we approach every challenge with the same goal – to make a meaningful and lasting impact. With over 22,000 experts across more than 60 countries, we bring unmatched talent and insight to every project, combining deep local knowledge with a global perspective. Together, we turn challenges into opportunities and complexity into success. We are Turner & Townsend. We transform together.