What does this look like?
All new build infrastructure is constructed thoughtfully and is energy efficient.
WMCA has ambitious plans to build a further 215,000 homes by 2031. As well as the emissions associated with construction, this could easily add £100-300m to annual regional energy spending (at current prices). As such, ensuring that new homes are zero carbon and are able to generate and store renewable energy will be an economic boost to the region.
The UK Green Building Council suggests that to put the UK on course to meet both domestic and international climate change commitments, all buildings must be net zero carbon in operation before 2050, with new buildings meeting this standard by 2030. WMCA is aiming to deliver on both sets of commitments so will align with both targets.
The challenges of achieving this are not (on the whole) technical in nature. What is required is innovation in business models, regulations, and in the delivery and financing mechanisms.