People-shaped support for planet-sized goals
Bioregional is a purpose-led sustainability consultancy partnering with local authorities to shape and deliver ambitious net-zero policies, strategies and practical solutions that create lasting impact.
Sustainable Places Core Services
- Net Zero Planning Policy
- Net-zero evidence bases for Local Plans and DPDs
- Spatial carbon modelling for growth and site allocation
- Carbon & energy policy feasibility (technical and cost)
- Development management support on energy and sustainability (pre-apps, application reviews, committee support)
- Existing estate decarbonisation & retrofit strategies and plans
- Local authority sustainability strategies
- Sustainability strategies for new development & regeneration
Bioregional first made its name with the One Planet Living® framework, designed to break the biggest sustainability goals there are into actionable, inspiring building blocks. We use this framework throughout all our work.
Bioregional’s services can help any local authority - regardless of size, location, or current progress - if they are committed to advancing net zero and sustainability goals. Our flexible, evidence-based approach ensures that support is relevant and impactful for councils facing a wide range of challenges and opportunities.
1. All Local Planning Authorities
Bioregional’s services are designed to support any local planning authority - whether city, borough, district, or county councils - responsible for shaping development and policy to meet net zero targets. These authorities have a legal duty to address the climate and ecological crisis and contribute to the UK’s binding net zero target for 2050. Bioregional helps by providing evidence bases, spatial carbon modelling, and policy reviews to ensure robust and targeted Local Plan policies.
2. Authorities with Ambitious Climate Goals
Councils that have declared climate emergencies or set ambitious net zero targets are especially well-placed to benefit. Bioregional’s expertise in strategic support, area-wide zero-carbon roadmaps, and sustainability design guides is tailored for authorities seeking rapid, impactful change.
3. Urban, Suburban, and Rural Councils
Bioregional’s One Planet Living® framework and consultancy services are adaptable to a wide range of local contexts—from large metropolitan councils to smaller rural districts. The approach is scalable and can be customised to address the unique challenges of each area, whether it’s engaging communities, improving energy efficiency in buildings, or enhancing biodiversity.
4. Combined Authorities and Regional Partnerships
Combined authorities (where two or more councils work together) and regional partnerships can leverage Bioregional’s support for collaborative, area-wide sustainability strategies. These bodies often have greater resources and influence, making them ideal candidates for ambitious net zero programmes.
5. Authorities Managing Large Estates or Housing Portfolios
Councils responsible for significant property portfolios, social housing, or public buildings can benefit from Bioregional’s expertise in retrofit guides, carbon footprint analysis, and zero-carbon action planning.
6. Authorities Seeking Community Engagement
Local authorities aiming to engage citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders in sustainability initiatives can use Bioregional’s tools and methodologies to foster collaboration and drive behaviour change.
Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (now The Skills and Business Hub)
Background
TVBLEP is a strategic, business-led partnership involving local government, community, and education sectors, aiming to drive economic growth in Berkshire. Recognising the urgent need for coordinated climate action, TVBLEP commissioned Bioregional to deliver in-depth research into how Berkshire’s six local authorities are responding to the net zero challenge.
Approach
Bioregional’s work began with desk-based research to understand each authority’s approach to net zero. This was followed by SWOT analyses of each authority’s local plans against six key themes:
- New buildings
- Existing buildings
- Energy
- Transport
- Land use
- Waste
This comprehensive review enabled Bioregional to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in each authority’s strategy, providing a robust evidence base for recommendations.
Impact
The resulting report is described as a pivotal point for Berkshire, ensuring the region is ready to meet the challenges of net zero together as a community. Key outcomes include:
- Celebration of positive steps: Berkshire’s local authorities are already making progress, such as implementing green public transport projects and progressive policies for electric vehicle rollout.
- Identification of gaps: The report highlights areas needing greater focus, such as funding for green infrastructure, support for circular economy businesses, and clarity around retrofitting.
- Actionable recommendations: Bioregional developed key recommendations for TVBLEP, including:
- Increasing funding for green infrastructure and transport projects
- Supporting and promoting local circular economy businesses
- Providing more clarity and support for retrofitting existing buildings
These recommendations are designed to help Berkshire’s authorities secure a green future in both the immediate and longer term.
Significance
This case study demonstrates Bioregional’s ability to:
- Convene and support multiple local authorities in a region-wide approach
- Deliver evidence-based analysis and strategic recommendations
- Empower local authorities to become net zero trailblazers, driving forward national standards
- Promote collaboration and shared learning across sectors
We offer a discounted day rate to Local Authorities and other charities. Fees will vary depending on scope of work.
Lewis Knight, Director of Sustainable Places | www.bioregional.com
"We’ve really valued Bioregional’s technical input, which has allowed us to increase the ambition and quality of the policies within our emerging net-zero carbon development plan document. Bioregional has provided the council with much-needed support and insight, helping us build our knowledge base and increase our awareness of industry best practice."
Dave Barber
Planning Policy Manager,
Warwick District Council
