Portsmouth City Council and the University of Portsmouth have started a three-month study to find solutions to securing a low carbon and energy-secure future for Portsmouth.

Funded by Innovate UK's Net Zero Living Programme, the study will understand the barriers and local solutions to decarbonising Portsmouth. It will look at our travel and transport, how we heat our homes and buildings, and the power we use.

Portsmouth City Council was one of 31 places in the UK successful in its bid for £75,000 for the first phase of the programme.

The study will gather evidence through engagement with our residents and various organisations on the issues they face and propose suitable solutions.

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Following engagement, the council will apply for the second phase of the Net Zero Living Programme which will provide up to £5 million to five applicants to fund these solutions.

The solutions will not only help reduce Portsmouth’s carbon emissions, but could also improve our air quality, create new jobs for us, and save us money by using less expensive oil and gas.

Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment at Portsmouth City Council, said: "I am very excited to see this project start. Energy security and energy independence is so important, as the current crisis has shown all of us. There is huge potential for our island city, and this is a fantastic opportunity to identify how we can put that into action and make a real difference to Portsmouth – for our residents, economy, and our natural environment.

"Our thanks of support to our local partners, the University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth NHS University Trust, and Gunwharf Quays who assisted and supported this application. It is great to work with our Portsmouth Green Partnership Charter signatories in our shared commitment to tackle climate and sustainability issues."