Study calls for major environmental change

Britain 's cities need urgent transformation in the next decade and beyond if the country is to meet its 2050 net zero targets and create cleaner, safer spaces for citizens, according to a major study from E.ON and the UK Green Building Council.

The two organisations have collaborated on a new initiative called Streets of the Future, drawing on insight from experts across energy, transport and the built environment to create a blueprint of what the UK 's cities should aspire to become.

It details some of the upgrades needed to combat the climate crisis and meet environmental targets, to develop new economic landscapes post-Covid, enhance the wellbeing and health of citizens and to overcome energy and water conservation challenges.

It also reveals how cleaner energy sources, greater reliance on energy storage and sharing, and much expanded electric vehicle charging networks must become standard for all urban landscapes.

Michael Lewis, chief executive of E.ON UK, said: “Cities consume almost four-fifths of the world 's energy and emit more than 60 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, so it 's vital that they lead the way in transforming how they are heated and cooled, how transport is managed, and how they support people 's lives.

“Delivering the changes needs a multi-pronged approach centred on re-training the energy industry workforce to specialise in new energy systems.

“It means making sustainable energy technologies, such as solar panels and heat pumps, more affordable to the public through grants and other government support, as well as ensuring every home is properly insulated to reduce energy demand. ”

For more information, and to explore the interactive representation of our future cities, visit eonenergy.com/streets-of-the-future