In the United Kingdom, facility managers and estates decision makers working in local government face a unique challenge: balancing the pressure to meet ambitious carbon reduction goals with the realities of constrained budgets. For local councils (e.g., county, district, borough, city) aiming to deliver on net zero commitments, the stakes are high. Yet, nearly two-thirds remain uncertain about achieving their sustainability targets. This creates an urgent need for creative, cost-effective solutions that can drive meaningful progress without overburdening resources.

The pressures on local authorities are mounting. A report from the Local Government Association (LGA) – which works with member councils in England to support, promote and improve local government – highlights a looming £54 billion funding gap for councils by 2030. At the same time, achieving net zero targets is critical not only to mitigate climate change, but also to deliver public health improvements, economic opportunities and more sustainable local economies.

Green infrastructure presents an opportunity to address these challenges, combining environmental responsibility with financial viability. Among the most promising innovations is solar energy, which is a solution capable of reducing emissions, generating revenue and transforming underutilized spaces into sustainability hubs.

Investments in green infrastructure such as solar can serve a dual purpose, enabling local councils to meet carbon reduction targets while creating consistent revenue streams. These initiatives can help councils reduce dependency on external funding, provide renewable energy for local communities and reinforce their role as facilitators of sustainable development.

Transforming underutilized spaces

Harnessing underutilized spaces for renewable energy offers local authorities a powerful opportunity to align environmental goals with financial benefits. Public spaces such as car parks and park-and-ride facilities can be reimagined as hubs for clean energy generation, integrating technologies like solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These projects contribute to carbon reduction by producing renewable energy for local use while creating revenue streams through EV charging fees and energy cost savings.

For instance, estimates suggest that transforming spaces at just a fraction of large U.K. sites could offset hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 annually and generate significant energy savings over time. Adapting this approach to municipally managed spaces holds potential to scale these benefits across communities, enhancing sustainability efforts while making better use of existing infrastructure. By turning overlooked assets into productive spaces, councils can address immediate environmental needs while building long-term resilience.

While solar carports are gaining traction in the U.K., global examples offer valuable insights into their potential. For instance, France has introduced legislation requiring solar canopies over large new car parks. This policy demonstrates how integrating renewable infrastructure into existing facilities can meet environmental targets while addressing growing energy demands.

Additional green financing mechanisms

Solar energy is just one piece of a larger puzzle when it comes to building sustainable infrastructure. Local authorities have access to various innovative financing options that can unlock the potential for large-scale environmental projects without placing undue strain on taxpayers.

One increasingly popular tool is green bonds. These specialized financial instruments allow councils to raise capital specifically for environmentally focused initiatives. By attracting sustainability-conscious investors, green bonds offer an effective way to fund projects such as renewable energy installations and energy-efficient infrastructure. Crucially, they provide councils with the means to implement transformative schemes while keeping general tax revenues intact.

Another approach gaining traction is the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs or 3P). By combining public oversight with private-sector investment and expertise, councils can embark on ambitious projects that might otherwise remain out of reach. This collaborative model has the added benefit of harnessing the efficiency and innovation of private companies while maintaining alignment with public objectives.

A recent briefing from U.K. Parliament underlines the importance of both green bonds and PPPs in advancing sustainability initiatives. By adopting these mechanisms, councils of all sizes can move closer to achieving their green goals.

Maximizing community & economic impact

Green infrastructure projects deliver more than just environmental benefits. They also offer an opportunity to create lasting economic and social value within communities. Investments in initiatives like solar energy often stimulate local economies, creating jobs by employing contractors, suppliers and service providers.

Projects like these have the potential to enhance public spaces. Solar carports, for example, offer shaded parking areas while integrating EV charging infrastructure, blending functionality with environmental progress. This dual benefit not only improves usability but also showcases renewable energy in action, serving as an educational tool for the community.

Visible investments in sustainability can also help build public trust. When councils position themselves as leaders in climate action, they often inspire local businesses and residents to adopt similar practices. By aligning these projects with broader community values, councils can foster engagement and long-term support for sustainability efforts.

Overcoming barriers to implementation

Despite their appeal, green infrastructure projects are not without challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the high upfront cost. Many councils hesitate to embark on large-scale projects due to the initial financial outlay. However, the long-term returns, both in energy savings and potential revenue generation, can outweigh these initial expenses, making a strong case for early investment.

Another challenge is the technical expertise required to implement renewable energy initiatives. Councils can overcome this by partnering with experienced firms that bring the necessary knowledge to the table. In some cases, government resources and training programs can further support local authorities in building their internal capabilities.

Public buy-in also plays a critical role in the success of green projects. Effective communication strategies that highlight tangible benefits, such as improved air quality, reduced energy costs and job creation, can go a long way in securing community approval and enthusiasm.

Practical takeaways for facility managers

For facility managers, green infrastructure projects provide a roadmap for integrating sustainability into everyday operations. One of the first steps is to conduct a feasibility study to assess the potential of existing spaces, such as car parks or underutilized areas, for renewable energy installations.

Engaging stakeholders from the outset is equally important. By involving local businesses, residents and government representatives early in the planning process, FMs can ensure that projects meet the needs of all parties while fostering a sense of community ownership.

Making use of available financial resources is another key consideration. Grants, subsidies and other incentives for renewable energy and EV infrastructure can help mitigate upfront costs and make projects more accessible.

Finally, FMs should prioritize monitoring and reporting outcomes. Regular evaluation of key metrics, such as energy generated, emissions reduced and revenue earned, not only validates the project’s success but also helps build a case for future sustainability initiatives.

By taking these steps, FMs can play a pivotal role in driving forward the green agenda, contributing to both environmental progress and community development.

Looking ahead: building resilient communities

As local authorities worldwide grapple with the twin challenges of reducing emissions and managing limited budgets, green infrastructure offers a path forward.

These projects align environmental responsibility with economic practicality, creating cleaner, healthier communities that are better prepared for the challenges of a changing climate. For FMs and local authorities alike, the time to act is now, harnessing the potential of innovative energy solutions to build a more sustainable future.