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BarNet Zero campaign – Barnet Council

Barnet Council’s BarNet Zero campaign grew from a transformative shift following the declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency in May 2022. The declaration led to a fundamental change towards community-driven sustainability.

With ambitions to achieve a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero borough by 2042, this initiative showcases a ground-up commitment to sustainability.

BarNet Zero’s unique sustainability brand, unveiled in January 2023, is not just a visual identity but a testament to a localised, innovative approach.

Challenges

  • Engaging the community and encouraging residents to participate in the campaign.
  • Budget constraints while ensuring the campaign’s effectiveness.
  • The complexities of working with multiple stakeholders.

Approach

Discussions about climate change at the Barnet’s Citizen Assembly, led to five themes to help drive Barnet’s transition to a net zero carbon future:

  • Waste and sustainable consumption
  • Learning, communication and partnerships
  • Nature and biodiversity
  • Travel
  • Housing, buildings and renewable energy

The campaign’s success is grounded in meticulous planning across five key strands, each with a focus on community collaboration:

  1. Innovative branding, with real people
  2. The launch of Barnet’s first-ever Citizens’ and Young People’s Assemblies
  3. Projects such as the UK’s largest electrical vehicle charge point initiative
  4. Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration
  5. Innovation in the field of sustainability

Outcomes and benefits

Beyond its initial objectives, BarNet Zero achieved outstanding:

  • Awareness and recall: Topping awareness polls among residents (in the council’s communications survey) with over 46% acknowledging the net zero ambitions.
  • Community involvement: Fostering an inclusive approach that empowered diverse groups to actively participate in content creation.
  • Academic and community interest: Gaining interest from Middlesex University for a case study on place branding.
  • Media coverage: Featuring in prominent industry-recognised publications, enhancing visibility on a national level.
  • Transparency and innovation: Setting a high standard in sustainability communications through community involvement and innovative branding.

View original case study article at barnet.gov.uk [PDF]