The joint project aims to create an actionable investment case for the area of Govanhill as a pilot Net Zero Neighbourhood. This builds on Glasgow’s work to collaborate with investors to attract private funding into the city, including Govanhill’s Net Zero potential.

3Ci (Cities Commission for Climate Investment) developed the Net Zero Neighbourhood model to integrate local Net Zero projects into attractive investment propositions, creating scale and long-term certainty for investors by joining up the different types of assets that are important to decarbonisation.

This includes transforming transportation, energy, housing and waste services in a coordinated way, using a blended finance model capable of attracting capital from banks, pension funds and other institutional investors. Importantly, 3Ci’s remit includes a programme of technical assistance and capacity building to ensure projects are of investment grade.

3Ci published the UK’s Net Zero Neighbourhood Prospectus featuring 40 locations in December 2023. Glasgow has been involved in the Net Zero Neighbourhood model since its inception, with Govanhill featuring in 3Ci’s Net Zero Neighbourhood prospectus.

Govanhill is characterised by a large volume of green spaces, as well as a dense arrangement of residential building types and tenures, and commercial units. It features as a strategic focus for housing-led regeneration in the city. Within Govanhill, there is an Economic Development area (Polmadie), showcasing a notable increase in economic activity in the region.

Govanhill was chosen as a neighbourhood for Net Zero Neighbourhoods (NZN) due to its proximity to a district heating network opportunity, as well as its diversity of built environment and demand, and opportunities for retrofitting.

Glasgow and 3Ci are entering the next phase of the programme to build the investment case for Govanhill as a Net Zero Neighbourhood.

This phase includes considering the innovations required to transform the prospective area into a Net Zero Neighbourhood, from domestic retrofitting to electric vehicle infrastructure and district heating networks. The objective is to create a comprehensive and compelling case for investment into the necessary net zero interventions, and to build practical and long term partnerships with private investors.

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Innovative approaches to Net Zero can make an incredible impact on the lives of residents in neighbourhoods like Govanhill.

“We are firmly committed to this next phase of work with 3Ci to explore new opportunities around heating, retrofitting and reducing carbon emissions and the benefits these bring to the everyday lives of citizens.”

Steve Turner, director of 3Ci, added: “When it comes to exploring new paths to Net Zero, Glasgow has been a UK-leading innovator from the start. Their commitment to further developing Govanhill as a pilot case for Net Zero investment showcases the strength and determination of Glasgow City Council to reach their decarbonisation targets.”