Just transition in action: a toolkit for inclusion
Over the last two years the Mission Net Zero project has been addressing some of the barriers to a fair transition to a low carbon region. The project recognised that we need to build the right conditions for a fast and fair transition through ways of working that increase equity and centre inclusion. Today we are launching an Inclusion in Action Toolkit to wrap up the project and provide guidance for others wanting to embed just transition principles into large projects.
Funded by Innovate UK ‘s Net Zero Living programme and led by Bristol City Council, Mission Net Zero is a collaborative project supporting three communities to develop energy projects, exploring further funding opportunities for regional climate action, and creating green jobs and training locally.
This toolkit outlines how Mission Net Zero partners, led by Inclusion Associate Grace Erin Reid, worked to place just transition at the heart of the project.
Sourcing external help
Don’t assume that values held in a project team around a just transition will translate into being able to implement these principles into the design and delivery of projects and initiatives.
It was essential that we sought external help to guide us through that process. We worked with freelance Inclusion Associate Grace Erin Reid who developed a ‘just transition in action framework and approach’ for Mission Net Zero which is outlined in this toolkit.
“My inclusion/just transition journey started on this project and I had no prior experience or understanding of what it encompassed. Whilst the principles of ensuring fair and equitable opportunity and treatment of others had always been values I held, exploring how these principles could be developed and implemented in a realistic and meaningful way has shaped my own development”
“I think having someone directly responsible has been key to this project. This has allowed [just transition] to be more embedded into the work.”
Project partners
Download the toolkit for:
- An overview of the foundations this work grew from in Bristol
- The step-by-step process we went through for Mission Net Zero
- Recommendations for embedding just transition principles in your project
- Tools and templates
Applying the learnings
We’re already applying the learnings from this work into Nature Together, a new project led by Bristol City Council which is supporting communities to take action for nature and benefit from its return.
“The inclusion and just transition strand of this project has shown that embedding just transition is not a one-and-done exercise, but rather an ongoing process that requires commitment, openness, and a willingness to adapt. The learning so far has been clear: progress comes not from generic frameworks or policy statements, but from continuous action, reflection, and collaboration, especially as challenges and opportunities evolve.”
Grace Erin Reid, Inclusion Associate
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