Environment: Living and Working Sustainably in a Greener Economy

Research on living and working sustainably in a greener economy focuses on understanding and promoting practices that minimise environmental impact while supporting human well-being and economic growth.

It encompasses a wide range of topics, including electrification and decarbonising infrastructure, agricultural systems, transition community resilience and empowerment, climate mitigation and adaptation, and transport and planning systems. This research aims to map the policy levers to tackle some of these issues at different spatial scales and to learn from best-practice case studies internationally to help ensure a healthier planet and more resilient communities. 

About this research theme

Living and working in a greener economy means, first and foremost, reducing carbon emissions to levels that minimise global heating and prevent the worst impacts of climate change. In the UK, over 80% of GHG emissions come from five sectors: transport, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and domestic consumption. To live sustainably in a greener economy, the focus is necessarily on reducing emissions, particularly in the five high-emitting sectors, in a way that minimises economic disruption and maximises well-being. 

For nations and regions to make valuable contributions to reducing emissions, three key priorities exist:

1 – Removing Barriers 

What are the barriers to achieving net-zero, and how can policy at various levels address this? For example, are the barriers due to a lack of infrastructure investment, political support, public support, or political resistance? Do barriers play out differently at different scales? If so, how?

2 – Just Transition  

How can the transition to net zero be managed to minimise negative impacts on workers and communities currently dependent on industries with high carbon emissions (like the Midlands)? What strategies are needed for a just transition that prioritises social and economic equity?

3 – Greening the global supply chain 

The indirect impacts (scope 3 emissions) of a carbon-intensive supply chain and concerns about exporting responsibilities. 

This research theme aims to better understand the powers available at national and regional scales to act on the environment and well-being. It also seeks to learn from international case studies of best practice. 

The team

Dr Annum Rafique (City-REDI) theme lead 

Professor Jane Wills (University of Exeter)

Reports

Skills Matter in Place-Based Green Industrial Policy: Lessons From the Closure of MG Rover, 2000-2005

Ed Atkins, March 2026

Developing Place-Based Green Industrial Policy in the UK

Ed Atkins, February 2026

Regional Pathways to Net Zero: Energy and Emissions Intensities in the UK From 2015-2023

Matt Lyons and Stephen Brand, January 2026

Balancing the Economic and Environmental Impacts of Net Zero: An Environmentally Extended Input-Output Approach

Matt Lyons, May 2025

Living and Working More Sustainably in a Greener Economy

Matt Lyons, April 2025

Blogs

View our blogs

 

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Further themes

More in this theme

Further themes

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Professional Standards for Place-Based Research Partnerships

The theme of “Professional Standards for Place-Based Research Partnerships” addresses the growing need for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to engage effectively with local communities. Place-based research partnerships offer a unique opportunity to co-create solutions to regional challenges, fostering knowledge exchange between academics and stakeholders such as policymakers, practitioners, and citizens.

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Public Procurement and Innovation

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Business Cases

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Place leadership

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