The North East of Scotland is transitioning towards a low carbon future. In line with Scottish targets to achieve Net Zero, the North-East is repositioning itself as a hub for ‘energy transition’. With the region home to global energy companies, the narrative on energy transition is often framed within an industrial and technological context, yet there is a need for a community oriented perspective that discusses a range of social values and technical approaches.

Social transformation is a central strategy of a just transition. The December 2020 Climate Change Plan Update identified that communication, participation in policy and encouraging action are key success factors. Community involvement will make policies fairer and targets more realistic with citizens playing a role proposing solutions.

This project aimed to help build a stronger consensus about the vision and pathways for civil society to progress a just transition in the North East. As the energy landscape shifts, the impacts will be felt most keenly in communities. That is why the programme brought together diverse civil society, academic, policy and business stakeholders across three interactive workshops to:

1. Examine global concepts and advances in just transition and how they can be practically applied in North East communities.

2. Identify the narratives and values on just transition by communities and how these interplay with the wider energy system and can drive genuine change.

3. Enhance community agency in the energy system and create a platform for both behavioural and policy change to achieve net zero.