A new report commissioned by the ADEPT Live Labs 2 programme has provided fresh insight into how behavioural changes can help promote decarbonisation across local UK road authorities.
The study was carried out by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), known unofficially as the 'Nudge Unit' after the well-known social influence theory, which made recommendations on how change can be enabled across the highways sector to accelerate asset decarbonisation.
BIT emphasised that ‘time, investment and commitment from various organisations’ are needed for a low carbon future. The report stated that to address the issue effectively, any approach will need to be system-wide, with solutions being adaptable to fit individual local highway authorities.
The solutions BIT suggested included reducing the use of competitive bidding for funds, a strategic spatial plan for UK local highways and infrastructure, better communication on funding availability and provision of tailored support, creation of a local highways’ expertise hub, incorporating decarbonisation requirements into contracts, and building psychological safety while also encouraging risk taking and experimentation.
The report suggests that ADEPT can play an important role by utilising its ‘strong relationships’ with both central and local governments to be an advocate for ‘cross-sector collaboration’.
Additional ideas BIT raised include guaranteed funding for extended periods, rather than short-term grants, to enable local highway authorities to be more strategic in their planning, as well as the development of advanced impact modelling tools.
Neil Gibson, chair of the Live Labs 2 commissioning board, said: ‘This vital work on organisational behaviour explores some of the upstream and downstream change that is necessary to embed asset-based decarbonisation across all activities in the local roads industry and continues the conversation around whether we can afford not to do anything.
‘The findings from the report are currently being reviewed by the Commissioning Board, ADEPT and the Department for Transport to determine the next steps in how shifts in behaviour can be monitored.’
The full report can be found here, with further details and insights set to be discussed at the upcoming online mini Expo, taking place online on 30th April from 10am-12pm. For more information and to book your place, visit www.adeptnet.org.uk/events/livelabs2-mini-expo2025
Image credit: Shutterstock @9Robot
