Enabling a place-based, just transition to net zero – Guidance for stakeholders in Ellesmere Port

March 2024

The report synthesises findings from four IDRIC social science research projects involving academics from four UK Universities (Exeter, Sussex, Manchester and Leeds). It offers science-informed and evidenced-based recommendations for government, industry and associated organisations to help enable a place-based, fair industrial transition in Ellesmere Port, a central node for the Northwest industrial cluster. Informed by the Place-based Just Transition framework, these recommendations include the development of a place-sensitive approach to industrial decarbonisation grounded in the lived experiences of the host communities in Ellesmere Port, their sustained engagement, the creation of an organisation overseeing the regulation of community benefit funds and employment pledges, the need to address community concerns about ‘greenwashing’ while rebuilding trust between residents, local industry, and local government.