Sometimes taking a step back from reality is the best way of exploring solutions to challenges. And for researchers looking into place-based governance of net zero, an ECI game was just what they needed.
Dr Jake Barnes, a senior researcher with the ECI’s Energy programme, devised Live Model, a collaborative game designed to empower people to act to achieve net zero.
He recently ran a game-based workshop in Leeds for the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership, attended by representatives from local authorities, housing associations, combined authorities, and the UK Investment Bank, alongside academics.
The workshop used a scenario based on retrofitting local housing to explore challenges in local organising for net zero. The game tests your ability to work together to deliver progress, and highlights the challenges you might experience, and the opportunities available for getting it right. The aim is to solve a place-based net zero scenario collaboratively whilst navigating a set of governance challenges, all set against the clock.
Dr Barnes said:
The game is built around a simple insight: that organising to deliver net zero is as important as organising the delivery of net zero but the distinction is often not recognised. The former is often forgotten in a rush to do the latter.
“Whilst the urgency of the climate emergency demands accelerating delivery, thinking about organising to deliver foregrounds critical but often neglected aspects of achieving change. This includes foundational work required to unlock and guide action through the development of place-based visions for net zero that respond to situated needs and aspirations.”
Dr Barnes is conducting his study as part of an Innovation Fellowship with the British Academy. The fellowship will explore how the UK can develop effective multi-level governance structures capable of responding to local, regional and national needs and the major policy challenges ahead. The Fellowship has a particular focus on understanding how new or modified multi-level governance structures might encourage participation, engagement and cooperation.
Download the Live Model game on ResearchGate.