Shaping a just transition

On Thursday 15th May, more than 40 people from across Nottingham gathered at an invite-only Sustainable Growth Assembly, an event centred on bold ideas, active listening and shared purpose. Hosted by the University of Nottingham’s Institute for Policy and Engagement, in collaboration with Green Hustle CIC, the event aimed to explore how Nottingham can shape a fairer, greener and more inclusive economy.

Building on the University's  delivering a just energy transition report, the conversation is a timely one and an important step in supporting a positive narrative in the move to a low carbon future, ensuring that the transition and benefits of the green economy are shared equitably across society.

The day was guided by Adam Pickering, Co-Director of Green Hustle CIC, supported by facilitators drawn from members of the Nottingham Climate Assembly and Resolve Nottingham. Adam initiated the session by introducing the event agenda and discussion format, inviting participants to work together to tackle two critical questions:

• How can policymakers, industry leaders, grassroot organisations and academics collaborate towards creating a sustainable and inclusive economy? 
• How can we better engage with the whole Nottingham’s diverse communities in shaping a thriving future, ensuring all share the benefits of a just transition? 

Morning session: Provocations and participation from different stakeholder groups

The day began with a series of 8-minute provocations—concise, thought-provoking talks designed to challenge assumptions and set the tone for collective action. These brief but impactful presentations offered a powerful springboard into the day's discussions.

Among the speakers was Michael Gallagher, Director of Climate Resilience and Green Growth at East Midlands Combined County Authority. He shared how the EMCCA region can harness its industrial heritage and local assets to build a strong and prosperous green economy, emphasizing the potential for regional transformation rooted in legacy and innovation.

Cllr Sam Lux, Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, spoke passionately about the disproportionate effects of climate change on low-income communities. She highlighted the shifting political landscape and conveyed a sense of optimism, stressing that we now have an opportunity to facilitate meaningful change through collaborative knowledge sharing. This, she noted, is essential for ensuring that the benefits of climate action are felt most by those who are currently most vulnerable.

Richard Donovan, Global Head of Social Innovation & UK&I and Head of Corporate Responsibility at Experian, underscored the critical role of strategic planning and collaboration in tackling sustainability challenges. His remarks reinforced the idea that systemic, collective approaches are key to driving long-term progress.

The political landscape is changing; we are in a place of optimism and have a chance to facilitate real change through collaborative knowledge sharing for the benefit of the wider community, especially those disproportionately affected by climate change. 

Following these provocations, participants broke into discussion groups, facilitated by members of the Nottingham Climate Assembly and Resolve Nottingham, to explore how these ideas can translate into real, inclusive action. Each group distilled their thoughts into three key takeaways, shared with the room by a nominated notetaker. 

Exploring University of Nottingham's award-winning green campus

After lunch, participants were invited to take part in a biodiversity walk around the University of Nottingham’s award-winning green campus, led by members of the University’s Estates team and Friends of University Park. The walk aligned both with the University’s Sustainable Action Week and international Mental Health Action Day, offering a space to reflect on the connection between nature, wellbeing and sustainability.

With the University’s recent top 40 global sustainability ranking (QS 2025), the setting served as a reminder of the critical role universities play in driving sustainable innovation, behavioural change and local partnerships.

Afternoon session: Engaging and empowering communities in the just transition process

The afternoon shifted focus to the second guided question: How we can engage Nottingham’s communities and ensure that they benefit from the journey to net zero?

This next phase of the event continued to build momentum through a series of new provocations that further sparked meaningful discussion.

John Coggin, Head of Research Advocacy at the University of Nottingham, explored key recommendations from the Policy Commission report, advocating for a shift in narrative—one that is shaped and led by public voices and grounded in lived experience. His call to elevate community perspectives framed the need for a more inclusive and resonant approach to climate action.

Mutsa Makaka, CEO and founder of Shifting Your Mindset, highlighted the value of the skills and knowledge that already exist within communities, particularly among underrepresented groups. She emphasized that personal empowerment is not only transformative for individuals but also foundational to building broader community resilience.

Adding an academic lens, Dr Chris Ives, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham's School of Geography, shared insights from his research into the social dynamics of sustainability transformations. His contribution culminated in a reflective question around what it truly means to flourish as humans within a sustainable future.

The afternoon concluded with a breakout session, which brought about an open deliberation. Core themes emerged around the necessity of trust, transparency, and collaboration, alongside the importance of cultivating local spaces for engagement to foster shared goals and drive momentum.

Trust is the missing thread that runs across every level of society—from institutions to communities and individuals. Rebuilding it requires more than intention; it demands consistent, transparent communication, genuine consultation, and a deeply embedded culture of honesty and accountability.

Next steps: Transforming dialogue into clear solutions and actions 

As the event drew to a close, what emerged was more than just a collection of ideas, it was a growing sense of collective resolve and a shared vision for what comes next. Across both sessions, participants surfaced a range of recurring challenges and opportunities that must be addressed to ensure Nottingham’s transition to net zero is not only effective, but equitable and inclusive. These insights reflect a growing recognition that tackling the climate crisis requires more than technical solutions, it demands collective imagination, local leadership, and sustained collaboration rooted in trust and community.

• The disconnect between climate policy and everyday life, highlighting the need to reframe ‘net zero’ in ways that communicate relatable benefits, shared values, and mutual gains.

• Ensuring a just transition that is rooted in community voices, needs, and priorities.

• Recognising public storytelling and lived experience as vital tools for meaningful engagement.

• Identifying and creating spaces where people can gather, be consulted, and be met where they are.

• Making content creative, accessible, and reflective of the diverse interests within different communities.

• Listening to, supporting, and empowering underrepresented groups as a foundation for inclusive change.

• Co-producing solutions through transparent, cross-sector collaboration that is sustained over time.

• Developing innovative funding models that encourage long-term collaboration between public and private sectors, with a focus on alignment and shared impact rather than competition.

• Investing locally to generate new opportunities, future-facing jobs, and a green economy that raises aspirations and benefits the wider community.

The next critical step is translating the ideas generated during the event into meaningful action. To initiate this process, the insights and themes from the day will be showcased to the public during the Green Hustle Festival, taking place at Nottingham’s Old Market Square on Saturday, 31st May.

A live illustration by local artist Rikki Marr, capturing the key themes and provocations from the event, will be prominently displayed. In the spirit of co-creation that defined the event, festival attendees will be encouraged to contribute their own perspectives, sketches, and suggestions, fostering an ongoing, inclusive dialogue about how everyone can contribute to building a greener, fairer Nottingham.

We would like to say a special thanks to every key stakeholder who attended, including Adam Pickering, Richard Donovan, Gabrielle Bunn, Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Climate Assembly, It's in Nottingham, East Midlands Combined County Authority, Michael Gallagher, Shifting Your Mindset, Christopher Ives, Resolve Notts, Experian, Maria Richards, Tiffany Trundell, John Coggin, and Sally Nightingale, Samir Mamun, Colin O'Brien-Lux, among other key stakeholders.