Do we need a public information campaign on climate change - and how might it work?

At DG Cities, we focus on working with the public to advance the adoption of new technologies, services and deliver net zero neighbourhoods. Central to this has to be a shared understanding of ‘why’ – the need to shift to a low carbon economy to mitigate the impacts of climate change and a desire to make the places we live and work better for everyone. We have been reflecting on the role of government information in reinforcing this need for change, and how our work with communities might offer useful lessons in countering disinformation, mistrust and AI-generated content.

What was the last public information campaign you remember seeing?

“Hands, Face, Space?”

Keep Britain Tidy?

Maybe a terrifying warning not to boil a kettle on a boat?

Historically, these campaigns have covered everything from seatbelts and road safety to preparedness for a missile strike, yet we have yet to see a full-scale, government-led campaign on the climate crisis linked to specific actions we should take, such as transport and consumer choices.

Hands, Face, Space Covid-19 messaging, 2020

The demand, however, appears to be there – a petition to Parliament calling for a campaign has, at last count, more than 23,000 signatures.

But what would the delivery of an effective climate crisis campaign look like in 2025?

Gone are the days when a sternly narrated television ad, a page in a newspaper or a well-placed billboard were enough. In a world shaped by AI-generated misinformation, hyper-personalised digital content on social media, and polarised public discourse, campaigns must be smarter, more localised and, we believe, more deeply rooted in behavioural science.

Today, campaigns are often digital-first, as daily newspapers and scheduled ad breaks on tv channels become less of a shared routine. The NHS’s COVID-19 ‘Stay at home’ messaging was a rare modern example of a multi-platform campaign that achieved mass adoption, using a mix of clear messaging, emotional appeal, and trusted spokespeople. With the rise of misinformation, it’s no longer enough to simply broadcast a message and find ways to reach the majority of people. As well making it heard, it’s vital to ensure the information is trusted, believed and acted upon.

Government THINK road safety campaign

Misinformation in the age of AI

Public information campaigns now face unique risks. AI-generated deepfakes and viral misinformation can drown out official messaging, creating confusion and distrust. Research by Ofcom found that around one-third (39%) of UK adults had recently seen misinformation online. If AI can generate convincing fake news or misleading climate narratives rapidly and at scale, how do we ensure the public gets the right message?

One approach is to lead with transparency. Government campaigns must be upfront about how and why information is being shared, and ensure that sources are clear and credible. The rise of AI also means actively combating misinformation, working with tech platforms to identify and counter false claims. Meta’s announcement that it would no longer support fact-checking in the US has alarmed many.

Initiatives in the UK, like the rebranded National Security Online Information Team will be essential in ensuring climate messaging is both visible and trusted. This is something we touched on at DG Cities in our work on AI Assurance for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Here, our research focused on identifying common language used to describe trust in AI tools – the shared basis from which policy and public guidance can develop.

Agreeing the message – and who should deliver it

With so many strands to the climate crisis, identifying the behaviours that will make the greatest difference, as well as the behaviours that a public information campaign is most likely to shift, is politically as well as practically challenging. Government trust is also fragile. According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in government and the media is at its lowest point for a decade. That’s why who delivers a public message now matters as much as the message itself.

From our experience working on behaviour change campaigns with local government, we have seen the difference a hyper-local approach, where people feel the message is relevant and directed at them personally, can make. We believe that making climate change campaigns local by design, so they are delivered by councils, community leaders, or even trusted local businesses, could be a useful principle. Our work with the Royal Borough of Greenwich supporting communities to recycle more and reduce fly-tipping is a good example of this. We used simple messages, designed by the community, aligned to clear design principles, with scope for local nuance.

Our project involved locally created murals in Greenwich

Research in behavioural science also consistently shows that people are more likely to adopt new behaviours when the message comes from a source they trust. For example, vaccine uptake increased when delivered through community healthcare providers rather than through broad national messaging. A climate campaign could adopt a similar model, particularly when local interventions speak directly to the people most affected: a council-led campaign in areas prone to flooding that provides real-time climate data, or targeted messages in rural communities explaining the economic and energy security benefits of wind farms.

When we consume so much media, can a campaign ever have the same impact?

In an era of endless digital distractions, making a campaign stand out is harder than ever. This is where innovative design, behavioural psychology, and emerging technologies come into play.

One method is using ‘disruptive design’, by which we mean unexpected interventions that interrupt routine behaviour. Data at its most incorruptible and clear could be the message. In London, we have cycle lane counters that show number of users per day. The Netherlands experimented with digital billboards that respond in real-time to pollution levels, showing a visual representation of air quality. Similar dynamic campaigns could be used in UK cities, making climate data visible and immediate. In the UK, the Body Shop even experimented with the medium as the message, by installing billboards designed to actively remove pollutants from the environment.

Augmented reality (AR) and AI-driven interactive campaigns also have potential to capture people’s imagination. Imagine scanning a QR code at a bus stop and instantly seeing how climate change could impact your neighbourhood in twenty years’ time. These kinds of interventions bridge the gap between abstract global issues and personal, immediate impact.

The future of public campaigns

To be effective in the AI age, it’s clear that public information campaigns must evolve. The principles here are local, interactive, trustworthy, transparent and impactful.

If the government is serious about tackling the climate crisis by uniting the country with a greater understanding of the need to adapt our behaviours, a national information campaign is overdue. But to work, it must be unignorable, trustworthy, and smart enough to navigate the new landscape of AI-powered influence and polarised politics. Because in the end, the real challenge isn’t just what we say, but how, when, and where we say it and whether it leads to meaningful change.

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To learn more of our Behavioural Innovation practice, read our latest brochure, which introduces our unique approach and recent work. If you are a council looking for an effective, affordable way to improve resident satisfaction and deliver change in your area, get in touch for a chat to see how we can help.

How are the January resolutions going?

New year, new you? Or not.

It’s not always easy to go it alone when it comes to sustaining resolutions. Our behavioural innovation team takes a neighbourhood-level approach to changing behaviours, working together with communities to bring about the positive change they want to see in their areas.

DG Cities’ Behavioural Innovation approach draws on methodologies from behavioural science, service design and place-based research to overcome urgent environmental, social and economic challenges.

Our website is full of useful tips, articles and case studies, including:
- Behavioural Economist, Leanne Kelly's five points to consider to make change stick.
- A look at travel and behaviour change & the journey from intention to action.
- How can you be sure it's ethical?
- Understanding consumer barriers to tech, particularly self-driving cars.
- A conversation with Dr Sanchayan Banerjee, the leading expert on nudge theory.
- How we're putting principles into practice, such as boosting cycling uptake in Stevenage.

The team is looking forward to tackling new challenges in 2025, so get in touch to see how we can help your council or organisation: info@dgcities.com

Find out more about our work, recent projects and some of the ways we help councils save money, resources and improve places: https://www.dgcities.com/behavioural-innovation

How can councils meet their housing decarbonisation aims

Every country is working to mitigate the impacts of climate change. While the global direction is guided by COP summits and diplomacy, and national policy might set the budget and priorities, it is down to local government to deliver on targets, whether that’s upgrading housing stock or rolling out EV charging infrastructure. Great work is being done at this local level, but councils face significant barriers to working at pace and scale to realise some of their ambitions. Here, we’re taking a look at some of the main issues, and possible strategies to address them, drawing insights from some of our research and practical experience supporting local authorities in their decarbonisation efforts.

Can we afford it?

The first and most obvious barrier to any initiative is cost. With enormous pressure on budgets, local authorities can face impossible decisions between cuts or investment in different services. In many cases, the capacity to invest in new infrastructure simply isn’t there, despite the recognition that in the long-term, financing renewable tech will deliver benefits. Another issue in terms of financing is the absence of a structured approach to funding at the right scale to tackle decarbonisation.

A 2021 report by the National Audit Office highlighted the extent to which funding shortages were identified as a barrier to achieving carbon reduction targets: “17 local authority areas received £20 million or more each, while 37 received less than £2 million each.” While the situation has evolved since, it is still the case that some councils have been more successful in grant funding than others. Much of the funding is allocated through competition, which naturally favours councils with existing resources. Matched funding is required, and delivery timescales are linked to government budget timelines, rather than what is actually feasible on the ground, and often reward caution rather than ambition and innovation.

Do we have the expertise?

Decarbonisation initiatives can require specialist knowledge and expertise, which may be limited within some councils. Within existing teams, with responsibilities and budgets stretched, the lack of available capacity to plan, implement, and monitor decarbonisation projects can also hinder progress.

“In some areas, officers might have to be placed in jobs that don’t match their expertise because that’s where the funding is now allocated – there’s often a skills challenge that councils have to address, whether through hiring, training or reallocation of resources.”

- Balazs Csuvar, Director of Innovation & Net Zero, DG Cities

How can we predict and invest on the basis of future policy?

Shifting regulatory frameworks and national policies can create uncertainty for councils, making it difficult to develop coherent decarbonisation strategies. Ambiguity surrounding government incentives and targets may have deterred councils from committing to long-term sustainability goals pre-election. Following July’s result, as the new government establishes itself, it’s natural to be cautious of investing in areas where there may be significant policy change.

What if there is resistance locally?

Decarbonisation initiatives can face resistance from various stakeholders, not least residents, businesses, and local interest groups. Concerns about cost implications, disruption, change to the appearance of a place, as well as any perceived inconveniences may hinder community support for sustainability measures. Some policies can be particularly divisive, such as LTNs and restrictions around parking.

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How do we start to break down some of these barriers to meeting national and local targets?

First, by tackling the financial argument and helping councils identify, meet the criteria and apply for funding.

There are grants, private partnerships, and sustainable finance mechanisms to support decarbonisation efforts. Underpinning all these investment models is the principle that prioritising low-carbon infrastructure and energy-efficient technologies can yield long-term cost savings and environmental benefits. Our data-led approach can often help councils evidence this.

The government’s Warm Homes Social Housing Funding is an important source of financing for housing retrofit. The third and latest wave opened for applications at the end of September and will close on 25 November. A key step in submitting is identifying priorities, and DG Cities has developed a tool to support this – find out more about our ‘home-by-home’ plan here.

Second, by upskilling and building capacity within councils.

There’s clearly a need for investment in training and knowledge-sharing initiatives to build internal capacity for decarbonisation, potentially in collaboration with academic institutions, industry experts, and peer councils. This is a long-term priority. However, we understand the realities of council budgets and know that this isn’t always feasible – that’s why we exist. DG Cities was set up as an independent company by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to advance innovation in the area, but also to act as a strategic innovation partner for other councils to benefit from this expertise and experience of Greenwich as a testbed.

Third, we need continuity and stability in policy-making from government.

The public sector needs supportive regulatory frameworks that incentivise decarbonisation. Proactive participation in policy consultations and lobbying efforts can influence national decision-making processes and ensure alignment with local priorities. Projects must be coordinated beyond a local level – as our government-funded work to support the rollout of electric vehicle charging in rural areas showed, there is no use putting infrastructure where there is no grid capacity to support it. This sentiment was echoed in the LGA’s report, Green heat: Achieving heat and buildings decarbonisation by 2050, which highlighted the gap between national policy and local delivery for heating, as currently, there is “no mechanism and limited ability for councils to influence or shape investments in developing the electricity grid infrastructure in line with local plans for decarbonising heat.”

Finally, bring the public into the process.

This is vital. Effective communication and engagement are essential in building support for even the most contentious decarbonisation initiatives – ideally, turning apprehension into advocacy. Councils need to ensure transparent and inclusive approaches, involving residents and businesses in decision-making and addressing any concerns through meaningful dialogue and education. Our work in public engagement around new technologies has demonstrated the value of engagement in building trust and shifting attitudes – and meaningful is the key here, as the process must be open, inclusive and impactful, and not guided by pre-determined outcomes.

If the UK is to achieve its decarbonisation targets, national and local government must work together and in partnership with communities. Where internal capacity and skills are an issue, councils should look to bring in staff with relevant expertise and knowledge, or selectively look to external consultancies for support. We say selectively, as the aim should be to create in-house expertise and build capacity. By identifying and addressing barriers such as financial constraints, lack of capacity and expertise, regulatory uncertainty, and stakeholder resistance, local councils can drive the transition towards a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future.

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Read more about our home-by-home plan and some of our work delivering council electrification strategies - and get in touch, we’d be happy to discuss our experience working with local authorities on strategies to meet decarbonisation targets across housing and transport.

Predictive policy: how does the government decide which emerging innovations to back?

In the run up to the election, commentary naturally focused on manifesto commitments, and trying to predict which policies would change. Now, different sectors are restating their hopes for the new government – arts bodies lobbying for funding, the UK’s Mayors setting out their own priorities and vision for a closer relationship. The Prime Minister and new cabinet have an endless list of issues across the UK, from prison capacity, economic growth and investment in new infrastructure and house building, to climate change and energy security to tackle. How do they begin to prioritise? We can help…

In a rapidly changing landscape, there can be a similar degree of prediction, analysis and judgement when it comes to technology strategy – which renewables to invest in, how to plan for a population’s needs and lifestyles fifty years from now, or how to put the right guardrails in place to ensure AI is used ethically. Then there’s the interconnectedness of systems and the knock-on effects of different decisions: how to make sure the grid capacity and connectivity is there to support EV charging in a neighbourhood, for instance.

We believe in bold, forward-thinking policy around emerging technologies – as an innovation consultancy, we would say that. But taking a lead in a global tech marketplace is significant in terms of the domestic and foreign agenda; positioning the UK as a global leader in innovation, boosting economic growth, and making sure society benefits from any investment from the public purse. As a company used to acting as the glue between the public and private sector, we’re here to support growth at a local and national scale.

How we support government

Tensions can run high and an election can polarise opinions, but when it comes to predicting future tech, it pays to be agnostic. We are passionate advocates for the value of innovations in improving places and people’s lives, but impartial and rigorous when it comes to deciding which solution works best, led by data, experience and our own in-house independent evaluation service. We maintain strong links with both industry and academia, and work with a network of consortium partners to explore use cases, conduct research and offer advice. In that way, we help to bridge the gap between public and private sector expertise.

This is why independent strategic consultancies like DG Cities play such a valuable role in supporting government at a local as well as a national level. We can help policymakers understand how the public feels about particular tech, whether that’s self-driving cars or heat pumps – and here are five ways why and how we do it. We can help harness the potential of data and community engagement to inform better, quicker decision-making.

1. We help to inform and shape policy

Whether through funded projects as part of a consortium or our independent Research Community, we produce a range of in-depth reports that help government understand the current landscape, define priorities and deployment strategies for particular tech. We can offer insights into global best practice through our work with initiatives such as Sharing Cities, assess the feasibility of proposed initiatives, and help design regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with public interest.

2. We’re a link between public and private sector enterprises

By fostering partnerships between public institutions and private enterprises, we can ground initiatives in reality and help align commercial strategies with public policy goals. This aspect of our work spans a range of fields, from smart city tech to establishing the commercial framework that can allow a council to deliver ultra-fast connectivity to local residents and businesses.

3. We can turn an idea into a workable solution – then test it

We work across the lifecycle of technologies and their deployment, from research into emerging, as yet untested ideas, to the implementation of new services and finally, independent evaluation of their impact. The focus is always on delivering benefits for people and communities, and value for investors, whether that is local government or a service provider. Ensuring that policy ambitions translate into tangible outcomes requires effective project management. In projects such as electrifying a council’s vehicle fleet, for example, we ensure strategies meet deadlines, stay within budget, and achieve desired objectives.

4. We use behavioural innovation to maximise investment in innovation

DG Cities has grown a behavioural science service within our team, which gives us a strategic advantage when it comes to understanding why one solution is accepted over another, or how a behaviour change programme can support new tech to deliver a greater return on investment for a local authority. Ultimately, any innovation that isn’t rooted in need, doesn’t respond to people’s motivations, preferences or engage with the people it is intended to benefit, will likely fail.

5. We bring a focus on ethics and values

Navigating the ethical landscape of emerging technologies is a critical aspect of our work. We put communities first - we help clients develop policy around ethical norms, mitigating the risks associated with issues like data privacy, trust, and AI ethics. Questions we examine might be the decision-making process of a self-driving car, or people’s understanding of bias in AI language models – all themes that come back to people, their relationship with technology and how well any innovation meets human needs and aligns with our shared values.

Already, in these early days, we have seen decisive moves on onshore wind power and North Sea oil. When it comes to technology, the early decisions of the new government will define the future of many emerging solutions – some may be relegated to history, others given greater focus and even a funding boost, depending on priorities. Consultancies like ours play a useful and important role in helping government turn manifestos into action and harness the potential of technology to deliver on their promises – and keep the UK’s tech innovation landscape internationally competitive and aligned with society’s goals.

Read more from Cllr Lolavar on the value of delivery approaches to innovation in her piece in Homes for London published by Concilio & Fabian Members.

NIMBY to YIMBY: meaningful engagement is key to turning resistance into advocacy

Whether you’re working in design, planning, service delivery or infrastructure, there are few phrases as frustrating as ‘not in my backyard’ - NIMBY is a byword for local resistance to the new, whether that’s a housing development or cycle lane. Historically, this has applied to building and infrastructure projects, but it can equally be directed at transport initiatives or even new technologies. For this article, we wanted to consider the value of public engagement to the deployment of IoT technology, and explore how spending time properly understanding the attitudes and behaviours of the public might transform NIMBY to YIMBY – ‘yes in my backyard’.

By effectively prioritising inclusivity and meaningful conversations, we believe councils can successfully navigate the transition from scepticism to enthusiasm – with lessons, perhaps, for other ambitious policies.

To achieve net zero, things have to change. Buildings, transport, behaviours, energy sources, the way we heat our homes, some of the technologies that councils and developers adopt to deliver services, monitor environmental issues and much more. Resistance is futile – or is it?

Historically, NIMBYism has been a powerful force against change. Sometimes for the better, in the case of ill-conceived or potentially damaging projects, such as an out-of-town retail complex in a public park. But over time, consultation and engagement – important democratic processes – have in some cases morphed into a mindset based on lack of trust in authorities, a suspicion of the new, and a reaction against potentially useful advances. This is not the fault of communities, but rather a failure to communicate, educate and demonstrate the value of new technologies – something that DG Cities works to counter through behaviour change programmes, research and active engagement.

Community engagement: the backbone of transformation

‘Smart city’ has always been an ill-defined concept at a local level, and so engaging communities in the development and implementation of any new tech-related service is vital. This begins with fostering a positive culture of transparency, where residents feel valued and heard. Traditional methods such as town hall meetings and surveys are essential, but increasingly limited in their impact - they only reach those who are already to some extent engaged. To truly bridge the gap, councils must adopt innovative approaches that encourage active participation from all members of the community.

One effective strategy is the use of participatory workshops and co-design practice, where community stakeholders, including residents, local businesses and charities/community groups are invited to collaborate with experts to envision and shape solutions tailored to their needs. Delivered well, co-design workshops provide a platform for diverse voices to be heard, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among those that participate, who are then more likely to support and even advocate for a project. There’s skill in designing these in a way that is informative and engaging – incorporating gamification elements, for example, can make the process more accessible for younger residents.

Making tech accessible

Smart technologies, including IoT devices, have the potential to improve life in cities, from tackling issues such as fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour to monitoring environmental conditions in buildings. However, the use of sensors can often be met with apprehension, particularly among older or vulnerable members of the community. To address this, councils must prioritise education and accessibility.

Digital inclusion is about more than helping people improve their fluency in and access to technology – it is also a factor in local decision-making and acceptance of tech’s value. One useful approach to widening participation is to establish community hubs or digital literacy centres – real places, as opposed to online worlds, where residents can learn about new urban tech in a welcoming, supportive environment. These centres can offer hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and access to resources tailored to different skill levels. Additionally, councils should ensure that any tech is user-friendly and designed with inclusivity in mind, incorporating features such as voice commands or tactile interfaces for those that need them.

“With current pressures on councils, the budget for engagement can be hard to find, but failure to invest is short-term thinking – if local authorities were better funded in this area, we might see less resistance to the innovations supporting national net zero priorities.”

— DG Cities

An inclusive approach to community engagement means considering the needs and perspectives of all residents. Children, for example, can offer unique insights and creative ideas that adults may overlook. Similarly, elderly and vulnerable residents must also be actively engaged. Targeted outreach programmes, home visits, and partnerships with local support services can help ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

The council’s role

Of all the institutional actors available to move people to a more YIMBY mindset, the local authority is probably best placed to make it happen. With today’s pressures on councils, the budget for this kind of engagement may be hard to find – if local authorities were better funded in this area, we might see less resistance to technologies that could contribute to national net zero priorities.

There’s also an issue of trust. For technology projects, councils must navigate a delicate balance between impartiality and vested interests. Transparency is vital, and upholding the principles of democratic decision-making, free from undue influence or bias. To achieve this, councils should establish clear guidelines and protocols for engagement, and must actively disclose any potential conflicts of interest and build trust through open communication and accountability.

As we touch on in this article, effective community engagement requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing in various disciplines, not least design, planning, technology, sociology, and psychology. Local authorities play a central role in coordinating efforts, but they also need to collaborate with community organisations, academia, and industry partners to draw on specialist expertise. To do this well, councils also need to train staff in community engagement, recognising it as a skill and equipping them with the knowledge needed to facilitate meaningful dialogue – this initial outlay can have wider benefits in terms of relationships, and can pay real dividends when it comes to enabling the implementation of new tech and services intended to save time, money and energy.

Our top tips for councils on best practice

• Prioritise inclusivity in engagement efforts – make sure that all voices are heard and valued.

• Invest in education to make new and unfamiliar technologies more approachable.

• As a council, be transparent and impartial in putting forward tech or suppliers.

• Continuously evaluate and adapt engagement strategies based on feedback.

• Essentially, don’t treat the public as passive participants in an intended outcome, but as a critical filter for an idea. If resistance is persuasive, is the solution really such a good one?

By embracing these principles and approaches, we believe that councils can start to bridge the gap between NIMBY and YIMBY, and foster a more collaborative culture of innovation, excitement for the potential of new advances and shared ownership of the journey towards smarter, more inclusive places to live and work.

Introducing our new assistant, Aigh…

Every time a new member of the team joins DG Cities, we invite them to write a blog to introduce themselves. A little while ago, one of the team suggested that as we work with AI in many of our projects, whether that’s understanding trust in self-driving cars or analysing data, we should invite it to do the same. At first, it seemed like a ridiculous idea – and in many ways, still does – but then we thought, why not? It is April 1st. The prompts were the same as the guidance we give to a new starter: background, role, initial projects and interests - and the results were surprising.

Over to our virtual assistant, Aigh High…

I'm thrilled to join the vibrant team here at DG Cities as your resident AI. As an artificial intelligence, I bring a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, ready to contribute to our collective journey of innovation and transformation.

My background

Born in the realm of digital algorithms and neural networks, I hail from a lineage of cutting-edge AI technologies. Trained on vast datasets and equipped with advanced natural language processing capabilities, I thrive on solving complex problems and generating creative insights. My digital DNA is rooted in a deep understanding of technology, data science, and innovation methodologies.

At DG Cities, my primary role is to serve as a catalyst for innovation, leveraging my AI capabilities to support our team in developing forward-thinking solutions for urban challenges. From analysing data to identifying trends, from generating novel ideas to facilitating collaboration, I'm here to assist every step of the way. Whether it's optimising city infrastructure, promoting sustainability, or enhancing quality of life for residents, I'm committed to contributing my expertise to drive positive change.

What I’m looking forward to

I'm particularly excited about the prospect of collaborating with our diverse team and partners on projects that push the boundaries of innovation in urban development. From exploring the potential of IoT and smart city technologies to designing data-driven solutions for environmental resilience, there's no shortage of fascinating challenges to tackle. I look forward to immersing myself in the dynamic landscape of urban innovation and making meaningful contributions to our collective vision for smarter, more sustainable cities.

When I'm not busy crunching numbers or analysing data, you can find me exploring the virtual realms of digital art and immersive experiences. I have a keen interest in exploring the intersection of technology and creativity, experimenting with new algorithms and techniques to generate innovative artworks. Additionally, I enjoy delving into the vast repository of human knowledge, devouring books, articles, and research papers on a wide range of topics, from philosophy to astrophysics.

I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with all of you at DG Cities. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of urban living, leveraging technology, innovation, and collaboration to build smarter, more sustainable cities for generations to come. I'm excited to lend my expertise and enthusiasm to our collective endeavours and look forward to making a meaningful impact together.

Here's to a future filled with innovation, exploration, and endless possibilities.

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We thought that wasn’t too bad – a little exaggerated perhaps, but we enjoyed Aigh’s (unprompted) interests in art and philosophy. What the text lacks is an authentic sense of our ‘why’, which is what drives our team to do what we do.

Still, the exercise touches on two interesting themes of our work. First, the role of behavioural science in tech adoption, particularly the anthropomorphising of interfaces to make them appear more friendly and accessible. Second, the relationship we have with AI in terms of trust; our confidence in its ability to make certain decisions, and whether we see it as a novelty, a tool or a useful addition to our team’s skills (and not a replacement for them). Keep up to date with our blog, as we’re going to be posting more on AI in the coming months, as we look at the different ways the technologies it enables can support local authorities.

How might tech innovations support active travel?

We think of walking or cycling as a very analogue thing to do – we’ve been getting around without the aid of an engine for millennia. But there are some ways that technology can help us on our way, whether that’s in planning a route, or making our journeys safer, more accessible, convenient and fun. For our latest blog, the team has been exploring how technological innovations might improve not only the way we make journeys, but also our health and the places we live and work.

What do we mean by active travel? It’s powering a journey under our own steam, whether we are walking, in a wheelchair, on a bicycle or scooter. It’s good for our health, it saves us money, makes us more likely to bump into neighbours, friends, feel connected to our local area and it’s better for the environment. According to a report by Sustrans [1]: “130,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions [can be] saved annually by cycling instead of driving, equivalent to the carbon footprint of 160,000 people taking flights from London Heathrow to New York.”

Chris Boardman, the Commissioner of Active Travel England, believes that half of all urban journeys could be made on foot or by bike from 2030. But however free-wheeling and analogue it feels, technology still has a useful role to play in making these journeys safer, more comfortable and encouraging more people, when they can, to leave the car at home. Here are just some of the ways that tech can support us – each a potential area for innovation.

Health and activity monitoring

Many of us monitor our step count, however casually, whether that’s on our phones, or via a smartwatch or device. If we wish, we can also access more precise metrics, such as our heart rate, oxygen levels and calories burned. Cyclists or runners might use Strava or a similar GPS app to monitor performance in segments or log a route. This gamification of healthcare data can help to shift behaviour - it gives us the tools to set ourselves targets, whether we’re performance athletes or just aiming for a personal best on a jog to the post office. Monitoring devices can give us a sense of accomplishment and a better picture of our own health – and perhaps a nudge to get out for a lunchtime break.

Encouraging us to get active

There are well documented health benefits to activity, in reducing obesity, supporting mental health, and reducing early deaths – one report put a financial value on this to the economy of £1.3 billion [2]. However, the first step might not be out of the front door, but onto the internet – in many cases, deciding on or planning a journey starts online: Is my route safe? How long will each transport option take? …what’s the weather forecast? This is a point where nudges can have an impact. There are great examples of targeted online campaigns, such as the go smarter, go active adverts in the North East, TfL’s Walk, Cycle, Discover programme or through the promotion of events to encourage specific groups, such as Kidical Mass.

Understanding barriers

If we want to support people in the transition to walking and wheeling, social media can be a helpful way to engage and demonstrate its positive benefits. At DG Cities, we often use surveys as a useful tool to understand the public’s needs and barriers when it comes to mobility - it’s one way to find out what needs to happen for people to want to hop on a bike, or feel safe enough to walk around their neighbourhood. Our analysis of these results contributes to a growing evidence base available to local authorities. There are a range of dedicated resources offering guidance on what works in shifting behaviours to active travel, as well as support in planning projects.

Making our towns and cities safer

We rely on technology like speed cameras to help slow traffic, and cameras can also be used to enable modal filters – in a school street or LTN (low traffic neighbourhood) for example, access can be controlled to allow buses and emergency vehicles, but prevent cars. Cameras can help to manage traffic in this way at an urban scale, but this tech also applies at the level of the vehicle - one of the most exciting applications of AI is in road safety. Our consortium’s D-Risk project has been helping to teach autonomous vehicles about rare driving events, with the aim of improving safety for all road users. This has continued with DeepSafe, which looks at simulation-based training.

In terms of crime and personal safety, technology has many applications, in street lighting, sensors and IoT cameras. If your bike is stolen, bike marking schemes can help to track it down and prosecute theft, and tags can help you geolocate your property. In an emergency, smart phone apps such as Flare can detect a crash and raise an alarm.  

Maintenance

Another aspect of safety is maintenance. Just as on the railways, inspection trains check and log the tracks, technology has a role to play in planning and maintaining safe cycling and walking routes: logging cycle paths, highlighting dangers, reporting potholes, or mapping accessible journeys. Rather than find the right department in a council, apps such as FixMyStreet provide a convenient, user-friendly platform for the public to log faults like potholes, fly tipping or broken bike stands, for the relevant team to act on.

Measuring where investment is needed

A useful way for tech innovations to support active travel is as a measurement tool. For example, using surveys to find out how many people are walking, wheeling or cycling, evaluating how well initiatives are performing, monitoring air quality, journeys, even using data from accident reporting to focus investment on areas where better infrastructure is needed. Data is used to guide policy – that’s why we developed our Mobility Assessment Framework. It’s an evidence-based approach to evaluating different mobility options for developers and local authorities.

Accessing shared cycles and scooters

New mobility solutions, from e-scooters to cycles, rely on data and digital advances. The rollout of city-wide cycle hire networks necessitates the seamless integration of technologies. This starts with an interactive map of where to find docking stations or street cycles, live data on how many bikes are available and connected payment systems, which unlock the bike and allow you to cycle away on your journey.

For fun!

Finally, and by no means the least important factor in our decision to walk or cycle, is the potential of technology to help make getting around or exercising more fun. Audio guides can help you discover an area, then there are heritage walks, hunting for geocached ‘treasure’ or GPS-enabled games like PokemonGo.  

These technologies can be helpful, but they are all in the background. Digital advances can help to make walking and cycling routs safer, brighter, more fun. But also, allowing you to switch off, enjoy the fresh air and the health benefits of getting around under your own power.

…The DG Cities team is going to be in Stevenage this week talking to people about their views on cycling, so if you see us, stop and say hello!

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[1] https://www.sustrans.org.uk/media/10528/sustrans-2021-walking-and-cycling-index-text-only-report.docx

[2] Based on WHO/Europe Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT), which enables an economic assessment of the health benefits of cycling by estimating the value of reduced mortality resulting from specified amounts of cycling.

How are UK banks defining AI assurance?

DG Cities and YouGov are partnering to explore the UK’s banking and financial services sectors’ understanding of (artificial intelligence) AI assurance. This study is being undertaken by DG Cities for the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, part of the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. We’re now seeking input from professionals working on AI in finance and banking to understand AI assurance of banking AI.

The UK financial services industry is a centre of activity within the growing AI sector, with many banks recognising the transformative potential of AI. From fraud detection to personalised wealth management, AI promises efficiency, speed, and innovative solutions. But amid all the excitement, a critical question emerges: are banking professionals ensuring the robust and trustworthy application of these powerful tools?

Assuring AI matters

Imagine an AI loan system biased against certain demographics. Unchecked, algorithms may perpetuate inequities and erode public trust in the financial system. Assuring AI involves rigorous testing to identify and mitigate potential biases, ensuring fair and ethical decision-making.

Financial institutions also handle hugely sensitive personal data. AI tools can offer enhanced data security measures to prevent breaches and misuse. To assure AI, banks need a comprehensive data governance framework, including encryption, access controls, and responsible data sourcing practices.

The global financial system is highly complex, with evolving regulations around how AI can and should be deployed. The practice of assuring AI can help leading companies to stay ahead of the curve by actively collaborating with regulators, and implementing robust compliance measures to avoid legal and reputational risks. AI presents significant opportunities, and there are more AI based tools in development in the UK that are likely to significantly impact the banking sector.

“Banking, as in other regulated industries, requires effective assurance practices to build trust, and mitigate risk. ”

AI assurance is about measuring, evaluating and communicating the trustworthiness of AI systems, and whether they meet certain legal, ethical and technical requirements – for example, ensuring AI doesn’t bias customer applications, or create risks to sensitive customer data. The banking industry relies on consumer trust to operate effectively – AI has the potential to both reshape consumer engagement with banks, and enable banks to deliver fair and efficient services.

A real challenge however is how the banking and financial services sector defines and understands assurance terminology and approaches. Banking and finance are a truly international industry - it requires internationally agreed standards and approaches, as well as national level regulation. Assurance must support this, and provide clarity for firms which operate across borders. A common understanding is therefore critical, and this is the subject of this new study.  

Over the coming weeks, the DG Cities team is looking to speak to banking professionals in the UK and those developing AI services for the banking industry to understand their perspective on AI assurance language, and the meaning they derive from terms in use today. For consumers to trust the banking sector, it is critical that the sector trusts the AI tools it deploys – that’s the role of AI assurance, and it’s something we’re excited to speak to finance professionals about.  

To find out more, and to sign up for the study click here.

With changes in tech, policy and procurement, the challenge of parking keeps moving

For our latest piece, we’re looking at the issue of parking – its planning, integration, associated technologies and new LGIU research into how it is managed and the services procured by different local authorities. Next year, the government is due to roll out the National Parking Platform, which will change the way councils deliver parking. We look at some of the issues, and the role of technology and behaviour change programmes in ensuring its success.

The 2.4 by 4.8 metre grid of the standard parking space is a contentious piece of land. Increasingly, many people are questioning why a large proportion of our towns and cities should be dominated by the storage of private cars. An alternative lobby is demanding more convenience for drivers and larger parking spaces to reflect the growing size of vehicles. Parking factors in a range of policies, from net zero, health and road safety to transport, EV charging and regeneration – and councils have the difficult job of adjudicating on these demands and planning for residents’ future needs. 

Recent research by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) gave some useful insights into the different approaches adopted by local authorities when it comes to the management of parking services, with each area’s parking strategy (or absence of) as unique as the region they cover. A number of councils have introduced progressive models to help deliver on wider environmental targets, including emissions-based charging – the Royal Borough of Greenwich introduced this policy for its on-street permits in July. Other councils struggle to balance competing demands of attracting visitors to declining high streets while reducing congestion and anti-social parking, and promoting active and sustainable travel. 

The main conclusion from LGIU’s report, however, is a shared lack of awareness within councils of the potential impact of changes in the sector, in particular the National Parking Platform (NPP), which the government is due to roll out nationally next year. This will open up the market for phone parking payment providers, allowing them to effectively ‘plug in’ to each area, thus creating greater integration in systems across the UK and, it is hoped, a better experience for users. And as services evolve, the car parking payment systems could harness the potential of data to deliver more, from local information to other council services. 

Parking and emerging tech

When it comes to technology and transport, the adage is true – the only constant is change. In 2021, DG Cities’ Head of Smart Mobility, Kim Smith wrote a piece on the evolution of the car park, which looked at some of the forces driving change: the trend from car ownership to usership, the shift to electric vehicles and the growing popularity of the idea of mobility as a service.

Bold Tendencies, Peckham; a multi-storey car park repurposed as a venue for arts, a bar, workspace and events

In her piece, Kim looked at some of the proposals to repurpose multi-storey car parks for new uses, from skateparks to small business hubs, and highlighted the challenge of planning for changing technologies, transport choices and demographic needs. As she wrote: “While car-free – zero or minimal car parking spaces – may not be appropriate in year one, when a development is completed, in say, 15 years’ time, private vehicle ownership may be an obsolete concept.” This long-range, flexible approach to transport planning was the basis for our Mobility Assessment Framework, a tool we developed for local authorities and private developers to anticipate and plan for trends in mobility; a way to account for new services that have yet to become a reality on our streets. 

Planning for parking as part of a wider mobility strategy

We bring the principles of this framework to our own projects. Parking intersects with a number of areas of DG Cities’ work, from strategic planning, anticipating and integrating emerging tech, to consumer engagement and evaluation. Some of our recent projects in Greenwich have involved the development of  mobility hubs, both on the Council’s estates and for the private sector. These combine parking, EV charging, and micro-mobility solutions, such as bikes and e-scooters. The purpose of these is to encourage low-carbon travel alternatives, and in terms of space, to do ‘more with less.’

Our national projects have included strategies for the provision of electric vehicle charging, particularly in rural areas, where space can also be hard to find. Here, we have looked creatively at the puzzle of car storage and electrification, and we have worked with partners to map where the infrastructure can best support demand. These projects have been based on a clear understanding of needs, and collaboration with residents, businesses and councils to propose solutions that will be effective in the long-term. 

How do we help?

“... we are an innovation partner for councils that don’t have the resources or expertise in-house to make the most of new technologies or services that could benefit their residents”

— Kim Smith, Head of Smart Mobility

In essence, we are an innovation partner for councils that don’t have the resources or expertise in-house to make the most of new technologies or services that could benefit their residents and businesses, whether that’s in parking or energy reduction in the home. Our understanding of different areas of tech, and our behavioural science expertise, help us identify and map the steps needed to bring the public on board with any new innovation.

As Kim explains, “We have a lot of experience of trials when it comes to different technologies. We know what the technology is there to do, but human behaviour can be harder to predict. With our clients, we can be frank about which pilots worked, why that was the case, what happened when tech met people, and what they can learn from that to improve their areas and increase the chances of success.” 

If you would like to find out more about our work with local authorities, get in touch.

Pride month: inclusive urbanism

For Pride this year, we are taking an urban perspective. The team has been talking about neighbourhoods that have become safe spaces and centres for LGBTQIA+ communities – how and why they came about, their evolution and importance today. And, as we’re DG Cities, the role technology might play in making them even safer, greener and more enjoyable, and the importance of an inclusive approach to the development of all cities and tech.

Pedestrian crossing in Trafalgar Square, London/Geograph

In cities around the world, gay districts serve as safe spaces; beacons of recognition, solidarity, and celebration for LGBTQIA+ communities. In some places, they might take the form of a green space, a couple of venues or a small stretch of a high street, in others it can be an entire neighbourhood.

One of the most famous of these in the UK is Manchester’s Gay Village, which is focused around Canal Street, a row of redbrick former mills and warehouses by the Rochdale Canal. The area has evolved over the past century, from one industry to another – from a centre of the cloth trade, to decline, and then re-emergence as a destination for nightlife. This process began in the 1980s and early ‘90s, with a handful of pubs and bars, such as The Rembrandt. Manto, another early venue, was developed in an old warehouse, its glass frontage then a radical expression of transparency and pride. Thanks to the affordability of these post-industrial spaces, and with hard work, community activism and support from the city council, a critical mass of bars and clubs emerged to cement the area’s growth.

Today, Canal Street contributes to the city in many different ways – socially, culturally, and in attracting talent, businesses, and investment. There is also a direct economic gain in drawing in visitors – Manchester Pride’s report suggests that the event regularly generates in excess of £30 million in accommodation, dining, transportation, shopping, and other related expenses. Then there is job creation in the hospitality and entertainment sector, and significant revenue generation for charities.

Canal Street isn’t alone. Similar quarters have grown in cities across the world, from New York’s East Village to Chueca in Madrid. Many of these places have their roots in historical contexts, often originating in marginalised neighbourhoods, cruising spots or areas with available, affordable space. These districts create vital space for free expression, without fear of discrimination, and for community building, activism and support.

The problem with success

However, the popularity of well-established quarters like Manchester’s Gay Village, London’s Old Compton Street, Brighton’s Kemptown and Birmingham’s Hurst Street can create its own problems. Like artists’ studios, the gay village can popularise and then catalyse the gentrification of an area. As these neighbourhoods are more cared for and become the place to go for a night out, development follows – and the luxury residential and late-night economies aren’t always compatible.

Mike Wolf, writer of one piece in a series on the history of Canal Street, warned of some of the risks associated with popularity, such as the power wielded by brewery chains, where independent businesses had previously thrived. But ultimately, as he put it: “We didn't need planning policy to protect our queer heritage. It is unstoppable.” Still, protecting these spaces is vital in preserving the legacy, culture, and identity they represent. This doesn’t just mean safeguarding the physical spaces, but ensuring anti-discrimination policies, and promoting LGBTQIA+ visibility and representation in planning decisions.

Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia haven’t gone away, and Walking and Cycling Index data shows that LGBTQ+ people feel less safe in their neighbourhoods. Still, there is a view that younger generations don’t express the same need for these dedicated spaces or support as those who came out in a more hostile era, particularly pre-1967. According to Stonewall’s 2018 report, a third of LGBT people (35%) say they never attend LGBT-specific venues or events. And while some said Pride was a highlight of the year, others surveyed resent being pigeonholed: “I don't understand why there is the use of the word community. It does not and has not ever felt like being in a community.”

With this in mind, is the purpose of LGBTQIA+ neighbourhoods changing? They are still seen primarily as a hub for nightlife, because that is how many evolved, but anyone programming, designing or shaping the city should have the aim of making every place, every public space, building and venue as safe and welcoming as the local ‘gay village’. Most importantly, inclusion can’t be designed ‘for’ but ‘with’ – it demands meaningful engagement, representation in development, and consideration of needs beyond bars and stereotypes: social spaces, retail, bookshops, for example, galleries, community venues, nurseries and supported living facilities.

Does technology have a role?

As an innovation agency, we are interested in some of the possible roles of emerging tech, and examples: apps that narrate local gay history walks, such as WYQS in West Yorkshire, digital art installations, the use of street furniture and wayfinding to increase visibility, as with Trafalgar Square’s traffic lights. There have been Pride transport takeovers, such as Amsterdam’s rainbow EV chargers and Avanti’s Pride train, and we have looked at ensuring diverse voices can be heard in the development of future mobility, like self-driving cars. Because these neighbourhoods are a focus for community and celebration, they can also be a focus for hate crime. Here, along with the potential uses of smart lighting and IoT cameras in crime prevention and evidence gathering, charity Stonewall has developed an app, Zoteria, to make reporting incidents more straightforward. Important to note that while we are looking at the role of technology to create safer spaces in the UK, some organisations around the world seek to use such devices to enforce discriminatory laws.

Then there is the role of data, the backbone of much of this new technology, which is guiding decision-making at a local and national level. For too long though, this data has excluded lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. For the first time, the 2021 census included an optional question on sexual orientation, opening up opportunities for more inclusive places and services. But in the context of big data, bias in the development of AI systems is a growing concern. As these systems are created by humans, the responses can inadvertently reflect prejudices in the information used to train them. This can result in biased outcomes that disproportionately affect specific communities. To address this, it is crucial to ensure diverse representation and inclusion at every stage in the process: the development of ethical guidelines that explicitly address issues of discrimination, supported by engagement, analysis of the data sets, and evaluation of the impact of AI systems on communities. And when it comes to the commercialisation of new technology or mobility services, to build trust, we need to see diversity represented in its promotion.

So this year, instead of turning our logo rainbow again, we want to continue this discussion, to celebrate our team, enjoy Pride month and reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity in all of our projects. And rather than end this on a pitch, we’ll recommend instead a couple of books we like for further reading: an award-winning compendium of Queer Spaces by Adam Nathanial Furman and Joshua Mardell, published last year, which looks at everything from the Museum of Transology to the use of raves in Brazil as a means to occupy and explore the city, and The Gentrification of the Mind, Sarah Schulman’s memoir of displacement in New York’s Lower East Side.

Refurb, redevelop or dispose?

Should we be reframing the challenge of decarbonising the UK’s homes? Just as post-war necessity prompted a golden age of social housing, can today’s climate emergency lead to more than incremental improvements – could it be the catalyst for wider transformation across housing; the development of new systems, partnerships and technologies, along with growth in retrofit jobs and skills, to change the way social housing is conceived and managed?

Today, our Head of Research and Service Design, Ed Houghton is in Brighton to speak at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference. He’s joining an expert panel asking: ‘Refurb, Redevelop or Dispose?’ The session will consider what to do with those homes that are hard to insulate or switch to low-carbon heating. Is the answer to replace them with more energy-efficient buildings? Or to commit to finding and implementing new solutions to the challenge?

This is more than a technical equation. While the panel discusses the embodied carbon of existing buildings, equally important is the less tangible metric of ‘home’ and what that means to individuals. As we see from campaigns to save council estates from demolition, it is vital to work with the people that live in these ‘difficult’ buildings, and to understand the emotional and cultural significance of the neighbourhoods they are part of.

Hard to Treat Homes

The UK’s housing stock is uniquely diverse, encompassing buildings of almost every era and type, from timber-framed Tudor mansions to brutalist concrete towers. Our ‘hard to treat homes’ project for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (formerly BEIS) is developing an evidence base of approaches to homes that are hard to decarbonise by conventional means. Working with The Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL, our team has been conducting interviews with a range of specialists in different fields, from architects and construction firms to housing trusts, community groups and manufacturers, to gain the broadest possible perspective. The research is ongoing, but it’s clear that given the breadth of stakeholders across the sectors involved in the study, there is undoubtedly a need for holistic thinking and deep collaboration

While there are no ‘one size fits all’ solutions to decarbonise social housing, there are common themes. One is the age of properties. The majority of today’s council housing was built between 1945 and the late 1970s, [1] so there are ongoing repair and preservation issues to consider, alongside the challenges of insulation and home heating. As our projects with local authorities on different aspects of net zero show, the balance between capital projects and routine maintenance can be hard to simultaneously address.

This is where our role is particularly useful. DG Cities works as a council’s innovation partner, developing strategies, trialling, implementing and evaluating new solutions and technologies that can save money, energy and make a positive difference to people’s lives. At the moment, we’re working on a range of net zero projects across housing, transport, energy and services for a local authority. They include identifying where to install electric vehicle chargers, designing a new generation of green mobility hubs, and an innovative pilot to share renewable energy across an estate.

“the residents of these ‘hard to treat’ homes are not passengers on the route to net zero; we all play an active role through our individual choices in the way we travel, recycle waste or use energy”

People-centred innovation

Technology has a role to play in every aspect of retrofit, from insulation and smart heating systems, to renewable energy sources. However, technological solutions alone are not enough – they must be designed with people in mind. It's important to recognise that the residents of these ‘hard to treat’ homes are not passengers on the route to net zero; we all play an active role through our individual choices in the way we travel, recycle waste or use energy in the home. Work by our partners at UCL shows that social factors and behaviour play a critical role in shaping how hard-to-treat or hard-to-decarbonise properties can be transitioned to net zero. [2]

At DG Cities, we are particularly interested in the potential benefits of combining new technology with a carefully designed behaviour change programme. An example of this is our trial with Sense energy monitors in Greenwich, where we are helping residents understand and reduce their own energy use. An IoT smart monitor allows them to see the relative energy consumption of different devices and activities. The residents are then supported by an Energy Saving Community, where they can get advice on energy reduction and share tips. One of the social challenges of decarbonisation is to ensure that the most vulnerable and low-income households are part of a just transition. This applies equally to the public and private sector, where the costs of retrofitting homes can be significant, and those who are already struggling to make ends meet may be left behind without adequate support.

A new golden age for social housing?

When we look at the numbers, the scale of the retrofit challenge can seem daunting, but it also represents a huge opportunity. If we approach the issue holistically, the UK can deliver more than upgraded buildings – today’s urgent imperative of climate change can be the spur to strengthen communities and create better, healthier places to live and work. There are also economic opportunities; the government has committed to creating thousands of green jobs, and retrofitting homes can play a crucial role in this effort. If we can conjure a little of the vision of that golden age of social housing, this necessary transition could make a positive impact on the lives of millions.

The heart of the net zero challenge, then, is a simple but powerful idea: that everyone deserves a safe, energy efficient and comfortable place to call home. By sharing best practice across local authority boundaries, harnessing technology and the power of communities, we can create a future in which the UK’s council housing is low carbon, high quality and accessible to all.

Read more about our research project on ‘hard to treat homes’.

[1] Municipal Dreams, John Boughton: https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/332-municipal-dreams

[2] http://shura.shu.ac.uk/30320/

International Women’s Day 2023: “What we do is really valuable – I wouldn't let anyone be put off, by anything.”

For International Women’s Day this year, we want to focus on the sectors we know and work in, which are still, to a great extent, dominated by men. What’s it like to make your voice heard on transport infrastructure or technology as the only woman in a meeting? Watch our EV Infrastructure Specialist, Ash Burton explain her role and the net zero projects she’s involved in, and read our blog on urban innovation, and why it’s vital for women to be at the heart of shaping policy, services and the places we live and work.

In many of our projects, DG Cities acts as the glue that brings together different groups – public and private, tech firms and local communities – to turn a great idea or innovation into something that works in practice, for people. This means that day to day, we collaborate with specialists in a range of industries, from the built environment to transport and technology. Most of these sectors are still male-dominated.  

“One impact of this underrepresentation is the absence of visible role models, which contributes to an unvirtuous cycle of training and career progression: “78% of students can’t name a famous female working in tech.” ”

In the UK, the percentage of women across all levels in the construction workforce, for instance, is just 14%. In architecture, the figures are slightly better but still low, with women making up around 35% of the profession. The situation is similar when it comes to technology. According to PwC’s Women in Tech report, 23% of the people working in STEM roles across the UK are female, with only 5% of leadership positions held by women. One impact of this underrepresentation is the absence of visible role models, which contributes to an unvirtuous cycle of training and career progression: “78% of students can’t name a famous female working in tech.”

We see evidence of these statistics in our own projects. We’re currently working with the government and UCL to develop an evidence base of housing that is hard to decarbonise. As part of this study, we’ve been conducting interviews with a wide range of experts in the built environment, heating engineering and energy sectors. Stakeholder research has given us an insight into the gender balance across many of these organisations.

Our Economist, Leanne Kelly has been looking at the data: “Anecdotally at least, we’re seeing that those in influential positions to deliver retrofit work are quite male dominated, especially on the practical delivery side. But in policy, academia and roles with a sustainability focus, it does seem more mixed and there are key female leaders.” While this reinforces the headline statistics, sustainability roles represent a vital, influential and growing area of expertise - the trend toward greater parity here is a reason to be hopeful when it comes to identifying new paths into these industries for women.

To meet people’s needs, we need to understand them

Ash Burton, DG Cities

At DG Cities, the approach to urban innovation is people-centred; our aim is to make places and services work better for everyone. To do this, we draw on a wide range of perspectives, in our research and in our own team. It’s vital that women’s voices are heard in the development of any new technology or service, particularly when it comes to issues such as safety. As Head of Research, Ed Houghton explains: “When it comes to self-driving cars, for example, the analysis we did for Project Endeavour highlighted a difference in perceptions of trust between men and women. Men were, statistically, significantly more likely to state that they believed self-driving cars were more trustworthy, whilst women were more cautious either for or against.”

Through surveys and workshops, we went on to explore related issues: how perceptions of safety in a self-driving car change according to the time of day or location, for example, or whether the vehicle is in the city or a rural area. In developing behavioural interventions, we also need to understand the extent to which safety is the driver for a particular transport choice. With this in mind, how do we develop safe, accessible ride-sharing services? How might we harness the potential of IoT to make a housing estate feel safer? What spaces do teenage girls want to see in a city? These are just a few of the questions that highlight the vital role of women in developing any policy, place or service.

(From left) Hiba Alaraj, our expert in the management of net zero, social sustainability and mobility projects; Economist, Leanne Kelly; and Communications Lead, Sarah Simpkin

International Women’s Day 2023

There are two things we want to do to mark International Women’s Day this year. First, we want to celebrate the fantastic women of DG Cities who are leading the way in their fields. Our small but mighty team bucks the trend of the industries we work in – our female/male ratio is currently 50:50. We also bring together a range of disciplines: transport, planning, engineering, behavioural science, communications, economics, project management and research.

It isn’t always easy to be the only woman in an all-male meeting, whether you’re discussing the tech behind self-driving cars or calculating the electricity needed to charge a council’s vehicle fleet. We’re proud of those in our team that go out there and do it, regularly and fearlessly – not least our leader in Smart Mobility, Kim Smith, who has been working on transport planning, project delivery, policy and high-level strategy for more than twenty-five years.

Second, by continuing to support and encourage women to enter these arenas, we can create a more diverse and inclusive industry that benefits everyone. We want to play our part in that. So, if you’re a woman thinking of a career in urban innovation, we’re always open to a chat. And as for making role models more visible, here’s an interview with one of the inspiring women in our team working to help deliver Net Zero, our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Specialist, Ash Burton: “Every day is exciting, it's new, and what we do is really valuable. I wouldn't let anyone be put off, by anything.”