The Sustainable Economies Research Group (SERG) at UWE Bristol has helped generate the environmental evidence base for the West of England through its contribution to the Strategic Economic Audit led by the Brunel Centre.
As part of this collaboration the SERG group led the delivery of the environment chapter – providing a detailed and policy-relevant assessment of the region’s environmental challenges, opportunities and pathways to a more sustainable economic future.
The full Strategic Economic Audit is available via the Brunel Centre’s website, offering a comprehensive overview of the region’s economic landscape and priorities.
A systems view of environment and economy
The environment chapter brings together expertise across sustainability, economics and policy to examine how environmental constraints and opportunities shape regional growth. It highlights the need for integrated approaches – recognising that issues such as emissions, land use, transport and housing are deeply interconnected.
Rather than treating the environment as a standalone concern the chapter positions it as fundamental to long-term economic resilience and prosperity in the West of England.
Evidence-driven insights for policy and practice
Alongside the environment chapter members of the Sustainable Economies Research Group have contributed a series of in-depth policy insights through the Brunel Centre. These outputs provide focused analysis on key areas influencing the region’s transition to net zero:
“Business-as-usual projections indicate that the region will fall short of its 2030 net zero target.”
Where our emissions really come from – led by Peter Bradley, examining the sources and distribution of emissions across the regional economy.
Priority commercial, industrial and public sector emitters – by Peter Bradley, Ali Sen and Francisco Sierra, identifying key sectors for targeted intervention.
Aviation: risks and regional opportunity – by Peter Bradley and Ali Sen, exploring the balance between economic growth and environmental impact.
Land use in the West of England: key insights and challenges – by Armağan Gezici, Daniel Jin and Peter Bradley, addressing spatial constraints on sustainable development.
Decarbonising road transport by 2030: what ‘net’ must really mean now – by Graham Parkhurst and Peter Bradley, focusing on the realities of achieving net zero in transport
Homes first: closing the retrofit gap – by Pujan Ghosh, Peter Bradley and Ian Smith, highlighting the urgency of improving housing energy efficiency
Together these contributions strengthen the analytical foundation of the Strategic Economic Audit and provide actionable insights for policymakers, businesses and regional stakeholders.
“Without rapid behaviour change and bold political leadership, electrification alone won’t deliver.”
Supporting the West of England’s transition
The work of the Brunel Centre demonstrates the value of applied, interdisciplinary research in addressing real-world challenges. By contributing to the Brunel Centre’s Strategic Economic Audit the group has helped ensure that environmental considerations are embedded at the heart of regional economic strategy.
This work supports decision-makers in navigating the transition to a low-carbon economy – balancing growth with environmental responsibility and identifying where targeted action can deliver the greatest impact.
The Brunel Centre’s full Strategic Economic Audit of the West of England is now available to download.