Case Studies
Climate Leadership
Welcome to the case studies page for the London Anchor Institutions Network’s Climate Leadership Working Group. Here, we showcase how public sector partners across the capital are turning bold climate commitments into concrete change—from cutting emissions and retrofitting estates to greening supply chains and building community resilience.
These case studies demonstrate how collaboration, innovation and mission-led thinking are helping London’s largest organisations lead by example. Together, we’re showing that climate leadership isn’t just possible—it’s essential, achievable, and already underway.
London’s new Architecture + Urbanism Framework has EDI at its core
We’re proud to introduce Natalie Isaac, Head of Sustainability at the University of London, as the new Chair of the Climate Leadership Group.
Natalie brings energy, experience and a vision rooted in practical transformation. Her journey into sustainability began with a spark of inspiration and continues with a drive to unite institutions across London to take meaningful climate action—locally, strategically and together.
Green Churches Make Warmer Congregations: The Church of England’s Net Zero Journey
More than 100 small businesses came to the Small and Diverse Suppliers Engagement Event hosted by London Anchor Institutions’ Network (LAIN) and MSDUK at the University of East London to learn about opportunities to supply goods and services to major organisations across the city, supported by Mayor of London.
LAIN’s first Climate Community Engagement Workshop
Read about the London Anchor Institutions' Network (LAIN) first Climate Community Engagement Workshop, inspired by the London Climate Resilience Review. With growing climate risks—from flash floods to extreme heat—anchor institutions are embracing their role as trusted conveners, safe havens and change-makers.
Through shared frameworks like EcoChurch and EcoJudaism, members are sparking climate conversations that inspire, activate and unify. These stories reveal what’s possible when institutions work not just for communities, but with them—creating momentum for meaningful, local action.
Future-Proofing the Past: London Fire Brigade’s Carbon Saving Retrofit
Discover how the London Fire Brigade is bringing a 100-year-old fire station into the future through sustainable innovation. This case study highlights a major retrofit project that not only installs carbon-saving technologies but also champions local procurement—with a London-based SME leading the work—and skills development through new apprenticeship opportunities. This is heritage meets sustainability, creating impact across climate, community, and careers. Watch how climate action is being built into London’s emergency infrastructure.
Reflections from LAIN’s first renewable energy ‘deep dive’ session
Renewable energy is emerging as an accessible and compelling opportunity for London’s anchor institutions to pursue in parallel with building decarbonisation, carbon literacy and sustainable deliveries.
This case study recaps our dedicated session on renewables, where members gathered to explore how cleaner energy supply can accelerate climate progress across estates and operations. From insights into purchasing options and market dynamics to hands-on reflections from Thames Water and the London Fire Brigade, the session showcased both inspiration and practical pathways.
From Campus to Climate: How New City College Is Supporting a Sustainable London
In support of London’s mission to become a net-zero city, New City College shares its bold ambitions to become one of the capital’s leading Greener Colleges. As part of London’s Anchor Institutions, the college is implementing a comprehensive plan to decarbonise its estates and embed sustainability into every layer of learning, operations, and leadership.