Role of Community-Based Approaches with Administrative Support in an Urban Low-Carbon Society in the UK

Abstract

This paper deals with community-based approaches to a low-carbon society in the UK and aims to clarify the types of community-based approaches, the factors involved in goal attainment, the roles of actors and the positive and negative points of community-based approaches. We divide community-based approaches supported by government into two types. We focus on a multiple-targeted approach and examine the case of Muswell Hill in London. We observe that the approaches encourage change in people′s behaviour and have an effect on promoting low carbon in homes and communities. These approaches use direct and intensive methods, and residents can be involved in several activities. Meanwhile, we point out that these activities are meaningless, if the low-carbon community activities are not continued and extended. In conclusion, we consider that this approach is significant in empowering communities instead of merely promoting low-carbon activities.