The Little Book of Live Labs 2 collates tested methods that cut carbon on local roads while saving money and time. It draws from a £30 million Department for Transport (DfT) funded programme, compiling evidence and tools for highway authorities across the UK.
Live Labs 2 has spent three years trialling new ideas on real local roads in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Seven local authority-led projects, working with commercial and academic partners, explored how to balance carbon reduction alongside cost, time and performance.
Ten ideas to apply now
The book outlines ten practical innovations that local authorities can adopt immediately. These include carbon budgeting, smarter procurement, improved street lighting, and verge management. All have been tested and proven to save money or staff time.
Across the programme, Live Labs 2 cut expenses on materials, maintenance and street lighting. It also reduced staff workload by lowering inspection frequency and repeat visits. Construction timelines shortened by rethinking project delivery methods.
How it works
Local highway authorities traditionally treat carbon reduction separately from cost and time. Live Labs 2 combines these factors, helping authorities to make decisions that simultaneously reduce emissions, lower expenditure and improve efficiency.
This integrated approach considers carbon alongside financial and operational outcomes when planning, maintaining and running local roads.
Where it fits on UK roads
The programme responds to challenges faced by UK authorities: fiscal constraints, ageing infrastructure and increasing extreme weather events. By applying tested innovations, local councils can improve road resilience and reduce running costs on A-roads, carriageways, verges and footways.
The findings are applicable across councils’ networks, including areas covered under NRSWA and CDM regulations.
What it changes for contractors and authorities
The book provides a portfolio of proven products, materials and techniques ready for implementation. Authorities can avoid starting from scratch and benefit from the £30 million investment that generated this evidence.
Live Labs 2 emphasises system changes needed to embed innovation into everyday practice. A set of calls to action targets local authorities and the sector to drive uptake of these tested methods.
Government recommendations will accompany the programme’s final report to the Department for Transport, due spring 2027.
Live Labs 2 insight
Programme Director Giles Perkins said, “Low carbon doesn’t have to mean higher costs: Live Labs 2 shows that clearly. These approaches save money, time and carbon on real roads.
“With financial pressures, ageing assets and more extreme weather, decisions must consider cost, time and carbon together rather than treating carbon separately.
“I urge decision makers, influencers and practitioners to study these ideas and begin applying them.”
The Little Book of Live Labs 2 is available at adeptnet.org.uk.
