The Planning Application Carbon Evaluation and Reduction (PACER) Platform

Other key credits: Westminster City Council, Innovate UK

Executive summary from entrant: 

PACER (Planning Application Carbon Evaluation and Reduction) is an innovative digital platform developed by Preoptima in collaboration with Westminster City Council and funded by Innovate UK. Designed to empower Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), PACER automates the review of Whole Life Carbon Assessments (WLCAs) in planning applications, ensuring compliance with carbon policy requirements while enabling case officers to challenge applicants and request carbon reductions where necessary. This accountability mechanism is critical for aligning development with climate goals. By addressing LPA resource constraints, upskilling case officers, and providing actionable insights, PACER builds LPA capacity, fosters transparency, and reduces WLC at scale.