North Lanarkshire Council and Amey Launch Open-Source Platform to Decarbonise Local Roads

North Lanarkshire Council, in partnership with Amey, has unveiled a new open-source digital platform designed to support local authorities in reducing the carbon footprint of the UK’s local roads network.

The platform, called Knowledge Bank, allows councils to access peer-reviewed public sector materials, share case studies, and collaborate on best practices for material decarbonisation. By fostering transparency and connection, the platform aims to break down silos, reduce duplication of effort, and accelerate councils’ journeys toward net zero.

“The Knowledge Bank boasts key features such as a carbon calculator, materials comparison profiles, and advanced search tools, alongside case studies and innovation insights,” said Elaine Nicol, road maintenance manager at North Lanarkshire Council. “We are excited to bring this valuable tool to the wider industry.”

Lauren SeBlonka, innovation business partner and Live Labs 2 lead at Amey, added: “We believe this platform will become a vital resource for local authorities. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to explore innovative approaches to decarbonising materials and see how collaboration can support communities’ progress toward net zero.”

The platform forms part of Live Labs 2, a three-year, £30 million UK-wide programme funded by the Department for Transport, which includes seven projects grouped under four interlinked themes. The initiative brings together local authorities, commercial partners, and academic institutions to decarbonise the local highway network.

North Lanarkshire Council, supported by Amey, leads the north campus of the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads, while Transport for West Midlands, with Colas, leads the south campus, providing a national framework for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Technical development was delivered with support from Microsoft solutions partner Transparity, ensuring the platform is secure, scalable, and easy to use. Hillary Batchelder, enterprise account director at Transparity, said: “The Knowledge Bank is a brilliant example of how digital platforms can empower local authorities to adopt low-carbon practices and deliver better outcomes for communities.”

From the rural roads of the Scottish Highlands to the coastal routes of Cornwall, councils now have a single digital hub to share insights, review materials, and accelerate innovation in sustainable road maintenance.