THE PHRASE ‘net zero’ has been frequently uttered recently given Rishi Sunak’s climbdown on green policies.

But away from national politics the serious question remains: what more could we be doing to reach this goal?

A panel of experts will attempt to answer this question and similar this Friday (October 6) when The Theatre at Bedales School hosts a Future Energy Forum.

The forum organised by Energise South Downs will be chaired by John Palmer, deputy director of energy performance of buildings at the Department of Levelling Up Housing and Communities.

His panel will include expert speakers from the renewable energy, sustainable finances and housing sectors like Steve Waygood, chief responsible investment officer at Aviva Investors, and Ollie Pendered, chief executive at Community Energy South.

Rupert Meadows, campaigns and engagement officer at Power for People and Mark Gaterell, professor of sustainable construction at the University of Portsmouth will complete the line-up.

Organisers believe the free and non-party political event will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the important issues in decarbonisation and future energy transition.

They also hope it will spark wider conversations and will influence the decision people make about their home and energy at the ballot box.

The forum will begin at 7.30pm, to book a free place follow the Energise South Downs link at www.bedales.org.uk/events