Document is summarised in 'The future is local : empowering communities to improve their neighbourhoods : report summary'.Summarised in the Welsh language in 'Mae’r dyfodol yn lleol : erymuso cymunedau i wella eu cymdogaethau'.This report advocates an integrated, area-based approach to retrofitting buildings and upgrading community infrastructure. Through our own research and with expert analysis by over 70 stakeholders, we conclude that significant energy efficiency and wider sustainability benefits, as well as public and private cost savings, can be delivered at the neighbourhood scale.Publisher PD