Have your say on the future of Leeds' planning policies
Leeds City Council has begun consulting on its draft Local Plan Update which will set out the authority’s approach to planning policy and new development across the district over the next decade and beyond. The draft update and will focus on ways we can shape planning policy to reduce our city’s impact on the environment and help achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Have your say on the council website.
 Go wild with reading as part of the Summer Reading Challenge
Leeds Libraries is encouraging families to get involved with reading whilst learning about the importance of the environment through our Summer Reading Challenge. Leeds’ libraries have teamed up with the Reading Agency and WWF to offer a special nature-themed challenge which encourages children to read six or more library books and explore the ‘Wild World Heroes’ book collection, collecting fun rewards along the way. Families can find out more about the challenge and sign-up by heading to their local library or visiting the Summer Reading Challenge website.
Plans for Leeds to meet global standards for clean air have been approved
The council has approved a new strategy to eliminate the need for the city’s remaining Air Quality Management Areas and achieve World Health Organisation air quality targets by 2030. Electric bin lorries, a public bike sharing scheme, citywide engagement and enhanced planning policies requiring greener and better ventilated buildings will all be introduced. Read our Twitter thread for a simple explainer about the plans.
Learn how to build your own robot inspired by the natural world
The library service has teamed up with Leeds Museums and Galleries and the University of Leeds to get children into coding this summer. Young people aged 11-14 can get involved with fun workshops to learn how to code and make their own nature bot to monitor the environment. Find out more and sign up.
 We always want to highlight organisations in Leeds that are taking steps to reduce their emissions and help tackle the climate emergency.
The Leeds-headquartered Bailie Group has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050 and halve its carbon emissions by 2030.
Efforts to decarbonise have included: installing LED lights at the Riverside House HQ in Canal Wharf, replacing gas boilers with air source heating and providing staff with reusable water bottles. Staff also have access to a cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans for public transport.
These efforts saw CEO Fergus Bailie and COO Philip Walter invited to 10 Downing Street to meet Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng for the launch of the government’s Business Climate Leaders’ campaign.
The communications specialist has committed to the SME Climate Commitment and have been recognised by the United Nations Race to Zero initiative as a climate leader.
More information about how businesses can take action to cut emissions can be found on the official Business Climate Hub (SMEs) and Business Ambition for 1.5°C (large businesses) websites.
Green job of the month
Climate Change and Energy Planner ~ Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council is looking to appoint a dynamic and experienced energy and climate change specialist to provide high quality advice on planning applications, plan-making and projects.
Climate Emergency Advisory Committee
If you would like to have your say in a future CEAC meeting, please get in touch.
Contact climate.emergency@leeds.gov.uk and include “Open Forum” in the subject line for more information.
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