 BUILDINGS: Plans to extend low carbon heat network and connect new buildings confirmed by council
The announcements mean that more people in Leeds will soon enjoy affordable, reliable, and low carbon heat—powered by energy recovered from non-recyclable household waste—from the £62 million Leeds PIPES network.
Leeds Conservatoire and three private residential developments in the city centre are the next buildings to connect to the scheme, whilst new pipe infrastructure is set to be installed in the south of the city centre.
As well as shrinking the city’s carbon footprint by thousands of tonnes annually, the work is also helping connected residents and businesses to save money through reduced energy costs: nearly half a million pounds will be saved by Leeds PIPES customers this year alone.
See the official press release to learn more about the latest developments to the Leeds PIPES scheme.
 NATURE: New charity initiative enables Leeds residents to get street trees planted
Individual residents, businesses, or community groups can now sponsor the planting of a new semi-mature tree at a location with a grass verge of their choice for £150.
National charity Trees for Streets is working in partnership with Leeds City Council to get the trees planted, while tree sponsors commit to watering them for the first three summers.
Increasing tree canopy cover across the district will make Leeds a greener, healthier, and better place to live and help the city respond to the climate emergency.
Find out how to help protect and plant trees in Leeds at: www.leeds.gov.uk/trees
 ENGAGE: LEEDS 2023 and National Youth Theatre bring you a unique theatre performance with climate change at its heart
LEEDS 2023 are teaming up with National Youth Theatre for ‘Nest’ - an original theatre performance taking place next week at RSPB St Aidan’s Nature Park, a stunning coal-mine-turned-wildlife-reserve in East Leeds.
Performed by over 100 young performers from across Leeds and the surrounding area trained by National Youth Theatre, performance-goers will experience St Aidan’s after hours and witness a theatre which promises an incredible story about migration and the future of our planet.
If you love unique cultural experiences, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, or are passionate about tackling climate change, then check out this show.
Head to the LEEDS 2023 website to learn more about the show and book your tickets, with free shuttle bus booking available.
 HAVE YOUR SAY: Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action
Do you have thoughts on how our region can unlock the funds needed to achieve its climate action goals? Then Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission wants to hear from you.
The UK’s financial sector has committed to reaching net zero—but as the delivery of climate plans happens in our towns, cities and countryside, the Commission is exploring how this finance could work at a local level.
After hearing expert testimony on the issue, it has developed a set of proposed actions and recommendations for the region’s leaders and decision makers and is now looking for residents and businesses to feedback on the proposals to help ensure a representative range of views are reflected.
Take part in the short, five-minute online survey on the Commission’s Commonplace website
 FUNDING: Grants up to £1,500 available for community climate projects
Community groups and small organisations across Leeds are being encouraged to apply for ‘microgrants’ to help fund community solutions to reduce carbon emissions and promote nature-friendly activities.
Eligible organisations based in Leeds can apply for up to £1,500 for activities taking place within the district.
The Climate Action Leeds Community Microgrants scheme is being administered by local charity Together for Peace, in partnership with Leeds Community Foundation and with funding from the National Lottery.
Application details and eligibility criteria for the microgrants can be found on the Leeds Community Foundation website.
 BUSINESS: Events to support SMEs take climate action
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) looking for support to plan for a greener future are being invited to attend a new event, either virtually or in person.
The seminar-style events are being hosted by Leeds City Council’s ‘Employment and Skills’ service in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds Beckett University, and Knowledge Exchange.
By attending an event, businesses will find out more about the support options available to help them become greener locally as well as learn from, and network with, other businesses on the journey to net zero.
Interested businesses can choose to book to attend the online event on 26 October, OR book to attend the in-person event on 28 September/23rd November
Climate Emergency Advisory Committee
If you would like to raise an issue, comment, or opportunity as part of a future meeting of Leeds City Council's 'Climate Emergency Advisory Committee', then please get in touch to find out more about contributing to the Open Forum.
Contact climate.emergency@leeds.gov.uk and include “Open Forum” in the subject line for more information.
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