Welcome to the August edition of the Leeds City Council Climate Emergency Newsletter!
This month, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the Leeds District Heating Network, a pivotal project driving us towards our Net Zero target. Discover how this innovative initiative is transforming our city’s energy landscape and supporting our conservation work.
Additionally, we invite you to participate in West Yorkshire Combine Authority (WYCA) Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure consultation, a unique opportunity for Leeds residents to voice their opinions and shape the future locations of vehicle charge points. Your input is crucial in making Leeds a greener, more sustainable city.
Let’s work together for a brighter, cleaner future!
In case you missed it
West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy (EVIS) and Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme, consultation
WYCA's ambition is to install a network of public electric vehicle (EV) charge points in West Yorkshire. We want to install the right chargers in the right places so more people will be able to charge their EV. Installing more charge points will mean that West Yorkshire is ready for more of us to be able to switch to using an electric vehicle. Our goal is for West Yorkshire to have a network of electric vehicle charge points which are reliable, safe and easy to use.
Currently, EVIS sets out our plans to improve EV charging. It will help us to make sure switching to an EV is an option for more people. This will help us to reduce carbon emissions created by transport in our region.
As part of EVIS, we are also working on the LEVI programme. LEVI is a grant funded by the Government which helps local authorities to install close to home electric vehicle chargepoints.
We want to hear your thoughts on our EV Infrastructure Strategy and our plans for the LEVI programme. Click here to complete the survey.
You will be able to hear a presentation about WYCA's plans to improve EV charging, and will have a chance to ask the project team questions at the webinar - a general information session for everyone. Click here to register on Zoom for our webinar on Monday 2 September 6-7pm.(External link).
Leeds PIPES Expands: New Customers Join the City’s Growing Low Carbon Heat Network
The Leeds PIPES District Heating Network, one of the UK’s fastest-growing heat networks, has recently added four new customers: Leeds College of Building, a social housing development on Railway Street, and two student residential schemes on Leylands Road and Great George Street. These buildings will receive low carbon heating and hot water by the end of 2025.
This affordable and reliable network uses heat generated from burning Leeds’ non-recyclable waste to provide warmth to homes, businesses, and public buildings. By replacing inefficient fossil fuel systems, Leeds PIPES helps reduce energy costs and combat climate change. For more information on how to connect, please visit Leeds PIPES: Leeds PIPES District Heat Network: The future of heat is here (leeds-pipes.co.uk)
Leeds City Council Secures Sponsorship for Net Zero Enclosure at Lotherton Wildlife World
Leeds City Council is committed to building strong partnerships to support our ambition of becoming the best city and achieving carbon neutrality.
Following a visit from the Vital Energi team to Lotherton Wildlife World, Leeds City Council has secured sponsorship for a net zero enclosure at the park. This collaboration exemplifies the effective partnership between the private and public sectors in achieving common goals related to climate emergency and conservation efforts.
This initiative aligns perfectly with Leeds City Council’s ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero by 2030, highlighting the importance of conservation and low carbon efforts in protecting our planet for future generations of all species .
This new collaboration will contribute to our city’s efforts to educate both children and adults on how small changes can significantly impact the fight against climate change. Together, we are making strides towards a greener, more sustainable Leeds.
secured sponsorship for a net zero enclosure at the park
House Upgrade Grant (HUG) available for off-gas properties
HUG 2 is a UK Government-funded scheme designed to enhance the energy efficiency of homes across England. Eligible homeowners can receive 100% funding for various energy efficiency improvements, such as wall, loft, and floor insulation, low carbon heating, and solar panels. To qualify, residents must own their home, have a gross household income of £36,000 per year or less, or live in specific postcodes. Additionally, the home must have a low energy rating, lack gas central heating, and be an existing domestic dwelling. An initial eligibility assessment will be conducted, and applicants will be contacted within six working days to provide necessary documentation for verification.
Find out how to apply to the scheme here:
Leeds City Council Home Energy (everwarmgroup.com)
FREE Seed gathering workshops for schools/educational groups this Autumn, available Monday 16 September to Friday 11 October 2024
Your class/educational group is invited to get involved with our Woodland Creation Project this Autumn as Leeds City Council’s Countryside Rangers come to your local park or green space to collect seeds, berries and nuts that can be grown into trees in our nursery and be planted out in the future. These workshops are part of Leeds City Council’s Woodland Creation Project, which aims to grow and plant 5.8 million trees over 25 years to help combat our Climate Emergency. You can find out more about the project here: Woodland Creation | The Arium Leeds | Leeds Parks Nursery
Our FREE two-hour workshops include a seed gathering walk, plus games and activities themed on seed dispersal, plant needs and the benefits of trees for people and wildlife. These activities can be tailored to the stage of your class but are ideal for Years 3-5, and tie in with the national curriculum. Morning (10am-12noon) and/or afternoon (12.30-2.30pm) workshops can take place in our larger parks or reserves, or we can help you find a suitable greenspace within walking distance of your school.
Please email countrysiderangers@leeds.gov.uk with your preferred date and site/s, the number of classes you’d like to be involved and which year group they’re from. As there is high demand for these workshops, please check whether your year group will have already participated in the workshops in a previous year before booking a spot this year!
We look forward to hearing from you!
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