Spotlight on Barking and Dagenham business support to reduce area wide carbon footprint

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham have researched how best to engage and support businesses to reduce carbon and waste. As a result, they have developed guidance on six low-funding and six high-funding initiatives based on business drivers for change, with a focus on communicating the business case for action. The full guidance on business support can be read on our website. 

Blog: Biodiversity and Nature Recovery Show and Tell

A virtual event was held alongside the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) on biodiversity and nature recovery. It highlighted the good work of councils and brought together councils to discuss how they have implemented biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements, delivered on ‘local nature recovery strategies’ (LNRS) and provided an enhanced biodiversity duty for public authorities. A blog write up of the Biodiversity and Nature Recovery event is now on our website.

Biodiversity e-learning 

If council officers or members would like more information on how they can take action to protect and enhance their local biodiversity, the LGA has produced a biodiversity e-learning module. This module will provide an introduction to the subject, as well as highlighting tips and guidance on how councils can take action to protect their natural habitats.

LGA Climate Action Group (CAG) Webpage and Recruitment

The CAG is a network designed to support officers working in climate change related roles within local government. The group discuss emerging issues and trends affecting councils, and hear from each other and guests on new policies, programmes, and practices.

We have launched a CAG landing page on our website that will give external non-members an opportunity to learn what the group is discussing and sharing. The LGA, along with the current Chair and Vice Chair, are also looking for interested officers to join the group. If you would like to join, please submit an expression of interest form.

Behaviour Change Leads Group - Climate Emergency Sub Group 

The LGA Behavioural Insights Programme, convenes a network for behavioural scientists and insight practitioners to share notable practice and network with one another. The group has launched a specific sub group that focuses on how behaviour change can be used within the climate change agenda. The group will meet on Tuesday 16 May at 10:00am to 11:30am for the first time, if you are interested in joining, please email BehaviouralInsights@local.gov.uk

Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool Suite

The Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool provides a straightforward and consistent approach for councils seeking to calculate their own carbon baseline. As of January 2023, featured alongside the tool is a Waste Emissions Calculator that has been developed by Cambridgeshire County Council and UCL on the LGA Net Zero Innovation Programme. The FAQ document has now been updated to include questions regarding the new Waste Emissions Calculator. If you have any questions or suggestions for improvement in relation to the tool and/or the calculator, please contact ghgaccounting@localpartnerships.gov.uk.

Sustainability in Council Services 

We have developed the Sustainability in Council Services hub in response to councils asking for help to embed sustainable practices in everything they do. The LGA commissioned the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) innovation lab to bring together council staff from a range of service areas to discuss how they might do this. Together, we have developed a series of themed route maps based on the participants’ discussions.

Future local electricity networks – creating a partnership approach to growth

Tuesday 16 May 2023, London (in-person event) 

As we transition to net zero, the demand for electricity will increase significantly. This all-day event will bring together representatives from the Distribution Network Operators in England, National Grid, energy supply companies, community energy associations, councils and more to discuss the challenges and opportunities each sector faces. 

Local Partnerships