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The LGA’s Sustainability Improvement Programme is delivered in partnership and funded through the Crown Commercial Service. The programme provides opportunities to build councils’ capability and capacity in sustainability and the environment.
Spotlight on “Let’s do business” waste case study series
Within this collection of case studies, the LGA has collated various insights from council and stakeholders on the design and development of commercial waste services. This series includes notable practice from Chichester, Bromsgrove, West Suffolk and Westminster Councils.
Adaptation and Resilience Roundtable
Tuesday 11 March 2025, 10.00am - 11.45am | Roundtable | Officers & Councillors
In the face of growing local hazards and risks, this roundtable will highlight local government examples and guidance to help develop adaptation action plans and strategies. It will feature ‘spotlight on’ presentations from councils before we progress into a roundtable discussion.
Addressing the Nature Emergency Webinar for Local Planning Authority Councillors
Wednesday 2 April 2025, 15.00pm - 16.00pm or 18.00pm - 19.00pm | Virtual Event | Councillors
This online event for members will cover the challenges and opportunities their role presents to address the nature emergency and take action to deliver nature recovery. It is especially relevant to cabinet members and portfolio holders. Councillors can sign up for one of two repeat sessions at 15.00pm or 18:00pm. Sign up on Eventbrite to attend.
Planning for the Net Zero Energy Transition
Thursday 3 April 2025, 10.00am - 11.30am | Virtual Event | Officers and Councillors
This virtual event will focus on how councils are coordinating work within their local energy systems to ensure they have a local and regional vision to achieve net zero targets. Speakers will share insights on how local authorities can be at the centre of the UK’s energy transition by developing plans for local area energy and heat networks alongside the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and the emerging Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs).
Try the new Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Sustainable Solutions Finder tool to find a carbon net zero procurement solution
CCS is trialling a new tool for customers to find a carbon net zero solution service that will recommend frameworks or agreements to help achieve net zero goals. The tool allows you to specify your problem, rather than a specific framework, providing you with various options that can help you avoid common and key pitfalls in sustainable procurement.
Heat Network Regulation
On 31 January 2025, the LGA responded to Government and Ofgem’s consultation on heat networks regulation to implement consumer protections. The response highlights the importance of consumer protection but also highlights the financial pressure council housing finances are under and advocates for dedicated, ringfenced funding to support councils in implementing these changes effectively.
Local Net Zero Delivery Group (LNZDG)
On 26 February 2025, we had the first meeting of the Local Net Zero Delivery Group that has the purpose of accelerating to net zero. Cllr Adam Hug co-chaired with Minister McCarthy, and it includes senior representatives from other local authority networks including District Councils Network and County Councils Network. The group wants to work with all LAs to ensure the LNZDG delivers for them.
Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes
On 26 February 2025, LGA officers also attended Minister Fahnbulleh’s roundtable exploring “The Practicalities of Upgrading properties”, in our private rented sector (PRS) minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES). The important role councils can play was highlighted throughout the conversation alongside the need for resources
Climate Change Committee’s seventh Carbon budget report.
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)'s responsibility in Infrastructure build
On 27 March 2025 from 9.30am to 11.00am Ofgem will be hosting a webinar on Ofgem’s responsibility in Infrastructure Build. The session is local authority focused and will cover engineering solutions Ofgem are seeking and what information would be helpful for local authorities to keep in mind when considering energy solutions in their communities as well as community benefits and their value to the community.
Non-Domestic private rental sector minimum energy efficiency standards
Technopolis, on behalf of Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), would like to collect insights on your experience implementing central government policy. Technopolis invites you to share your views in a 30-minute interview on the non-domestic private rental sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) for our evaluation. Please indicate your interest and availability by completing this form, or contact beth.sloan@technopolis-group.com for more information.
Local Partnerships
Workplace recycling in England – are you ready?
If you manage commercial waste services, you'll need to comply with the upcoming policy changes and new guidelines for recycling from 31 March. While this brings operational changes, it also creates opportunities.
The role of private finance on the road to net zero
Funding remains a key challenge on the journey towards net zero. Despite criticism, Private Finance Initiative (PFI) has delivered £60 billion in public projects. Could private capital now help drive net zero? Edward Barlow, Director at Local Partnerships, explores how councils can unlock funding and accelerate decarbonisation in his latest article.
Visit the Sustainability hub or email sustainability@local.gov.uk
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