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Sheffield City council is investing half a million pounds to help support schools and other educational institutions to adapt to the changing climate and to reduce carbon emissions. The funding is focused on helping education settings and communities which have been identified as particularly vulnerable to heat and flood, as well as providing less intensive support to other education providers across the city.
We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Project Officer - check out the jobs section at the end of the newsletter if you think this might be the job for you.
 “The time is now for Sheffield!" This is how the scene was set for a fantastic site visit exploring the city's net zero offer, hosted by the Cities' Commission for Climate Investment, known as 3Ci, in partnership with the Council. Guests from the private finance and consultancy sectors viewed two huge potential opportunities for sustainable regeneration: Gleadless Valley (which featured in 3Ci’s Net Zero Neighbourhood prospectus, launched at COP28) and Moorfoot City Centre. Gleadless Valley is entering a period of regeneration, offering investors opportunities in housing retrofit, energy generation and sustainable travel. Moorfoot is in the heart of the city centre, and has been identified by Sheffield City Council as one of a number of catalyst centres to spur regeneration. Discussions also included opportunities for investment in housing, transport, and climate action.
Sheffield Energy Hub - opening soon
Sheffield Community Energy, South Yorkshire Climate Alliance, Sheffield City Council and a number of other private, public and third sector bodies are working together to open up a one stop shop in a prime position on Cambridge Street in the city centre to provide information on sustainable energy, energy efficiency and grants. Opening on Monday 23rd June - more information coming soon.
"Day One": young people's art exhibition tours Sheffield
 "Words cannot express how passionate, and compelling these young people are towards the matter. It gives me hope for the future."
Our special edition of the newsletter in April shared details of the “Day One” exhibition at the Art House. The preview night of the exhibition at The Art House attracted 90 attendees, including decision-makers, young people, youth clubs, youth organisations, businesses, social enterprises, the Department for Education, elected members, and representatives from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). This diverse attendance reflects the strength the project has gained across sectors and demonstrates that youth voices are being taken seriously.
Feedback from visitors and young participants reflects the emotional and intellectual effect the work had on audiences. The young volunteers also shared their personal reflections about the friendships formed, the empowerment they felt, and the pride they took in seeing their work taken seriously.
Day One has just exhibited at the Winter Gardens and will be at the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC) annual conference at Sheffield Hallam University on 24th and 25th June and the forthcoming Sheffield Energy Hub over the summer.
 The ‘Our Darnall, Our Home’ litter campaign was commissioned as part of the ‘Discover Darnall’ Economic Recovery fund (ERF) project.
The aim of the ERF project was to brighten up Darnall high street and encourage residents to use their local shops. Businesses and local people identified early on that they wanted to do something about the litter problem in Darnall. Darnall Well Being, as lead organisation on the project, commissioned OD Create and Graft Creative to produce some campaign assets, including videos. As part of this process, OD Create liaised with local businesses and several community partners, including Church Army, East LAC, Darnall Education and Sports Academy (DESA), Cube Foundation, Galeed House and Philimore School. The campaign was launched on the 19th April with a large community litter pick event the 'Great Darnall Clean Up’. This video from the event shows the commitment from local partners to really make a difference in their community.
We’re proud of the work that has gone into this event, and this video showcases it so well! It also embodies the council's values of ‘together we get things done’ and ‘people are at the heart of what we do.’ We want to say a special thank you to council officers Joy Arnott and Abby Wilson.
Sign-up to the 2025-26 garden waste collections
You can now sign up and pay for the 2025-2026 garden waste service if you would like the council to collect your grass cuttings and other garden waste. Waste will be collected every two weeks from May 2025 to the end of April 2026.
All of the green waste we collect is turned into compost which is used across South Yorkshire.
A new green bin, or a green bin replacement, costs £33. We will deliver this for you. The cost of collections will be £63.30 for the full 20 collections, reduced pro rata for sign-ups after the start date.
Have you got the BetterPoints app?
BetterPoints is a free app which allows you to turn your steps, cycle rides, bus trips and more, into shopping vouchers or donations to local charities. The BetterPoints Sheffield scheme aims to encourage residents across the city to choose active travel to get around wherever and whenever possible, taking cars off the road in the city, reducing congestion and emissions, while helping to promote a healthier lifestyle.
To join in, download the free BetterPoints app and use it to record journeys made on foot, by bike, in a wheelchair, or by bus, tram or train.
Opportunities for businesses, organisations and employees
Low Carbon Business Support project
Dedicated support and funding for eligible businesses to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Through the Low Carbon Project, businesses can:
- receive free energy audits
- receive grants of up to £10,000 for energy improvements
- reduce energy costs
- become more competitive, resilient and productive
- potentially safeguard and create jobs through improved profitability and reinvestment of savings
- become a more environmentally friendly business by reducing carbon emissions.
Green skills courses for people in work
The Sheffield College have increased their range of green skills and sustainability short courses which have been created to offer adults in employment the opportunity to develop their knowledge in sustainable practices and technology.
Courses include a mixture of face to face and online learning, creating flexible qualifications in retrofit, sustainability and renewable technologies with an aim to provide the green skills of the future, supporting learners and employers with the transition to green economies and workforces.
Funding available for not for profit organisations
The npower Community Fund has grants of up to £100,000 available for not for profit organisations within 50m radius of their Leeds office, LS15 8ZA, with projects aiming to decarbonise and safeguard our world, support the growth of responsible businesses, promote social innovation or champion local skills or employment.
Free trees for schools and communities
The Woodland Trust are giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to help the UK reach its 2050 carbon net-zero target. Schools, nurseries, universities, outdoor learning centres and other groups such as resident associations, sports clubs, scouts and guides from across the UK are amongst the organisations eligible to apply for up to 420 saplings to improve their local environment. The Woodland Trust are currently taking applications for tree packs to be delivered in November 2025. Applications are expected to close in August 2025 and organisations can apply independently or through the council's Community Forestry Team who can also provide advice on species and support with planting.
Marvellous Meadows, Sunday 6th July, 10am – 2pm, Green Estate Sheffield Manor Lodge and Manor Oaks sites
The Green Estate CIC are celebrating National Meadows Day on Sunday 6 July with the return of Marvellous Meadows! Explore the fascinating site as it becomes a blaze of colour and discover how meadows benefit people, pollinators and our planet.
Enjoy exclusive access across the Manor Lane site and find out more about Green Estate’s work to grow green and resilient urban places for people and nature to thrive.
Sheffield City Council consultations are published on Have Your Say Sheffield. We advertise relevant city centre and citywide consultations in the newsletter, and encourage you to take a look at the site for local consultations and updates on previous consultations.
Local Plan consultation
We are seeking your views on potential changes to the draft Sheffield Plan that has been submitted to the Government for public examination. The changes are in response to the request for the Council to identify land for new homes and employment use.
People and organisations can respond online, by letter or in person at a series of drop in events across the city.
National water-saving survey
Our Rainwater are working to inspire action across households, communities, and businesses to make rainwater harvesting the norm, not the exception. Their Engage the Nation survey is gathering people’s views and experiences about rain water saving to help inform action.
Assistant Project Officer, Built for Change
Sheffield City Council's Built for Change programme is recruiting for an Assistant Project Officer.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised individual to work largely on the new Built For Change programme, supporting educational settings to respond to the climate emergency. There will also be opportunities to support other projects and the overall functioning of the Sustainability and Climate Change Team, playing a valuable part in the council's response to the climate emergency.
SYMCA opportunities
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have several sustainability opportunities available, including a Connected by Water Funding Programme Manager, a Rail Development Manager and Transport Policy Officer.
Connected by Water flooding resilience internships
Connected by Water, South Yorkshire's flood resilience partnership are recruiting for four six week paid internships over the summer period. Hosted by Rotherham Council, successful applicants will work with the different organisations which are part of Connected by Water (the four local authorities of South Yorkshire, Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, Mayoral Combined authority, plus work with wider stakeholders).
Community Engagement Lead, Good Life Schools
Global Action Plan is looking for a Community Engagement Lead to lead the delivery of the Good Life Schools programme in Sheffield and Leicester. Good Life Schools is funded by the The National Lottery Community Fund.
This is a great role for anyone with experience working directly with young people or local communities to design and deliver community projects. Visit the Global Action Plan website to apply and please share with your networks!
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