What's new in environmental sustainability and climate change

Read about the largest street lighting PFI in Europe and join the debate on how to approach climate change. Find links to the latest news and documents from the Local Government Group, the latest on funding opportunities and the latest on the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. 

• Latest on this site
• Latest publications
• Latest from the Local Government Group
• Latest funding opportunities
• Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency scheme

Latest on this site

A study showed that Hampshire’s street lighting would rapidly deteriorate unless an enhanced maintenance plan was put in place. A similar situation existed in the neighbouring authorities of West Sussex and Southampton. This case study looks at how the South Coast Street Lighting Partnership was formed.

Low-carbon street lighting

What makes some councils more effective at tackling climate change than others? Dan McCartney, outgoing Consultant at the IDeA, shares some insights from research based on the experience and approach of five councils. Leave your thoughts in the comment box at the end of the article.

A successful approach to climate change

Peak oil will happen when the world’s annual oil production reaches a maximum. After that the total will gradually decline. The Transition Towns Movement helps communities round the world prepare for a future with much less oil. Alan Chappell looks at how the movement works in the UK and why councils should encourage it.

Low carbon futures

Latest publications

The 'Climate change key facts and the business case member workbook' sets out key facts about climate change and presents the argument for local government to address the issue. It will support both existing and newly elected members – regardless of experience or responsibilities – in their role as council and community representatives.

Climate change key facts and the business case member workbook

The 'Local low-carbon and resource-efficient economies members' workbook' provides an overview of a local low-carbon and resource efficient economy and an understanding of a councillor's role, skills and responsibilities in contributing to the transition to that economy.

Local low-carbon and resource-efficient economies members' workbook

Latest from the Local Government Group

The latest figures from Keep Britain Tidy that show councils in England spend £858 million a year cleaning litter from the streets.

The bill for our litter – on the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign website

In response, Cllr Gary Porter, Chairman of the LGA Environment Board, said: “At a time when council budgets are being increasingly stretched it is outrageous that they are having to spend more than three-quarters of a billion pounds cleaning up after people who can’t be bothered to put their rubbish in the bin."

LGA response to Keep Britain Tidy Campaign

The Local Government Association has produced 'Weathering the storm II: Improving UK resilience to severe winter weather'. Businesses, road users, schools, public transport providers and local government all found their ability to operate challenged under the prolonged spell of exceptionally cold weather in the winter of 2009/2010. This new report examines these issues and makes recommendations not only for local government but also central government, salt suppliers and others.

Weathering the storm II: Improving UK resilience to severe winter weather' – on the LGA website

Local Government Regulation (formerly the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services), has published 'A clean bill of health'. This document summarises for councillors, and other local decision makers, the health effects of pollution and what councils and their partners can do to improve the health of their communities. It also gives examples of councils that have put pollution reduction to improve health into practice and what else can be done.

'A Clean Bill of Health'– on the Local Government Regulation website

Latest funding opportunities

There are a number of funding sources available to local authorities to help them promote energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives in their area. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has published summaries of them on its website. This page links to summaries for both England and Wales, as well as links to a funding database and more

Overview of funding opportunities – on the EST website

Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency scheme

The CRC Energy Efficiency scheme registration guidance is now available from the Environment Agency’s website. The Environment Agency (EA) is the CRC scheme administrator in England and Wales.

You must register your organisation using the EA's registry portal for the CRC Energy Efficiency scheme between 1 April and 30 September 2010.

CRC Energy Efficiency scheme – on the EA website

This new page on the Environment Agency website has answers to all the questions you may have on carbon allowances, trading and revenue recycling.

Carbon allowances, trading and revenue recycling – on the EA website

Additional documents are also available from Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

CRC user guide and guidance documents – on the DECC website

The London Energy Project has developed a free Carbon Reduction Committment (CRC) guide and toolkit, funded by Capital Ambition, London's regional improvement and efficiency partnership (RIEP).

Find out more about getting the CRC guide and toolkit – on the website of the London Borough of Haringey

The Carbon Trust has published a CRC guide for finance directors (FDs).

The FD's guide to the CRC – on the Carbon Trust website

Page updated July 2010.