Save energy save money save the climate local

Save energy, save money, save the climate – local and regional actions Actions by UK local authorities Cllr Ian Mearns Deputy Leader, Gateshead Council Vice-Chair of the LGA Environment Board 31 January 2007

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities A Local Government Vision for action on Energy and Climate Change

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities LGA Action Leading the Way publication • Responsibility • Delivery • Influence • Know-how • Democratic legitimacy.

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities LGA & partners action Councils working together

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Launch of Nottingham Declaration online pack

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Local Flagship Project: Gateshead International Business Centre Image courtesy Gateshead Council

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Local Flagship Project: Gateshead International Business Centre Image courtesy Gateshead Council

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Local Flagship Project: Gateshead International Business Centre Image courtesy Gateshead Council

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Local Authorities working with energy companies • Development of warm zones

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities 3 main roles for UK councils on climate change – As responsible organisations – Through services they provide – As community leaders.

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Local Government influencing National Policy • LGA Climate Change Commission • Agreed strategic role for Local Govt • Performance framework • Holistic approach • Environment at centre of local strategies

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Innovative planning policies We must be ambitious and challenge: a) industry b) construction of new buildings c) local government – building regulations and control and planning.

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Planning Policies for Sustainable Buildings LGA & Partners • guidance on good practice for ensuring new buildings reach higher levels of sustainability

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities UK policy developments New Code for Sustainable Homes Draft Planning Strategy for Climate Change Draft policy for zero carbon development by 2016

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Local Government Aspirations and Actions: Higher standards for ALL buildings & flexibility to be ambitious Local Authorities leading the way: • • • Draft London Plan Reading Core Strategy London Borough of Merton’s Development Plan

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Let’s not forget the role of recycling • Recycling and re-use are ways of avoiding green house gases which contribute to climate change and landfill.

Climate change: actions by UK local authorities Action! Thank you and we look forward to working together to save energy, save money and save the climate!