Energy
A masterclass in evolution
Chris Langdon of EQUANS looks at how a Staffordshire town is helping to lead the zero-carbon transition.
Families under pressure
As energy and food costs soar and pandemic financial support comes to an end, Chris Mahony asks what impact the pressures on low income families will have on stretched local authorities.
Warrington rebuffs call to end energy investment
Opposition members at Warrington Council have urged the authority to end its investment in a green energy company as the sector is engulfed in crisis.
Councils’ net-zero hopes dashed
There are no plans for new powers, frameworks or funding overhauls in the Government’s net-zero strategy, ministers have admitted.
Councils ask for national support on climate change
Councils have said they stand ready to take action to reduce carbon emissions, but require action from central government.
Tackling health inequalities and the climate crisis in tandem
Graham Duxbury explains why a solid social infrastructure can help households to take back control of their energy bills and improve their quality of life.
Council raises ‘national security concerns’ over energy project
Portsmouth City Council’s leader has urged the Government to consider ‘national security concerns’ when deciding the fate of a cross-channel energy project.
Nottingham set to bring energy company in-house
Nottingham City Council is expected to bring the company that provides district heating and electricity to some of its most deprived local communities in-house for an estimated transfer cost of £500,000.
Supply chain understanding and development is key to retrofit success
The Green Homes Grant voucher scheme ends today, reportedly due to lack of take-up. Here, Richard Daley and Stephen Fox outline what councils need to do to increase retrofit activity.
Installing EV charging infrastructure: opportunities for local authorities
Stuart Urquart says the most appropriate EV charging infrastructure procurement option for a particular authority will depend on a number of options, including the risk appetite of each party.
Green revolution or missed opportunity?
Local government insiders tell Heather Jameson that the Government’s 10-point action plan for tackling climate change isn’t ambitious enough either in terms of the scale of the vision or about what role councils should play.
Green energy deal 'could be blueprint' for other councils
A £40m green energy deal could provide a blueprint for local authorities seeking to reduce carbon emissions and cut costs, according to the City of London Corporation.
Government review into Nottingham finances
The council is facing a review into its handling of Robin Hood Energy, over which the authority incurred millions of pounds in losses.
Building for the future
Ben Houchen says that with the former SSI steelworks site in Redcar now the UK’s largest industrial zone, something monumental is now underway – ‘and we can continue to help recover the wider Tees Valley’.
You’ve got to know where you’re starting from on the path to net zero
Local authorities, as custodians of place, are in a unique position to lead the way on defining their carbon footprint and addressing their own carbon targets, says ENGIE's Haydn Scarborough.
Local solutions are key to global action
ENGIE is seeking out and supporting council clients – particularly those who have a clear climate change commitment, assertive leadership and adequate resources to deliver their climate emergency action plans, says Colin Macpherson.
How linking energy with data can unlock community benefits
Moving to a low carbon world, the required level of data granularity and quality will be critical. But with that will come considerable benefits for councils and the communities they serve, says Stephen Stead.
How to drive a green recovery
Ahmed Goga explains the levers that local and central government policymakers can deploy to drive a green recovery through local enterprise.
Council-owned energy company to close
Robin Hood Energy is to be closed by Nottingham City Council after five years.
Housing MJ: Time to retrofit our approach to net zero carbon
If the UK can take the lead on moving beyond carbon by significant retrofit of its existing housing stock, then other large economies will follow suit to help save our planet, says Andy Merrin of Engie.
