Energy
Council buildings: Deploying the right energy model is crucial
Chris Anton asks if councils are paying the price for passing on post-occupancy building evaluation.
A call for transparency and accountability
Local government must confront pressing 'elephant in the room' issues head-on if it is to foster transparency, accountability and effective governance, says chief executive of Local Partnerships Adele Gritten.
Future Forum: Poor energy planning 'causing barriers to green growth'
A lack of co-ordination in how the energy system is planned is causing barriers ‘not only to decarbonisation and retrofit, but to green economic growth’, The MJ Future Forum has heard.
Future Forum: Councils ‘pivotal’ to net zero
Local government has a ‘pivotal’ role to play in the journey to achieving net zero, The MJ Future Forum has heard today.
Decarbonisation: from planning to action
Lack of capacity on the electricity grid can present a significant barrier to local authorities’ net zero goals. Ben Taylor explains how partnering with a decarbonisation expert can help to provide the best chance of success.
Bankrupt council sells failed windfarm portfolio for £700m
Bankrupt Thurrock Council has sold its portfolio of 53 solar farms in a bid to recoup its crippling debts.
Decarbonising energy networks on the road to net zero
Finding an effective route through the complexities of achieving net zero carbon by 2050 is not always easy, which is why many public sector organisations are seeking external help to optimise the journey. David Mills at EA Technology explores the options
Oxfordshire’s green future: Failure is not an option
Cllr Pete Sudbury looks at the key messages that came out of Oxfordshire CC’s recent 100 Together green finance conference.
Major differences uncovered in council energy costs
Analysis has revealed major differences in the prices paid by councils for their energy.
Heat Networks: A key asset in the race to net zero
Channa Karunaratne reflects on the decarbonisation opportunities presented by heat networks and how local authorities can get to grips with the challenges of implementing them.
Climate action’s delicate high-wire act
Jonathan Stephenson says reaching net zero is a monumental task that demands unity - a coming together of local authorities, the private sector, universities, and communities.
Ending the uncertainty
The North could reap the benefits of a focused long-term industrial strategy for meeting net zero, explains Ryan Swift.
English-Welsh council partnership signed in bid for extra funding
Two English and two Welsh county councils have signed a partnership agreement.
Time to unleash the potential of local authorities on net zero
If Westminster will not provide national leadership on net zero, it should empower ambitious local authorities to forge ahead, says Chris Skidmore MP.
How to unlock £19bn in benefits
As councils grapple with the cost of living crisis, Deven Ghelani explains how they can use data to help residents access benefits and ease the pressure.
Ripple effect for carbon zero homes
Six Essex councils are set to dive into solving the housing, energy and health challenges faced across the country. Paul Marinko hears how their pitch to the Solace Summit is for others to join and share in the learning.
Few councils' homes meeting energy efficiency target
New figures have revealed just 18 councils have energy efficient housing stock, laying bare the challenge of tackling the climate emergency for local authorities.
Kensington and Chelsea must lead the way on safer, greener homes
Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith outlines progress with creating the UK’s largest eco-neighbourhood at the Lancaster West estate – where the Grenfell tragedy took place.
Wales to consider funding bids straddling English border
Wales’ economy minister has said he would consider funding bids from a new council partnership that crosses the Welsh and English border.
The stark outlook for cost of living pressures
Bassetlaw DC and its partners were hoping that the cost of living crisis would start to ease, but it is becoming clear this may not be the case, says David Armiger.