Energy
Switching focus to the carbon agenda
Rob Barlow says that once Brexit has been put to bed, the focus needs to be on carbon reduction. Anticipated Government direction could include a raft of radically different planning policies,a tightening of building control regulations, and more.
A simple and effective local approach to the climate emergency
South Lakeland DC has recently adopted a climate change policy - and it's on one page, says Lawrence Conway. The focus is on simple, effective actions.
Leading regeneration in coastal communities
Great Yarmouth is one of just five ‘future places’ in England selected for a new programme to showcase and support councils with ambitious visions for shaping their areas’ futures, says Sheila Oxtoby.
Bristol energy company labelled a 'waste of money'
Bristol City Council has sparked controversy by pressing ahead with further investment in its energy company.
Council to bask in glow of solar farm cash
Warrington Council expects to generate an estimated operating surplus of £150m over 30 years after buying two UK solar farms.
Opposition members win vote to resurrect Victory Energy
Councillors have made a bid to rescue a council-owned energy company.
Swindon solar farm to save council £185K
A solar farm owned by Swindon Council’s wholly-owned subsidiary Public Power Solutions (PPS) is up and running.
Future Forum North: Co-designed commissioning answer to outsourcing crisis
Co-designed commissioning is the answer to an era of heightened demand, budget reductions and supplier failures, council chiefs have been told.
Swansea to enlist private sector for tidal lagoon project
Swansea City Council is turning to the private sector in the hope of resurrecting a project for a tidal lagoon.
Firm grabs first place
ENGIE has been named the top sustainable facilities management firm for the second time.
Hackney to install solar panels to supply energy firm
Plans are being drawn-up by Hackney LBC to install solar panels on homes to supply a new energy company.
Cheshire West and Chester enters energy market
A new joint venture has been set up by Cheshire West and Chester Council and mulitnational energy firm, Engie.
Tidal lagoon rejection ‘bitter pill’ for Wales
An urgent meeting with Welsh secretary Alun Cairns has been demanded by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) after Whitehall failed to back a major energy project.
Manchester City Council signs energy deal
Manchester City Council has signed a one-year contract estimated at £3.6m with Gazprom to supply its energy.
Council looks for partners for carbon neutral journey
Bristol City Council has launched a major campaign to attract business partners that can help it reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Energy sector rapped over lack ‘of civic voice’
Councils expanding into the energy sector should give priority to customers, the UK chief executive of energy company Engie has advised.
Maintaining the course towards more sustainable communities
Following US President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to exit the Paris climate agreement, North American cities sent a sharp message that they would press ahead regardless. ICMA president David Johnstone explains how they are getting on with the job.
More council energy firms are launched
Two further councils have launched not-for-profit energy companies in collaboration with Nottingham City Council as an alternative to the big six providers.
Scottish Government responds to councils' campaign
The Scottish Government has said a new bill will meet the needs of its island communities.
Council-owned energy firm on target to deliver profit
A council-owned energy company has said it is on course to make a profit by 2021 after adjusting its business plan.