Environment
Meet the new breed of sustainable bonds
UK local authorities are well placed to access the capital markets through Envrionmental, Social and Governance bonds, and the range of projects they can fund is vast, says Christian Wall.
A task as difficult as good community engagement needs a plan
When it comes to climate action some communities are labelled ‘hard to reach’ – but when they speak, do we listen, asks Chris Church.
Councils face ‘wide range of barriers’ to tackle climate change
The Government must engage with councils and provide resources to achieve net-zero targets, MPs have said.
Council pension funds invest nearly £10bn in fossil fuels
Nearly £10bn of local government pension funds are still invested in fossil fuels, new research has found.
Warwick to overhaul climate change plans
Warwick DC is to redraw its plans to tackle climate change after abandoning a green tax referendum.
Flood recovery funding calls rejected
The Government has ruled out releasing national funds for flood recovery in the wake of Storm Christoph.
Recycling: Now’s the time to consider switching to separate collection
With many changes taking place as a result of the Environment Bill, this is a perfect opportunity to consider switching to separate collection of paper and cardboard, says Simon Ellin.
A ‘bottom up’ response to Brexit
Paul Frainer thinks we are at a crossroads economically, socially and environmentally, ‘and Brexit is just one part of that complex system’.
Council move to regain control of environmental services
Senior Norwich City Council members have taken another step towards bringing environmental services back under local authority control from April.
Rewards of doughnut decision-making
Cornwall Council is using the ‘doughnut economics’ model to help the county navigate the uncertainties and complexities of the climate crisis, including the risks of accelerating inequality. Cllr Edwina Hannaford explains.
Local leaders to race ahead on cutting carbon
Local leaders representing around a third of England and Scotland’s population have vowed to go ‘further and faster’ than government to reduce carbon emissions.
Guiding freeport proposals in the Thames Estuary
Kate Willard and Perry Glading outline the Thames Estuary Growth Board’s guiding principles for freeport proposals, based on six key areas.
Whitehall failing to harness councils’ enthusiasm on climate action
The Government will fail to meet its 2050 net zero carbon target without working in partnership with local authorities, a new report has warned.
Top tip for Chrimbos
After a long and trying year our thoughts are now turning to brighter things as the excitement of the Christmas season approaches.
Flood funding for councils may not be enough, watchdog finds
The Government is unable to prove councils have enough funding for flood defences, a spending watchdog has discovered.
How Irish innovation is helping the green recovery
Smart traffic solutions are helping councils meet a range of sustainability objectives, says Enterprise Ireland's UK Local Authority Lead Laura Brocklebank.
Being ready for change is critical
Local government reorganisation is on the near horizon, says Lawrence Conway. He believes South Lakeland DC 'will be well placed to provide a flexible way of working whatever the outcome of this latest round of deliberations'.
Another false dawn?
Next month’s energy White Paper and a longer-term comprehensive spending review than currently proposed will really tell us whether the PM's 'Green Industrial Revolution' lives up to its billing or is another false dawn, says Paul O'Brien.
We need a detailed green recovery map
Nigel Riglar says while the Government’s emphasis on green recovery provides a way to tackle many of the most pressing issues facing us, a coherent policy framework and sufficient investment are key.
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.
