Calderdale Council’s innovative climate work with local communities has received national recognition at the MJ Local Government Achievement Awards.
At a ceremony in London on Friday 21 June 2024, Calderdale Council won the ‘Leadership in responding to the climate emergency’ category at the prestigious awards, which celebrate success in local government and outstanding work and commitment to local communities.
The award win recognises the collaborative work taking place to tackle the climate emergency, including the development of the Climate Action Plan, which focuses on the steps that the whole Calderdale community can take between 2023 and 2026 to reach the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2038. It also highlights the role of the Council in working with local people and partners in the fight against climate change.
Community-driven climate initiatives have made a significant impact in the borough. Local communities, businesses and partners are working together across the public and voluntary sector to achieve the shared aims of reducing flooding and other impacts of climate change, reducing carbon emissions and supporting nature.
Examples of recent climate work include:
- The Council, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Calderdale, has invested in projects run by Calderdale voluntary and community groups, through the £1 million Climate Action Fund. Groups around the borough have benefited from funding for projects which will have an impact on reducing the carbon footprint of their activities.
- Over 90 sites in the borough have now also been used for natural flood management.
- Calderdale will be one of the first local authorities in England with an interactive Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) digital twin model of the borough. It will help identify where changes can be made to decarbonise local heat and transport, improve the energy efficiency of buildings and generate renewable energy.
- The Council is supporting the ground-breaking sphagnum moss project, working with volunteers to grow sphagnum moss in a nursery environment and plant it in suitable sites around Calderdale to restore damaged moorland that currently emits carbon.
Calderdale Council’s Director for Public Health, Debs Harkins, said:
“It’s fantastic news that Calderdale’s climate action work has been recognised at the MJ Local Government Awards.
“We work incredibly hard to ensure that climate action is at the heart of our decision making. The judges saw how many of our innovative climate projects also support nature restoration, flood risk reduction and climate resilience. Climate action is really clearly linked with our other priorities of reducing inequalities and supporting thriving places.
“The award win is also a reflection of our important partners, who share our passion and dedication. Our collaborative work not only spans the whole Council but also involves many brilliant external groups including UK100, Calderdale’s amazing voluntary sector, Together Housing, local businesses and the NHS.”
For updates on climate action work from across the borough, sign up for the Zero Carbon newsletter(external link).
The Calderdale Climate Action Plan sets out the action that needs to be taken in Calderdale before 2026 to set us on our path to a Net Zero future. Visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/environment/sustainability/climate-action-plan for more information.
Building a resilient future is a key part of the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. Calderdale reached its 50th anniversary on 1 April 2024, and this is the ultimate year for the Vision. Find out more about it here: www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision