The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) climate emergency national network met on 12 July 2024 to discuss advancing climate literacy and sustainability practices within local (parish and town) councils.
Abby Charlesworth, local authorities coordinator at the Carbon Literacy Project, provided a detailed update on developing and implementing carbon literacy toolkits explicitly designed for local councils. Her presentation emphasised the educational methodology behind these toolkits. It addressed unique challenges faced by local councils in adopting sustainable practices.
Andrew Maliphant, environment and sustainability advisor at the Society of Local Council Clerks, shared insights on the progress of the place-based initiative. He gave updates on the recent pre-election session of the local net zero forum task and finish group, organised by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. He also discussed the creation of sector-specific biodiversity net gain guidance.
The network reviewed NALC’s response to the government’s consultation on barriers to community energy projects. It highlighted the organisation’s stance and suggestions.
The meeting also highlighted the new Climate Response of the Year category in NALC’s Star Council Awards 2024, encouraging more nominations and providing an opportunity for local councils to showcase their innovative climate action initiatives.