News
January Newsletter Out Now!
Thu, 16 January 2020We've just published our January Newsletter. From Nottingham having the cleanest city air in the country and a possible solar array in Hayfield to news of local Repair Cafes and Carbon Footprint events. it's packed full of the latest community climate change news for Derbyshire, Derby, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
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Derbyshire’s First Zero Carbon Housing Workshop is a Success
Wed, 8 January 2020
The first in a series of free, expert-led workshops on how to make zero carbon a reality, organised by Derbyshire Climate Coalition, was attended by around 70 people. The overwhelming message from three expert speakers was that councils have all the power they need to build low energy homes, but they do not always use them. The speakers stated that only 0.37% of homes built in Derbyshire in the last 10 years are A-rated for energy efficiency. Also, if we want to meet net zero target by 2050, a house somewhere in the UK must be retrofitted every 1.5 minutes for the next 30 years.
The good news is that Local Authorities by law must ensure their Local Plans address climate change. The example of nearby Nottingham City Council, which only sell their land to developers if they agree to build energy efficient houses, was given. By 2025, the government’s proposed Future Homes Standard will require any new homes built to use 75% less energy than previous new homes, which will be partly achieved by including low-carbon heating systems.
Look out for more events from the coalition: http://derbyshireclimate.org.uk
36 Local Residents Become Carbon Literate
Wed, 8 January 2020
More than 30 people living in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have become Carbon Literate since September thanks to a series of one day Carbon Literacy courses run by local charity Marches Energy Agency with funding from Local Authorities in the area.
Carbon Literacy courses equip people and communities to bring about the rapid reduction in carbon emissions required in the next few years by the climate emergency. The Carbon Literacy Project defines Carbon Literacy as: "An awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.”
At least one more course for community groups is planned in the area in 2020. Everyone attending the courses makes pledges to cut their emissions and those of their community or an organisation they are involved in. If their pledges are accepted by the national Carbon Literacy Project they receive a certificate to certify them as Carbon Literate.
One participant, who attended a course said: 'I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for today. The course was so informative, moving, thought-provoking &, for me, will be life changing. A lot of things I already knew have today converged with many other factors - the amazing people that were there, the time we are at, & all made for a powerful day for me personally.'
Derbyshire Set to Become Carbon Neutral
Wed, 8 January 2020Derbyshire County Council has announced plans to become carbon neutral by 2032. A new Carbon Reduction Plan has been approved that sets out actions that will be taken to meet the carbon reduction pledges made by councillors in May 2019. These include reducing emissions from the council’s own buildings, streetlights and vehicles. An Environment and Climate Change Framework has also been approved which details how the authority will work with other councils across Derbyshire to meet targets set by the Paris Agreement signed by the UK in 2015.
Cllr Tony King, said: “Since pledging to take action on climate change earlier this year, Derbyshire has been at the sharp end of extreme weather events – and we need to be at the sharp end when it comes to policy making too.”
Local News in Brief
Wed, 4 December 2019
- Refills on the Road is Derbyshire’s first mobile zero-waste shop, visiting markets and events: https://bit.ly/2Nz8ZXY
- If you, or someone you know, will struggle to pay their energy bills this winter, and you live in Derby or Derbyshire, then you can call Warmer Derby & Derbyshire on 0800 677 1332 or email wdd@mea.org.uk for free, impartial advice.