News

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 2020

Derbyshire 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.”

https://bit.ly/2Pf0Slp

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.

High Peak Declares a Climate Emergency

Wed, 4 December 2019

High Peak Borough Council is the latest in the area to declare a climate emergency It has also committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

The list of Local Authorities in the are who have declared is now:

  • Amber Valley District Council
  • Bolsover District Council
  • Broxtowe Borough Council
  • Chesterfield Borough Council
  • High Peak Borough Council
  • Newark and Sherwood District Council
  • North East Derbyshire District Council
  • Derbyshire Dales District Council
  • Rushcliffe Borough Council
  • Derby City Council
  • Matlock Town Council
  • Wirksworth Town Council
  • Hayfield Parish Council
  • Belper Town Council

Please do let us know if we’ve missed anyone - it’s hard to keep up!

Meanwhile:

  • Derbyshire County Council has published a Derbyshire Climate and Carbon Reduction Manifesto with the aim of becoming carbon neutral.
  • Nottingham City Council has a Net Zero Carbon target of 2028.

Gas Safe Charity Scheme Running in Chesterfield

Wed, 4 December 2019

Chesterfield Borough Council is running the Gas Safe Charity Scheme this winter. If you are over 60 and are either disabled, in receipt of benefits and/or on a low income or if you are over 18 and registered disabled, then you might be able to get help with servicing and minor repairs of your gas boiler.
 

If you think you might qualify, contact Chesterfield Private Sector Housing Team on 01246 345748 or email HIA@chesterfield.gov.uk