Developing a strategy

In this section we cover how your local authority can develop its climate change strategy. This is broken down into country specific guidance below.

The Covenant of Mayors

The Energy Saving Trust is the UK's first Supporting Structure for the EU Covenant of Mayors, a commitment by local authorities to go beyond the objectives of EU energy policy in terms of carbon dioxide reductions. By signing up to the Covenant of Mayor local authorities are required to produce as Sustainable Energy Action Plan which sets out your objectives and plans for meeting a 20% reduction in carbon emsisons by 2020.

England

Reducing carbon dioxide emissions in your local authority area - the guide helps local authorities to address per capita carbon dioxide emissions in the local authority area. The guide includes many useful examples of good practice for local authorities across the UK. this guidance aims to help and advise local authorities looking at developing strategies for energy and climate change.

View the guidance on creating a climate change strategy for English Local Authorities

Scotland 

In summer 2009, the Climate Change (Scotland) Act was given royal assent. This includes legally binding targets to achieve an 80% reduction in Scotland’s carbon emissions by 2050, with an interim target to achieve a 42% reduction. Local authorities and housing associations have a key role to play in meeting these targets.

View the guidance on creating a climate change strategy for Scottish Local Authorities

Wales

In November 2008, the UK Climate Change Act was given royal assent. This includes legally binding targets to achieve an 80% reduction in the UK’s carbon emissions by 2050 and a system for setting 5 year carbon budgets. Local authorities and housing associations have a key role to play in meeting these target.

View the guidance on creating a climate change strategy for Welsh Local Authorities

Northern Ireland

The Review of Public Administration will reduce the number of councils from 26 to 11 by 2011 and introduce a number of new powers for local authorities. This change will result in a lot more opportunities for local authorities to influence carbon dioxide reductions and to help meet the UK-wide target of an 80% cut by 2050.

View the guidance on creating a climate change strategy for Northern Irish Local Authorities