Local authorities & housing providers

Local authorities have a vital role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Through their roles as community leaders, service providers and the planning authority local authorities can help to tackle climate change across the breadth of their activities. The introduction in the new national performance framework of an area wide carbon dioxide emissions indicator means that local authorities in England will be assessed on their mitigation activities. As part of this, housing associations also have a firm role in achieving sustainable energy in domestic housing. 

The Energy Saving Trust offers a range of advice, support and services designed specifically for local authorities and housing associations to help meet the challenge. 

Stuck on research?
Are you having difficulty tracking down carbon savings from energy efficiency measures? Need information on best practice refurbishment, or a good example of a low carbon new build development? Well, we can help! We have an enquiries team who will research any domestic sustainable energy question you may have. Simply e-mail practicalhelp@est.org.uk or call 0844 84 888 30. We'll take down your enquiry and reply to your e-mail address within three working days (often sooner).

Practical help presents
The Energy Saving Trust's Practical help team offers free presentations relating to sustainable energy to local authority and housing association staff. We have several presentation topics including legislative drivers, renewable technologies, planning, funding and HHSRS. We can also tailor presentations according to your requirements. Contact Practical help on 0844 84 888 30 to find out more.

Climate change workshops and one-to-one support
Are you trying to engage senior management and councillors on climate change or are you writing a climate change strategy or action plan? Have you decided to include NI 186 in your Local Area Agreement (LAA), but are not sure how to incorporate this into your strategy or report on it in your Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA)? If the answer is yes, then the Energy Saving Trust wants to offer you one of three free workshops or our more intensive local authority one-to-one support programme. If you are interested, please contact Practical help on 0844 84 888 30 or email us for more details.

Free consultancy
Are you considering an energy services package? We can help you develop your own scheme through up to three days of free in-house consultancy and offer presentations at your events. Visit the website, email us or call our helpline on 0844 84 888 30 to find out more.

New frequently asked questions
We now have a huge number of frequently asked questions. Visit them to have all your questions answered. You can search through our archives or submit a new question to one of our experts.

If you're a housing professional, our free online guide could help you save energy, time and money. Click below for your country version.

Energy efficiency the guide - England
Energy efficiency the guide - Scotland
Energy efficiency the guide - Wales
Energy efficiency the guide - Northern Ireland

And click here for top tips to deliver sustainable energy on how to take action in your local authority and turn those good intentions into reality.