Equipping Local Authorities to Drive Action Through Low Carbon Training
Local authorities are at the forefront of delivering low-carbon development – but the challenges are complex and fast-changing.
London Councils 鈥� who represent the 32 Boroughs of London and the City of London 鈥� commissioned us, alongside our partners and , to develop a learning programme to respond to these challenges.
The programme would build the knowledge and skills Local Authority Officers, Senior Leaders and Elected Members need to stay ahead of sustainability and low carbon requirements.
The programme we designed, developed and delivered, had action and implementation at its core. We wanted to provide learning that built knowledge and skills, but also connected people across Boroughs and inspire action.
We know that people learn best through doing and discussion, so alongside the core content of the course topics, we included highly discursive learning workshops and an in-work implementation element.
Our approach has already had great impact, delivering action and change across London. Having only finished the programme last week, our insights here are hot off the press!
IN NUMBERS
139 Local Authority staff from across London signed up for the programme, each completing 16 hours of learning 鈥� in total that鈥檚 2,569 hours of continuing professional development.
Across the courses, delegates committed to 130 specific actions to deliver in their Boroughs, all of which will help progress low-carbon development across London.
*We can deliver this programme to your Local Authority 鈥� get in touch to find out more.
Our Reflections on the Programme
As we close this programme, we鈥檙e reflecting on how it went, what we learnt and what the impact has been.
Course 1: Understanding Low Carbon Policy and How to Drive Change
The team at Bioregional developed a comprehensive course that introduced the crucial role of planning policy in the context of regional, national and international climate goals. It gave participants the knowledge and tools to implement low carbon policy, such as understanding how key legislation empowers councils to act on climate commitments.
, Senior Sustainability Consultant from Bioregional who led the work said: 听
鈥淚t was great to see Officers across London commit听to听understanding more听about听the complexity听of听the policy landscape. At the workshops, we got some bold actions that prove the dedication to driving change through policy.鈥澨�
One participant said:听鈥淰ery useful course helping to reinforce the policy background and justification for local action and adoption of more stringent carbon reduction targets and requirements鈥�
Course 2: Getting to Grips with Whole Life Carbon and Embodied Carbon Assessments, Policy and Reduction Strategies
The听team at听Preoptima听created a听thorough听and ambitious course on whole life carbon听鈥撎�Aiming to give delegates confidence to engage with whole life carbon assessments in practice, spot key issues, and work more effectively with applicants and colleagues to promote low-carbon development.听
, Associate Founder from 听Preoptima听has this reflection:
鈥淲hole life carbon assessments have added another layer of complexity to planning reviews for already overburdened case officers. We were pleased that our听delegates from across London unpacked听these technical听concepts with energy and enthusiasm!听
It was also rewarding听to see the learning materials being used to train other Officers in听Haringey听Council, multiplying the听effect听of the course!鈥�听
One participant said: 鈥�Whole life carbon听is an increasingly important aspect for consideration in planning applications and is a rapidly evolving and technical area. The course was therefore much needed,听gave a great foundation in what to look for when considering Whole听Life听Carbon听assessments and connected officers working on this across London which will be invaluable鈥�听
Course 3: Understanding Simplified and Predictive Low Carbon Modelling Output Documents Impact
Bioregional听created听a detailed course that covered the intricacies of energy modelling.听This course equipped participants with the skills to interpret and interrogate modelling outputs and energy statements, giving them greater confidence to engage with applicants and internal teams.
Principal technical consultant from Bioregional reflects on the course: 听
鈥淢odelling outputs, though听very useful,听are often hard to interpret and understand. Our course supported Officers to get to grips with these outputs. The delegates听engaged in the course,听diving right into the detail.鈥�听听
One participant said:听鈥溾�he training was听great听and I feel like these learnings will really help my review of applications.”
Course 4: Future Proofing Development – What Decision-Makers Need to Know
Our final course听was led by听UKGBC and听featured听input from both partners. It听supported senior decision-makers to feel more confident in听all core听topics of听the听programme听and听their听influence听as听leaders.
Gesine Kippenberg, who听ran听the course, reflects on the journey:
鈥�Local authorities are at the sharp end of the climate emergency, providing leadership where national policy (currently) falls short. Enhancing their constituents鈥� quality of life is paramount and needs to factor into all conversations听about the听benefits of听low听carbon听development.听听
Our course helped听clarify听the听strategic tools at their disposal and encouraged lively discussions about the ambitions and successes across Boroughs”
What’s Next?
Although the London-based听programme is听now finished,听we鈥檙e听really pleased to听offer all four courses听– either individually or听as a complete听programme –听to Local Authorities across the UK. Get in touch to find out more!听
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