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.

Local authorities are at the forefront of delivering low-carbon development – but the challenges are complex and fast-changing. 

London Councils – who represent the 32 Boroughs of London and the City of London – commissioned us, alongside our partners Bioregional and Preoptima, 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 – in total that’s 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 – get in touch to find out more. 

Our Reflections on the Programme

As we close this programme, we’re 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.

Marina Goodyear, Senior Sustainability Consultant from Bioregional who led the work said:  

“It was great to see Officers across London commit to understanding more about the complexity of the policy landscape. At the workshops, we got some bold actions that prove the dedication to driving change through policy.” 

One participant said: “Very useful course helping to reinforce the policy background and justification for local action and adoption of more stringent carbon reduction targets and requirements”

Course 2: Getting to Grips with Whole Life Carbon and Embodied Carbon Assessments, Policy and Reduction Strategies

The team at Preoptima created a thorough and ambitious course on whole life carbon – 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. 

Alex Bantock, Associate Founder from  Preoptima has this reflection:

“Whole life carbon assessments have added another layer of complexity to planning reviews for already overburdened case officers. We were pleased that our delegates from across London unpacked these technical concepts with energy and enthusiasm! 

It was also rewarding to see the learning materials being used to train other Officers in Haringey Council, multiplying the effect of the course!” 

One participant said: “Whole life carbon is an increasingly important aspect for consideration in planning applications and is a rapidly evolving and technical area. The course was therefore much needed, gave a great foundation in what to look for when considering Whole Life Carbon assessments and connected officers working on this across London which will be invaluable” 

Course 3: Understanding Simplified and Predictive Low Carbon Modelling Output Documents Impact

Bioregional created a detailed course that covered the intricacies of energy modelling. 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.

Adam Lane Principal technical consultant from Bioregional reflects on the course:  

“Modelling outputs, though very useful, are often hard to interpret and understand. Our course supported Officers to get to grips with these outputs. The delegates engaged in the course, diving right into the detail.”  

One participant said: “…the training was great 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 was led by UKGBC and featured input from both partners. It supported senior decision-makers to feel more confident in all core topics of the programme and their influence as leaders.

Gesine Kippenberg, who ran the course, reflects on the journey:

“Local authorities are at the sharp end of the climate emergency, providing leadership where national policy (currently) falls short. Enhancing their constituents’ quality of life is paramount and needs to factor into all conversations about the benefits of low carbon development.  

Our course helped clarify the strategic tools at their disposal and encouraged lively discussions about the ambitions and successes across Boroughs”

What’s Next?

Although the London-based programme is now finished, we’re really pleased to offer all four courses – either individually or as a complete programme – to Local Authorities across the UK. Get in touch to find out more! 

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