Devolution proposals for Devon, business support and meet the Climate Task Force.
Devon Climate Emergency | February 2024
Welcome To Our February Newsletter!
There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy. Here are our picks for the month!
You can see more positive actions and stay updated throughout the month by visiting the Taking Action page on our website.
Proposed Devolution Deal for Devon and Torbay to aid transition to net-zero
Devolution for Devon and Torbay has taken a big step forward with the publication of Government proposals for a ground-breaking deal that could re-draw the future relationship between local government in Devon and Torbay, and Whitehall.
The proposals detail how the Deal would transfer a range of powers and funding to a Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA), subject to public consultation.
A section of the Deal proposal entitled 'Net zero and climate adaptation' outlines a range of areas with the potential for the Deal to enable more effective action on climate change.
Subject to the outcome of consideration by the Cabinets of Torbay and Devon County Councils, public consultation will begin on 12 February.
Pictured left to right in the photo: Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; Kevin Foster, MP for Torbay; Councillor John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council; Jacob Young, Levelling Up Minister; Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council; Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes.
Net-Zero Exchange Funds Enterprises To Collaborate With Researchers
Enterprises in Devon can apply for funding to support collaboration with a researcher through the University of Plymouth’s Net-Zero Solutions Fund. Grants of up to £7,500 are available to enable solutions-focused research on a carbon challenge.
The deadline for applications is the 27th of March 2024.
Grants For Organisations In South Hams And West Devon To Decarbonise
Organisations in West Devon and the South Hams can apply for funding through a number of grants of up to £10,000 to support Clean Economic Growth. The grants are distributing money secured through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Funding pots available include the Decarbonisation Grant, the Agri-tech Grant, Clean Diversification Grant and a Community Resilience Grant.
Organisations will need to provide 50% of the total project costs as match funding.
More Support For Business And Community Decarbonisation In East Devon
East Devon District Council’s Cabinet have approved a £207,000 package of decarbonisation support for local businesses and community groups.
Organisations will be able to benefit from free training, carbon surveys and carbon action plans to help them save money and increase profitability by reducing waste and carbon emissions. Firms which take part will be able to apply for grant funding later this year to help deliver their decarbonisation plans.
Devon County Council provided support to the Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC), helping to set up renewable energy marketplace Energy Local Totnes as the South West’s first smart local energy system. The scheme has launched with 35 households signed up.
Energy Local Totnes has received further funding to expand to 200 households in the next two years, with anticipated savings of up to 30% off their energy bills and reduced carbon emissions of 30% per household.
University Of Plymouth Saves £60,000 Through Reuse
The University of Plymouth has saved £60,000 in 12 months by using the Warp-it reuse initiative.
Savings came from reusing office furniture and stationery, instead of purchasing new. Reuse has also helped the university avoid 10,000kg of waste and save 19,000kg of carbon.
Is your organisation committed to positive climate action? Then shout it from the Plymouth rooftops! Sign up to Climate Connections to share what you’ve achieved, what you’re working on and your latest projects, inspiration, events and more.
Climate Connections believe that together we can make a huge difference in the fight against climate change. Are you with us?
By joining Plymouth Climate Connections community, you can;
Share and learn insider tips and pitfalls
Find solutions to your net zero challenges
Shout about all the good things your organisation is doing
See what others in your sector are doing
Get inspiration from plans, policies and resources
The Devon Climate Task Force is using its specialist knowledge and experience to offer advice on and scrutiny of the implementation of both the Climate Adaptation Strategy and Devon Carbon Plan. They meet quarterly to make recommendations to the Devon Climate Emergency partnership.
The Task Force members have expertise in topics relevant to carbon reduction and climate adaptation and are drawn from business, environmental, community and academic organisations. A number of the Net-Zero Task Force members, who developed the Devon Carbon Plan, have transitioned to the Climate Task Force.
Local businesses are making great progress on becoming net-zero - Impact Coaching have joined over 120 other businesses, councils, schools and more who have already signed the Devon Climate Declaration to show the growing support for taking action.
Jessica Wiggins, Founder and Coach at Impact Coaching, told us:
"The vision for Impact Coaching is for business to be used as a force for good in the world. It is for this reason that we specialise in coaching & mentoring leaders of purpose focused organisations to support them to drive IMPACT, growth & change. By working with purpose focused leaders, we are able to create a ripple effect & have even greater positive impact as each one of our clients will, as a result of working with us, become more effective at growing their business, driving systemic change & creating meaningful impact.
Not only do we support our clients to do good business that positively impacts people & the planet, but we do the same for ourselves at Impact Coaching. Some of the ways we do this are by vetting our suppliers & ensuring that we use ethical & sustainable suppliers who can verify their supply chain, by delivering our coaching services online wherever practical, by investing in green office equipment & by reducing, reusing & recycling wherever possible.
As our business grows, we will remain fully committed to minimising our emissions & protecting the planet through the use of impact assessments to accurately measure our carbon footprint & to identify areas where we might be able to reduce it."
Would you like to feature the steps your organisation is making to address climate change? Endorse the declaration and we’ll be in touch!
Schools Working Together To Be Zero Carbon Webinar
Thu, 22nd Feb 16:00 - 17:00, online
This webinar will give an update from Let’s Go Zero followed by a presentation from EcoSchools about their amazing new Schools Carbon Foot-Printing Tool.
In the second half Let's Go Zero will share information about the free 1:2:1 support they offer to all educational settings throughout England.
Stepping up to Net Zero: Assessing your product’s impact
Thu, 22nd Feb 16:30 – 18:30
In person at the Sustainability Hub, Plymouth and online
Whether you’re involved in making products, designing products or buying products to provide a service, assessing carbon could empower you to make greener choices. Join this free event for a review of the drivers for understanding the environmental impact of a product or service, explore tools for calculating carbon and glean best-practice advice from a range of specialists in different fields.
General Maintenance and Punctures - Winter Evening Workshop Class
Thu,15th Feb 18:00 - 20:30
FREE, Totnes Bike Hub
Would you like to learn how to repair your bike? Then check out this winter programme of learn-to-fix events! These are funded by Cycling UK and are aimed at beginners, and people returning to cycling.
Suggested donation is £7.50 p/hour, not including required parts.
A place for people to work on their own bikes, using the workshop, affordable second hand parts and new consumables to keep your bike on rolling.
Ride On will not fix your bike for you, but can offer some assistance and guidance as you work if needed. To make a booking, please call the workshop on 07544 314749.
A celebration of local nature with a range of activities on offer. Collect free trees from Devon Wildlife Trust and get advice on planting. Or bring your kids to join in games and making bird feeders, plus stalls, displays and other activities.
A Greener Way for Our Bay – Have your say - Survey Now Live
If you live in Torbay then Torbay Climate Partnership want to hear your views to help them plan for a changing world.
The new consultation aims to engage with local people on the Torbay Climate Partnership’s new plans for reducing the Bay’s carbon footprint and preparing for a changing climate.
There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the 
Organisations in West Devon and the South Hams can apply for funding through a number of grants of up to £10,000 to support Clean Economic Growth. The grants are distributing money secured through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.
East Devon District Council’s Cabinet have approved a £207,000 package of decarbonisation support for local businesses and community groups.
Devon County Council provided support to the Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC), helping to set up renewable energy marketplace Energy Local Totnes as the South West’s first smart local energy system. The scheme has launched with 35 households signed up.
The University of Plymouth has saved £60,000 in 12 months by using the Warp-it reuse initiative.
Local businesses are making great progress on becoming net-zero - 
Find out about upcoming events across Devon below.
Stepping up to Net Zero: Assessing your product’s impact
Totnes Bike Hub 'Bike Kitchen' - Self Supported Use of Workshop Space & Tools
Nature's Table - Chardstock Eco Group
