Devon Climate Emergency | December 2024

Welcome To Our December 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.

Devolution Deal Capital Funding Supports Green Jobs

A £16 million pound cash injection to provide more green jobs, as well as affordable homes, sheltered accommodation and business growth in Devon and Torbay has been confirmed by Government. The capital funding is from Devon County Council and Torbay Council’s devolution deal.

The devolution deal for Devon and Torbay includes significant sustainability initiatives supporting green jobs and skills, energy efficiency and renewable energy, sustainable business and innovation. These projects aim to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy and leverage local expertise in green science and technology. You can see more information of the schemes that will benefit from this funding on our website.

Exeter Wins Funding to Help Create More Renewable Energy in the City

Exeter City Council has been awarded funding to explore new opportunities for solar PV on its buildings in Exeter to further lower its carbon footprint.

It will enable completion of further technical investigations on Council-owned buildings where the business case and feasibility for solar PV has been established.

Starting a Revolution 

Work on the Exe Estuary is going green after the Exeter Port Authority took delivery of a new hydrogen electric boat for a trial period.

The boat has been made and designed by Ecomar Propulsion and will be based on the estuary for a limited period of time to assist with the trials and testing of the vessel.

Devon County Council Adopts Latest Carbon Reduction Plan

Devon County Council has taken steps which will enable them and their suppliers to continue reducing carbon emissions.

The County Council Cabinet agreed on a new Carbon Reduction Plan 2024–2027 and adopted a Low Carbon Supply Chain Strategy 2024–2026.

Devon Climate Emergency Support Officer Starting In January

Having interviewed for a new Climate Emergency Support Officer in December, we are looking forward to the successful candidate starting in January. This will provide extra energy and capacity for communicating the project and keeping the website up to date, to name but a few aspects of the role.

Organisation Spotlight - NooKo

Photo with permission from NooKo

We are delighted that NooKo is a signatory of the Devon Climate Declaration. They have calculated their carbon footprint, developed a climate action plan and are working towards being net zero by 2030.

They told us about the things they are doing to help address the climate emergency:

"Nooko supports the climate emergency response by integrating sustainability into its developments, blending luxury with environmental responsibility. Projects like Paternoster House are designed to showcase sustainable building practices while fostering community resilience.

All of our units at Paternoster House and Concord House are carbon neutral, we are electric only and both developments are fitted with large solar panel arrays on the roof.  We also make sure that all our rental contracts include renewable energy suppliers like Octopus.

Nooko is committed to eco-conscious initiatives, supporting local businesses and promoting educational efforts focused on environmental stewardship. For more details, visit Nooko’s website."

We are delighted that environmentally conscious organisations have supported our Climate Declaration as we work to deliver the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy.

Calling for new members to join the Network of Environmental Educators in Devon (NEED).

Are you interested in environmental education in Devon or perhaps you are a practitioner or organisation that offers environmental education to schools and education settings or a community action group looking to work with schools? Or maybe you are a Teacher interested in what there is out there for your setting?

NEED brings together a large and diverse network of practitioners including local government, schools, further and higher education institutions, NGOs and local communities. The group meets regularly at venues around the county (or virtually) to share good practice and work on joint projects. The group currently acts as a network for everyone involved in education and outdoor learning and seeks to provide a coherent and co-ordinated framework of support across Devon for helping all achieve environmental awareness and sustainability development work.

If you are interested in joining please fill out the form at this link here

NEED are holding their winter networking event on the 7^th February at Stover Country park, with a range of speakers and plenty of networking opportunities, plus a tour of the achievements of the ‘Restoring Stover Park’ project.  If you are interested in attending, please fill in the NEED joining form above and email alex.mack@resourcefutures.co.uk for the invite details.

Woolacombe Christmas Eve Silent Disco Beach Clean

10:00 - 11:30, Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Mill Rock Woolacombe (map)

New Year Plant Hunt

Monday 30^th December

11:00 to 13:00, Springwater Farm, near Killerton (just outside Exeter)

Wrap up warm and pop on your Wellingtons because we need your help with the annual quest to find out which wild or naturalised plants are able to bloom in midwinter.

You don't need to be professional botanist or an intrepid plant hunter to join the New Year Plant Hunt at Springwater Farm - help will be on hand to assist with plant identification and farmers Amelia and Jason will be our guides as we walk around the farm.

There'll be a fun Plant Bingo! for younger children and Plant Hunt Trail for older kids. Plus, will your family complete the New Year Plant Hunt Challenge and make it to the top of the leader board?

We'll also be using iNaturalist* to record what we find - with a quick 'how to' before we start the Plant Hunt for anyone new to using this app for wildlife recording.

Hot drink and festive snack provided.

Please note that activities are designed for ages 5 years to adult, however families with children aged under 5 are welcome at this event.

This event is FREE thanks to funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund

Inner Transition Book Group

Tuesday 31st December, 3.30pm - 5.30pm 

The Climate Hub in The Mansion on Fore St, Totnes.

Weekly meeting of the Inner Transition Book Group.

Email for details: innertransition.bookgroup@gmail.com

Sustainable Tiverton Christmas Eve Food Giveaway

Christmas Eve, December 24th 2024, 17:30 - 19:30

Refreshments 17:30 - 18:30

Food Giveaway 18.30 - 19:30

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government energy efficiency scheme administered by Ofgem.

GBIS may be able to offer you free or cheaper insulation to help reduce your energy bills and your property’s emissions.  You can be a homeowner, landlord or tenant (you will need your landlord’s permission before any measures are installed).

You may be able to get support to install measures such as cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation (internal or external), loft insulation, flat or pitched roof insulation, underfloor insulation - and more.

For further information, to check your eligibility for this scheme, and to apply, go to the following page on the government website:

Igniting Innovation: Conservation Challenge

Igniting Innovation is an exciting nature conservation challenge that invites passionate young people to share their brightest ideas for a healthier planet. This is your chance to bring a real project to life with funding and expert support. Applications for 2025 are open.

Stobart Sustainability Fund

Funding is available for organisations that want to transform their local community through projects that tackle climate change, reduce carbon emissions or that protect and enhance the environment.

Community groups, schools and colleges or small businesses involved in sustainability initiatives can apply for a grant from the new Stobart Sustainability Fund.

Have you got an event, opportunity, or story around tackling climate change?

Let us know! For the chance to be featured in our newsletter, email environmentalpolicy@devon.gov.uk

Devon Climate Emergency
County Hall, Topsham Road
Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD

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