Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary
Devon Climate Emergency | July 2024
Welcome To Our July 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.
New Support Programme Launched For South Hams Construction Businesses To Decarbonise
A new complimentary business support programme has been introduced in the South Hams, specifically designed to assist construction and maintenance professionals to reduce their carbon footprint.
University Of Plymouth Recognised Among World’s Best For Waste Minimisation And Marine Excellence
University of Plymouth has been recognised as one of the top universities globally for its commitment to sustainability and its efforts to influence sustainable policies and actions.
Funds Gained To Boost Sustainable Air Travel In South West
The South West’s aerospace sector has secured £236,000 to create a Future Flight Innovation Zone (FFIZ) in Devon and Somerset. This initiative aims to promote safe and low carbon aviation and will focus on Exeter Airport and iAero in Yeovil.
Eligible Residents Encouraged To Use Concessionary Bus Passes
Devon residents eligible for concessionary bus passes are encouraged to use local services as part of the national ‘Take The Bus‘ campaign, supported locally by councils and bus providers Stagecoach South West, Torbay Buses, and Country Bus.
The new Climate Emergency Support Officer Betty Tsang has started this week. Betty will be working with Emily Reed to support the work of the partnership, including sharing updates through social media, the website and this the newsletter highlighting action to address climate change across Devon. Please do say hello if you see Betty at events across Devon in the coming months.
The Climate Task Force met in June when they considered the Transport and Food, Land and Sea themes of the Devon Carbon Plan, including how best to monitor progress against actions.
Organisation Spotlight - Exeter Science Park
We are delighted that Exeter Science Park is a signatory of the Devon Climate Declaration.
Exeter Science Park is leading the charge towards a sustainable future with a firm commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions. The organisation has implemented innovative strategies and employed green technologies to reduce its environmental footprint. The buildings have been designed to maximise efficiency and reduce energy usage in various ways, including LED lighting, advanced insulation and smart climate control.
Dr Sally Basker, CEO of Exeter Science Park, outlined the ongoing work undertaken to ensure the highest sustainability standards.
"Both the Ada Lovelace and George Parker Bidder Buildings are net zero carbon for operational energy. The New Zeal Hotel, which is due to open in December 2024, will be a sustainable net zero-carbon hotel. With infrastructure to support around 100 electric car charging points and a focus on utilising public transport, Exeter Science Park is proud to be one of the most sustainable science parks in the UK, however the key is our culture of continuous improvement."
You can view a video of the Science Park on our social media channels, such as Facebook.
We are delighted that environmentally conscious organisations have supported our Climate Declaration as we work to deliver the Devon Carbon Plan.
If you would like to learn more about signing the Declaration, please visit our website, following the link below:
Find out about upcoming events, funding and opportunities across Devon below.
The Big Plymouth Travel Challenge
Would you like to stay fit by doing more walking, cycling, scooting or skating while also saving money and helping improve local air quality?
If so, The Big Plymouth Travel Challenge might be the incentive you need. Registering for the challenge gives you online access to lots of useful hints, tips and support and a personalised dashboard where you can log your progress, including calories burned, miles travelled and carbon emissions cut.
There are also prizes up for grabs each week throughout July and at the end of the month-long challenge, including bikes and scooters.
Just Transition: are we leaving people behind? Community Resilience
13th July, 13.00 - 15.00, The Mansion, Totnes
Transition in the face of climate change is inevitable, justice is not. What can the environmental movement do to ensure no one is left behind in climate adaptation?
Talks from the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest and The Forestry Commission on available woodland creation grants and ins and outs of applying. Discussion about good practices when creating a woodland area.
Wild About Devon Community Wildlife Grant Scheme The Wild About Devon grant scheme 2024 is now live. Communities can apply for up to £500 to fund initiatives that support local wildlife and biodiversity. This could range from gardens and parks to churchyards, orchards, window boxes, ponds and ditches, buildings and more. The scheme is running from 5th June - 1st October 2024. All information on the scheme can be found here.
Devon County Council: Locality Budget Applications can now be made to Devon County Council’s Locality Budgets 2024/25, with funding available for projects that benefit local communities in Devon. Each County Councillor in Devon has a Locality Budget grant allocation of £8,000 that they can use to respond to local needs in this financial year (April 2024 to March 2025). Funding is to be spent or allocated by 31 March 2025. Details here.
Teign Valley Facilitation Fund
A new farmers facilitation fund for the River Teign catchment area has just been launched. Elliot Fairs will be organising meetings on natural flood management, sharing equipment and much more. If you are a farmer or landowner in the area and want to take part contact Elliot on: tvffef@outlook.com.
There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the 
Find out about upcoming events, funding and opportunities across Devon below.
