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Climate Action

This topic page focuses on our Climate Action Charter (see final version below). It includes an action plan to support partners develop their own actions to address climate change and prepare for zero carbon. Initially this will focus on two key areas:

Implementing relevant recommendations from the Essex Green Skills Infrastructure Review.
Developing steps to prepare partners for the new Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025.

The Essex Climate Action Commission is working with the Essex Developers’ Group on actions that will take forward the principles of the Charter. These will include:

Net Zero Carbon Show Home – to include key features of a net zero carbon home such as a renewable heating source (not using fossil fuels) and application of very high building fabric standards.

Case Studies – identification of exemplar fossil fuel free developments undertaken by Essex developers either in the County or elsewhere to demonstrate incorporation of energy and water efficiency solutions to the development as a whole or to buildings.

Sponsorship of Apprenticeships – Design and Green Construction Skills Training apprenticeships in key ‘green’ skills areas from design to construction.

Essex Housing Awards 2023 – includes two dedicated award for Climate Action Low / Zero Carbon in New Homes sponsored by Cala Homes and then Decarbonization / Retrofit.

Climate Change Sustainability Statement – in consultation with the Developers Group that will act as a Climate Change response checklist of features that can be included when designing a layout, green and blue infrastructure, and buildings.

Supporting the Supply Chain and the Work of Smaller Developers – next step will be to work with developers as well as businesses and training providers to ensure that the skills and goods supply chains can be supported in Essex to work towards sustainable construction, and climate resilient development.

Climate Action Advice packs for residents, businesses and schools – the business pack has been specifically developed to help SME businesses access information and advice.

Further details are set out in the Charter, see page 9 (following the successful launch on 7 June).

A questionnaire was undertaken in November 2022 with partners to see what progress has been made against the actions and to identify where further support might be needed. Results of the survey and some early analysis can be found here.

Important updates in 2023

The Essex Green Skills Summit held on 9 June 2023 saw a range of speakers from industry, education and other partners explore skills for a net-zero future and the launch of the Essex Green Skills Pledge. The latest up date can be found here.

The Planning Policy Position for Net Zero Carbon Development Homes and Buildings in Greater Essex was published in November 2023.

The Whole Life Carbon impact of a development is made up of carbon emissions from the operation or use of a home or building, and carbon emissions that are embodied in the materials, processes, and construction of a home or building. Links to the Policy Position and supporting studies are set out below.