01 Explore

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 2022 – includes a dedicated award for Climate Action and also progress towards zero carbon sponsored by the Essex Climate Action Commission.

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.


Key information

Carbon Net Zero Viability Study, Three Dragons – August 2022

ECAC / EDG Climate Action Charter – June 2022 

Advice Packs (Residents, Businesses & Schools) – May 2022

Headline outcomes from Cop26, Glasgow

Essex Green Skills Infrastructure Review, Mace – March 2022

Essex Climate Action Commission Report: Net Zero – Making Essex Carbon Neutral – July 2021

Case studies

Chelmsford Net Zero Learning Dissemination – November 2022

Current Sub Groups:

  • Chair of EDG
    Mark Curle
  • Head of Planning & Sustainable Development
    Graham Thomas
  • Director, Willmott Dixon
    Richard Davidson
  • Strategy Coordinator EDG
    Alastair Pollock
03 Latest Climate Action News
‘Green-up’ your credentials for free with new qualifications from ACL Essex
02/03/23

‘Green-up’ your credentials for free with new qualifications from ACL Essex

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Essex Housing Awards 2022 announces winners
04/11/22

Essex Housing Awards 2022 announces winners

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Lower Thames Crossing Carbon Academy at heart of plans to futureproof skills
14/10/22

Lower Thames Crossing Carbon Academy at heart of plans to futureproof skills

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Essex Housing Awards 2022 to culminate in awards ceremony
14/10/22

Essex Housing Awards 2022 to culminate in awards ceremony

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Essex Housing Excellence Awards shortlist announced
28/07/22

Essex Housing Excellence Awards shortlist announced

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Essex Developers Group launch their Climate Action Charter making a commitment to become zero carbon by 2030.
07/06/22

Essex Developers Group launch their Climate Action Charter making a commitment to become zero carbon by 2030.

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Essex’s best in housing to be celebrated at annual ceremony
25/05/22

Essex’s best in housing to be celebrated at annual ceremony

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CHP publish a Sustainable Financing Framework
10/05/22

CHP publish a Sustainable Financing Framework

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Net zero carbon homes delivered at Saxon Gardens, Southend-on-Sea City Council
10/05/22

Net zero carbon homes delivered at Saxon Gardens, Southend-on-Sea City Council

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Work underway on new affordable housing scheme in Chelmsford
10/05/22

Work underway on new affordable housing scheme in Chelmsford

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