Calderdale Council wins climate leadership award

Emissions programme has been recognised for its excellence, emphasising how impact at a local level can push national progress. 

The West Yorkshire authority’s Zero Carbon Calderdale initiative has been crowned winner of the Leadership in Responding to the Climate Emergency award at last week’s The MJ Awards. 

The council had previously participated in the UK100 Climate Leadership Academy, and is delivering its programme as part of the wider UK100 Local Power In Action project. 

Calderdale was particularly commended for the use of extensive consultations, aligning effort to deal with the climate crisis and reduce inequality in the area through the creation of ‘thriving places’.

We are so proud of all our teams who work on climate action and nature. It’s fantastic to be recognised for all our collaborative work with UK100 and partners across Calderdale, including our amazing voluntary sector and beyond,’ said Cllr Scott Patient, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing and Deputy Leader at Calderdale Council.

‘This work transcends party politics or borders! Zero Carbon Calderdale is a testament to the power of community engagement and political will in tackling the climate emergency,’ he continued. ‘This award isn’t just a win for Calderdale Council, it’s a win for every resident, business, and organisation that has contributed to our journey towards Net Zero. It shows that when we work together, local action can have a significant impact on the national stage.’

The MJ Awards celebrate the best of local government innovation, planning, management and more across the UK. You can find a full list of this year’s winners here. 

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Image: Josh Kirk