|
|
|
|
|
Read on for updates and info about... |
|
- Our first Schools Sustainability Conference
- Clean Air Day celebrations
- A visit from UK Gov departments to our community solar panels
- Place-based climate partnerships at London Climate Action Week
- Opportunity to participate in a national climate relay on 4 July
- Our new activity booklet for children and young people on air pollution
- Chance to win £100 by completing a survey from Groundwork London
|
|
|
|
We held our first Schools Sustainability Conference |
|
On 22 May, we joined up with Violet Otieno, Headteacher at Keir Hardie Primary School, to host teachers from across the borough at Newham’s first Schools Sustainability Conference. Held at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability at the University of East London, the conference brought together a wide range of speakers from leading organisations in the climate sector such as Ashden, Green Schools Project, Earth Cubs, Groundwork and Asthma+Lung UK to discuss what actions schools can take on health, energy, food, air quality and curriculum. We also heard an inspiring and passionate presentation from Star Primary School pupils on the climate action they are taking in and outside the classroom. |
|
|
|
Celebrating Clean Air Day - 20 June |
|
On Clean Air Day, 20 June, we held five clean air awareness events across the borough, engaging with residents and colleagues and establishing new collaborations to together build a powerful case for action for cleaner air in our borough. Activities at Tollgate Medical Centre included free bike mechanic checks from Dr Bike, information about local walking and cycling groups, and a hands-on lesson about asthma for pupils at Ellen Wilkinson Primary School. Other events at Forest Gate Library, Catherine Road Community Centre, Green Street Library and Beckton Library raised awareness of the causes of air pollution and its effects on the environment and human health and promoted the Air Aware online web tool which shares real-time maps, news and advice on air pollution. You can access the tool here. |
|
|
|
|
Royal Docks recognised at London Climate Action Week |
|
Newham Council’s Director of Climate Action, Jacob Heitland, joined a panel at Reset Connect, the UK’s leading net zero event, during London Climate Action Week to discuss how the Royal Docks is becoming an exemplar of place-based climate action. Home to a wide range of businesses and communities, the Royal Docks has an opportunity to lead by example when it comes to promoting and embodying a green transition that is just, ambitious and collaborative. Members of the Royal Docks Sustainability Network are keen to work in partnership to accelerate a just transition in Newham. This will be achieved through mutual, long-term commitment to efforts by the Members involved, and the support of both the Mayors of Newham and London, with London’s first ‘Climate Agreement’ launching next month – watch this space! |
|
|
|
UK Gov department visits our community solar panels |
|
|
Repowering London’s solar installation at East Ham Library caught the attention of the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who visited on 6 June to learn about how Newham is embracing community energy. Alongside a rooftop visit and an introduction to the Repowering-LBN collaboration, the visitors were able to learn about the 187 panels on the East Ham Library roof will reduce council bills by nearly £900 and prevent 11 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, which is the equivalent to decarbonising 21 London houses. The solar installation came at zero cost to the council thanks to the innovative Repowering model. |
|
|
Newham Goes High-Tech: Environmental Sensors to Boost Healthy Homes |
|
|
We're installing cutting-edge environmental sensors in two blocks in West Ham as part of a trial to enhance data collection in our social homes. These sensors will provide real-time insights into humidity and air quality, helping us tackle issues more accurately and ensure healthier homes for everyone. Stay tuned for updates on this innovative project! |
|
|
|
Join the climate action relay in Newham - Thurs 4 July |
|
Running Out of Time, a climate action relay from Ben Nevis to Big Ben will be passing through Newham for the second year in a row on Thursday 4 July, undertaking an extraordinary 2,436 km journey through 50 cities and towns. The Relay aims to raise awareness, inspire action, and celebrate great climate work across the country. In Newham, the relay starts at Queen Elizabeth Park, passing through The Line, stopping at and visiting community projects and wakeboarding from the University East London Docklands Campus to the Royal Docks. It is free to participate – sign up using this link. We hope to see you there! |
|
|
|
|
Activities for children and young people in our Travel Journal |
|
To coincide with Clean Air Day, we collaborated with local artist Somang Lee to launch our ‘Travel Journal’, an activity booklet which educates children and young people of the importance of protecting our local environment and green spaces, addressing climate change, and tackling issues related to air pollution. Alongside Somang’s illustrations, the journal encourages mindfulness and empowers children to connect with and protect our natural environment. It guides them to notice things around them and understand how small everyday actions can make a significant difference in the future. You can view, download and print the journal here. |
|
|
|
|
Survey about climate learning hubs - deadline 30 June |
|
Groundwork London, a community and environmental charity are running a research and engagement programme in collaboration with the council to explore if there is interest in creating centres for environmental action and learning in Newham, and what these might best look like.
They want to hear the views of the community, so if you live or work in Newham, please share your thoughts by completing the 10-min survey here. All completed surveys will be entered into a random prize draw with the opportunity to win a £100, £50 or £25 voucher. |
|
|
|
|
Free Energy Efficiency Improvements to Your Home |
|
|
If you own or rent a home in Newham and your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G (you can check your EPC here) you could be eligible for fully funded improvement works such as insulation (loft, wall, floor), new heaters, air source heat pump and more through the government’s ECO4 or Great British Insulation schemes.
To apply, get more information or to check if you are eligible, contact Repowering London at futurefithomes@repowering.org.uk or call 020 3674 7519. The friendly team will walk you through the whole process and advise if you are eligible. |
|
|
Funding for Voluntary and Community Groups to Lower Bills |
|
Voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations can apply for a slice of a £25.5 million pot of government funding to improve their energy efficiency and lower their bills. If you are interested, apply by August 2024 via the link here. |
|
|
If you’d like to share an achievement, event or funding opportunity in a future newsletter, contact us at Climate.Action@newham.gov.uk
If you’ve been forwarded this newsletter by a friend or colleague, you can sign up to receive future editions here. |
|
|
Follow us on social media |
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2024 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
|
|
Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
