Climate Action Guidance for Town & Parish Councils in Wealden
Practical steps, tools, and resources to reduce emissions and protect nature locally
Wealden Town and Parish Councils play a vital role in tackling the climate and nature emergency. By making informed decisions, councils can:
- Reduce emissions from council-owned buildings and services
- Improve energy efficiency across local facilities
- Support biodiversity and natural habitats
- Encourage sustainable practices within the community
Working in partnership with residents and community groups amplifies these efforts and ensures lasting impact across your parish or town.
20 Actions Councils Can Take
Friends of the Earth have identified 20 practical actions councils can adopt to address climate change and protect nature. These include strategies for transport, energy, biodiversity, and waste management.
Using Local Data to Inform Decisions
Data helps councils make better decisions. Friends of the Earth provide insights into Wealden-specific issues such as:
- Transport and travel habits
- Home insulation and energy use
- Fuel poverty
- Community engagement opportunities
This information helps councils prioritise areas for improvement and shape local climate and nature initiatives. You can Access the Wealden district data here
Community Carbon Calculator (Impact Tool)
The Impact Calculator, developed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy and the University of Exeter, gives councils and communities clear insights into where carbon emissions are highest locally.
It measures emissions across:
- Housing – energy use in homes
- Food & Diet – local consumption patterns
- Travel – transport choices and behaviour
- Waste – management of household and community waste
- Goods & Services – purchases by residents
Councils can use this tool to identify priorities and monitor progress in reducing emissions. Try the Community Carbon Calculator
Energy Efficiency for Councils
Many of the same energy-saving principles that help households can be applied to council buildings and operations. Key areas to focus on include:
- Heat loss and insulation – walls, roofs, floors, windows, doors
- Lighting and appliances – switch to LEDs and energy-efficient equipment
- Smart meters – track energy use in real time
- Renewable energy generation – solar panels, heat pumps, or biomass systems
There is lots of energy efficiency advice on our website. The Energy Saving Trust also provides tailored advice, guidance, and training to help councils implement low-carbon solutions effectively.
