Free events for local authorities

Reducing home energy use helps tackle fuel poverty, and cuts carbon emissions

Wednesday 10 September May 2025, 2pm

Our webinar will explore how community energy organisations can support and encourage home retrofit among residents who aren’t eligible for government grants. The event, from the Energy Learning Network, will feature presentations from pioneering local authorities, community groups, and sector experts including Energy Systems Catapult. Register now. 

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Adaptation Reporting Power

Thursday 18 September, 2pm

The next meeting of our adaptation network will focus on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Adaptation Reporting Power. The session will feature presentations from the department itself, as well as independent consultants and authorities in Warwickshire and North Tyneside. Register now. 

Free guided tour of Liverpool City Council’s Urban GreenUp Programme

Wednesday 1 October 

We have a few spaces remaining on our free guided tour of Liverpool City Council’s Urban GreenUp Programme. This multi-award winning initiative has grown resilience to flooding and heatwaves, raised air quality, and boosted biodiversity. It’s also engaged and connected the city’s communities – with faith groups empowered to play a leading role. Contact Matthew Ahluwalia for more information. 

Engaging stakeholders around nature-based solutions

Thursday 9 October 2025, 11am

On 9 October, authorities in North West England can join our latest Resilient Roots webinar. The workshop theme is engaging stakeholders around nature-based solutions. How do we win hearts and minds – of homeowners, contractors, decision-makers, communities, and others? Register now. 

Inspiring climate case studies  

We’re pleased to celebrate three UK winners of the 2025 Ashden Awards. You can discover their innovative work – which often includes partnership with local authorities – in our detailed case studies and inspiring films. 

• For more than a decade, Repowering London has enabled diverse communities across the capital to understand and enjoy the many benefits of clean energy, by putting people at the heart of the energy system. Find out more. 

• Cotality’s tools, data and services empower landlords, homeowners and local authorities to create energy–efficient homes. Creating impact at scale, Cotality is addressing one of the UK’s biggest climate challenges. Find out more. 

• Emergent Energy helps people in blocks of flats – including those on lower incomes – cut their bills through rooftop solar. Until now, this opportunity has largely been restricted to owners of larger, detached or semi-detached properties. Find out more. 

New Ashden programmes 

Autumn brings new Ashden programmes and projects – while our existing work goes from strength to strength.

Our latest initiatives include Community Energy GO – offering free, tailored support for community groups aiming to develop renewable energy or low-carbon projects. We’ll them shape their ideas, build confidence, and access expert guidance. Find out more. 

In Grimsby, we’re exploring new ways for people on low incomes to enjoy the benefits of solar energy. Energise Grimsby is developing a business model that can bring clean, affordable energy to social housing and rented properties, with no up-front cost for residents.  We’re working alongside local community group East Marsh United, as well as Create Streets, the University of York and local developer GY900 Ltd. Lessons from this work could create savings for up to 4.6 million low-income households across the UK.  

In the South of England, Climate Positive Bedfordshire is designing a vision and strategy that will empower the county to remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits by 2040. Collaboration across sectors and communities will be key – so this work includes mapping the many different organisations with a part to play.  It’s been funded by local stakeholder Green Future Investments Limited.  

Finally, we are continuing to offer mentorship opportunities through our Resilient Roots programme – bringing support and guidance to those delivering nature-based solutions in North-West England. With free access to three days of dedicated support from an expert in this area, participants will develop new skills, boost their confidence, expand their networks, and benefit from mentors’ knowledge and fresh perspectives. Learn more about the programme and this opportunity.