Leicester (GB)

Leicester is a large city in the East Midlands with a population estimated at 285,100. It is the county town of Leicestershire, and is a self-governing unitary authority. By population, it is the 10th largest city in England, home to two universities and, during term time over 12% of Leicester’s population are students. Leicester’s history goes back to the Iron Age; it is one of the oldest towns in England and achieved City status in 1919. In 1990, Leicester was designated the UK’s first Environment City, and won the European Sustainable City Award in 1996. Leicester has a large ethnic minority population, mainly from the Indian subcontinent and is considered to be one of the most multicultural cities in England.

Websites:
www.leicester.gov.uk
www.leicester.gov.uk/climatechange
www.leicester.gov.uk/environment-planning.asp

Our LIEF

In the Forum all local actors work together and develop a Sustainable Energy Action Plan. Its idea is the cooperation of as many partners as possible in order to have various inputs which have an influence on the work of the Forum.

Items	Documents
LIEF composition	Composition
LIEF meeting minutes & protocols
LIEF working methods / internal rules
Main achievements / benefits	Implemented 1. Establishment of Forum (“Climate Change Programme Board”) 2. Development of scheme called “Climate Change – What’s Your Plan” – so far, 30 local businesses have been assisted to develop their own Climate Change Action Plans 3. Three main local conferences / events for businesses on environmental issues, including launch of “Greening the Laughs” Planned 1. Update of 2003 Climate Change Strategy and new Action Plans 2. Wider roll-out of Climate Change – What’s Your Plan scheme (target of engaging a further 50 business by the end of 2009) 3. Extension of “Greening the Laughs” project, engaging organisations involved in the comedy industry in environmental issues. To date, 10 venues have received environmental surveys; plan to engage with remaining 50 by 2010
Evaluation

Our Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP)

It marks the main work of the Forum. Its aim is to bring sustainability into the city by formulating an action plan which was developed by all local actors which took part in the Forum.

Items	Documents
Action Plan(s)	SEAP global SEAP 2007
Sectors covered	- Energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste, transport, council and city-wide greenhouse gas emissions, procurement, water, sustainable buildings. - Domestic, business and commercial / industrial sectors
Main actions / projects foreseen	Shining example
Targets in % or absolute figures	50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2025 based on 1990 levels

Communication and dissemination material

This part describes the way how the communities promote the actions concerning BELIEF. It aims at informing a wider public in order to raise awareness on sustainable development among them.
Furthermore it is the most visible part of the project for the citizens and should not be underestimated.

Items	Documents
Press releases
Websites
Leaflets and brochures
Newsletters
Posters
Documents related to the organisation of local events such as exhibitions, conferences, etc.

Implementation

Implementation means further results of the BELIEF project, which are fixed by the adoption of local regulations and the signature of local voluntary commitments / agreements.

Items	Documents
Local regulations adopted
Voluntary commitments / agreements signed