Southwark (GB)

The London Borough of Southwark has long recognised that it has a key role to play in reducing carbon emissions from energy use. The municipality is a major landlord and manages around half of all the homes in Southwark. But it can also tackle carbon emissions through its plans for major development schemes throughout Southwark.

There have already been some successes. Southwark has pioneered the use of alternative fuels for transport, and currently has a fleet of 70 vehicles running on 20% biodiesel blend. The fuel is sourced from reclaimed vegetable oil from catering businesses. The local energy agency established a London-wide solar thermal funding scheme for residents, and the municipality has installed solar thermal systems in whole streets of its own properties.

But Southwark now needs a coherent action plan to reduce carbon emissions across all sectors of the community. It also needs a cross-sector Forum to help drive forward this action plan.

Website:
www.southwark.gov.uk

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
LIEF meeting minutes & protocols
LIEF working methods / internal rules
Main achievements / benefits	Implemented 1. Establishment of new LIEF "Southwark Sustainable Environment Partnership" (SSEP). Existing LIEF remains as a network of voluntary groups, NGOs and neighbourhood based groups (and can send 2 members to represent them on the new partnership) 2. New building performance standards adopted - Dwellings built on council owned land must achieve 44% improvement in energy/emissions performance above national building standards. Other new-build dwellings must achieve 25% improvement above national building standards. New developments must prioritise connection to existing local district heat networks (to promote CHP/district heating) 3. A number of active "neighbourhood" based groups established to work with their neighbours to reduce their carbon emissions (e.g. Peckham "Carbon Rationing Action Group", Dulwich "Going Greener", Peckham Power Company (grouping together to implement domestic renewable schemes). Planned 1. Development of new "Climate Change Partnership" for the top 200 energy using commercial and public sector. This new partnership will be represented on the SSEP (above) 2. Work with partners in the voluntary sector (and local groups) to promote a comprehensive "Southwark Warmer Homes" scheme. This will deliver grants, funding, advice and interest free loans for domestic energy efficiency. Scheme to provide a service for all sectors of domestic market: a. Those on benefits b. Those able to pay 3. CHP/district heating based strategies for regeneration schemes: a. Redevelopment of Aylesbury Estate (demolition of 2,750 home social estate to provide 5,000 new dwellings) b. Canada Water - mixed use development (largely private sector) in the north of the borough
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 Climate Change Strategy report Climate Change Strategy Partners Actions
Sectors covered	- Domestic - social and private - Commercial buildings - Other public sector - Transport - Procurement (for larger organisations)
Main actions / projects foreseen	Shining example
Targets in % or absolute figures	- Short term target: 8.5% reduction over 3 years (April 08 - March 2011) - Long term target: 80% reduction in CO2 by 2050 (based on 2005 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	Sustainable Design & Construction
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