Below you can find useful tools, resources and links designed to support town and parish councils in their response to the climate and ecological emergency.
Calculate the carbon footprint of your local area
Impact Community Carbon Calculator is an online tool created by the Centre for Sustainable Energy which helps estimate a community’s carbon footprint. It has been designed to work for parish wards, district councils and unitary authorities.
It helps identify the areas where taking action to tackle climate change can make the biggest difference in your town or parish.
Reduce emissions from your buildings
Carbon emissions from buildings can contribute significantly to climate change. Our Low Carbon Dorset team has created a step-by-step guide aimed at helping town and parish councils understand what steps they can take to reduce emissions from their buildings.
It also gives lots of advice on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures you could install, and real-life examples of communities who have already taken action.
Find out more information on the Low Carbon Dorset website.
Managing your greenspaces
Parks
Parks and recreational grounds are great for health and well-being, but did you know they could be used to provide heat for surrounding buildings too? Visit the Powering Parks website to learn how you can harvest low-carbon heat from your greenspaces.
Verges
There is a huge opportunity for verges to be managed more sympathetically to help compensate for the 97% reduction in UK wildflower meadows since the 1930s. Find out more about the council’s approach to verge management and how you could help support and adopt it in your area.
Tree planting
This is a great way to enhance the ecological value of your area. But remember, it’s always important to follow the "Right Tree, Right Place" principle when planting trees. Check out our tree planting checklist for advice on selecting and planting trees.
Staying informed
Help members of your organisation and community become Carbon Literate through training delivered by The Carbon Literacy Project.