Top tips

Making the most of your energy - turning good intentions into reality

Forward thinking local authorities can mainstream sustainable energy across their whole activities to develop a sustainable community. By developing a strategic energy vision local authorities can deliver sustainable energy in domestic housing, tackle road transport emissions in their communities and make use of renewable energy solutions.

Use our top tips to take action in your local authority and turn those good intentions into reality. Why not -

• Ask the chair of your planning committee to hold a briefing session for your councillors to update them on energy policy and how it impacts upon planning.
• Invite your council leader and political counterparts to visit a site where renewable energy or energy saving measures have been implemented.
• Get to know your council's PR or marketing team. They can provide you with advice on how best to communicate with your elected members and other key stakeholders.
• Ask your council leader to sign the Nottingham Declaration on climate change.

For more top tips and practical advice click on the links below:

- tackling road emissions in your community

- best practice in planning

- renewable energy in local communities

- developing a climate change strategy briefing note

- how to gain councillors' commitment to sustainable energy issues