• Newham team named winner in the net zero
Newham Council adopted its Just Transition Plan in December 2023, making it the first local authority in the UK to do so.
The Just Transition Plan aims to address the climate emergency while ensuring a fairer and more equitable outcome for all residents, considering the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “This recognition reflects the fantastic work our teams are doing across the Council to embed climate action and sustainability into everything we do - ensuring that our transition to Net Zero is not only ambitious but also fair, just and inclusive.
“By placing equity at the heart of our climate action, we are addressing the disproportionate burdens faced by our most vulnerable residents, while building a more resilient, sustainable and thriving Newham for generations to come.”
Cllr John Whitworth, Cabinet Member for Air Quality and Climate Emergency said: “This is a fantastic recognition of this council’s trail blazing work to tackle climate change which is leading the national conversation on how local authorities can rise to the global challenge by delivering culture shift in a way that enhances the lives of our residents.”
Jacob Heitland, Newham Director of Climate Action said: “We’re beyond thrilled to have won this LGC award - it’s testament to the team, broader council, partners and community who continue to support and collaborate with us to deliver this crucial work enabling a just transition in Newham and beyond! And it feels important to be recognised for boldly approaching climate action from the lenses of equity and resilience - not just decarbonisation."
In recognising the work of Newham Just Transition team, the LGC judges called Newham’s approach: “(An) incredibly wide-ranging net zero delivery strategy driven through unique perspective, mainstreaming carbon reduction through tackling service challenges with really innovative thinking.
“This initiative is all about delivering local government’s cultural shift to net zero. Newham's Just Transition to Net Zero demonstrated a truly unique approach to delivering wide ranging climate change projects. The breadth of initiatives and integration across private sector and community partners delivered by a small team was underpinned by strong leadership and a clear problem-solving approach. An outstanding initiative that applied across all service areas with clear evidence of delivery and positive outcomes for residents and the environment at its heart.”
