environment

• Councils need guidance to deliver electric vehicle infrastructure

  Electric vehicles have potential, but ensuring the infrastructure is available to support them is critical. Andy King, director of energy at Sweco, explains.

  

• Whitehall launches tool to measure air pollution

  The Government’s public health body has launched a new tool to help councils calculate the potential costs of air pollution.

  

• Council chiefs call for ‘sufficient’ funding to implement clean air strategy

  Local authority leaders have warned new air quality plans can only be successful if they are supported by ‘local flexibility and sufficient funding’.

  

• Cardiff considering £26.5m scheme to reduce carbon emissions

  Cardiff Council are considering a £26.5m scheme which could heat public and commercial buildings across the city using non-recyclable waste.

  

• Recycling scheme to tackle plastic bottle waste

  Environment secretary Michael Gove today announced a new deposit return scheme to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.

  

• Think tank outlines priorities for Sheffield's metro mayor

  The new mayor of Sheffield City Region should quickly introduce a ‘clean air charge’ when they take office, address skills gaps and bolster commercial centres, according to a think tank.

  

• Official guidance barely ‘scrapes surface’ of air quality crisis

  Official air quality guidance directs councils to focus on buses rather than the more serious sources of air pollution, campaigners warn.

  

• Councils welcome Government proposals to fine fly-tippers

  Local authorities have welcomed the Government’s pledge to provide them with the powers to do more to tackle illegal waste and fly-tipping.

  

• Only five councils bid for electric car charge points funding

  Only five councils have applied for funding to buy and install electric car charging points, the Government has revealed.

  

• Charity publishes new guidelines for ‘nature-friendly’ developments

  A charity dedicated to the protection of wildlife has published a set of guidelines to help local authorities build nature-friendly housing developments.