Programme

If you are interested in joining the speaker panel, please contact:

Bhavya Singh
020 3953 2442
Bhavya.Singh@emap.com

08:30 – 09:00

Registration & Networking

09:00 – 09:05

Chair’s Opening Remarks

Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle

09:05 – 09:30

Opening keynote: Great British Energy

Discover the vision behind Great British Energy and its role in driving the UK’s transition to sustainable energy. This keynote addresses strategy, impact, and the future of Britain’s energy landscape.

  • Exploring the vision and strategy behind Great British Energy.
  • Examining its role in the UK’s transition to sustainable energy.

Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle

09:30 – 10:15

Panel discussion: Green growth: myth or reality?

This panel explores the financial realities, policy impact, and whether investments are truly driving change or just greenwashing the status quo.

  • Balancing immediate funding with long-term financial strategies for green growth.
  • Assessing if policies and investments drive real impact or greenwashing.

Speakers confirmed:

Victoria Jeffrey , Head of Climate Action & Sustainability, Sutton LBC

Cllr Julian Dean , Green Party: Senior Local Government Political Adviser, Shropshire Council

Lorna Pimlott , Managing Director, Local Authority Advisory and Lending, National Wealth Fund

Sam Kennedy , Director: Environment & Climate Action, Essex County Council

Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle

10:15-10:45

Morning refreshments and networking break

11:15 – 12:00

Panel discussion: Confronting the inevitable EV transformations in the near future

With this panel will address the need and challenges for into a future of EV travel and transport planning, and the role of devolution Combined Authorities in EV adoption, while assessing the feasibility of hydrogen as a potential alternative fuel.

  • Preparing for the shift to EVs and its challenges.
  • Devolution and the future of nation-wide transport planning
  • Managing the challenges of an airport

 

Speakers confirmed:

Mark Fletcher , EV Lead, London Councils

Cllr Jules Crossley , Portfolio Holder Policy, Climate and Sustainability, Rushmoor Borough Council

Miltyanna Antone , Parking policy officer, Lewisham LBC

Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle

Panel discussion: Time to LAEP-making localised energy plans a reality

This session will discuss what is the value of developing a local area energy plan (LAEP) to deliver net zero targets more effectively at the regional level while providing answers to the following action areas:

  • How do you go about it?
  • Long-term vision: energy plans essentials for GB energy.
  • Short-term actions: breaking the dream vision into 4–5-year actionable plans


Speakers confirmed:

Fiona Brazill, Head of Proposition for Sustainability and Net Zero, Capita Public Services

Debbie Cadwell , Climate Commissioner, Belfast City Council

George Lee, Project Manager, North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub

Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle

12:00 - 12:20

Sponsor showcase

Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle

Sponsor showcase

Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle

12:25 - 12:45

Sponsor showcase

Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle

Sponsor showcase

Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle

12:45 - 14:00

Networking lunch

14:00 - 14:45

Panel discussion: Enabling Net Zero-friendly procurement practises

In this session we will inspect sustainable purchasing strategies, policy innovation, and how councils can leverage the Procurement Act 2023 to overcome barriers and embed Net Zero into decision-making.

  • Driving sustainable procurement through policy and innovation.
  • Overcoming barriers to Net Zero-aligned purchasing decisions.
  • How can councils use the Procurement Act 2023?

 

Speakers confirmed:

Trevor Nicoll , Director of Operations, St Helens Council

Annie Pickering , Operations Director, Climate Emergency UK

Shanika Mahendran , Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Milton Keynes City Council

Natalie Evans , Head of Responsible Procurement and Supplier Relationship Management, Westminster City Council

Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle

Panel discussion: Greening the housing stock amidst housing crisis

With panel discussion we will learn to strive the balance between affordability and sustainability, innovative retrofitting solutions, and the importance of place-based approaches to meet local needs.

  • Balancing the need for affordable housing with sustainability goals.
  • Exploring innovative solutions for retrofitting and green building practices
  • Place based retrofit: tailoring plans to meet local needs

 

Speakers confirmed:

Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive,  UK100

Cllr Scott Patient , Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Action and Housing, Calderdale MBC

Helen Burridge , HCCSP manager, Herts Climate Change & Sustainability Partnership

Victor Equere , Climate Programme Manager, Pendle BC

Chair: Caitlin Webb , head of content, Local Government Chronicle

14:45 – 15:10

Sponsor showcase

Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle

Sponsor showcase

Chair: Caitlin Webb , head of content, Local Government Chronicle

15:10 - 15:25

Networking-refreshment break

15:25 - 16:00

Information Xchange – Find your Tribe!

Reality check for Net Zero targets and various areas of focus:

  1. Waste, recycling, and awareness
  2. Scope 3 emissions
  3. Rural transport
  4. Heat networks
  5. Net Zero capacity building

Speakers confirmed:

Ella Sanders , Engagement Lead – Heat Networks, North West Net Zero Hub

Alex Rathmell , Local Net Zero Accelerator Programme Lead, Greater South East Net Zero Hub

Chair: Sarah Calkin , editor, Local Government Chronicle

16:00 - 16:25

Case study

Speaker confirmed:

Diane Neville, Principal Planning Policy Officer, Lancaster City Council

Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle

16:25- 16:55

Closing keynote: Local Government - Playing a Leading Role on Net Zero

This closing keynote explores the leadership and delivery roles for LAs on-climate change.

Speaker confirmed:

Tom Stannard , Chief Executive, Manchester City Council

Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle

16:55

Chair’s closing remarks. End of conference.

Chair: Martin George , deputy editor, Local Government Chronicle