Suffolk Climate Change Partnership Named Finalist in APSE Energy & DESNZ Awards 2026

The Suffolk Climate Change Partnership (SCCP) has been announced as a finalist in the 2026 APSE Energy Awards, supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), in the highly competitive Working in Collaboration category.

This recognition highlights the strength, scale, and impact of SCCP’s collaborative approach – bringing together all Suffolk local authorities, public bodies, businesses, schools, community organisations and residents to accelerate progress towards Suffolk’s shared ambition of achieving a Sustainable Suffolk.

For over a decade, SCCP has provided a trusted, county‑wide platform for shared learning, joint project delivery, and coordinated action across the climate and energy agenda. Through combined annual contributions of £175,000 from Suffolk’s local authorities, and the successful leveraging of more than £17 million in external funding, the partnership has built a dedicated team delivering outcomes at scale.

SCCP’s submission, Collaboration in Action – The Suffolk Story, showcases a diverse portfolio of countywide initiatives and successes that demonstrate the power of partnership.

Working with businesses:

• Support provided to 2,700+ businesses to improve energy efficiency.
• Identified £3.23 million in savings and 18,528 tonnes CO₂ potential annual reductions.
• Net Zero Suffolk Consultancy service delivering tailored decarbonisation support to 800 organisations.

Supporting Schools & Education Providers:

• Establishment of the Suffolk Sustainable Schools Network, now engaging over 150 schools, colleges and trusts.
• Free energy audits identifying £712,000 in savings and 1,287 tonnes CO₂ reductions.
• Teacher training, sustainability conferences, and outreach benefiting 100+ education staff.
• The annual Youth Climate Conference, attended by 550 students so far, connecting young people with industry experts and community organisations.

Empowering Residents & Communities:

• Creation of the Suffolk Community Network (160+ groups) and the Suffolk Community Energy Network (28 villages).
• Keep the Heat thermal imaging project enabling 1,818 home surveys, with 63% of households taking action to improve energy efficiency.
• Over £1 million in funding unlocked for community-led climate projects since 2023.

Driving Innovation and Shared Learning:

• Quarterly best-practice forums, site visits, and joint training sessions strengthening cross‑authority collaboration.
• A partnership-owned 30kWp solar PV array supporting research at the University of Suffolk.
• A new Climate Adaptation Officer working in collaboration with the Suffolk Resilience Partnership.

The APSE Energy Awards recognised SCCP for its strong governance, measurable impact, commitment to long-term climate resilience, and – crucially – its ability to unite partners across sectors to deliver more than any single organisation could achieve alone.

Emma Dixon, Suffolk Climate Change Partnership Manager, said:

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised as finalists. Our work shows what’s possible when councils, communities, schools, businesses and public sector partners come together with a shared purpose. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and this nomination is a testament to the dedication of all our partners across Suffolk.”

Councillor Gerald Kelly, Chair of the Suffolk Councils’ Environment Portfolio Holders’ Group, said:

“Being named a finalist is a fantastic recognition of the strength and maturity of partnership working in Suffolk. The Suffolk Climate Change Partnership continues to demonstrate what is possible when local authorities join forces with communities, schools, businesses and public sector organisations to deliver meaningful climate action.

This nomination reflects the dedication of countless teams and individuals across the county who are working tirelessly to reduce emissions, support our residents, and build a more resilient future. I am proud of the collaborative spirit that defines our work in Suffolk, and this acknowledgement reinforces our shared commitment.”

Winners will be announced at the APSE BIG Energy Summit Awards Dinner on 24 February 2026 in Birmingham.