Exmouth Town Council is delighted to announce that it has won the prestigious National Association of Local Councils Climate Response of the Year 2024 award, presented at the House of Lords in February 2025.

The award was presented at the House of Lords to Zoey Cooper (Climate Officer) on Tuesday, 25th February 2025, in recognition of the council’s exceptional commitment and innovative approach to tackling climate change at a local level. The award was sponsored by Facilitating the Future, an organisation dedicated to supporting sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives.

Exmouth Town Council was one of five outstanding finalists shortlisted for this national accolade, alongside Chippenham Town Council (Wiltshire), Falmouth Town Council (Cornwall), Godalming Town Council (Surrey), and West Monkton Parish Council (Somerset). The strong competition highlights the growing commitment of town and parish councils across the country to taking meaningful action in response to the climate emergency.

Exmouth Town Council’s Award-Winning Climate Initiatives

The award was based on a comprehensive submission detailing Exmouth Town Council’s innovative climate and nature response strategies, which are detailed in its Climate Action Plan

• Community-Led Climate Action – The council worked closely with residents, businesses, and environmental groups to create a collaborative approach to sustainability, with a growing number of ‘Green Team’ volunteers.
• Waste Reduction – Continued support and promotion of the Exmouth Reusable Cup Scheme; promotion of reusable hygiene products and real nappies; installation of cigarette butt ballot bins.
• Diet Change Stops Climate Change! Ongoing support for the Exmouth-version of the Plant Based Treaty, with film events and vegan bring & shares.
• Biodiversity Enhancement – Initiatives such as tree planting, rainwater harvesting, dedicated wildflower areas, sedum bus shelter roofs and improved green spaces have helped boost biodiversity and create a more sustainable local environment.
• Sustainable Transport Initiatives – Support for low-emission transport options, events to encourage active travel and research into influencing behaviour change have contributed to reducing carbon emissions within the town.
• Renewable Energy Projects – The council facilitated renewable energy schemes, including solar panel installations on public buildings and sponsored retrofit audits, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Climate Education and Engagement – A commitment to raising awareness and educating the community about climate change through events, decarbonising the Exmouth Festival, workshops and school partnerships.

Chair of Exmouth Town Council, Councillor Joe Whibley, commented:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition for our efforts in addressing the climate and nature emergency. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Councillors, staff, and the local community. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we will continue striving to make Exmouth a greener, more resilient town for future generations. I would also like to thank Zoey Cooper, Exmouth Town Council’s Climate Officer, whose dedication and leadership have been instrumental in driving forward the council’s sustainability agenda.”

The NALC Climate Response of the Year award celebrates the efforts of local councils that have demonstrated leadership and innovation in tackling climate change. By winning this prestigious award, Exmouth Town Council has set an inspiring example for other communities across the UK. In her acceptance speech Zoey Cooper urged all town and parish councils to put climate and nature first; to hire a Climate Officer; to “lean on and learn from” their community groups and to seize the devolution opportunity to ask their town what a good life looks like. And with their town, to make that good life happen.

Everyone at DALC would like to say a huge congratulations to Exmouth Town Council on their well-deserved win! This is absolutely fantastic news and we’re so glad to see one of Devon’s councils winning at the NALC Star Council Awards.

If your council has achieved something you’re proud of then please do share by emailing enquiries@devonalc.org.uk.