One of the key priorities of the Council Plan is to tackle climate change and support the council to become a net zero local authority by 2030.
So if you want to step up and support our sustainability efforts, the Energy and Sustainability team are recruiting now for colleagues to volunteer to become Climate Champions.
What it means to be a Climate Champion:
As a Climate Champion, you’ll play a vital role in supporting sustainability efforts across North Ayrshire. You’ll be encouraged to:
- Actively support local sustainability and climate action initiatives
- Share your ideas, get involved in community projects, and inspire others to take action
- Develop and communicate your passion for climate change and sustainability with colleagues and the wider community
Time Commitment and Involvement:
- Flexible involvement that fits around your existing schedule
- Opportunities to contribute online or in person at local events and initiatives
Why It Matters:
By becoming a Climate Champion, you’ll directly contribute to the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy (2024–2027) by:
- Educating and supporting your team and local communities
- Promoting sustainable initiatives and helping to drive behaviour change
- Acting as a key contact for feedback, helping shape ongoing development
- Supporting North Ayrshire’s Biodiversity and Nature Restoration Plans by encouraging local engagement and using your knowledge to help restore and protect nature
Benefits of Joining:
- Gain valuable experience and skills, including the opportunity to become Carbon Literate, certified by the Carbon Literacy Trust
- Join a growing community of environmental advocates working for positive change
- Be recognised for your contributions to sustainability and climate action
Melanie Burt, Policy, Performance & Elections Assistant is one such colleague who has taken the leap to become a Climate Champion and is hopeful that others will have the passion, focus and inspiration to do the same.
She shares: “I’ve always loved being outdoors in nature and recently attended a discussion about nature corridors for pollinators and joined the Bioblitz survey at Eglinton Park.
“I was inspired by the amount of work currently undertaken by colleagues in relation to nature and the environment, and so becoming a Climate Champion is my own small contribution and gives me the opportunity to learn so much more.”
Become a climate champion!
It’s easy to sign up – simply email: EnergyandSustainability@north-ayrshire.gov.uk to express your interest, request more information, or join the mailing list.
Robert concludes: “Together, we can make a real difference for North Ayrshire and our planet, so why not be part of the eco action?”
North Ayrshire Council’s climate change priority is achieving net zero emissions by 2030 following our declaration of a climate emergency in 2019.
This goal is pursued through the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy (2024-2027), which focuses on five key workstreams and nine strategic priorities, including developing low-carbon infrastructure, supporting active travel, improving energy efficiency, fostering community-led carbon change and expanding nature networks like planting pollinator habitats.
“We are excited to have 13 colleagues signed up already to be part of the Climate Champions network right across a range of council services, but, we can’t do this important work alone! In short, Climate Champions are the living extension of the Sustainability Team’s mission — driving awareness, enabling action, and fostering a community built on shared environmental responsibility.”Robert Graham, Energy Awareness Officer
