Seven new specialists have joined the Kirklees Climate Commission to help drive climate action across the district.  

The Kirklees Climate Commission (KCC) is an independent advocate driving fair, innovative and effective climate change action within the Kirklees district. It provides advice and services to help the district adapt to a rapidly changing climate while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with national commitments. 

The Commissioners are unpaid volunteers who bring a wealth of experience and expertise from a variety of backgrounds. They work closely with Kirklees Council and the University of Huddersfield to provide independent advice and services to local households, groups and businesses. 

Professor Peter Roberts, chair of the Kirklees Climate Commission, says: "I am delighted to welcome our new Commissioners. They bring with them a wealth of skills and experience that will benefit KCC as well as the residents and businesses of Kirklees. 

"KCC is an ambitious and purposeful organisation that recognises the importance of taking action on climate change. Our new colleagues can help us to meet our ambitions."

The new Commissioners are: 

• Tim Chapman runs Othersfield Sustainable Communications, a public relations consultancy focusing on low-carbon technologies and the energy sector. He has 28 years' experience in business journalism and communications, including 15 years at the University of Sheffield's manufacturing research centres. He lives in Huddersfield.  
• Richard Clifton worked for 16 years as an independent carbon verifier within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, auditing carbon emissions from brick and glass production as well as non-industrial sites such as universities. He previously spent 30 years in the heavy clay industry at Hepworth Building Products. 
• Christopher Morgan is chief editor at Kirklees Local Television, a grassroots social enterprise and media production company which showcases the best of what the region has to offer, from business to entertainment. Chris has 10 years' experience in multimedia production, and lives in Huddersfield. 
• Beatrice Neumann is head of skills and industry engagement at Screen Yorkshire, and leads courses on sustainability management for the International Screen Institute. She has 22 years' experience in the film industry, and lives in Meltham.  [Beatrice to check]
• Shahana Adeeb is a supply chain professional with diverse qualifications in life sciences, chemistry, law, education, logistics and supply chain management. Her international career spans social service, voluntary initiatives, mentoring, teaching, corporate environments, and academic research. She lives in Huddersfield. 
• Dave Wilde is countryside officer for Denby Dale Parish Council, focusing on increasing biodiversity in the parish and beyond by working with community voluntary groups and schools. As a specialist in raising awareness of sustainable development, he recognises the importance of integrating environmental projects with people and prosperity. 
• Jialin (Snow) Wu is a reader at Huddersfield Business School and director of the SURGE (Sustainability, Responsibility, Governance, and Ethics) research centre. A passionate advocate for climate resilience, she integrates behavioural science, social psychology, and digitalisation to drive sustainability solutions. She lives in Huddersfield. 

The seven join 15 existing Commissioners who have driven work since 2021. KCC has already completed initial projects related to major infrastructure and community energy issues, and developed material to help organisations understand the implications of climate change. 

The Commission is now preparing to increase its activities to provide more practical support to businesses and communities across Kirklees. 

Current projects include support for the Lottery-funded Energy Neighbours programme to tackle fuel poverty and help improve the energy efficiency of up to 400 homes across Kirklees, and work to reduce energy costs for community buildings such as social clubs and sports centres. 

Priorities for the year include helping schools and businesses to monitor and manage their emissions, increasing the take up of energy-efficient retrofitting in social housing, and developing a business affiliate scheme to help firms meet the carbon challenge. 

The Commissioners also met with Kirklees Council at the end of February to discuss the Council's updated Local Plan which will shape development across the district.