By KLTV Newsdesk –

The Kirklees Climate Commission (KCC) has expanded its team with the appointment of seven new specialists, reinforcing its commitment to tackling climate change across the district.

As an independent advocate for fair, innovative, and effective climate action, the KCC provides expert advice and services to help the district adapt to a rapidly changing climate while working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with national commitments.

The Commissioners, who are unpaid volunteers, come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the Commission. They work closely with Kirklees Council and the University of Huddersfield, offering independent guidance and services to local households, community groups, and businesses.

Professor Peter Roberts, Chair of the Kirklees Climate Commission, expressed enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating:

“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.”

Meet the New Commissioners

• Tim Chapman – Founder of Othersfield Sustainable Communications, a PR consultancy specialising in low-carbon technologies and the energy sector. With 28 years of experience in business journalism and communications, he has also worked with the University of Sheffield’s manufacturing research centres. He resides in Huddersfield.
• Richard Clifton – An independent carbon verifier with 16 years’ experience within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, auditing carbon emissions across various industries. He previously worked in the heavy clay industry at Hepworth Building Products for 30 years.
• Christopher Morgan – Chief Editor at Kirklees Local Television, a grassroots social enterprise and media production company. With a decade of experience in multimedia production, he is dedicated to showcasing the best of the Kirklees region. He lives in Huddersfield.
• Beatrice Neumann – Head of Skills and Industry Engagement at Screen Yorkshire, leading sustainability management courses for the International Screen Institute. She has 22 years’ experience in the film industry and lives in Meltham.
• Shahana Adeeb – A supply chain professional with an extensive background in life sciences, chemistry, law, education, logistics, and supply chain management. Her international career spans social services, voluntary initiatives, mentoring, teaching, corporate environments, and academic research. She lives in Huddersfield.
• Dave Wilde – Countryside Officer for Denby Dale Parish Council, focused on increasing biodiversity and sustainability through collaboration with community groups and schools. He specialises in integrating environmental projects with social and economic prosperity.
• Jialin (Snow) Wu – A Reader at Huddersfield Business School and Director of the SURGE (Sustainability, Responsibility, Governance, and Ethics) research centre. Passionate about climate resilience, she applies behavioural science, social psychology, and digitalisation to drive sustainability solutions. She resides in Huddersfield.

Expanding Climate Action Across Kirklees

The seven new appointees join the 15 existing Commissioners who have been driving climate action since KCC’s establishment in 2021. The Commission has already delivered projects focusing on major infrastructure and community energy challenges, along with materials to help organisations understand and respond to climate change.

With its strengthened team, KCC is set to expand its activities to offer further practical support to businesses and communities across Kirklees.

Current initiatives include backing the Lottery-funded Energy Neighbours programme, aimed at tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency in up to 400 homes across the district. The Commission is also working to lower energy costs for community buildings, including social clubs and sports centres.

Key priorities for the coming year include:

• Supporting schools and businesses in monitoring and managing their emissions.
• Promoting the uptake of energy-efficient retrofitting in social housing.
• Developing a business affiliate scheme to assist firms in meeting carbon reduction targets.

Additionally, the Commissioners recently met with Kirklees Council to discuss its updated Local Plan, which will shape development across the district in the years ahead.

With its expanded team and growing range of initiatives, the Kirklees Climate Commission is poised to make a significant impact in driving climate action across the district.