Welcome to the March/April issue of our bulletin.  The London Mayor's Climate Change Action Plan has just been announced. What's clear is that we do need to change our behaviour but this need not be hard work! Simple actions like switching off lights when not in use can save money, help tackle climate change and ultimately mean a better standard of life for Londoners. Find out what  we are doing to get the climate change message out below.
Samantha Heath
Director, London Sustainability Exchange

Climate change ambassadors spread the word

Our ten community ambassadors are now ready to get out and spread the word on climate change! They will go out into London's S Asian communities and set up simple, fun and interactive sessions which will help people understand the causes of climate change, how it will affect them and how they can make a difference today. If you know of events for South Asian audiences that might be useful for our ambassadors contact Jane Mulholland (j.mulholland@lsx.org.uk / 020 7324 3656) for more information.

Creating 'green' houses
Our pioneering project to reward householders for greener habits is well underway. Three Community Champions were recruited and trained to engage residents in West Twyford and encourage them to adopt sustainable lifestyles. Over the coming weeks Champions will be distributing Sustainability Starter Kits and running a competition offering prizes for best performing household, best performing street and most innovative practice.Surveys will measure results. For more information contact: Shalini Jayasinghe / s.jayasinghe@lsx.org.uk  / 020 7324 3650.

Climate Change Action Plan for London
Londoners need not compromise their standard of living, but we all have to change the way we live in order to tackle climate change.  This was the core message of London's Climate Change Action Plan, unveiled by Mayor Ken Livingstone.  The plan focuses on efficiency and cutting carbon emissions by sector in order to achieve reductions of 4 per cent per year. More

Upcoming events in London
LSx's Meeting London's Climate Challenge - 3rd April 2007, from 2pm. For more details contact Owen Wilson / o.wilson@lsx.org.uk / 020 7324 3611
Green Growth London  Launches a series of six free workshops to support SMEs in adopting green practices - March/April 2007 More
London Sustainability Weeks Motivating and Networking Launch - 14th March 2007 More
Capital Clean Up Campaign - 8th March to 15th June 2007 - series of projects and events by local authorities, the voluntary and community sector to encourage particpation in improving the local environment. Email capitalcleanup@encams.org .More

Launch of Design for London
A new team has been established to support the delivery of a world class, sustainable and inclusive built environment across London. 'Design for London', the Mayor's new architecture and urban design unit, integrates teams from the Greater London Authority, the London Development agency and Transport for London. The team will work within design, masterplanning and strategy, policy and awareness raising with environmental sustainability and inclusive design as core values. More

Funding for London's Voluntary Sector
London councils have announced a £28 million funding programme for the capital's voluntary sector.  The programme has identified funding priorities across a broad range of themes including: children and young people, crime reduction, sustainability, health, homelessness and policy and voice.  The priorities will now be used to commission services from London's voluntary groups.  More