The Beacon Scheme was set up to disseminate best practice in service delivery across local government, and the Beacon Awards Ceremony represents the highlight of the Beacon year. This high-profile event recognises local authorities’ clear vision, outstanding achievement and service excellence, and is taking place on 4th March 2008 at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London.

Beacon status is granted to those authorities who can demonstrate a clear vision, excellent services and a willingness to innovate within a theme. Awards are made by government ministers based on recommendations made by an independent advisory panel.

The following four London boroughs have been shortlisted for showing excellence in the Climate Change theme :-

• City of London
• London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
• London Borough of Islington
• London Borough of Sutton

All four have shown a great commitment to tackling climate change through programs of improvement involving reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of sustainable energy.