Facing up to Climate Change
Wealden has launched an Action Plan to combat Climate Change as part of a wider Sustainability Strategy for the district.
"All aspects of our lives will be affected by climate change," explained Councillor Pam Doodes, Leader of Wealden District Council. "That is why we are adopting a Climate Change Policy to encourage everyone to play their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the changes we can expect in the future."
"We have recently seen more extreme weather patterns lead to drought and flash flooding in Wealden and so we all need to be more aware of the risks associated with climate change. We need to use energy more efficiently and realise recreation and agriculture practices will have to adapt."
"As a signatory to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change, we have already agreed to work at a local level towards a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from our authority's own operations. Now, through a detailed Action Plan, we are looking at other ways in which this Council can make a difference to greenhouse gas emissions. Through the work of the Local Development Framework and our recycling and waste management operations we are looking at additional ways to reduce the amount of our waste going to landfill and also adapt to climate change. We are investigating ways of encouraging independent, local energy sources and improving flood protection. Another important role is raising awareness of our shared climate change objectives across the wider community."
Each year the Council will review the Climate Change Action Plan in the light of experience and to respond to changes in both national and local guidance. The Council has earmarked £75,000 towards its climate change policies during the coming year, but many of the targets are expected to be achieved through existing service budgets.
Taking the lead in reducing local CO2 emissions, the District Council is to establish a baseline for its own carbon emissions and aims to reduce them in line with the Government's Climate Change Bill . Its first goal will be a 12.5% CO2 reduction by 2012. Energy reduction and climate change mitigation actions will be embedded into the Council’s own service plans and will include clear targets and timetables for achievement.
As part of the Local Development Framework, which outlines planned development for the district for the next 20 years, the Council aims to incorporate targets that will reduce carbon emissions from new developments. Builders of all new developments are already encouraged to satisfy a sustainability check list to make sure they are fully insulated and meet sustainable water use principles and drainage standards; and further improvements will be encouraged by an award scheme for sustainable buildings to be launched in 2009.
Wealden District Council pioneered the introduction of kerbside recycling to towns and larger villages. As it seeks to introduce kerbside recycling to all areas by 2010, the Council will also be considering ways of introducing mini recycling bins in town centres and public spaces and to further encourage home composting and increase business and commercial recycling rates. It looks forward to working with parish and town councils to seek a voluntary ban on disposable carrier bags by 2010, and reducing food miles by promoting local produce.
Another part of the Climate Change Action Plan deals with improved flood protection and reducing water consumption. The use of water-saving devices for council offices and depots will also be explored.
Sourcing renewable energy for Council offices, housing and sheltered accommodation is also to be investigated. The emissions levels of all Council vehicles, including refuse vehicles which travel many miles each week across the district collecting land fill and recycling materials, will be carefully monitored in order to seek reductions.
The Climate Change Policy and Action Plan has been drawn up by a working party of councillors who sit on Wealden’s Environment Scrutiny Committee .
“I would like to thank all the councillors who have been involved in producing this excellent Action Plan," said Councillor Doodes. "There was unanimous agreement among all parties about the need for Wealden to face up to the challenges posed by climate change. There is such a lot that can and must be done. What is important is to make a start and set down some achievable objectives which can be met within the authority’s limited budget. As a Council we want to set an example through what we do and, through our actions, encourage others to play their part."
The Climate Change Action Plan and the Wealden Sustainability Strategy can be found on Wealden District Council’s web site, in the Climate Change & Sustainability pages of the Environment & Transport section. Wealden welcomes the views of residents and businesses on how to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Please contact Sustainability Officer Fiona Berry on 01323 443268, email fiona.berry@wealden.gov.uk .
As well as climate change, the Council's Sustainability Strategy will also look at the Council's sustainable procurement policies, the creation of sustainable communities through the on-going work of the Local Development Framework, and the protection of natural resources.
