Including the closely related term sustainability.
… which has a key aim of ‘supporting the environment’, improving sustainability, biodiversity and protecting habitats. Emission Baselines The council commissioned a carbon audit to calculate its carbon emissions and to set baselines. The audit used data from the financial years 2019-20 and 2020-21. This allowed for comparison of emissions pre-pandemic and during the restrictions to assess any…
… contractors who are able to provide a carbon neutral service, use EV’s to provide goods or have other sustainable policies implemented within their activities. Additionally, to ensure the local economy and local businesses are supported there will also be a focus on local contractors/suppliers. The council aims to make this a requirement across all its procurement channels to include all contractor types…
… that, where possible, materials will be obtained locally and only from sustainable sources. The waste hierarchy will also be followed to help reduce waste being sent to landfill and high-quality, long-lasting materials will be selected to ensure that repairs are kept to a minimum. All planting will ensure biodiversity is protected. A biodiversity net gain (BNG) of at least 10% is due to be achieved…
…. The largest contractor is Biffa. Contract negotiations have begun to ensure more sustainable practises are taken forward. The recently agreed three year short term extension is very much a holding position pending strategic clarity being provided by government though the national Resource & Waste Strategy. However in these three years Biffa will provide a full fleet of electric supervisor vehicles…
… an additional course will run in March for 24 more officers. Free local government authority courses will also be advertised within the council for officers and members to make use of. A number of courses are expected to run in the 2023-2024 financial year to increase carbon literacy in the council and ensure that sustainability is becoming embedded in everything we do. Environment and Climate Change…