Environment
21 November 2008


Sustainability and Climate Change

Sustainability

What does it mean?
Sustainability has been defined as 'development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs' (Bruntland 1987).

This means that whilst continuing to meet current needs, for example, food shelter, health and well being, economic and financial security, equity and governance, resources which sustain activity are conserved, sustained and expanded so that future generation's needs are accounted for and invested in. Sustainability has a very long term focus on the planet and its ability to sustain human well being.

In meeting current levels of growth the UK, along with other developed nations need around 3 planets to sustain all human activity, and this means that we are using resources faster than the global environment can replace them - if at all. This is clearly unsustainable and action to reverse this trend is a priority. Achieving sustainable levels of resources can be described as doing more with less, in terms of lifestyle patterns and choices, complemented by behavioral change.  This means we have to change the way we work, travel & live!

Climate Change  

Why are we concerned? 
It is now internationally recognised that the way we live impacts on the global environment, and these effects are far reaching and could be devastating. You can term it 'Global warming' 'Climate Change' 'Green House Effect' or 'Carbon Footprint' but environmental damage as a result of the emissions we are all responsible for represents our greatest environmental, social and economic challenge.

Scientific evidence demonstrating that we are changing the global climate is compelling, and science has identified links with significant changes in temperature, rainfall, sea levels and extremes of weather.  In the UK we have seen many of these impacts in recent years as the climate struggles to maintain its balance.

You may throw up hands and consider it too large to be tackled locally but Local Authorities as leaders of the community want to encourage communities, businesses and individuals to take steps to reduce their impacts, as we are all responsible for our actions which create emissions.

Producing energy through burning fuels emits carbon, reducing carbon emissions is a means of demonstrating successful efforts to reduce consumption in one area of  natural resources - fossil fuels. Carbon plays a significant role in climate change chemistry and its control has been highlighted as a key issue in measuring sustainability.

Bikes

Select this link to try the UK Carbon Foot Print Challenge! 
(Opens new window)


What is the District Council doing about Sustainability and Climate Change?
One of the Councils key aims is to: -

  • 'endeavour to make our environment measurably cleaner, healthier and managed in a way to preserve it for future generations'.

This is integrated across all services areas within the Council and there are some excellent examples of best practice. The Council is committed to improving the health and well being of residents and visitors to South Bucks, and a good environment is a basis for good health and a good economy.

What are we doing now?

Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy
Sustainability is considered in all of our decisions from procurement to planning considerations. The Council has a Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy to ensure that sustainable, carbon reducing actions are delivered across all Council services, ensuring that achievements in sustainability are measured.

No. File name File
size		 Estimated download time File
type
1 Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy 100kb 2.5 mins PDF File 100kb download time 2.5 minutes

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To view the above document, you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.


Energy Action Plan
The Council is also reducing its energy use. The Council is working with the Carbon Trust and Energy Savings Trust to reduce its energy consumption across the Council estate, starting at Capswood. Energy efficiencies reduce carbon emissions and costs.

No. File name File
size		 Estimated download time File
type
1 Energy Action Plan 1 mb 48 secs PDF PDF file 1mb download time 5 minutes

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
To view the above document, you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

 
What can I do?
Communities and Climate Change
We can all help to reduce greenhouse gasses carbon emissions by adopting simple life style changes.

Some simple steps you can take are:

  • Change your light bulbs to ones that are low energy
  • Use your car less and travel by public transport. If you must drive you can reduce your impact by driving carefully and ensuring your car is regularly serviced. Institute of Advanced Motorists. (Opens new window) Take a passenger or find a lift - car sharing makes economic as well as environmental sense.
  • Remember to turn off your lights, your TV remote and your computer
  • Walk or cycle to the shops
  • Use your local services more; you will also be supporting your local economy
  • Turn your heating down by 1oC and you can save up to 8% on your energy bill
  • Wash on a 30o cycle rather than 40o
  • Insulate your hot water tank with a jacket - it only costs a few pounds and, with all the heat it traps in, it pays for itself within months
  • Insulating your loft is one of the simplest ways to save energy - you can even install it yourself. Insulate your loft today and in a year you could save between £180 and £220
  • When purchasing new appliances, always look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo. Energy Saving Recommended appliances are the most efficient in their category and could save you up to £45 a year
  • Take an online home energy check with the Energy Savings Trust

For further information on how to change: -

Businesses and Climate Change
You can find out how your organisation can reduce your energy and water bills, install renewable energy, reduce and recycle your waste and implement good fleet management and travel plans.  Often efficiencies can be found which will enable you to save money by reducing energy. Free advice can be sought from the Carbon Trust. (Opens new window).

More and more consumers are taking into account the environmental credentials of suppliers and their products, so it makes sound commercial sense to become energy smart.  Organisations wishing to go further in demonstrating their commitment can develop their own Environmental Management System which may be accredited by EMAS or ISO14001. (Opens new window)