INDIVIDUAL EXECUTIVE DECISION

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

EXECUTIVE MEMBER: COUNCILLOR BARRY COPPINGER

DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT: IAN PARKER

Date: 12 JULY 2006

PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

  1. To report back on progress and achievements with the Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy in 2005/6.
  1. To identify the proposed priorities for 2006/7.

BACKGROUND AND EXTERNAL CONSULTATION

  1. Middlesbrough has operated a series of Environmental Sustainability Strategies since 1991. The Strategy framework has evolved over the years and achieved some success. In 1994, the Strategy won a Green Apple Award and in 1999, the Audit Commission placed Middlesbrough’s Strategy top of the family comparator group with a score of 19.5 out of 20 points. The Strategy has also supported other bids and awards, for example, the 2005 Worldwide Energy Globe Award when we came second in the “air” category.
  1. The Executive last considered the Environmental Strategy in October 2003 and February 2005 when achievements and future priorities were considered. In October 2003, the Strategy was simplified around 15 key priorities and in February 2005, 10 revised priority themes were agreed.
  1. The Environmental Sustainability Officer Group meet every 8 weeks and oversee the Environmental Sustainability Strategy. This Group’s work programme includes monitoring progress with planned actions and providing support to address performance issues. The planned actions are however, delivered through the service planning process and Departmental Service Plans.
  1. In 2005/6, there were 82 planned actions within the 10 priority themes approved by the Executive, and 77 of these were achieved as planned. Full details are given in AppendixA.
  1. For 2006/7, the Environmental Sustainability Officer Group recommend that the existing 10 priority themes are retained as follows :-
  • Environmental Management Systems
  • Climate Change and Carbon Management
  • Sustainability Appraisals
  • Waste Minimisation
  • Sustainable Energy (previously called Hydrogen Economy and Renewable Energy)
  • Biodiversity
  • Strategic Environmental Assessments and the Local Development Framework
  • Cleaner Vehicles & Fuels / Promoting Travel Alternatives
  • Environmental Sustainability in Economic Regeneration
  • Quality of Life Indicators
  1. Appendix B identifies planned actions for 2006/7 under each priority theme with the name of the lead officer for each theme.

OPTION APPRAISAL/RISK ASSESSMENT

  1. The proposal is to continue the existing 10 priority themes to ensure that environmental sustainability is delivered in a co-ordinated way across the Council within an annual performance monitoring reporting process.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND WARD IMPLICATIONS

  1. Financial - Planned actions are delivered through the service planning process and are the responsibility of Heads of Service and Budget Holders.
  1. Ward Implications – All wards benefit from an Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
  1. Legal Implications – None.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. To note the achievements in Appendix A and endorse the priority themes and planned actions in Appendix B for a continued Environmental Sustainability Strategy in 2006/7.

REASONS

  1. This report complies with the annual performance reporting commitment 2005.
  1. The Environmental Sustainability Strategy is identified as a key document in the Corporate Performance Plan.
  1. The Environmental Sustainability Strategy supports other key documents including The Community Strategy, The Local Agenda 21 Action Plan and the International Award Winning Middlesbrough Climate Change Community Action Plan.
  1. The priority themes are consistent with those approved by the Executive in February 2005
BACKGROUND PAPERS

Environmental Sustainability Officer Group minutes.

AUTHOR: Jeff Duffield on behalf of the Environmental Sustainability Officer Group

TEL NO: 728197

Head of Service: Ed Chicken

______

Address:

Website:

C:\Documents and Settings\MSA036.MBRODOM\Desktop\Tree 2006\CMT & EXEC Reports\Community Protection\exec\120706 - Env Sustainability Strategy - report.doc

APPENDIX A

Environmental Sustainability Strategy Priorities - 2005/6 Outcomes

1. Environmental Management Systems Lead Officer:Peter Kettlewell

Achieved
Yes / No / Comments
  1. Maintain the corporate environmental management system, support all existing EMS groups across the Council and produce half-yearly progress reports to ESOG
/ Yes / Progress reports to ESOG June ’05, September ’05 and January ‘06
  1. Develop corporate EMS documentation to meet ISO 14001 requirements by October 2005
/ Yes
  1. Revise awareness raising materials by May 2005 to highlight the Council's adopted environmental policies, achievements in the last 5 years and opportunities for services
/ Yes
  1. Obtain detailed costings and timescales for ISO 14001 certification based initially on all of Community Protection Services by December 2005
/ Yes / EMS has to be in place across the service before certification – cost around £3,000
  1. Agree timetable with Community Protection Services by May 2005 for implementing across all teams in the service
/ Yes / Community Protection Management Team 22nd March 2006
  1. Raise awareness of EMS with management teams responsible for Adult Services and Children's Services by June 2005
/ No / In progress. Attending Management Team in June 2006.
  1. Support Albert Park, Stewart Park and Pallister Park in their application for the Civic Trust 'Green Flag Award'
/ Yes / All three Parks successful
  1. Continue working with partnerships such as Middlesbrough Environment City, Community Transport and HBS and assist partnerships for major capital schemes involving Design Services
/ Yes
  1. Work with Regeneration Grouping Management Team to identify future EMS review groups by August 2005
/ Yes / 5 EMS teams now active in the service grouping
  1. When identifying new services for environmental management systems, give priority to services where Climate Change Impacts Assessments would have the greatest effect.
/ Yes

2. Climate Change and Carbon Management Lead Officers:Jim Gillon (to Nov. 2005)/Shadia Rahman

Achieved
Yes / No / Comments
  1. Publish an agreed Year 1 work programme of council and partner activities by April 2005
/ Yes
  1. Prepare annual progress report, including greenhouse gas emissions update, by March 2006.
/ Yes / A draft progress report to be prepared by the end of March, followed by a partner’s meeting for review.
  1. Hold one interim meeting of the Climate Change Partners steering group, and one public conference during the year.
/ Yes / Partners’ Steering Group 4 November 2005
Community Environmental Conference - ‘Lifestyles and Climate Change’ – March 2006.
  1. Support the work programmes of energy-saving projects, such as Middlesbrough Winter Warmth scheme, cavity wall installers and community centre energy surveys.
/ Yes
  1. Contact the 10 largest, public organisations by December 2005 to determine the large energy users and stimulate uptake of energy audits.
/ Yes
  1. Develop a further significant carbon-saving project and report details to ESOG, ready for implementation in 2006/7
/ Yes / Next stage of LACM is to develop a business travel and staff commuting review group to implement further carbon savings
  1. Conduct awareness activities at 10 community events and in 5 schools.
/ Yes / More than 20 events in total: 8 community events and awareness activities with more than 12 schools
  1. Conduct Climate Change Impacts Assessments in six more existing environmental management systems (EMS) groups.
/ Yes
  1. Publish the council’s Carbon Management Action Plan by July 2005
/ Yes / Completed March 2005, and followed as framework for LACM programme.
  1. Ensure review group chairs co-ordinate delivery of short-term carbon saving opportunities
/ Yes / Encouraged through LACM team meetings
  1. Publish a progress report on the Carbon Management Action Plan by March 2006 to document practical achievements.
/ Yes / Core team to circulate a draft progress report to ESOG, with report to CMT later.

3. Sustainability Appraisals (including work on the Community Strategy)Lead Officer:Bob King

Achieved
Yes / No / Comments
  1. Engage Forum for the Future to conduct a sustainability appraisal of the final Community Strategy by July 2005
/ Yes
  1. Engage Forum for the Future to conduct a sustainability appraisal of the Climate Change Community Action Plan by July 2005
/ Yes
  1. Work with Forum for the Future to finalise a computer-based sustainability appraisal / integration tool designed to ensure integrated and sustainable delivery of Community Strategy priorities by July 2005
/ Yes / Forum did what we asked, but finalising the tool has been delayed by Middlesbrough Partnership wanting to assess new Government guidance.
  1. Work with Forum for the Future to deliver a workshop for LSP Action Group chairs and other interested parties on the application of the sustainability appraisal / integration tool by September 2005
/ No / The workshop cannot be held until the tool has been finalised, which has been delayed by Middlesbrough Partnership wanting to assess new Government guidance.
  1. To assist and support the application of sustainability appraisal to the corporate capital programme within the published framework.
/ Yes / Support provided as required

4. Waste Minimisation Lead Officer:Ken Sherwood

Achieved
Yes / No / Comments
  1. Begin operation of an additional facility at the Household Waste Recycling (Civic Amenity) site by June 2005, to maximise the recycling of metals, whitegoods, and green waste, and the reuse of furniture, textiles, bicycles etc.
/ Yes
  1. In conjunction with the HWR site operator, run a green waste windrow composting trial to establish compatibility with EU quality standards and so permit the supply of compost to the public.
/ Yes
  1. In conjunction with other Tees Valley councils and SITA, work to minimise reliance on landfill, limiting landfill to 13% of the total waste disposal tonnage for 2005/06.
/ Yes / Current figures, less than 5% waste landfilled
  1. Operate a kerbside box recycling scheme for dry recyclables, serving all properties in Middlesbrough, by October 2005.
/ Yes / Delays in the implementation due to tender/contract issues.
  1. Fill the vacant Recycling Officer post by June 2005, to manage and co-ordinate recycling operations including the extended kerbside scheme, subject to Job Evaluation.
/ No / Due to difficulties involving recruitment and retention, which are new being addressed. We hope to have the post filled by Summer 2006.
  1. To develop the role of the Waste Recycling Awareness and Education Officer who will work with the Recycling Officer to improve the levels of recycling performance in Middlesbrough, including extending the successful schools recycling project (currently 10 schools involved) into secondary schools during education year 2005/06, subject to Job Evaluation.
/ No / Unfortunately the officer left and there have been recruitment difficulties, which are now being addressed. We hope to have the post re-filled by Summer 2006

5. Hydrogen Economy and Renewable EnergyLead Officers:Jim Gillon (to Nov.) / Shadia Rahman

Achieved
Yes / No / Comments
  1. Incorporate renewable energy guidance into the Local Development Framework which by end 2005, will have reached public consultation on preferred options
/ Yes / ResPf Public consultation fed into the preparation of Core Strategy Preferred Options. Draft policies (DC3 and DC4) relating to renewable energy included.
  1. Consider implications of Tees Valley Wind Study and assess the potential of sites for small scale wind turbines by December 2005; report to ESOG.
/ Yes / The new process of developing the Local Development Framework means that site specific guidance on renewable systems would need to be considered in the Environment DPD section of the LDF, due for preparation in 2006/7.
  1. Decide the council’s future role in any Energy Services Company within Middlehaven by September 2005, subject to available information and progress made by partners
/ Yes / Middlesbrough Council has continued to participate in the Steering Group for the Middlehaven Community Energy System. The preferred energy system operator has been appointed.
  1. Commission and launch Acklam Chapel Fuel Cell in June 2005, subject to tests, Evaluate operation of fuel cell by March 2006
/ Yes / Fuel Cell launched by the Mayor on 6 June 2005, to coincide with World Environment Day. Control system upgrade undertaken.
  1. Develop educational plan and related material (signage, leaflets, publicity) for Acklam Chapel Fuel Cell by September 2005
/ Yes / Signage in place; publicity from launch - press, radio and TV coverage. Sponsorship deal signed with BOC, contributing to costs of education activities.
  1. Assess further opportunities for promoting hydrogen within the Tees Valley Hydrogen Project, and outline options for implementing a follow up project to the Acklam fuel cell, by December 2005
/ Yes / Following discussions with the Centre for Process Innovation, possible opportunities for future projects are being investigated:
Ray Mallon presented a paper to the Board of OneNorthEast, detailing how the Tees Valley can be supported in developing hydrogen and fuel cell opportunities.
  1. Develop at least one public, visible renewable energy installation in 2006/7
/ Yes
Ongoing / Beechwood Youth and Community Centre was selected for the installation of a small wind turbine. Funding has been found, and planning permission obtained (Installation completed April 2006).
  1. Work with Tees and Durham Energy Advice to develop promotions for domestic renewable devices to Middlesbrough residents.
/ Yes / Efforts to promote solar hot water heating systems have led to 2 installations in Middlesbrough. Also, developing guidance on installing domestic wind turbines, and linking into the work of the new NE Sustainable Energy Centre, to increase promotion of renewable energy.

6. BiodiversityLead Officer:Anne Gladwin in 2005/6

Achieved
Yes / No / Comments
  1. Implementation of Biodiversity Action Plan Process
/ Yes / Actions endorsed by LSP Transforming Our Local Environment Action Group 1 November 2005
  1. Publication of Greenspaces Strategy – 10 year action plan outlining the regeneration of green spaces in Middlesbrough; biodiversity will be a theme running through the document.
/ Yes / Draft to be presented to CMT and Executive in March, for publication later in 2006
  1. Declaration of Whinney Banks Greenspace Local Nature Reserve in partnership with West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust.
/ No / Not achieved – Issues around land ownership, very complicated but still on the agenda.
  1. Evaluation and dedication of Sites of Nature Conservation Importance in Middlesbrough as part of the Local Development Framework process.
/ Yes / Revised list of sites prepared, for approval by CMT, Executive, and BAP partnership.
  1. Continued delivery of the Wildspace! Project – expanding Wildspace! project, engaging local people with Local Nature Reserves and biodiversity projects.
/ Yes / 14 events, 1200 attending events, 350 pupils from schools involved in educational visits.
  1. Habitat management of land around Lingfield Countryside Centre to improve biodiversity, including Fernwood, Serpent Wood and two Lingfield ponds.
/ Yes / Management plan for Fernwood; tree planting in Serpent Wood; habitat improvement by ‘Ponds for People’ at Lingfield ponds
  1. Woodland Management Project – A new initiative between Middlesbrough Council and The Tees Forest to map woodlands owned by Middlesbrough Council, and to look at management options and funding.
/ Yes
(partial) / Initial training carried out and Tees Forest produced an initial scoping document.
  1. Delivery of environmental education through the Eco-schools programme, visits to sites and school ground improvements to promote and enhance biodiversity by Middlesbrough Environment City, Groundwork South Tees, The Tees Forest, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Middlesbrough Council
/ Yes / 2997 pupils involved in education activities with Tees Forest ; 830 pupils attended visits to Lingfield Countryside Centre for range of environmental activities; Wildspace! – 350 pupils attended visits to LNRs, after school clubs and wildlife Roadshows.
  1. Implement Habitat improvements at Stewart, Pallister and Albert Parks, investigate the practicality of habitat improvements at Hemlington Lake and arrange 3 parks staff training sessions in Biodiversity during 2005.
/ Yes / Wildlife Conservation areas at Stewart Park, Pallister and Albert Parks have been improved. Continuing biodiversity training and site visits delivered by Tees Valley Biodiversity Training. Events in parks included bat and bird box making, bat talks, wildflower planting and minitbeast hunts. Increased monitoring. Bird boxes installed in Pallister Park

7.Strategic Environment Assessments and the Local Development FrameworkLead Officer:Chris Hawking

Achieved
Yes / No / Comments
  1. Complete the Strategic Environmental scoping report by Spring 2005
/ Yes
  1. Prepare an Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Local Development Framework (LDF), Issues and Options report by Summer 2005
/ Yes
  1. Carry out public consultation on this Issues and Options Assessment during Summer 2005
/ Yes / Public consultation on issues and options was carried out between 1st June and 8th July 2005.
  1. Prepare an impact assessment of the LDF Preferred Options by Autumn 2005
/ Yes
  1. Carry out public consultation on the Preferred Options Assessment by Winter 2005
/ Yes / Public consultation on the LDF Core Strategy preferred options and accompanying sustainability appraisal was carried out between 21st December and 1st February 2006.

8. Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels/Promoting Travel AlternativesLead Officer:Alistair Bolton

Achieved
Yes / No / Comments
  1. Complete Travel Plan within Middlesbrough Council
/ Yes / Completed in draft Report, ready to go to CMT
  1. Continuing to facilitate Travel Plans with over 60% of employees that work for major employers. (greater than 200)
/ Yes / Travel plans being developed with 6 major employers within Middlesbrough
  1. Developing a further 8 School Travel Plans
/ Yes
  1. Provide 10 Walking Buses for primary schools
/ Yes
  1. Provide pedestrian training at 50% of primary schools
/ Yes
  1. Provide a programme of National Standard Cycle Training at 10 primary schools
/ Yes
  1. Completion of 8 Bridges Cycle Route
/ Yes
  1. Upgrade of National Cycle Network 65 within Middlesbrough Boundary
/ Yes - partial / Partly upgraded; seeking additional funding
  1. Construction of footway/cycleway link between Brass Castle Lane and Poole Hospital Development
/ Yes
  1. Following the bus network review throughout the Tees Valley complete a Public Transport Strategy to promote health and environmental benefits of sustainable transport modes
/ Yes
  1. In conjunction with private partners continue to investigate provision of a tram system within Middlesbrough
/ Yes / Discussions on going
  1. Continue to investigate the provision of alternative fuelled vehicles within the Urban Bus Challenge Bid for link to North Middlesbrough and links to James Cook University Hospital
/ Yes / Discussions concluded that alternative fuels were not viable or cost effective for this initiative
  1. Continue to promote a travel awareness campaign in association with other Tees Valley Authorities to promote health and environmental benefits of sustainable transport modes.
/ Yes / On going

9. Environmental Sustainability in Economic RegenerationLead Officer:Debbie Ingoldsby