Environmental policy

Introduction

On 29 March 2010, our Cabinet approved the following Environmental Policy:

Hastings Borough Council recognises that protection and enhancement of the environment is essential to sustaining a high quality of life in Hastings and St Leonards.  We recognise that our own activities have an impact on the environment, that we have a responsibility to ensure that these impacts are positive, and that our use of natural resources is minimised.

In working towards a more sustainable future we are committed to minimising our adverse environmental impacts by reducing pollution and tackling climate change while improving the quality of life for the people of Hastings and St Leonards.

We want to lead by example and to encourage others to improve their environmental performance.  To do this we are committed to working with our contracts and suppliers, influencing our partner organisations and encouraging the wider community to exercise greater care for the environment.

Our Vision:

"To stabilise and progressively reduce our environmental footprint; to progressively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and make sure our estate and services are adapted to the future impacts and opportunities of climate change; and to contribute positively to Hastings character, local environmental quality and natural environment."

To deliver our vision, Hastings Borough Council is committed to activity in the following 6 key areas:

1. Tackling and adapting to climate change
2. Protecting the natural environment
3. Enhancing the built environment
4. Optimising the use of resources
5. Developing the low carbon economy
6. Promoting environmental awareness

We will do this by:

Theme 1: Tackling and adapting to climate change by:

• Implementing actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Developing adaptation plans to manage the impacts of climate change throughout the Council and the wider community promoting resilience
• Promoting the development and use of renewable energy
• Empowering local communities to undertake local environmental projects

Theme 2: Protecting the natural environment by:

• Actively protecting and enhancing the natural environment and supporting others in doing so
• Maintaining and improving the quality and accessibility of parks, open spaces, the public realm and shoreline
• Acting to reduce emissions to air, land, water and reduce light and noise pollution
• Minimising the environmental impact of the Council's fleet vehicles and staff journeys to, from and at work

Theme 3: Enhancing the built environment by:

• Adapting and creating inspiring and welcoming places that are healthy, vibrant, resource efficient, character filled and safe to live in
• Implementing sustainable design and management practices in council new builds, renovations and conversions
• Promoting excellence in design, planning and construction of new buildings, renovations and conversions throughout the town

Theme 4: Optimising the use of resources by:

• Considering social, economic and environmental issues in all purchasing decisions according to the Council's Procurement Strategy
• Working with suppliers and contractors to minimise the environmental impact of their goods and services
• Actively reducing our water and energy consumption within our operations and encouraging others to do the same
• Actively reducing, re–using and recycling waste within our operations and encouraging others to do the same

Theme 5 Developing the low carbon economy by:

• Supporting development of environmentally sustainable businesses and employment and growth of the green economy

Theme 6: Promoting environmental awareness by:

• Raising awareness throughout the Council and in the local community to encourage pro–environmental behaviour