www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Environment and Sustainable Development
The Council recognises that protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development within Wiltshire is a key priority. The Local Government Act 2000 confers upon the County Council the power to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area that it serves. Accordingly the council considers the environmental impacts of its actions and of the services it provides.
Sustainable Development is development which actively promotes a good quality of life for present and future generations where society is vibrant, healthy and just, and environmental systems are protected.
In March 2005 the UK government published ‘Securing the Future’ a Sustainable Development Strategy and Action Plan with four shared priorities for central and local government:
- Sustainable Consumption and Production
- Climate Change and Energy
- Natural Resource Protection and Environmental Enhancement
- Sustainable communities
Members of the County Council have agreed that one of the broad strategic goals of the organisation should be “to balance the need for growth with the protection of the environment”. The Wiltshire Local Area Agreement signed in 2007 has a separate environment ‘block’ with actions on Waste, Energy and Biodiversity.
Managers and staff are asked to consider environmental impacts and sustainable development as part of their service planning process.
Environmental Management
The Environmental Services Department is accredited to the international standard ISO14001. This commits the department to continual improvement in environmental performance. Objectives and targets are linked to each statement within the Environmental Policy. This process is externally audited every six months.
Sustainable Procurement
Work is currently underway to improve the way environmental and sustainability considerations are included in our procurement and contract management process.
Climate Change & Carbon Management
The scientific evidence is growing that man-made greenhouse gas emissions are having a noticeable effect on the earth's climate. Globally, the ten hottest years on record have all occurred since the beginning of the 1990s. Current climate models predict that global temperatures could warm from between 1.4 to 5.8oC over the next 100 years. The effects of a changing climate can already be seen. Temperatures and sea levels are rising, ice and snow cover are declining, and the consequences could be very significant for the natural world and society. Scientific evidence points to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere by human activity as the primary cause of climatic change
For more information on climate change see Defra - Climate Change.
To find out how Climate change will affect the South West see the South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership.
If you are concerned about climate change you might like to visit ‘Fair Shares, Fair Choice’, a Defra sponsored carbon reduction project for the South West (22 March 2007 launch). It offers a choice of virtual ‘carbon coaches’, characters who offer businesses, organisations and individuals help and support in creating their own beneficial carbon action plans. Fair Shares, Fair Choice shows you what choices you can make to live and work within your own fair carbon budget.
You could also visit the DEFRA carbon calculator to work out your carbon footprint .
If you are buying a new car you can compare vehicle fuel efficiency and find out about carbon emissions at Act on CO2. This site also gives tips on greener driving to help you save fuel and money.
If you are concerned about your Carbon Footprint and are interested in off-setting your emissions by giving to charity or investing in carbon replacement projects visit DEFRA carbon offsetting information.
The County Council is working towards reducing carbon emissions from its own activities.
Supporting Sustainable Communities in Wiltshire
Wiltshire ‘World Changers’ is co-ordinated by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and funded by the Wiltshire County and District Councils and Swindon Bourough Council. Wiltshire ‘World Changers’ is about people and the environment and sets out to raise awareness and co-ordinate best practice between Wiltshire people and communities, in working towards sustainable development.
If you are interested in sustainable development initiatives in your area have a look at the Wiltshire 'Green Map'. You can search for farmers markets, fairtrade providers and community groups working on climate change projects etc.
The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust also host the Wiltshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (Call 0800 512012) and work with communities on waste minimisation and recycling. They also work with schools on waste minimisation and improving school grounds for wildlife.
For more information on how people in Wiltshire are supporting sustainable development visit the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
Contact Details
By Post
Business Improvement
Environmental Services
Wiltshire County Council
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JD
By Email
By Telephone
01225 713413
