Agenda Item:
Wolverhampton City Council
OPEN EXECUTIVE
DECISION ITEM (AMBER)
Cabinet / Cabinet Panel
CABINET
Portfolio(s)
ALL
Originating Service Group(s)
REGENERATION AND ENVIRONMENT
Contact Officer(s)/
C.K.JACKSON-HOULSON/KATIE MORROW
x5627
Telephone Number(s)
Title
7C
Date 25
th
FEBRUARY 2009
KEY DECISION:
IN FORWARD PLAN:
YES
YES
CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR
WOLVERHAMPTON
1.
Recommendation
1.1
To approve the draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan as identified in the report
and incorporating the comments received from the Sustainable Communities Scrutiny
Panel
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Wolverhampton 2008/9-2011/12
1. Purpose of Report:
1.1 The report identifies the fulfilment of the commitment under the “Wolverhampton
Declaration on Climate Change” (Appendix 1) to prepare a plan “to progressively address the
causes and impacts of climate change”.
1.2 The report identifies the implications for the Council of the proposed “Climate Change
Strategy and Action Plan for Wolverhampton” and provides an opportunity for comment prior to
the Strategy and Action Plan being forwarded to the meeting of the Wolverhampton Partnership
Board in April.
1.3 The report sets out the links that have been developed with the Sustainable Communities
Strategy and the draft Environmental Plan for the City.
2. Background
2.1 The Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change: In December 2006 the Leaders of the
three Political Parties and the Chief Executive signed the Wolverhampton Declaration on
Climate Change. The Declaration is part of a national initiative based on the Nottingham
Declaration on Climate Change. So far over 340 Local Authorities have signed a version.
2.2 The Declaration commits the Council to tackling the causes and effects of climate change
both with regard to its own performance and to
“…develop plans with our partners and local communities to progressively address the causes
and impacts of climate change, according to our local priorities, securing maximum benefit for
our communities”
2.3 Carbon Management Programme for the Council: The Council’s own performance is being
addressed by a Carbon Management Programme (CMP) adopted by Cabinet 9th. April, 2008.
Progress is monitored through the Local Area Agreement and the Corporate Asset
Management Group (CAMG).
2.4 Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan: From the experience of preparing the CMP,
officers started to prepare the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for the City. The
Wolverhampton Partnership Board had endorsed this approach and the Wolverhampton
Declaration at its meeting in January 2007.
2.5 The causes and impacts of climate change are addressed through:
• Mitigation – slowing down and ultimately reversing man-made climate change by
reducing green house gas emissions
• Adaptation – learning to live with, and planning ahead for, the predicted changes in
climate
2.6 National and Regional links: The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (CCS&AP)
resolves at a local scale a number of national and regional priorities on climate change
including:
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
•
•
•
•
•
The Kyoto Agreement to reduce carbon emissions which became legally binding on 15th.
February, 2005
UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP)
The Local Government Association campaign on climate change (“Small change, big
difference”)
The West Midlands Climate Change Action Plan
The City Region commitment to achieving carbon neutrality
2.7 Relationship with the Sustainable Communities Strategy: The CCS&AP will form one of a
number of strategies and action plans which cover the City and a number of Partners. They
involve delivery by a range of organisations and, frequently, the community at large. They
support the Sustainable Communities Strategy (Appendix 2) with greater detail in key areas of
concern. The CCS&AP is co-located with the (draft) Environmental Plan with which it is
intimately linked (see para. 3.2 below)
2.8 Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel: Comments from the Sustainable Communities
Scrutiny Panel (SCSP) of the 27th. January, 2009 are included in the body of the report and at
Appendix 5
3. Report Detail:
3.1 Process for the Development of the CCS&AP: The Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate
Change commits the Council to working with its partners and local communities in the
development of a CCS&AP. The process was begun with the annual conference of
Wolverhampton Inter-Faith which last year focused on climate change; it was concluded with a
workshop (to which the Leader, Deputy Leader and all Members of the Sustainable
Communities Scrutiny Panel were invited) as part of the preparation of an Environmental Plan
for the City. Between the two events:
• A Questionnaire was placed on the Council web-site and the Virtual Workspace (for all
secondary school pupils in the City)
• It was distributed at a number of events/venues including Marstons Aerospace
Sustainable Development Day, all Members of the Council, delegates at the Inter-Faith
annual conference, LANA’s, the Citizen’s Panel and to students on the Sustainable
Development module at the University.
• A discussion thread open to all was set up on the Wolverhampton Partnership web-site
3.2 The detail of the Action Plan has been worked up through a series of “one-to-one” meetings
held with the relevant specialist officers for specific topics (for example, nature conservation).
Normally this has been done at the same time as the author of the draft Environmental Plan for
the City (Sian Lewis-Williams) for the effective use of resources and to ensure consistency
between the two documents (The Environmental Plan includes a section on Climate Change as
it is a major cross cutting influence)
3.3 Nature of the final document: As illustrated in Appendix 2, the CCS&AP is one of a series of
documents designed to help co-ordinate activity across the Wolverhampton Partnership and
highlight priorities for communities in specific theme areas. The CCS&AP is particularly
important in these respects as its implications are cross-cutting – economic, social and
environmental. Also, there is an increasing emphasis from Central Government on individual
and collective community action on the issue and the document provides guidance on local
priorities. However, the CCS&AP has not been created from scratch. As the previous paragraph
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
(3.2) describes, it has been built from existing documents and practises. It is new in respect of
bringing elements together rather than in its entire content. Consequently, it is programmed for
a comprehensive review in 3 years time. That coincides with the next round of the Kyoto
Agreement which sets the legally binding framework from which derive many targets and
indicators for performance on addressing climate change and, more locally, the next round of
Local Area Agreements.
3.4 Components of the CCS&AP: A copy of the full draft “Climate Change Strategy and Action
Plan for Wolverhampton 2008/9 – 2011/12” has been placed in the Members’ Rooms for each
Political Party and it is available on-line at CMIS. The “Contents” page is attached as Appendix
3 and the “Executive Summary” as Appendix 4. The components are arranged as follows:
• Background (Chaps. 1 &2) which introduces the topic
• Context (Chaps. 3 – 6) which identifies existing influencing policies, local experience of
climate change and contribution to national targets
• Thematic Strategies and Action Plans (Chaps. 7 & 8) which identify priorities and actions
under Buildings and Planning; Energy; Water; Waste; Transport; Wildlife and green
spaces; Adapting to future climate change; Working with the community; and Additional
Themes
• Appendices.
Subsequent paragraphs of this report (3.5 - 11) identify potential areas of new activity under
their relevant chapter heading or Theme with comments from the Sustainable Communities
Scrutiny Panel (SCSP).
3.5 Climate Change Targets for Wolverhampton (Chap.6): The CCS&AP is, in part, a
mechanism for realising national targets at a local scale. The recent Climate Change Act sets a
target reduction of green-house gas emissions of 80% with a baseline of 1990 figures.
Government Office for the West Midlands has recommended that a 35% reduction of Carbon
dioxide emissions be included in the Sustainable Community Plan giving a pro-rata figure of a
12% reduction target for the CCS&AP. It is a “per capita” figure and compares with the
Council’s own commitment under its Carbon Management Plan to reduce carbon emissions by
25% by 2015 from a 2005 base line. This highlights some of the complexity in setting targets
around climate change; it is a rapidly developing science and the CCS&AP is reserved in its
approach. It is scheduled for an early review to benefit from improvements in methodologies.
The opening remarks of the SCSP (Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel) highlight such
concerns in relation to the economic down-turn and the preference for a focus on energy
efficiency rather than carbon emissions per se.
3.6 Energy: There are major issues associated with the Energy agenda. In simply practical
terms two thirds of the energy put in to producing electricity for the National Grid is lost before it
reaches the consumer. Associated with this, it has been identified that the higher levels of the
Code for Sustainable Homes (5 & 6) are unlikely to be attained without local energy generation
and by 2016 level 6 of being “carbon Neutral” is a statutory requirement. More generally, there
are national concerns about energy security and “peak oil” (i.e. that, at a time when demand is
increasing, more oil has now been extracted than remains available for the future).
Consequently the CCS&AP suggested further investigation of local energy generation and
renewables and the importance that SCSP asks to be given to this is noted. Also, the Panel
requested officers to report back on the Low Carbon Grant Scheme and rationalisation of grants
for Insulation and Affordable Warmth.
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
3.7 Water: The nature of British weather and the engineering achievements of the Victorians
have meant that water is an overlooked resource. Predicted climate change with higher
average temperatures, more heat waves and rainfall concentrated into winter months in storm
bursts means attitudes towards this basic resource will need to change. Some practical steps
are set out in the CCS&AP but it will be updated as the SCSP was keen to see a commitment
to further work on ground water. Attention is drawn to the Council’s own “Energy and Water
Management Plan for Public Buildings 2008 – 2015” as an example current good practise for
partners and local communities.
3.8 Waste: The CCS&AP describes the popular and successful development of kerb-side
recycling. The impact on climate change is important; for example, it takes only 5% of the
energy to recycle an aluminium can as it does to produce one from fresh ore. It is a clear case
of where the cumulative effect of individual actions has broad environmental and social
benefits. As the description identifies, the future of the Energy from Waste facility will need to be
seen not only in the context of diminishing waste streams but also local energy generation
(currently it supplies the National Grid). The SCSP pointed out that the domestic waste stream
forms a comparatively small percentage of waste production overall. Commitments have been
included in the CCS&AP (p. 52) and the proposed “Green Guide for Business” (see para. 3.11
below) would be expected to help achieve them. Cabinet may also like to note that waste from
schools is counted as trade waste and discussions are underway to trial a recycling initiative in
one of the secondary school as a pilot to inform the BSF programme. There is a particularly
strong interest from schools in this topic.
3.9 Transport: Transport is the third largest emitter of Carbon dioxide for the average individual
so a section is included on it in the CCS&AP. The main focus is on encouraging modal shift
towards walking, cycling and public transport which has important health benefits as well.
However, there is a critical need to make sure that the transport infrastructure is adapted to
climate change. There are current concerns in this area. For example, in the summer of 2007,
unexceptional in terms of temperature, rails buckled on the West Coast Main-line and caused
three days of disruption.
3.10 Wildlife and green spaces and Adaptation to climate Change: Historically adaptation has
received less attention than mitigation. However, as Sir Nichols Stern noted in 2006:
“Adaptation is the only response available for the [climate change] impacts that will occur over
the next several decades before mitigation measures can have an effect” The Stern inquiry into
the Economics of Climate Change.
Preliminary results from the survey of flora in the Black Country being coordinated by Prof. Ian
Trueman indicate that climate change is already affecting the composition of the species of
plants around us ( a concern expressed by the SCSP). They highlight the profound implications
that climate change has for all living things. Part of the proposed response is to increase the
robustness of the nature conservation resource by bulking up its quantity and quality. This is not
pure altruism. Research has shown that by investing in a significant “green” infrastructure
temperature can be mollified to at least match predicted increases under climate change. The
SCSP welcomed such an approach. Sir Nicholas Stern identified that such early investment
was a significantly more effective and efficient use of resources as the cost of adaptation
become greater as a geometric progression the further climate change was underway. Chapter
7.7 mentions an initiative to examine some of those costs through an LCLIP (Local Climate
Impacts Profile). Initial work has been done jointly with South Staffordshire Council and it is
proposed to carry out further work, possibly on a Black Country or sub-regional scale.
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
3.11 Working with the community: This theme offers the greatest scope for new activity. For
example, there are a growing number of Low Carbon Communities, initially in rural areas but
now developing in cities. There has been regular feed back from Members of interest in such
activity from their constituents. At this stage the CCS&AP confines itself to existing work.
Nevertheless, with central Government strongly supporting action by the Third Sector, officers
are in informal discussion with a range of organisations involved in this area. The SCSP sees
such community involvement as key to addressing climate change. So, more immediately, the
SCSP supported the principle of producing “Green Guides” for both residents and businesses
and at least one version of the CCS&AP which is more accessible to the public.
3.12 Next Steps: The CCS&AP is to undergo some further, minor editing and resolution of a
small number of indicators. Subject to agreement by Cabinet, matters arising from the
Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel will be incorporated in the editing. It is programmed to
go to the Partnership Board on 7th. April for their consideration. Before then it will be circulated
amongst the Theme Partnerships to make sure that it adequately covers their activities as well
as those of the Council.
4. Financial Implications:
4.1 There are no immediate financial implications for the Council in the Climate Change
Strategy and Action Plan for Wolverhampton. During its life (2008/9 – 2011/2) individual reports
shall be brought forward for any expansion of existing programmes or proposals for new ones
not within current resources.
4.2 In generic terms, climate change has two defined implications for financial resources:
• Mitigation is primarily around the efficient use of resources, especially in the medium to
long term. For example, the “Invest to Save” initiative around the Carbon Management
Programme of the Council seeks to reduce carbon emissions through improved energy
efficiency. Such programmes have transparent financial benefits.
• Adaptation is about risk management. For example, making sure that new schools are
capable of functioning effectively in the predicted changes in climate may carry additional
cost. The benefits may not be immediately obvious or immediately realised; it requires an
event such as a heat wave (there is a 40% chance that a heat wave similar to that of
2003 will re-occur by 2012) to take place before they can be identified. Even then, the
passage of time may mean that people do not make the connection. It was the
importance of making this kind of investment that Sir Nicholas Stern emphasised (see
para. 3.10). It should be noted as well that the benefits are more diffuse. For example,
the efficient functioning of a school under such circumstances has social and economic
benefits as routines are not disrupted.
5. Equality and Diversity:
5.1 Climate Change has significant equality and diversity impacts.
• On a macro scale it is populations in the poorest parts of the world which are
disproportionately affected by climate change. For example, in 2007 12 of the 13 United
Nations flash appeals were for climate related events. Not only is the developed world
responsible for the emissions stimulating such events but with the increasingly diverse
communities in Wolverhampton, there are residents whose extended families have direct
experience of the consequences.
• On a micro scale vulnerable individuals and communities will similarly suffer to a greater
extent. For example, increased temperatures create a greater risk of heart failure or
strokes in the elderly and obese and exacerbate respiratory problems. Similarly, it takes
proportionately more money to repair storm damage for those on low income.
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
6. Environmental Implications:
6.1 The implications of climate change are immense. Sir David King, the former UK Chief
Scientific Advisor, said “Climate Change is the most severe problem we are facing today”. That
is because it affects the life- supporting systems of the planet on which we depend. It is not
about other living things but about human existence. The Climate Change Strategy and Action
Plan sets out a framework for how Wolverhampton can contribute to redressing the balance
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Appendix 1
The Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change
We acknowledge that
• Evidence shows that climate change is occurring.
• Climate change will continue to have far reaching effects on the UK’s people and places, economy,
society and environment.
We welcome the
• Social, economic and environmental benefits which come from combating climate change.
• Emissions targets agreed by central government and the programme for delivering change, as set out
in the UK Climate Change Programme.
• Opportunity for local government to lead the response at a local level, encouraging and helping local
residents, local businesses and other organisations - to reduce their energy costs, to reduce
congestion, to adapt to the impacts of climate change, to improve the local environment and to deal
with fuel poverty in our communities.
• Endorsement of this declaration by central government.
We commit our Council from this date, 20th December 2006, to
• Work with central government to contribute, at a local level, to the delivery of the UK Climate Change
Programme, the Kyoto Protocol and the target for carbon dioxide reduction by 2010.
• Participate in local and regional networks for support.
• Within the next two years develop plans with our partners and local communities to progressively
address the causes and the impacts of climate change, according to our local priorities, securing
maximum benefit for our communities.
• Publicly declare, within appropriate plans and strategies, the commitment to achieve a significant
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from our own authority’s operations, especially energy
sourcing and use, travel and transport, waste production and disposal and the purchasing of goods
and services.
• Assess the risk associated with climate change and the implications for our services and our
communities of climate change impacts and adapt accordingly.
• Encourage all sectors in our local community to take the opportunity to adapt to the impacts of climate
change, to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions and to make public their commitment to
action.
• Monitor the progress of our plans against the actions needed and publish the results.
Wolverhampton City Council acknowledges the increasing impact that climate change will
have on our community during the 21st century and commits to tackling the causes and effects
of a changing climate on our city.
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Hierarchy of Wolverhampton Partnership Delivery Plans
Appendix 2
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Appendix 3
Contents
Foreword
3
Executive Summary
4
1 Introduction
2 What is climate change?
3 Wolverhampton CO2 Emissions Data
5-7
8-11
12
4 Policy context
4.1
International and European Context
13
4.2
National Context
14-15
4.3
Regional Context
16-17
4.4
Local Context
18-19
5 How climate change affects Wolverhampton
20-21
6 Climate Change Targets for Wolverhampton
22
7 Climate Change Strategy Themes
7.1
Buildings and Planning
23-25
7.2
Energy
26-27
7.3
Water
28
7.4
Waste
29-30
7.5
Transport
31-32
7.6
Wildlife and green spaces
33-35
7.7
Adapting to future climate change
36-37
7.8
Working with the Community
38-39
7.9
Additional Themes – Health and Air Quality
40-41
8 Climate Change Action Plan
9
42-63
Appendices
cont.
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Appendix 1: Consultation
64
Appendix 2: Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change
65
Appendix 3: Policy Context – Further Information
66-78
Appendix 4: West Midlands Construction Charter
79
Glossary of Terms and List of Abbreviations
80
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Appendix 4
Executive Summary
International scientists studying climatic changes have come together as the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). They advise that the recent rapid climate change is mainly
due to Green-House Gas (GHG) emissions from human activity. Therefore, a fundamental
challenge for Wolverhampton to secure a sustainable future is to significantly reduce its
contribution. The most significant are from Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. and so people talk
of a low carbon economy. The IPCC also identify that some climate change is inevitable. The
City needs to be adapted to these unavoidable effects.
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan CCS&AP) for Wolverhampton is the City’s
response to those twin challenges. It has been produced in fulfilment of the previous
Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change, and sets out actions to reduce the City’s CO2
emissions by 12% by 2011/12 (from 2005 levels) and by at least 35% by 2026.
It is constructed around a number of key themes: buildings and planning; energy; water; waste;
transport; wildlife and green spaces; adapting to future climate change; and working with the
community. Many of these themes are cross-cutting, and actions consequently overlap on a
number of topics. Also, it is built on existing work which it coordinates rather than creating new
initiatives at this stage. It addresses both the mitigation of climate change and adaptation
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan has been developed in conjunction with the
Wolverhampton Partnership’s Environmental Plan and Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS).
It has helped establish the climate change priorities in those documents and sets out a more
detailed action plan for their realisation. As with the SCS and Environmental Plan, the Climate
Change Strategy and Action Plan is essential to achieving sustainable development and
addresses economic, social and the environmental issues.
The Council is taking the lead for climate change for the Wolverhampton Partnership but the
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Wolverhampton, will require action by all the
Partners, local communities and individuals in the City if it is to succeed.
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Appendix 5
Feedback on the Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan (CCS&AP)
from the Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel (SCSP) –
27th January 2009
Comments
Response
Concerns that the
current economic
climate may be
detrimental to the
implementation of the
CCS&AP - Suggested
that the Climate Change
Strategy and Action Plan
might require a refresh
in the light of this,
particularly the carbon
emission targets, as it
was felt that it should be
driven by efficiencies
rather than CO2
reductions being
achieved as a result of
lower levels of economic
activity. It was also
suggested that
measures should be in
place to demonstrate
that greater degrees of
efficiencies are being
achieved.
There are economic benefits that present
themselves by mitigating the challenges
of climate change as it is based on the
more effective use of resources. The
efficiency benefits are not necessarily
competing against reducing carbon
emissions. What the CCS&AP seeks is to
make sure that such gains are monitored
and reported as reductions in emissions
as well as other methods
Reference in
CCS&AP
Cross-cutting all
themes
It is not envisaged that a refresh of the
document or emissions targets would be
needed in light of the current economic
climate as it would form part of the
interpretation of the figures. However, the
point is well made: the economic down
turn will affect carbon emissions but,
equally, it presents a good opportunity to
encourage good practices in both
businesses and consumers. The test of
success will be whether carbon emissions
increase as the recession is abated.
Comments on engagement of the public
noted below therefore have added
significance
N.B. The LSP’s Draft Environmental Plan
also addresses the efficient use of
resources in the section on Sustainable
Consumption and Production.
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Comments
Response
Reference in
CCS&AP
Welcomed the Strategy
and Action Plan,
particularly proposals
relating further
investigations into local
energy generation and
renewables. Suggest
further research for the
best options for
renewable energy
sources in the City
Noted. Preparation of a Renewable
Energy Strategy to be included in the
CCS&AP under ‘Energy’ theme.
Reference to other supporting pages
given opposite
Buildings and
Planning
(pages 25, 42)
Very pleased with the
introduction of the Low
Carbon Grant scheme
(from April 2009)
SCSP would like an update on how this is
progressing after 6 months.
Energy
(pages 26 and 46)
It was suggested that
the grants for Insulation
and Affordable Warmth
need to be rationalised.
A report on this was
requested for a future
meeting.
Tom Winckley to provide this update to
SCSP.
Energy
(pages 47 and 48)
Are we doing enough to Our green spaces and wildlife are
protect our green spaces vulnerable to climate change. The
and wildlife?
CCS&AP considers aspects of this but
the Environmental Plan will be the main
vehicle for improving resilience.
The CCS&AP emphasises the practical
value of the green infrastructure in
mitigation of and adaptation to climate
change especially looking at reintroducing large, canopy-type trees in
the City.
Wildlife and Green
Spaces
(pages 33, 34, 57)
Energy
(pages 26, 48)
Tom Winckley to provide this update in
October 2009.
Issues identified around this, particularly
with regard to how long it will take for
trees to mature and the canopy to
develop in relation to the pace of climate
change.
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Comments
Response
Discussion around
existing ground water
and how this can be
used more efficiently as
a resource
It was noted in this discussion that ground
water levels are rising and coming into
contact with increased contaminants,
rendering it unfit for commercial use and
manufacturing/industrial purposes. There
are also problems in gathering water
quality and quantity data which partly
explains why it remains such an
overlooked resource. Proposed addition
to undertake further investigation on
improving the information base in
conjunction with the Draft Environmental
Plan which touches upon water quality
issues as well.
Reference in
CCS&AP
Water
(pages 28, 49, 50)
Wildlife and Green
Spaces
(page 33)
Adapting to Future
Climate Change
(page 36)
Community involvement
is key
The Panels support is welcomed. The
Working with the
community need to know what the issues Community
around climate change are, and what
(pages 38, 61, 62)
they can do. The proposed ‘Green Guide’
(see comment below) will go some way to
doing this along with the proposed more
accessible version of the CCS&AP.
SCSP supported a
proposed ‘Green Guide’
for Wolverhampton, but
noted that this would
have to be delivered to
every household in the
City, otherwise it would
not be effective
Further discussions around the Green
Guide have resulted in the decision to
provide 2 different copies of the guide.
One for residents and one for businesses
in the City. They can help address earlier
comments on driving through energy
efficiency rather than carbon emissions
per se.The proposal will be reflected in
the final draft of the CCS&AP.
Drafts of the Guides will be brought
before the Panel
Energy
(pages 26, 48)
Working with the
Community
(pages 38, 62)
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
Comments
Response
Reference in
CCS&AP
SCSP supported the
inclusion of business
waste targets, as the
business sector
contributes more to the
waste stream than any
other sector. SCSP
concerned that efforts in
recycling and waste
reduction are currently
heavily focussed upon
the domestic sector.
The following points are included in
CCS&AP –
In addition, it was felt
that the business
community needed to be
consulted as much as
possible on the climate
change agenda.
Central Government consults directly with
the business community. The proposed
Green Guide for business will help
develop local contacts.
The CCS&AP needs to
be produced as a more
accessible document for
public consumption
Following feed back, it is proposed to
n/a
publish a version of the CCS&AP which is
more appropriate for the general public as
well as the current working document. It
shall be developed in conjunction with the
proposed “Green Guide” and any
documents arising from the
Environmental Plan
•
•
•
Waste
(pages 29, 30, 52)
Raise profile of recycling and
waste management in business
sector and introduce recycling
systems.
5% increase in business recycling
rates by end of 2009.
5% decrease in business waste
by end of 2009
Working with the
Community
(pages 61, 62)
Climate Change Strategyl.doc
DRAFT
Climate Change Strategy
and Action Plan
for Wolverhampton
2008/09 – 2011/12
Wolverhampton
City Council
Wolverhampton
Partnership
Date: January 2009
Version number: 1
1
DRAFT
Contents
Foreword
3
Executive Summary
4
1 Introduction
2 What is climate change?
3 Wolverhampton CO2 Emissions Data
5-7
8-11
12
4 Policy context
4.1
International and European Context
13
4.2
National Context
14-15
4.3
Regional Context
16-17
4.4
Local Context
18-19
5 How climate change affects Wolverhampton
20-21
6 Climate Change Targets for Wolverhampton
22
7 Climate Change Strategy Themes
7.1
Buildings and Planning
23-25
7.2
Energy
26-27
7.3
Water
28
7.4
Waste
29-30
7.5
Transport
31-32
7.6
Wildlife and green spaces
33-35
7.7
Adapting to future climate change
36-37
7.8
Working with the Community
7.9
Additional Themes – Health and Air Quality
8 Climate Change Action Plan
9
38
39-40
41-62
Appendices
Appendix 1: Consultation
63
Appendix 2: Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change
64
Appendix 3: Policy Context – Further Information
65-76
Appendix 4: West Midlands Construction Charter
77
Appendix 5: List of Abbreviations
78-79
2
DRAFT
Foreword – Wolverhampton City Council
I am very pleased to present the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for
Wolverhampton.
Climate change is the single greatest challenge that we are faced with today and
Wolverhampton City Council acknowledges the importance of taking action on
climate change now in order to reduce harmful CO2 emissions and to ensure that the
City is well equipped to cope with inevitable climate change in years to come.
The Council understands that action needs to be taken to reduce CO2 emissions and
has already made a public commitment to tackle climate change by signing the
Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change in December 2006. The Board of the
Wolverhampton Partnership formally expressed their support of the Declaration in
January 2007.
The Council is already working hard to reduce its CO2 emissions and we have set a
challenging target of a 25% reduction from Council activities and operations by 2015
(from 2005/06 levels). The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan will enable
Wolverhampton, through leadership from the Council and the Partnership, to strive
towards a carbon neutral society and a healthy, sustainable City.
Councillor Barry Findlay
Cabinet Member for Environment
Foreword – Wolverhampton Partnership
Evidence is mounting that increasing greenhouse gas emissions are causing a rapid
rise in global temperatures and the effects of this are likely to be felt both now and in
the future. It is therefore a fundamental challenge for Wolverhampton to secure a
sustainable future by significantly reducing CO2 emissions, becoming a low carbon
economy and by ensuring we are well adapted to the unavoidable effects of climate
change.
The Wolverhampton Partnership are pleased to be taking a joint lead with the
Council on addressing climate change in Wolverhampton and will work closely with
other key partners to achieve the actions set out in this Climate Change Strategy and
Action Plan in order to ensure that Wolverhampton is at the forefront of national
efforts to address the climate change agenda.
Through this Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan we will strive to secure a
sustainable quality of life in the long term for everyone associated with the City.
Jon Crockett
Chair of Wolverhampton Partnership Board
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Executive Summary
International scientists studying climatic changes have come together as the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). They advise that the recent
rapid climate change is mainly due to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from
human activity. Therefore, a fundamental challenge for Wolverhampton to secure a
sustainable future is to significantly reduce its contribution. The most significant are
from Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. and so people talk of a low carbon economy.
The IPCC also identify that some climate change is inevitable. The City needs to be
adapted to these unavoidable effects.
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (CCS&AP) for Wolverhampton is the
City’s response to those twin challenges. It has been produced in fulfilment of the
previous Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change, and sets out actions to
reduce the City’s CO2 emissions by 12% by 2011/12 (from 2005 levels) and by at
least 35% by 2026.
It is constructed around a number of key themes: buildings and planning; energy;
water; waste; transport; wildlife and green spaces; adapting to future climate change;
and working with the community. Many of these themes are cross-cutting, and
actions consequently overlap on a number of topics. Also, it is built on existing work
which it coordinates rather than creating new initiatives at this stage. It addresses
both the mitigation of climate change and adaptation
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan has been developed in conjunction
with the Wolverhampton Partnership’s Environmental Plan and Sustainable
Community Strategy (SCS). It has helped establish the climate change priorities in
those documents and sets out a more detailed action plan for their realisation. As
with the SCS and Environmental Plan, the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
is essential to achieving sustainable development and addresses economic, social
and environmental issues.
The Council is taking the lead for climate change for the Wolverhampton Partnership
but the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Wolverhampton, will require
action by all the Partners, local communities and individuals in the City if it is to
succeed.
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1. Introduction
Climate change has been recognised as one of the greatest threats of the 21st
century and is the key driver for a raft of International, European and National policy
and legislation aimed at reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and improving
energy efficiency.
In 2008, Central Government announced the introduction of a new governmental
department with a specific focus on this key issue - the Department of Energy and
Climate Change (DECC) - to focus on solving the important challenges of climate
change and energy supply. This new department demonstrates that energy and
climate change are now clear priorities for Central Government.
Climate change is becoming an increasingly important issue for local authorities
(LAs) and local strategic partnerships (LSPs) to address in terms of social, economic
and environmental prosperity. In 2006 Sir Nicholas Stern (Head of the Government
Economic Service) laid out the economic case for the urgent need to address climate
change and greenhouse gas emissions. He advised on the impending economic
effects of a changing climate and noted that the “scientific evidence that climate
change is a serious and urgent issue is now compelling. It warrants strong action to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions around the world to reduce the risk of very
damaging and potentially irreversible impacts on ecosystems, societies and
economies. With good policies the costs of action need not be prohibitive and would
be much smaller than the damage”1. Through using economic models, Stern was
able to estimate that if we were to take no action to mitigate climate change then the
“overall costs and risks of climate change will be equivalent to losing at least 5% of
global GDP each year, now and forever”.
With the emergence of specific legislation and Central Government programmes
targeted to address climate change and CO2 emissions, such as the Climate Change
Act (2008) and the Carbon Reduction Commitment2 (CRC), LAs and LSPs need to
actively address the issue of effective carbon management. Further, the new
National Indicator Set includes key indicators that address climate change, such as
adaptation to climate change (NI188), reduction in CO2 emissions from Local
Authority operations (NI185), and reduction in per capita CO2 emissions across the
City (NI186), which LAs and LSPs will be obliged to address and formally report back
to Central Government on.
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan has been developed in conjunction
with Wolverhampton Partnership’s Environmental Plan (see ‘Local Policy Context’),
and it is also integrated with Wolverhampton’s Sustainable Community Strategy
(SCS) which sets out a vision for the City for 2026. The Climate Change Strategy is
designed to complement the SCS by establishing an action plan to address climate
change, a key theme in the SCS. Both the SCS and the Environmental Plan have a
strong focus on sustainable development and the Climate Change Strategy supports
1
Stern, N (2006) The Economics of Climate Change (available from
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sternreview_index.htm
2
The CRC was confirmed by Government in the 2007 Energy White Paper and will be introduced in 2010. This
will be a mandatory emissions trading scheme, controlled by Defra, to cut carbon emissions from large
commercial and public sector organisations by 1.1 MtC per year by 2020.
5
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these principles, seeking to find a balance between the needs of the economy,
society and the environment.
It is recognised that everyone in the City will play a fundamental part in addressing
climate change and the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan seeks to reflect the
views of everyone in the City. A joint consultation has been conducted on both the
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and the City’s Environmental Plan to
establish priorities for protecting the environment and tackling climate change in the
city (further information can be found in Appendix 1).
The Black Country is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of the Industrial
Revolution and there is an opportunity, through addressing climate change, for
Wolverhampton to re-invent itself as the leader of a new sustainable, low carbon,
industrial revolution.
Wolverhampton City Council (WCC) understands that actions need to be taken to
reduce emissions, and has already made a public commitment to tackle climate
change by signing the Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change in December
2006 (see Appendix 2). This was signed by the Leaders of the Council’s political
parties and the Chief Executive to highlight cross-party support in the fight against
climate change. The Wolverhampton Declaration is based on the Nottingham
Declaration3 (the first official declaration to address climate change in the UK) and
commits the Council to develop plans to address the causes and impacts of climate
change within two years of signing the Declaration. The Board of the Wolverhampton
Partnership formally expressed their support of the Declaration in January 2007.
Also, the City Region, of which Wolverhampton is part, has made a commitment
towards carbon neutrality. This Strategy and Action Plan will provide the foundations
for developing programmes to ensure that this ambition becomes a reality.
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan has been produced in fulfilment of the
Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change, and lays out the plan to reduce CO2
emissions across the City.
The Strategy and Action Plan sets out Wolverhampton City Council and
Wolverhampton Partnership’s plans to:
3
•
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, vehicles and services
and activities across the City;
•
ensure that all buildings and services are resilient to changing weather
impacts over the coming decades;
•
encourage developers to design and build new buildings and
developments in the City in a way that minimises greenhouse gas
emissions and takes into account the changing weather affecting the City;
•
advise and support local residents, businesses, stakeholders and partners
on ways in which they can reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions
and to consider ways in which they may need to adapt to a changing
climate.
www.nottinghamdeclaration.org.uk
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WCC was one of 45 local authorities selected to participate in Phase 5 of the Local
Authority Carbon Management Programme (CMP) throughout 2007-2008. The
Carbon Trust provided support and guidance to enable the Council to realise carbon
emissions savings from areas directly under the control of the local authority, such as
buildings (including schools), vehicle fleets, business related travel and street
lighting. The CMP contributes a core element of the Climate Change Strategy and
Action Plan in the form of an agreed approach to reducing emissions associated with
the Council’s own assets. Through the implementation of the CMP the Council has
set a target to reduce it’s CO2 emissions by 25% by 2015 (from 2005/06 levels) and
is already achieving energy efficiency and cost savings by identifying methods of
reducing energy demand and improving energy conservation.
The Council and the Wolverhampton Partnership will take a joint leadership role in
the delivery of the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Wolverhampton, and
will work in partnership with external stakeholders and service providers, businesses,
residents and other public sector bodies, to ensure they understand and recognise
the importance of the need for urgent action to address climate change.
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2. What is climate change?
The Earth's climate has been relatively stable since the end of the last ice age, about
10,000 years ago, but it is now changing and the average global temperature is
rising. The 20th century was probably the warmest century in the last 1,000 years:
there was about 0.6°C of warming, and the 1990s was the warmest decade in the
last 100 years. A warming trend has been identified, particularly since mid 1970s that
is not subsiding (see Figure 1).
Figure1: Strong global warming observed since 1975
(c) Crown Copyright 2005, the Met Office
There is also evidence that rainfall patterns are changing, sea levels are rising,
glaciers are retreating, arctic sea-ice is thinning and the incidence of extreme
weather is increasing across the world.
We are already observing an increase in extreme weather events across the world.
In 2008, Bangladesh experienced the worst floods for 50 years. In 2003 we
experienced a major heat wave across Europe which was one of the hottest
summers on record. Extreme maximum temperatures of 35 - 40°C were regularly
recorded throughout July and August of that year, and a record temperature of
38.5°C was recorded in the UK. Rail travel was widely disrupted across the country
when fears of rails buckling in the extreme heat led to Network Rail imposing many
speed restrictions. There was an estimated 35,000 additional deaths, over 2,000 of
which were recorded in the UK4. Other living things were affected as huge forest fires
4
Earth Policy Institute (2003) Record Heat Wave in Europe Takes 35,000 Lives. Available from: http://www.earthpolicy.org/Updates/Update29.htm
8
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across the continent severely damaged wildlife habitats. The fires caused huge
damage to crops which seriously impacted on the economy and it was estimated that
the economic losses due to this one heat wave alone were in excess of €13 billion5.
Events such as these are likely to become more prevalent over the next 30 to 40
years as we witness inevitable climate change.
The Greenhouse Effect (see Figure 2) is a naturally occurring phenomenon where
certain gases (called greenhouse gases or GHGs6) trap heat inside the atmosphere.
They protect the planet from the absolute zero of outer space. However, human
activity has lead to an increase in the number of GHGs which is resulting in more
heat being trapped in the atmosphere. Consequently there has been a warming
effect and a change in the world’s climate. International scientists studying these
changes have come together as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC7) and are largely agreed that the recent rapid climate change is largely due to
GHG emissions from human activity.
Figure 2: The Greenhouse Effect
(c) Crown Copyright 2005, the Met Office
5
UNEP (2004) Impacts of summer 2003 heat wave in Europe. Available from:
http://www.grid.unep.ch/product/publication/download/ew_heat_wave.en.pdf
6
There are several greenhouse gases that are responsible for human-induced climate change, the most
important being carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs) and
petro-fluorocarbons (PFCs).
7
http://www.ipcc.ch/
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The earth’s temperature is naturally regulated by the amount of energy from the sun
(in the form of UV rays) and the amount of energy radiated back into space from the
earth. UV rays are short wave radiation, and are able to pass through the
atmosphere with ease and they warm the earth. The energy radiated back is infra-red
radiation, which long wave radiation. Most of this is able to pass back out into space;
however, some of this is trapped by the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The
problem is that more and more greenhouse gases are being pumped into the
atmosphere and the infra-red radiation is struggling to leave. More and more of this is
being trapped in the atmosphere, and this is causing an increase in global
temperatures. This is what we refer to as human-induced, or anthropogenic, climate
change.
The most significant source of GHG’s is carbon dioxide (CO2). Most of this comes
from the burning of fossil fuels (such as oil, gas and coal) for energy. This energy
heats and lights our cities and homes, provides fuel for transport, and the energy
used by business and industry. At present, just over 7 billion tonnes of CO2 are
emitted globally each year through fossil fuel use. An additional 1.6 billion tonnes are
emitted by land use change, largely by deforestation for food production. The
concentrations of these gases in the atmosphere have now reached levels
unprecedented for tens of thousands of years (see Figure 3).
Figure 3: Emissions of CO2 from fossil fuel burning
(c) Crown Copyright 2005, the Met Office
The concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere have reached levels unprecedented
for tens of thousands of years. It takes time for the full effect of waste products, such
as CO2, to show in the environment which means that the effects of the CO2 we emit
now will not peak for another 20 to 30 years. Therefore, whatever we do now, our
climate will continue to change, and consequently, the problems we experience until
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then are due to our actions in the past in the developed world of Europe and North
America, not developing nations such as China or India.
Therefore, climate change is being addressed in two ways:
•
Mitigation i.e. not making matters worse, for example, reducing CO2
emissions through use of renewable energy sources;
•
Adaptation i.e. learning and planning ahead to live with the changes that
climate change will present us with.
Both mitigation and adaptation must be addressed if we are to successfully
overcome the challenges that climate change presents.
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3. Wolverhampton CO2 Emissions Data
Emissions data at a Local Authority level is collected and compiled by Defra8. Figure
4 (below) highlights Wolverhampton’s CO2 emissions for 2005 and 2006. It is
important to note that the national per capita emissions for 2005 was 8.84 t/CO2 and
2006 was 8.78t/CO2, therefore Wolverhampton is well below the national average of
per capita CO2 emissions.
Figure 4: Wolverhampton total CO2 emissions and per capita emissions data
2005 and 2006 (Defra, 2008)
Year
Industry
and
Commercial
Domestic
Road
Transport
Land
Use /
Change
and
Forestry
2005
659,000
554,000
278,000
2,000
1,494,000
236.9
6.31
2006
649,000
569,000
270,000
2,000
1,489,000
236.6
6.30
Total CO2
emissions
(tonnes/
CO2)
Population
(mid-year
estimate)
Per capita
emissions
(tonnes/
CO2)
Figure 5 (below) highlights the breakdown of Wolverhampton’s CO2 emissions (N.B.
This does not include ‘land use/change and forestry’ as the data is very small in
comparison to the other 3 sectors).
Figure 5: Wolverhampton total CO2 emissions breakdown by sector 2006
Road Transport
18%
Industry and Commercial
44%
Domestic
38%
8
Available from http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/globatmos/download/regionalrpt/localregionalco2emissions05-06.xls
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4. Policy context
This section highlights key policy and legislation on climate change and greenhouse
gas emissions reduction at international and European, national, regional and local
levels. Further information on the policy documents highlighted in this section can be
found at Appendix 3)
4.1
International and European Policy Context
Title
Key Themes, Issues and Targets
United Nations (UN) Earth
Summit (1992)
Agenda 21; Rio Declaration on Environment and
Development
UN Framework Convention
on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) (1994)
International treaty which provides a framework for
intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by
climate change
Kyoto Protocol (1997)
Sets legally binding targets for 37 industrialised countries
and the European community for reducing GHG emissions.
UK target is 12.5% decrease on 1990 levels by 2008-12
EU Sustainable
Development Strategy
(SDS) (2006)
The strategy sets overall objectives and concrete actions for
seven key priority challenges for the EU until 2010, including
climate change and clean energy, sustainable transport,
sustainable consumption and production, and conservation
and management of natural resources.
EU Energy Performance of
Buildings Directive (EPBD)
(2003)
Aims to improve the energy performance of buildings within
the EU through cost-effective measures, with a particular
focus on recording the physical energy performance of
public access buildings.
Implementation from 2008.
•
•
Bali Roadmap (2007 2009)
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) produced
whenever buildings are constructed, sold or rented
out;
Display Energy Certificates (DEC) displayed for all
large public buildings
2 year negotiations process from the Bali Climate Change
Convention (2007) to the UN Climate Change Conference in
Copenhagen (2009), which will shape the next stage of the
Kyoto Protocol (post 2012).
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4.2
National Policy Context
To ensure action within the UK, the Government have issued a significant amount of
environmental legislation which requires local authorities to take action.
Title
Key Themes, Issues and Targets
Home Energy
Conservation Act
(HECA) (1995)
Requires local authorities to improve the energy efficiency of
all homes and in doing so seeks to tackle fuel poverty9 and
climate change
Sustainable Development
Strategy – Securing the
Future (2005)
Four agreed priorities: sustainable consumption and
production, climate change, natural resource protection and
sustainable communities
Planning Policy Statement
- PPS1 (2005) ‘Delivering
Sustainable Development’
Sets out how spatial planning should take into account the
unavoidable consequences of climate change
Supplement to PPS1 –
Planning and Climate
Change (2007)
Sets out how planning should contribute to reducing
emissions and stablising climate change and take into
account the unavoidable consequences.
UK Climate Change
Programme (2006)
Aims to ensure that the UK can progress towards the longterm goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Climate Change and
Sustainable Energy Act
(2006)
Primary objective of enhancing the UK’s contribution to
tackling climate change. It also aims to help alleviate fuel
poverty, promote microgeneration and the use of heat
produced from renewable sources.
Waste Strategy (2007)
Responds to the need to reduce unsustainable consumption
of resources and the need to reduce carbon emissions from
waste, integral to both of these needs is the diversion of
waste from landfill sites.
Energy White Paper:
Meeting the Energy
Challenge (2007)
This White Paper highlights:
• Carbon Reduction Commitment (see ‘Climate Change
Act’ below);
• Energy Performance Certificates
• Social housing should be compliant with the
government’s Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)10;
• Action to reduce fuel poverty needs to be more proactive and localised;
• Planning needs to support greater use of decentralised
electricity generation and renewable means of
generating power.
9
Fuel poverty is linked to general poverty and deprivation, but it has other distinct characteristics and causes,
including low household income; high levels of occupancy; inefficient or expensive heating systems and high fuel
costs; poor insulation and draughts; and poor energy efficiency in the home. However, other personal
circumstances may also mean that people fall into fuel poverty, such as single older persons living in aging
homes, or single parent households with several children.
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Title
Key Themes, Issues and Targets
New Performance
Framework for Local
Authorities & Local
Authority Partnerships:
Single Set of National
Indicators (2007)
Presents a new performance framework for Local
Government, including 198 national indicators which
Councils and Partnerships will have to report back to Central
Government on. For the first time, a number of indicators
relate directly to addressing climate change, including:
• CO2 reduction from Local Authority operations
(NI185)
• Per capita CO2 emissions in the Local Authority Area
(NI186)
• Tackling fuel poverty (NI187)
• Adapting to climate change (NI188)
• Household waste recycled and composted (NI192)
Water strategy for England
- Future Water (2008)
Sets out a vision for 2030 of improving the quality of water,
using water resources sustainably and implementing fair
water charges, tackling climate change by reducing
greenhouse gases and adapting the water industry and
users behaviour to climate change and other pressures,
such as more housing.
Climate Change Act (2008)
Provides a framework for action to tackle the unavoidable
effects of climate change and to ensure adaptation is
integrated into decision-making in the UK.
The Act sets an unprecedented, legally binding, target of
80% reduction in CO2 by 2050 (from 1990 levels) with an
interim target of at least 26% by 2020. The law sets a
framework of incremental targets to gradually reduce
emissions.
The Climate Change Act introduces a mandatory carbon
trading scheme, the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC),
a mandatory “cap-and-trade” scheme for the public and
private sector and it will have a significant impact on
reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions from April 2010. The
CRC will apply to large non-intensive energy users within
the business and public sector, who will be responsible for
purchasing their carbon emissions in advance, or in effect
have to buy ‘carbon credits’, in order to limit their CO2
emissions.
10
The CSH measures the sustainability of a new home against nine categories of sustainable design, rating the
'whole home' as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall
sustainability performance of a new home. The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each
level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment
(BRE).
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4.3
Regional Policy Context
Title
Key Themes, Issues and Targets
Birmingham and Black
Country Biodiversity
Action Plan (BAP) (2000)
This depicts the biodiversity of the region and follows these
themes: people, education and wildlife; protection of habitats
and species; management of sites and habitats, creation
and restoration of habitats, linkages; data and monitoring.
West Midlands Regional
Waste Planning Strategy
(2001)
Sets out a framework for more sustainable waste
management in the West Midlands and recognises the
importance of coordinating waste management regionally.
West Midlands Energy
Strategy (2004)
Headline objectives of the strategy are:
• Improving energy efficiency
• Increasing the use of Renewable Energy Resources
• Maximising uptake of business opportunities
• Ensuring focused and integrated delivery and
implementation
West Midlands Regional
Housing Strategy (2005)
Aims to achieve sustainable access to minimise
environmental resource consumption and traffic and
improve the quality of the environment.
West Midlands Local
Transport Plan (LTP)
(2006)
The LTP sets out the local strategy to improve transport
provision and ensure that people have a genuine choice of
how to travel. Key targets are: to limit the increase in road
traffic mileage in the West Midlands to no more than 7%
from 2004-2010; increase bus use from 325 million
trips/year to 355 million by 2010/11; increase light rail use
from 5.1 million trips per year to 5.8 million in 2010/11; 1%
increase in cycling index from 2004-2011; 100% of schools
to have travel plans by 2011; and 30% of all employees to
work in organisations with work place travel plans by 2011.
Black Country Study
(2006)
One of the four headline objectives is to ‘create high quality,
sustainable environments’. The Study supplied the evidence
base for Phase One review of the Regional Spatial Strategy
(RSS), which was adopted in 2008.
West Midlands Sustainable
Development Framework
(2006)
Designed to ensure that strategies, policies and plans in the
West Midlands contribute towards a sustainable future for
the region
West Midlands Climate
Change Action Plan (2007)
Sets out the actions that key regional organisations can take
over the next three years to move towards a position where
all regional policy addresses the causes and impacts of
climate change as a central objective. The Action Plan
contains 30 actions covering six regional climate change
priorities: Planning and Environment; Economy;
Implementation; Leadership; Communication; Targets and
Monitoring.
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Title
West Midlands Regional
Spatial Strategy (RSS)
(2008)
Key Themes, Issues and Targets
The RSS was reviewed and updated in 2008 and provides a
strategic vision for improving the quality of life in the region.
Its main purpose is to provide a long term land use and
transport planning framework and it determines the scale
and distribution of housing and economic development
across the Region, investment priorities for transport and
sets out policies for enhancing the environment
Climate change is a key theme within the RSS, and it
specifically includes a cross-cutting climate change policy11
whereby all authorities, agencies and others shall include
the following in plans, strategies and programmes to
mitigate and adapt to climate change by:
• Developing and using renewable energy to supply
both new and existing development;
• Reducing the need to travel;
• Reducing the amount of biodegradable waste going
to landfill;
and all new development to:
• Minimise demand and encourage the efficient use of
resources, especially water, energy and materials;
• Encourage construction of climate-proofed
developments and sustainable buildings;
• Avoid development in flood zones;
• Facilitate walking, cycling and public transport;
• Facilitate effective waste management;
• Protect, conserve, manage and enhance natural and
built heritage assets.
West Midlands
Biodiversity Plan –
Landscapes for Living
(2008)
50 year vision for a vibrant, diverse and natural West
Midlands, where we are connected to our wildlife and
landscape; healthy, sustainable communities and local
livelihoods, working with nature and securing the future.
Biodiversity is presented as an important asset for the
region’s economy and as a means by which to adapt to the
changing climate.
Black Country Joint Core
Strategy (JCS) (proposed
for 2010)
The JCS will set out the vision and objectives for future
development in the Black Country up to 2026. This strategy
is a spatial planning strategy aimed at delivering a
restructured, regenerated and more attractive Black
Country. The JCS will take into account existing and
emerging national, regional and local planning policies and
guidance.
11
Regional Spatial Strategy for the West Midlands (2008). Available from:
http://www.wmra.gov.uk/documents/RSS%20Full%20Doc%20Jan%2008.pdf
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4.4
Local Policy Context
There are a wide range of current policies and strategies that influence carbon
reduction both within the Council and across the City. These directly address widerreaching council and city-wide plans such as the Local Area Agreement (LAA),
WCC’s Corporate Plan, the Sustainable Community Plan (being developed from the
refreshed Community Plan), Wolverhampton Partnership’s Sustainability Charter,
and Environmental Strategy (currently being developed). The fundamental strategies
that feed into these are highlighted below. All of these strategies and policies have
the potential to contribute to the reduction in CO2 emissions across the city.
Title
Key Themes, Issues and Targets
Local Development
Framework (LDF)
A folder of Local Development Documents that set out how
the local area may change over the next few years. The
LDF, together with the (RSS), determines how the planning
system will help to shape the local community.
Wolverhampton’s Walking
and Cycling Strategies
(2005)
Aim to promote sustainable transportation in and around the
City. The strategies encourage and promote walking and
cycling as modes of transport and part of the solution to
tackling traffic congestion, as well as urban regeneration
and to improve our environment and health.
Municipal Waste
Management Strategy
(2006)
Waste management can have a huge environmental impact
and the Wolverhampton Waste Management Partnership
(made up of Wolverhampton City Council and Enterprise
Plc) needs to find ways of moving towards more sustainable
methods of waste management as well as trying to reduce
the growth in waste. The strategy outlines the City’s plans
for waste management from 2006 to 2026.
Air Quality Management
Action Plan (2006)
Key areas of the action plan include reducing vehicle
emissions; improving public transport, improving the road
network, measures to reduce traffic volumes, reducing air
pollution from industry, commerce and residential areas;
changing levels of travel demand; and promotion of
alternative modes of transport.
WCC Travel Plan (2007)
The Plan sets out ways to improve the range of transport
options available to Council staff for commuting and
business travel, whilst minimising the impact of our travel
related activities on the environment, easing congestion and
enhancing both the economy of the City and the health of its
resident population.
Affordable Warmth
Strategy (2007)
Developed to help address the social and health problems
caused by fuel poverty in the City. Provides a mechanism
for achieving increased thermal comfort levels, energy
savings and reduced fuel costs for low income households.
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Title
Key Themes, Issues and Targets
Local Area Agreement
(LAA) (2008 to 2011)
3 year agreement between central government, LA and LSP
designed to enable better delivery of local priorities. Clear
targets set to reflect the needs and wishes of the City’s
residents. Key environmental targets have been set with
regard to improved street cleanliness; amount of household
waste recycled or composted; CO2 emissions reduction from
LA operations; congestion during peak morning traffic flow;
and tackling fuel poverty in the City.
WCC Carbon Management
Programme (CMP) (2008 –
2015)
WCC is committed to reducing its GHG emissions and has
developed a Carbon Management Strategy to reduce CO2
by 25% by 2015 (from 2005/06 levels) from its buildings,
fleet, business travel, commuting and street lighting.
WCC Energy and Water
Management Plan for
Public Buildings (EWMP)
(2008-2015)
Formulates an approach to energy and water management
in the Council’s public building stock and seeks to ensure
that best practice is adopted by the Council for internal
facilities management. The plan has proposals to reduce
CO2 emissions from energy use within the Council’s public
buildings from approximately 35,800 tonnes per annum
(2005/06 baseline) to approximately 27,000 tonnes of CO2
per annum in 2014/15.
Draft Housing Strategy
(2009)
Housing accounts for 27% of the UK’s CO2 emissions and
measures to reduce emissions from the housing sector are
imperative. The Council will require all new homes to
achieve the required Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)
standards, which includes elements to reduce CO2
emissions, improve thermal and energy efficiency and to
mitigate or adapt to the consequences of a changing
climate. WCC intend to ensure that energy efficient and low
carbon technologies are built into Wolverhampton Homes’
ongoing Decent Homes Programme to bring the Council’s
homes up to the Decent Homes Standard by 2012.
The Sustainable
Community Strategy (SCS)
(proposed for 2009)
Prepared by Wolverhampton City Council, through
Wolverhampton’s LSP, the SCS sets out a long term vision
for the City for 2026 aiming to promote and improve the
economic, social and environmental well-being of the City.
The vision for action on climate change in the SCS is that by
2026 the City will have overcome the challenges of climate
change and that a new balance between nature and
development will overcome the increasing temperatures and
increased incidence of extreme weather events.
Environment Plan (2009 –
2026)
Complied by the LSP, the Plan sets out a vision for
Wolverhampton’s environment for 2026, establishing for 5
key objectives: improve nature conservation in the city;
develop and maintain the green infrastructure and the public
realm; develop sustainable consumption and production,
adapt to climate change and reduce the City’s contribution
to GHG emissions; and achieve sustainable transport.
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5. How climate change affects Wolverhampton
The effects of climate change will differ across the world. Current research indicates
the UK will be subject to higher temperatures (both summer and winter); less
summer and more winter rainfall; less snow fall; and more extreme weather events
such as hurricanes, flash floods, heatwaves, droughts etc.; and more severe and
frequent river and coastal flooding. These will impact upon the economy, leading to
more frequent disruption to transport networks (e.g. roads melting, drains being
overwhelmed, rails buckling in the heat etc.) and other infrastructures; society, with
possible spread of diseases from Southern Europe and North Africa in the hotter
summer months (e.g. malaria) and an increase in heat-related deaths; and the
environment, with loss of wildlife and their habitats.
Some of these changes may be beneficial, such as the hotter and drier summers.
This may open up opportunities for tourism and agricultural diversification in the
types of crops that farmers in the UK can grow, such as the introduction of
sunflowers and other plants and crops that are normally grown in Southern Europe.
However, most of the impacts of climate change are likely to cause widespread
disruption because of the speed of the changes.
Evidence suggests that the climate of the West Midlands changed in the 20th century.
The annual average temperature rose by 0.6°C, summer rainfall decreased and
winter rainfall increased. Computer models developed by the UK Climate Impacts
Programme (UKCIP12) suggest that even if we take action now to dramatically reduce
our greenhouse gas emissions, the West Midlands will continue to change (see
Figure 6)13.
Figure 6: Climate Change Projections for the West Midlands
Acclimatise (2007)14
12
http://ukcip.org.uk/
All figures are relative to the baseline average temperature and precipitation experienced between 1961 and
1990, and are taken from the UKCIP02 scenarios (www.ukcip.org.uk)
14
Acclimatise (2007) West Midlands Climate Impacts and Adaptation Partnership: Climate Change Risks for
Building Schools for the Future projects in the West Midlands – Final Report.
13
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We must acknowledge and understand the importance of carbon sinks and natural
green space and the part that they play in our efforts to both mitigate CO2 emissions
and the opportunities they present to adapt to inevitable climate change (such as
sustainable urban drainage systems – SUDS). A summer temperature increase of up
to 3°C may not seem very significant, but this could have devastating effects on the
flora and fauna in and around Wolverhampton, and could lead to an increase in the
number of heat-related deaths in the City during the summer months. By 2050 it
would mean that the average summer temperature would be the same as
experienced in the heatwave of 2003.
In addition to this, if climate change projections are considered alongside the ‘Urban
Heat Island Effect’ - where a number of factors in urban spaces, such as the
modification of land use, the presence of tall buildings with thermal properties, waste
heat from energy generation, the presence of concrete and asphalt, lack of
vegetation and decrease in transpiration can all enhance the local temperatures of an
urban area – the results reflect a potentially higher level of discomfort and stress that
will be imposed on people who live in cities. Such temperature increases will have
multiple impacts on all aspects of urban life, from increased energy bills to deal with
the demand for air conditioning, to the decreased health, wellbeing and comfort of
city inhabitants15. As Wolverhampton is predominantly an urban area, it is important
to consider not only the climate change projections presented above, but also the
added potential impacts of the heat island effect.
15
Shaw, R. et.al, (2007) Climate change adaptation by design: a guide for sustainable communities. TCPA.
London
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6. Climate Change Targets for Wolverhampton
The Climate Change Act calls for an 80% reduction in UK CO2 emissions by 2050,
and the City of Wolverhampton has its part to play in achieving this target.
Under the Carbon Management Programme the Council is already committed to
reducing CO2 emissions from Council operations and activities by 25% by 2015,
including cutting emissions from council buildings, fleet vehicles, staff travel and
street lighting.
The proposed target for the Wolverhampton Climate Change Strategy and Action
Plan is to reduce the City’s CO2 emissions by at least 35% by 2026 (in line with the
Sustainable Community Strategy and Environmental Plan), and a short-term target of
12% by 2011/12 (from 2005 levels). The 2005 baseline data for CO2 emissions (per
capita) in Wolverhampton is 6.31t/CO2. Therefore the target for 2011/12 for a 12%
reduction equates to 5.5t/CO2 per capita.
The Climate Change Action Plan includes key initiatives and projects that will help to
achieve this stretching target in CO2 emissions from 2008/09 to 2011/12. The Action
Plan will be monitored on an ongoing basis and will be reported on and updated
annually. The Action Plan will be reviewed in 2012 to include further projects and
action points to be taken forward for the following 3 years.
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7. Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan Themes
A number of key themes have been identified for the City’s Climate Change Action
Plan. Each of these are addressed in this section, with additional detail including lead
organisations and targets laid out within the Action Plan at the end of this document.
Many of these themes are cross-cutting, and actions consequently overlap on a
number of topics.
7.1
Buildings and Planning
The Council in particular has a lead role to play in addressing CO2 emissions from
buildings and planning activity across the City. The Council already operates its own
Carbon Management Programme and has set a target to reduce its CO2 emissions
by 25% by 2015, which includes CO2 reduction measures from Council buildings.
The Council also operates an Energy and Water Management Plan across its
buildings to ensure efficiency measures are implemented where possible to reduce
the amount of water and energy that is consumed.
Council housing in the City is managed and maintained by Wolverhampton Homes,
an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO), and is consequently not
included in the Council’s own Carbon Management Programme. Wolverhampton
Homes is currently working on the Council’s Decent Homes Programme which aims
to achieve decency and sustainability standards in housing. The improvements
carried out are aimed at ensuring that tenants’ homes at least meet the
Government’s definition that a decent home should be warm, weatherproof and have
reasonably modern facilities. By December 2010, Wolverhampton Homes anticipate
carrying out Decent Homes improvements in approximately 22,500 homes in the
City. A large proportion of homes that are improved will have completely new central
heating systems or part systems installed that meet modern day energy efficiency
standards, and loft and cavity wall insulation will be installed where necessary.
Targets are also set with partnering contractors to ensure that the majority of waste
products resulting from the improvement works (e.g. old kitchens, bathrooms, heating
systems etc.) are recycled.
One of the current major development schemes in the City is the Council’s Building
Schools for the Future (BSF)16 programme. BSF will help transform education for
secondary age students by providing 21st Century learning environments that
engage and inspire young people, their teachers and the wider community. BSF is an
ambitious and intensive £350 million building and planning programme and how it is
delivered will be crucial to addressing CO2 emissions from WCC owned and
operated schools.
The BSF team intends to undertake a number of actions through design and build of
new sustainable schools, and efforts will be taken to minimise the environmental
impact of this vast building programme. All BSF schools will be assessed on
16
https://www.wolverhamptonbsf.org.uk/
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BREEAM17 School ratings, and the environmental factors that will be taken into
account include management, energy use, water, health and well-being, pollution,
transport, land use, ecology, and materials and waste. All re-build and refurbishment
schemes will be BREEAM for Schools ‘very good’ at least, as a minimum, and
‘excellent’ as far as possible.
Procurement in the design and build process for all new build developments in the
City will play an important part in how we reduce our CO2 emissions. All developers
should seek to minimise the supply chain by sourcing local produce and building
materials, and employ local skilled staff wherever possible.
The Council adopted the West Midlands Sustainable Planning Checklist18 in July
2007. The Checklist is based on sustainability issues set out in national and regional
policy. This online tool identifies a range of different economic, social and
environmental sustainability issues. It enables Planning Officials to assess to what
extent a large development site proposal will deliver on different aspects of
sustainability, including climate change, energy efficiency and BREEAM or Code for
Sustainable Homes (CSH). Completion of the Checklist will be required for all
applications falling within the following categories;
(a) the provision of dwelling houses where –
(i)
the number of dwellings to be provided is 10 or more or;
(ii)
the development is to be carried out on a site having an area of 0.5
hectares or more and the number of dwellings is not known
(b) all other development where the proposed gross external floorspace is
1000sq metres or more
On a regional level, all West Midlands metropolitan district local authorities have
signed a Collaborative Construction Charter (Appendix 4) which pledges to develop
and promote sustainable solutions in the construction process to reduce the impact
of Climate Change in the region.
Planning policies have a major role to play in tackling climate change, including
contributing towards national targets on CO2 emissions reduction. Consideration
must be given to the green infrastructure in any new development as the City needs
to maintain open and green space as this will play a key part in adapting to future
climate change. Planning Policy must encourage adaptation features, such as
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) to ensure that the City can cope with
increased extreme weather events, such as prolonged and heavy rainfall and
localised flooding in Wolverhampton. National policy and legislation will also be vital
in addressing surface water runoff, for example, planning permission is now required
across the UK to lay traditional impermeable driveways that allow uncontrolled runoff
of rainwater from front gardens onto roads, because this can contribute to localised
flooding.
17
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) – a collection of methods and
tools designed to help construction professionals understand and mitigate the environmental impacts of the
developments they design and build.
18
http://www.checklistwestmidlands.co.uk/
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DRAFT
The Black Country Joint Core Strategy (JCS) and the Regional Spatial Strategy (see
‘Local Policy Context’), alongside the LDF, will play a key part in achieving CO2
emissions reductions through the local planning process. For example, current policy
proposals in the JCS refer to a renewable energy target which will require all new
development above a certain threshold (commercial schemes of over 1000sq.m
floorspace and housing schemes of over 10 dwellings) to incorporate renewable
energy production equipment on-site to provide at least 10% of predicted energy
requirements for the development, increasing by 1% from 2011 onwards, up to 20%
by 2020. Proposals such as these are vital in reducing CO2 emissions from new
buildings and developments in the City.
All buildings across the City, both new build and existing, must be resilient to a
changing climate and we must adapt all buildings and property now so that they are
future-proofed and prepared to cope with more extreme weather events in the future.
It is particularly important that residential buildings, schools and hospitals are welladapted to future climate change. Adaptation measures will be informed by the
analysis of UKCIP09 climate scenarios19 when they are available, and will be a
priority objective in all new build and refurbishment programmes for Council
buildings. We must ensure that all new development in the City is resilient to likely
weather impacts and includes features to deal with higher temperatures such as
shading, green space, water features etc. The Partnership, other partners,
businesses and organisations in the City are also encouraged to adapt their buildings
in line with current climate change projections.
19 UKCIP09 - UK 21st Century Climate Change Projections compiled by Defra, Met Office Hadley Centre and UK
Climate Impacts Programme, due for release in Spring 2009
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7.2
Energy
The UK is heavily dependent on fossil fuels for energy and it is now widely
acknowledged that this dependency needs to be reduced, not only because of the
environmental damage caused by burning these fuels, but also because they will not
last forever. Due to their finite properties, amongst other global issues, we have been
witnessing a huge price rise in energy (coal, gas and oil) over recent times, and this
is unlikely to subside.
‘Peak oil’ is a scenario attracting increasing global attention. This is the point in time
when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached, after which
production will enter terminal decline. In simple terms, this means that we will run out
of a supply of oil; although this is a controversial area, some experts believe that we
have already, or are soon to reach, peak oil. This means that we need to encourage
and promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, but
also that we should try and increase energy efficiency and reduce energy use where
possible. If a peak oil scenario occurs, then we will be better equipped to deal with it
if we are already adapting to reduced energy use.
Fuel Poverty (where people spend a third or more of their income on fuel) is a crucial
issue in Wolverhampton. The Council and the Partnership, along with other key
organisations, are working hard to decrease fuel poverty in the City, and fully support
the quest for alternative, more sustainable, and potentially cheaper fuels. WCC will
continue to provide central heating and insulation grants for local residents,
prioritising residents at risk of fuel poverty.
WCC will actively promote the use of renewable energy, and will continue to promote
energy awareness and energy efficiency across the City. WCC will operate a Low
Carbon Grant scheme, to commence in April 2009, initially providing grants up to
£7500 for solar hot water systems and internal wall insulation for domestic dwellings
in the City. WCC will also develop a ‘Green Guide’ to incorporate information on
saving energy, amongst other sustainability issues, for local residents and
businesses.
A total of 38% of Wolverhampton’s CO2 emissions come from domestic dwellings
(Defra 2006 data20). By implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency
measures in the home we could significantly reduce CO2 emissions from the housing
sector. Assuming a population of 240,000 people in the City, if all houses were fully
insulated (excluding those without cavity walls), had double glazing and draught
proofing, the City’s CO2 emissions would be reduced by over 626,000 tonnes every
year21. WCC will target households with low SAP ratings22 for energy efficiency
measures (e.g. insulation and upgraded central heating)
20
Available from: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/globatmos/download/regionalrpt/localregionalco2emissions05-06.xls
21
Action for Affordable Warmth for Wolverhampton: The Strategy (2007)
22
Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) indicates efficiency of energy use for space and water heating (score
out of 100, with 0 being the least and 100 being the most efficient. SAP of 70 – 80 needed to remove most
households from fuel poverty).
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DRAFT
Planning policy can be used to promote decentralised and renewable or low-carbon
energy generation and infrastructure through the development process. Most of our
energy comes from centralised and generally fossil-fuelled power stations whereby a
large proportion of the energy is lost as waste heat (through cooling towers).
Decentralised energy allows smaller power units to be located within towns, close to
the populations they serve, and enables use of the waste heat in the form of district
heating. The energy generated becomes more efficient and the plants powered by a
mix of lower carbon and renewable fuels, including gas and biomass. LAs can take a
lead, supported by an Energy Services Company (ESCo), by creating heat and
power networks, initially by connecting up council owned building stock and
networks.
An action has been included in the Climate Change Action Plan to investigate the
development of an Energy Services Company (ESCo) for the City to encourage local
low carbon energy networks. Examples of CHP (combined heat and power) and
district heating systems can already be found in Wolverhampton, for example, Cross
Street South - a new eco-housing development from Bromford Housing Group in
partnership with WCC, the first eco-community in the Midlands - houses a woodchip
biomass) boiler which provides heating and hot water to the whole development.
27
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7.3
Water
The UK is commonly perceived as rather wet, but the population density is high, and
rainfall varies across the country. Therefore, for each person in the UK, there is
relatively little water available, especially in some urban areas. Water is a resource
that is likely to become even more scarce as the climate changes, particularly during
the hotter summer months. A growing population and changes in rainfall patterns will
lead to an increased demand on water resources across the country.
To ensure adequate future water supply and to cope with increasing demand,
buildings and urban areas need to be designed to minimise the use of water and built
to cope with new climate extremes. Sustainable drainage has a role to play in
reducing the effects of floods, as they are often caused by increased run-off into
overloaded storm drains. The planning system will need to reinforce the need for
SUDS within development to alleviate flooding in the local area, such as the
introduction of swales, holding pools and green roofs which all help to reduce run-off.
Where appropriate, through the planning process, developers should identify water
conservation measures in their development e.g. water meters, rainwater or grey
water harvesting. The promotion of water conservation to allow for long term supply
of water needs to be encouraged and promoted as part of sustainable design.
Assessments will be undertaken on the projected impact of water shortages on
Council service provision (through analysis of UKCIP09 scenarios and the production
of a Local Climate Impacts Profile - LCLIP). This will be particularly important
regarding the maintenance of green space in the City, including Council owned parks
and gardens, and ensuring that the management of green space considers the
impact that climate change will have on planting and growing seasons and water
shortages. The Council will need to identify opportunities for water storage for green
space use e.g. rainwater harvesting, and also identify and use drought resistant
species in new planting schemes.
The Council already operates its own Energy and Water Management Plan, and
water efficiency and conservation in Council buildings will be addressed through the
implementation of this plan up to 2015.
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7.4
Waste
Waste management in the UK is facing a period of significant change. Driven by
European legislation, the need for improved environmental protection and public
expectation, waste managers must find ways of reducing dependence on landfill and
moving towards more sustainable methods of waste management. It is also
necessary to seek to reduce the growth in waste arising, minimise resource use,
reduce the hazardous content of waste and find solutions that do not compromise the
future. In order to achieve improvements it will require a fundamental change in our
attitude to waste and an acceptance that every resident and business in the City has
a responsibility to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste. The principle of sustainable
development is now routinely reflected in Government strategy and policy making,
the application of the principle is required over the longer term when considering the
management of waste.
The Waste Partnership is operated by WCC and Enterprise Plc in Wolverhampton,
and is responsible for domestic waste and recycling collections, the operation of
recycling centres across the City, and some commercial waste collections. Figure 7
below sets out how domestic waste was disposed of in 2007/08 in Wolverhampton.
Figure 7: Disposal of Household Waste in Wolverhampton (2007/08)
Landfill
22%
Recycled
12%
Composted
15%
Recycled
Composted
Energy from Waste Plant
Landfill
Energy from
Waste Plant
51%
The majority of waste in the City is disposed of at the Energy from Waste Plant,
where household waste is used to create electricity which is fed back into the
National Grid. Any emissions from the Energy from Waste plant are monitored and
controlled by WCC and the Environment Agency to ensure that it does not have a
detrimental effect on the air quality of the City, and that it does not add to GHG
emissions.
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DRAFT
A total of 22% of waste was landfilled in 2007/08. The Waste Partnership will
continue to explore opportunities to further reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill
through the achievement of composting and recycling targets together with effective
promotion, reuse and waste minimisation activity.
The Waste Partnership run a comprehensive education programme across the City
to raise awareness of the need to reduce, reuse and recycle waste where possible,
and also provide guidance on home composting, reducing junk mail, and using real
nappies, amongst others. From January 2009, the Waste Partnership will launch a
‘Love Food Hate Waste’ Campaign to raise awareness of food waste and how this
can be reduced through the provision of practical advice and meal planning. The
Waste Partnership also provide subsidised composters to all residents in the City in
partnership with WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), and a total of 436
units have been bought by residents in the City.
The Waste Partnership will raise the profile of recycling and waste management in
the business sector and introduce recycling systems from March 2009 in an effort to
reduce the amount of waste from trade and businesses across the City. They will
also continue to raise the profile of recycling and waste minimisation in Council
offices and introduce recycling to all offices and deliver an accompanying educational
programme by 2010/11, following the successful implementation of recycling facilities
in the Civic Centre. There are no specific targets set for School recycling although
the waste partnership is committed to investigating the viability of this on a long term
basis and will look into the viability of introducing the scheme as part of the trade
recycling service.
Compared to other LAs across the UK, Wolverhampton recovers more value from
waste than the average, sends less waste to landfill and is improving its performance
in the amount of waste recycled and composted. Wolverhampton currently recycles
or composts just over 26.27% of its domestic waste (2007/08 data) and the Waste
Partnership are committed to raising this figure to 38% by 2010/11 (as detailed in the
Waste Management Strategy 2006 to 2026)23. This will be achieved by a combination
dry kerbside recycling, community bring sites, kerbside collections of green waste,
increased recycling at Household Waste Recycling Centres and a proactive scheme
of community involvement. In November 2008 the Waste Partnership launched
plastic and cardboard kerbside recycling collections alongside the existing paper,
glass, tin and garden waste collections. The addition of these to the list of what can
be recycled from kerbside collections in the City will also enable the Waste
Partnership to meet, and potentially exceed, its current target.
23
Available from
http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/environment/waste_recycling2/reducing_waste/Waste_Management_strategy_
2026.htm
30
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7.5
Transport
Transport is a key contributor to our GHG emissions. If we are to significantly reduce
our GHG emissions then sustainable transport will be vital. WCC and its partners will
promote and encourage sustainable travel habits to protect the health of the City’s
inhabitants, and ensure that emissions reduction targets are met.
The West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority (WMPTA) is charged with
overseeing public transport development and operations in the West Midlands
conurbation. WMPTA is made up of elected members from the seven Metropolitan
District Councils, including Wolverhampton. The day to day work is undertaken by
the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (WMPTE) who operate under the
name of Centro. The Local Transport Plan (LTP) is the main driver for transportation
in the West Midlands, and Wolverhampton are working towards the key targets in this
plan (see ‘Regional Policy Context’).
Public transport infrastructure in the City (including buses, trains and metro) needs to
be improved and partner organisations need to work together across the City to
ensure that key services are accessible to everyone via public transport. Spatial
planning and accessibility planning will need to be key considerations for new
developments with regard to availability of public transport links to these
developments. Accessibility is therefore a key issue for achieving sustainable
transport and the development of services needs to be fully integrated with the public
transport system.
Sustainable transport is not just about introducing more vehicles with lower CO2
emissions, it is ultimately about enabling us to change the way in which we choose to
travel and reducing the need to travel where possible. It will require a modal shift
from car travel to increased bus and train use and the commitment of local employers
to TravelWise initiatives. Reducing car use is particularly important in order to reduce
congestion and GHG emissions in the City, and it is also important to recognise the
impact that alternative transport can also have on other important issues, such as the
positive health benefits associated with walking and cycling.
TravelWise is a national campaign to promote and encourage sustainable and
healthy travel choices. The National TravelWise Association (NTWA) is a partnership
of local authorities, health authorities and other organisations who work together to
encourage people to think about alternative methods of travel. The West Midlands
TravelWise Group is working with businesses and organisations to develop Travel
Plans. WCC use TravelWise to underpin its work to promote Travel Plans and works
closely with other LAs, Centro and Public Transport Operators in the City24.
WCC has adopted ‘Company TravelWise’ which is designed for the employers of the
City. Through this initiative, companies can access discounts for TravelWM and
Centro services, public transport literature and transport grants advice. Company
TravelWise promotes Company Travel Plans and aims to help companies and other
organisations to improve the travel choices of their staff and in particular provide
alternatives to single occupancy car journeys to work. There are currently 20
24
Further information available from: http://www.wolverhamptontravelwise.org/
31
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companies in Wolverhampton signed up to the programme, pledging to work towards
reducing the environmental and congestion impacts of their organisation’s transport
activities, with particular reference to employee travel. As part of Company
TravelWise, WCC have launched a car share database which enables employees
from across the City to share lifts to work on a regular or one-off basis, as well as
calculating the carbon emissions of journeys. Organisations currently using the
database are Wolverhampton City Council, Wolverhampton Homes, Carillion,
Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre and Sunrise Living.
WCC actively promotes alternative modes of transport, for staff and also the wider
community. In 2007, WCC published its Travel Plan which addresses all travel
undertaken directly by Council staff, including commuter journeys, business travel,
fleet vehicles, visitors, deliveries and contractors. The Plan sets out ways to improve
the range of transport options available to staff for commuting and business travel,
whilst minimising the impact of our travel related activities on the environment, easing
congestion and enhancing both the economy of the City and the health of its resident
population. The Plan promotes sustainable travel by reducing dependence on the car
and providing alternatives, such as car sharing (using the car share database), use of
pool bikes, cycle mileage allowances and discounted annual public transport travel
cards.
WCC has adopted a Walking Strategy as a requirement of Government and the LTP
which promotes facilities to encourage people to undertake more journeys by foot
where they can. The Strategy covers all aspects from the provision of pedestrian
friendly facilities in new developments, education and promotion of walking as a
mode of transport, as well as the maintenance of existing facilities. WCC has also
adopted a Cycle Strategy for the City which provides a framework for the Council to
promote and provide additional safe cycle routes, secure cycle parking and training
initiatives. The Council will also continue to ensure that new residential and
commercial developments provide secure cycle storage facilities and contribute to
the cycle network.
The Council’s own vehicle fleet emissions will be addressed through WCC’s existing
Carbon Management Programme. Current proposals for fleet management include
explorations into the retro-fitment of an electric hybrid drive to selected Social
Services vehicles in the fleet, which would convert them into a diesel/electric
powered unit and consequently reduce emissions from these vehicles. Another
current initiative is that all new large fleet vehicles, such as HGVs and gritters, must
be fitted with engines compliant with Euro 5 standard for emissions.
Adaptation to future climate change will be fundamental to the maintenance of the
transport infrastructure in the City. Partners must work together to identify potential
vulnerabilities based on UKCIP09 scenarios and previous experience e.g. melt points
of tarmac etc.
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7.6
Wildlife and green spaces
Climate change will affect biodiversity, wildlife and green spaces on a number of
levels as natural ecosystems are heavily dependent upon, and extremely sensitive
to, the climate. Any changes in the climate can result in ecosystems being unable to
support the organisms and species that it used to in the past which can lead to
species migration (if they are not limited by other factors), or even a drastic loss in
species numbers altogether. The projected increase in extreme weather events, such
as flooding, and heat waves, will significantly affect species population numbers,
particularly as these events become more common as we witness a changing
climate.
Recent climate change has already affected biodiversity and wildlife in the UK. The
earlier onset of spring encourages animals out of hibernation earlier than usual, when
their prey is not available. Heavy rains can affect numbers in bees and butterflies,
which has knock-on effects for habitats and agriculture due to a decrease in
pollination, as well as devastating effects on species higher up the food chain, such
as bats and birds25. Climate change may also lead to a possible in-flux of foreign
species, of both plants and animals, into the UK which could compete with native
species. There may also be vast changes to the ecology of an area, for example,
changes in leaf tree patterns may affect the amount of sunlight reaching woodland
floor, which can completely change the make-up of entire plant communities. A
change in climate may also result in land use changes, such as farming, forestry,
water management etc. and species may be in competition with these changes, for
example, more extensive use of irrigation water for farming during hotter and drier
summers will have consequences for local biodiversity that rely upon that water
source for survival.
Adapting local biodiversity and wildlife to a changing climate will be essential if we
are to avoid species loss or species displacement in Wolverhampton, and key
planning decisions will need to be made that are sympathetic to this. Fragmentation
of habitats and niches must be avoided to ensure that species are free to move
easily. We must also promote positive enhancement of biodiversity in the City, for
example, green roofs can aid biodiversity, whilst also playing an important part in
adapting the City’s buildings to climate change by improving the insulation properties
and surface water-run off from the building.
Another important consideration that must be addressed through the planning system
is to ensure that existing urban green space remains green, not just because of its
properties which support, maintain and promote biodiversity, but also because of the
adaptive capabilities that green space, and the green infrastructure in general, will
have in dealing with increased extreme weather events in the future. For example,
the green infrastructure is very effective at intercepting rainwater and moderating the
flow of water into traditional drainage systems. More specifically, trees are very
effective at slowing the rate that water reaches the ground, and how much of it flows
away. Trees therefore play a very large part in the alleviation of flood water during
periods of intense and/or prolonged rainfall.
25
West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership (2008) Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change – an advice note
for local authorities
33
DRAFT
Trees are also natural carbon sinks which help to regulate the amount of CO2 in the
atmosphere through photosynthesis. Trees also help to protect people from UV
exposure from sunlight, and tree canopy cover in urban areas can help to dissipate
solar energy and consequently reduce heat. Trees have a large capacity to shade
and reflect heat, and consequently can be very efficient at reducing temperatures
during summer extremes, and tree cover will play a large part in how we mitigate and
adapt to future climate change. WCC will consequently also need to consider the
impacts of climate change in planning and maintaining Council-owned and run public
spaces, parks and gardens.
Wolverhampton contains a range of sites which contribute to the ecological and
geological resource of the City and the wider region. These areas include remnants
of countryside, naturally colonised areas, planted and created habitats, geological
features, gardens, school grounds, canals, disused railways and allotments. Urban
agriculture through allotments will be promoted, not only to enhance biodiversity, but
also to enable people to grow their own food and promote sustainable, local
production which enables a reduction in CO2 emissions by saving on energy,
transportation, money, and packaging.
The Council identifies and designates sites of ecological interest, where appropriate,
to encourage their protection, management and enhancement. A relatively small
proportion of Wolverhampton is designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), a Site
of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) or a Site of Local Importance for
Nature Conservation (SLINC), and these sites are subject to constant development
pressure. WCC started a comprehensive re-survey programme of SINC and SLINC
sites in 2007 which is due for completion by 2012.
Biodiversity policies in the Unitary Development Plan (the medium to long-term plan
for planning, development and land use within Wolverhampton) seek to secure the
appropriate study, protection, management, enhancement and expansion of
Wolverhampton’s existing nature conservation resource, including creating new
habitats and features of value for nature conservation. The Council identifies and
designates sites, where appropriate, to encourage their protection, management and
enhancement.
The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)26 for Birmingham and the Black Country is used
to help coordinate the identification, monitoring and improvement of biodiversity in
the sub-region. The BAP identifies various main habitat types and species which are
either locally or nationally important, and sets out a course of action with targets for
their conservation and improvement. The Council will continue to work in partnership
with the other Black Country local authorities, Birmingham City Council, Eco-Record
and the Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust towards a common approach to
monitoring biodiversity indicators, and will also work in partnership with these
organisations to identify species and habitats that may be at risk from climate
change, through analysis of UKCIP09 climate scenarios when they become
available.
26
Birmingham and Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan. Available from :
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/urbanwt/ecorecord/bap/acrobat/framewk.pdf
34
DRAFT
Conservation and enhancement of local ecology is a feature of the West Midlands
Sustainable Checklist, which must now be completed and submitted with all large
development planning applications in Wolverhampton.
The Wildlife Trust, supported by WCC, actively promotes awareness on biodiversity
and wildlife conservation in Wolverhampton schools through the Natural Curriculum
Project. The scheme delivers aspects of the National Curriculum by improving school
grounds for nature conservation and environmental education and enables schools to
recognise the potential of their sites, for both formal and informal education. The
Project also helps and supports schools with delivering environmental education and
helping children experience and learn more about the natural world. ‘Green & Kickin'’
is an annual Natural Curriculum Project event held with several schools in
Wolverhampton each year, which provides a wide range of exciting interactive
activities, themed on wildlife and the environment, into the participating schools so
that every pupil can participate.
35
DRAFT
7.7
Adapting to future climate change
It is now scientifically agreed that we face many years of continuing unavoidable
climate change. Even if we were to completely cut all GHG emissions today, we
would still see rising temperatures and a changing climate for several more decades
as a result of past and present day emissions. It is therefore imperative that we are
prepared to adapt our buildings, lifestyles and choices to these inevitable changes in
our climate over the next 30 to 40 years, whilst also ensuring that we are reducing
our CO2 emissions to avoid enhanced climate change for future generations to come.
We must adapt now by reducing our vulnerability to the predicted impacts of climate
change.
Adaptation is a cross-cutting theme throughout each of the key areas of the Climate
Change Action Plan for Wolverhampton. Each theme in the Plan is under-pinned by
the need to adapt to climate change, such as adaptation of buildings in the City (both
new build and existing), adaptation regarding water use and conservation of
resources, adaptation of wildlife and existing green space to protect and enhance
local biodiversity etc.
The need to adapt to the effects of climate change and to cut GHG emissions will be
with us for the rest of this century and beyond. The need for adaptation was
effectively communicated by Sir Nicholas Stern in his economic review of climate
change (200627). The Stern Report demonstrated that the economic benefits of
strong early action on climate change far outweigh the economic costs and
concluded that stabilisation of CO2 emissions is feasible and consistent with
economic growth. Climate change cannot be ignored, nor can the growing compelling
body of scientific evidence that indicates our climate has dramatically changed in
recent years. He noted that adaptation is the only response available to address the
impacts of climate change that we will witness over the next several decades before
any mitigation measures start to have an effect on the climate system.
Emergency planning and risk management in the City will play a key part in how we
adapt to climate change and the responses that we will take to differing environments
and climate scenarios. Long-term planning will be vital if the City is to effectively
adapt to climate change over the next 30 to 40 years. As the Stern Report
highlighted, all partners in the City must prepare to pay the costs of adaptation now in
order to avoid increased costs in dealing with climate change events in the future. If
we can make sure that the City is well-equipped to cope with more extreme weather
events in the future then we will definitely benefit from this early action.
All buildings, particularly new build, need to be future-proofed to withstand extreme
temperatures and heavy rainfall events. There needs to be a well-maintained natural
drainage system which is supported by well planned SUDS systems in order to
alleviate the effects of local flood water and reduce flash flooding in the City.
Techniques of SUDS include detention ponds, swales, permeable paving, wetlands,
green roofs, filter drains etc. There is hydrology expertise in the City which should be
27
Stern, N (2006) The Economics of Climate Change (available from
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sternreview_index.htm
36
DRAFT
called upon, for example the University and local experts, who can play an invaluable
part in adapting the City to future flooding issues.
WCC will conduct a Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP) to review local vulnerability
to weather events through an internal review of services that have been affected by
extreme weather in the past, to better equip the Council to deal with these events in
the future. The Council will share best practice through the LCLIP process with the
Partnership, other community leaders and private agencies to develop an integrated
response to climate change adaptation and encourage others to complete similar
exercises to establish their own adaptive capabilities.
The outcomes of the LCLIP will be analysed against the UKCIP09 climate scenarios
(when available) which will inform a risk analysis of the likelihood and severity of
impact of climate events on key service areas, and WCC can then identify
appropriate adaptation responses to this. As a key service provider, the Council must
ensure the impacts of climate change are properly taken into account in all service
delivery areas.
37
DRAFT
7.8
Working with the community
The choices we make in our everyday lives about our homes, transport, food and the
goods we buy have impacts right across the world. The amount we consume has a
direct effect on climate change and species loss. We need to understand how we
impact on the natural world and change our patterns of consumption to combat
climate change. We must become active citizens and conscious consumers, aware
of the consequences of our actions and the purchases we make. Reducing
consumption is the key to reducing our ecological footprint. This is not only better for
the planet, but also reduces our reliance on energy from other countries, increases
our resource efficiency and saves money.
The local community will be encouraged to reduce their own carbon and ecological
footprints in order to lessen their individual impact upon the City. Community
involvement is another cross-cutting issue throughout the Climate Change Strategy
and Action Plan, and is included in a number of other themes, including actions on:
raising awareness and advice on energy efficiency, grants for low carbon energy
generation in the home, reducing the effects of fuel poverty, reducing CO2 emissions
from dwellings, raising awareness of the importance of water conservation, reducing
the amount of waste produced per household, increasing the domestic recycling rate
in the City, raising awareness of the importance of green spaces and biodiversity,
promotion of allotments and other green space for community use, and the
importance of adapting the City to future climate change.
Working with the community and raising awareness of the actions that people can
take in order to address the challenges of climate change will be key in achieving a
reduction in CO2 emissions in the City. Communicating information to the community
in a clear and accessible way is essential. WCC provide information on climate
change, sustainability, energy efficiency, recycling, sustainable transport choices etc.
via a number of leaflets, publications and the Council website. An action to be taken
forward will be the production of a ‘Green Guide to Wolverhampton’ which will pull all
of this important information together, from a number of key partners, into one easy
to use and accessible resource for all in the City. The guide will provide consistent
information on what people can do to reduce their carbon footprint, and also to adapt
to future climate change, and will empower the community to take action.
Fairtrade is a rapidly growing international movement which tries to guarantee a
better deal for farmers and workers in the developing world. Fairtrade standards
require producers to protect the natural environment and minimise their use of
energy from non-renewable sources. Wolverhampton achieved ‘Fairtrade City’ status
in 2004 and there are a growing number of outlets stocking fair trade goods in
Wolverhampton which the community is actively encouraged to purchase, alongside
the principle of buying locally where possible. The Wolverhampton City Fairtrade
Partnership will continue to promote the concept and practice of Fairtrade in schools,
businesses, community and faith groups across the City.
38
DRAFT
7.9
Additional Themes
Health
There is growing recognition of the link between climate change and our health and
wellbeing. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) believes we must
act now to reduce the impact of climate change on the health of our society. Climate
change can no longer be considered simply an environmental or developmental
issue, more importantly, it puts at risk the protection and improvement of human
health and well-being and presents one of the most significant challenges to public
health we have ever faced. Potential health impacts include possible increased
infectious and vector-borne diseases (such as malaria), deaths from excess heat
exposure, increased exposure to UV radiation and ozone, and increased food
poisoning incidents (due to food which has not been refrigerated during high summer
temperatures) etc. Climate change will also place global clean water supplies,
sanitation, air quality and food supply at risk.
Strengthening of public health services needs to be a central component of
adaptation to climate change. To a large extent, public health depends on safe
drinking water, sufficient food, secure shelter, and good social conditions. A changing
climate is likely to affect all of these conditions. All populations will be affected by a
changing climate, but the initial health risks vary greatly, depending on where and
how people live.
Carefully planned mitigation policies can bring direct health benefits. For example, a
well-designed urban transport system can reduce GHG emissions, while
simultaneously reducing the major health impacts of urban air pollution and physical
inactivity. Housing with efficient insulation can cut energy consumption and
associated GHG emissions, and lead to a reduction in heat and cold related deaths.
Greater attention should therefore be given to public health planning to safeguard the
health of the most vulnerable population groups.
39
DRAFT
Air Quality
The most significant air pollutants in the City are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and
particulate matter (PM10), which are both primarily caused by emissions from
vehicles. Whilst the main concentrations of NO2 are within transport corridors,
particularly in the City Centre and along several of the radial routes, monitoring has
shown that the whole City is affected. To address this, the whole of Wolverhampton
was declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for both NO2 and PM10 in
March 2005. WCC developed an Air Quality Action Plan which includes 23 proposed
actions to improve the air quality in the City of Wolverhampton. These actions are
listed under the following headings:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reducing vehicle emissions
Improving public transport
Improving the road network
Measures to reduce traffic volumes
Reducing air pollution from industry, commerce and residential areas
Changing levels of travel demand/ promotion of alternative modes of transport
The Council routinely monitors the concentration of NO2, PM10, and sulphur dioxide
(SO2) across the City to determine the quality of the air and assess compliance with
the Government’s Air Quality Strategy. A local target has been set to reduce the
average level of NO2 by 1% between 2004/5 and 2010/11 in the areas where NO2
exceeds the national objective. The 2008 Annual Progress on Air Quality Report is
due shortly which will reveal the progress made towards meeting national objectives
on SO2 (which were being achieved in 2007) and NO2 and PM10 (which were being
exceeded at a number of sites across the City in 2007).
40
DRAFT
9. Climate Change Action Plan 2008/09 – 2011/12
Theme 1: Buildings and Planning
Target area /
group
All new buildings
and
developments in
the City
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
New developments to require
sustainability report via
Sustainable Planning
Checklist West Midlands
where appropriate.
100% of major planning
applications ("major" as defined in
the SPD) to be accompanied by a
Sustainability report
Planning Officials
Measuring number of
(WCC)
planning applications
submitted with Sustainability
report.
NI186
NI188
Adaptation to climate change
to be priority objective in all
new buildings and
developments across the City
Ensure new development is
resilient to likely weather impacts
and includes features to deal with
higher temperatures such as
shading, green space, water
management and conservation
etc. Encourage Sustainable Urban
Drainage Systems (SUDS).
Code for Sustainable Homes Planning Officials
/ BREEAM / NHER (National (WCC)
Home Energy Rating) all
included in JCS under policy
17 which should set targets
for the West Midlands
Sustainable Planning
Checklist to follow.
NI188
Measuring number of
planning applications
submitted with West
Midlands Sustainable
Planning Checklist report.
41
DRAFT
Theme 1: Buildings and Planning continued…
Target area /
group
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
All new buildings
and
developments in
the City
(continued)
Ensure Black Country Core
Strategy includes planning
policies that will help to deliver
national and local carbon
reduction targets.
Planning Policy
Joint Core Strategy (JCS) due for JCS is likely to adopt this
renewable energy target as Function
implementation in 2010.
(WCC)
Core Policy Area 18
(Renewable Energy).
Proposals to incorporate
renewable energy production on
site to provide at least 10% of Area Action Plans (AAPs) for
predicted energy requirements the delivery of the JCS will
for new developments above a go into more detail on local
delivery of this policy (to be
certain threshold (commercial
completed by 2010).
schemes of over 1000sq.m
floorspace and housing schemes
of over 10 dwellings), increasing
by 1% from 2011 onwards, up to
20% by 2020 (unless this is not
possible due to physical or policy
constraints, where a lesser
percentage may be acceptable).
Community
Annual number of new
dwellings achieving Code for
Sustainable Homes (CSH)
Level 3 and above
120 units per year (2008 -12) to
72 units completed
achieve CSH Level 3 as minimum (January 2009)
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
John Brothers
(WCC)
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DRAFT
Theme 1: Buildings and Planning continued…
Target area /
group
Existing Council
buildings
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
Implementation of Carbon
Management Programme
(CMP) projects and carbon
saving opportunities for all
council owned and operated
buildings.
CMP target – 25% reduction in
CO2 by 2015 (from 2005/06
baseline)
Currently on target in first
year of programme.
Energy Efficiency
Project Board
(WCC)
NI185
Implementation of Energy and
Water Management Plan
(EWMP) projects and
proposals across all Council
owned and operated buildings.
EWMP target – reduce CO2
Currently on target in first
emissions from energy use from year of programme.
approximately 35,800 tonnes per
annum (2005/06 baseline) to
approximately 27,000 tonnes of
CO2 per annum by 2014/15.
Energy Efficiency
Project Board
(WCC)
NI185
Promotion of a sustainable
approach to Council Housing
through Wolverhampton
Homes’ Decent Homes
Programme
Loft insulation and wall insulation
to be installed where necessary.
David Waterhouse NI187
(Wolverhampton
NI186
Homes)
Specific targets set with partnering
contractors to ensure that the
majority of the waste products (old
kitchens, bathrooms, heating
systems etc) resulting from the
works carried out are recycled.
43
DRAFT
Theme 1: Buildings and Planning continued…
Target area /
group
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
Existing Council
buildings
(continued)
Adaptation of Council buildings Adaptation informed by analysis of
to climate change, including
UKCIP09 scenarios
residential buildings and
schools.
NI188
All building
managers; including
BSF, Primary
Capital Programme,
and LIFT.
(WCC)
Existing other
Public buildings
Adaptation of all public access Adaptation informed by analysis of
buildings in the City to climate UKCIP09 scenarios
change
All building
managers
(Wolverhampton
Partnership and
other Public bodies
in the City)
44
DRAFT
Theme 2: Energy
Target area /
group
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Energy Efficiency
Project Board
(WCC)
Improve energy efficiency
Council,
Partnership and levels of all public access
buildings across the City.
all public
authorities in the
City
Reduction in annual consumption
of gas and electricity (kwh), across
public access building stock.
Community
Reduce energy usage by 4% each 1 April 2004 and 31 March
year until 2011 through the
2005 (4.12%);
installation of central heating and 1 April 2005 and 31 March
insulation measures as well as
2006 (3.2%);
distribution of low energy light
1 April 2006 and 31 March
bulbs and PowerDowns.
2007 (3.39%);
1 April 2007 and 31 March
2008 (4.07%).
Energy efficiency at home –
both private residences and
Wolverhampton Homes
Properties.
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
NI185
NI186
Wolverhampton
Partnership
Tom Winckley
(WCC)
NI187
NI186
Overall improvement in
energy efficiency from 1 April
1996 to 31 March 2008 is
33.09%
45
DRAFT
Theme 2: Energy (continued)
Target area /
group
Community
(continued)
Action
Target and timescale
Year on year improvement of
Reduce the effects of fuel
average SAP rating
poverty through energy
efficiency measures - Targeting
households with low SAP
ratings for energy efficiency
measures (e.g. insulation and
upgraded central heating)
Reduce CO2 emissions from
domestic dwellings
Progress
2007 average SAP rating for Tom Winckley
all dwellings in the city = 55.6 (WCC)
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
NI187
NI186
>65 SAP rating – target of
38% by 2011 (from baseline
of 23.15)
<35 SAP rating – target of
3.5% by 2011
20,000 t/CO2 reduction each year Overall reduction of CO2
until 2011/12.
emissions for whole housing
stock between 1 April 2007
to 31 March 2008 was
24,393 t/CO2
Evaluate opportunities for
Identify alternative energy
alternative energy in new and measures that are most effective
existing dwellings in the City. at reducing fuel bills (monitor
energy consumption one year
after installation of measures)
and GHG emissions (through
SAP assessment).
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Low Carbon Grant scheme
to commence in April 2009
initially providing solar hot
water systems and internal
wall insulation.
Tom Winckley
(WCC)
NI186
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
Tom Winckley
(WCC)
NI187
NI186
46
DRAFT
Theme 2: Energy (continued)
Target area /
group
Community
(continued)
Action
Investigate Smart Metering
and potential for inclusion
under Affordable Warmth
Scheme
Target and timescale
Research and evaluate
comparative smart Meter models
with aim of incorporating them as
part of Affordable Warmth
Scheme by January 2010 if
deemed feasible.
Investigate development of an Identify potential partners and
funding to set up an ESCo by
Energy Services Company
2011/12
(ESCo) for the City to
encourage development of
local low carbon energy
networks.
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
Tom Winckley
(WCC)
NI186
NI187
Charles JacksonHoulston
(WCC)
NI186
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
47
DRAFT
Theme 2: Energy (continued)
Target area /
group
Action
Target and timescale
Community
(continued)
Develop a ‘Green Guide for
Provision of guidance and
Wolverhampton’ to incorporate
information to householders
wishing to make improvements information on saving energy
amongst other sustainability
to their own home’s energy
issues for local residents. Provide
performance or resilience to
central heating and insulation
extreme weather, including
availability of grant support for grants for local residents and
prioritizing residents at risk of fuel
energy efficiency measures
poverty.
Existing Council
buildings
Actions as detailed in the CMP 2008 – 2015 (CMP and EWMP)
and EWMP
Undertake feasibility study to Feasibility study to be completed
look at options for incorporating by 2012
renewable energy (e.g. wind
turbines, PV panels, biomass,
CHP) into all Council buildings
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Tom Winckley
Ongoing guidance and
assistance through a number (WCC)
of information leaflets; media
promotions, regular updates Katie Morrow
on Council website. Grants (WCC)
continue to be available with
336 Health Through Warmth Wolverhampton
referrals in 2008 (calendar Partnership
year) and over 2,000
referrals to Warm Front
between Mar 2007 and April
2008. 279 Affordable
Warmth Grants were
awarded over same period.
Subject to availability of
funding
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
NI187
NI186
Energy Efficiency
Project Board
(WCC)
NI185
Energy Efficiency
Project Board
(WCC)
NI185
48
DRAFT
Theme 3: Water
Target area /
group
Community
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Awareness raising on the
importance of water
conservation.
Ongoing
Environment
Agency /
Severn Trent
Promote water metering in
businesses and households
Ongoing
Environment
Agency /
Severn Trent
Council buildings Implementation of EWMP to
promote water efficiency in
council buildings
Ongoing
Energy Efficiency
Project Board
(WCC)
Council Services Enhance water conservation Ongoing water conservation
measures
through Street Scene and
Parks and Contracts service
provision, and assess the
impact of water shortages on
Council maintenance of green
space/green infrastructure
Review, where appropriate,
TBC
opportunities for water storage
for green space use e.g.
rainwater harvesting.
Water recycling system
already in place in street
sweeper tanks.
John Pugh to add progress
to date
TBC
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
John Pugh
(WCC)
Steve Woodward
(WCC)
John Pugh
(WCC)
49
DRAFT
Theme 3: Water (continued)
Target area /
group
Action
Target and timescale
TBC
Council Services Identify and use drought
(continued)
tolerant species in new planting
schemes.
Planning
Progress
TBC
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
John Pugh
(WCC)
Through analysis of UKCIP09 Awaiting UKCIP09 scenarios
scenarios, identify
demographic trends likely to
affect demand for water and
any likely pressure points.
Awaiting UKCIP09 scenarios WCC
Ongoing through planning
Promotion of water
management and conservation process
through Sustainable Urban
Drainage Systems, water
meters, rainwater harvesting,
grey water recycling, green
roofs etc. A consideration
through the planning system
and Sustainable Planning
Checklist West Midlands.
Measuring number of
planning applications
submitted with Checklist
Sustainability report.
Stephen Alexander NI188
(WCC)
50
DRAFT
Theme 4: Waste
Target area /
group
Action
Target and timescale
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Update to be provided once Les Brazier
figures are confirmed by
(WCC)
% reduction target to be set once Defra
Chris Smiles
Defra data is available (currently
(Enterprise Plc)
deferred)
Community
Reduction in waste produced
per household
570.53kg 2008/09
Waste
Partnership
Policy and
Services
Increase rate of domestic
recycling and composting in
the City.
38% by 2010/11
Continue to promote waste
reduction, recycling and
composting across the City.
Progress
Currently exceeding local
recycling targets.
Current performance
(2007/08) = 26.27%
Les Brazier
(WCC)
NI191 – Residual
Household waste
NI192 - % of household
waste sent for reuse,
recycling and composting
Chris Smiles
(Enterprise Plc)
2009/10 - 20 events programmed 2008/09 – 56 events
Judy Watton
throughout the year to promote
undertaken promoting
(Enterprise Plc)
‘love food hate waste’, real nappy effective waste management
and mail preference service
Awareness raising and roadshows
Launch ‘Love Food Hate
from January 2009
Waste’ Campaign to raise
awareness of food waste and
how to reduce this (practical
advice on meal planning, only
cooking the necessary
amounts etc.)
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
NI192
Judy Watton
(Enterprise Plc)
Black Country
Waste Partnership
WRAP
51
DRAFT
Theme 4: Waste (continued)
Target area /
group
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Waste
Partnership
Policy and
Services
(continued)
Review of Municipal Waste Steve Wightman
Waste and Recycling Services To be considered through reconfiguration of Waste Partnership Management Strategy
- to explore options for a
(Enterprise Plc)
(2010-2011)
completed December 2007.
sustainable waste strategy
Re-configuration reports
presented to Partnership
Management Board.
Business and
Enterprise
Raise profile of recycling and 5% increase in business recycling Proposed launch for trade
rates by end of 2009.
waste management in
recycling – March 2009
business sector and introduce
5% decrease in business waste
recycling systems.
by end of 2009
Waste from
Raise profile of recycling and
Council premises waste minimisation in Council
offices – Introduce recycling
systems and raise awareness.
Raise profile of recycling and
waste minimisation in schools
– Introduce recycling systems
and raise awareness.
Dawn Butler
(Enterprise)
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
Local Indicator
Introduce recycling to all Council Systems already installed at Chris Smiles
offices and deliver accompanying Civic Centre
(Enterprise Plc)
educational programme by
2010/11
There are no specific targets set
for School recycling although the
waste partnership is committed to
investigating the viability of this on
a long term basis.
Will look into the viability of
introducing the scheme as
part of the trade recycling
service
Chris Smiles
(Enterprise Plc)
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Theme 5: Transport
Target area /
group
Policy and
services
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Reduce congestion – average TBC when central government
journey time per mile during
releases the figures
the morning peak.
Final figures due to be
Lydia Barnstable
published Feb 2009 (but
(WCC)
these will be for West
Midlands Metropolitan Area
only and not individual LAs)
RSS/LTP & Corporate Target - 30% by 2010 (RSS & LTP)
35% by 2011 (Corporate)
% of employees across the
City covered by a Workplace
Travel Plan
December 2008 – 31.5%
Reduce car commuting across 5% by 2011
the City - % of Travelwise
companies across the City
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
NI167 – Congestion –
average journey time per
mile during the morning
peak.
Kerrie Parkes
(WCC)
Kerrie Parkes
(WCC)
Bike week
National bike to work
Awareness week
Kerrie Parkes
(WCC)
Company TravelWise
Ongoing promotion of travel
planning and smarter working.
To stabilise car travel to
schools
No more than 28% of children
28% of children travel to
traveling to school by car by 2011 school by car
(2007/08)
Increase the cycling index
(LTP Target 3)
1% increase in cycling from
On target - 2007/8 achieved Ric Bravery
2003/4 to 2010/11 (LTP target for 9% increase in index from
(WCC)
the West Midlands region)
2003/4
Helena Jeremy
(WCC)
NI198 – Children
travelling to school –
mode of transport usually
used
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Theme 5: Transport (continued)
Target area /
group
Policy and
services
(continued)
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
Sustainable transport through Proposal to include policy in LDF
guiding location of development to
development Improve walking, cycling and sustainable locations by 2012.
public transport infrastructure
to improve accessibility
Ric Bravery /
Planning Policy
(WCC)
NI175 – Access to
services and facilities by
public transport, walking
and cycling.
Adaptation issues for transport Identify potential vulnerability in
infrastructure
transport infrastructure based on
UKCIP09 scenarios and previous
experience e.g. melt points of
tarmac.
WCC Highways and NI188 – Adaptation to
climate change
Leisure
(pedestrian/cycle
routes)
Centro
Council vehicles Greening the fleet
Target for entire fleet to be low
carbon by 2020
Graham Bloxsome NI185
(WCC)
Exploration to retro-fit an electric
hybrid drive to selected Social
Services vehicles in the fleet,
which would convert them into a
diesel/electric powered unit (by
2010).
Graham Bloxsome NI185
(WCC)
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Theme 5: Transport (continued)
Target area /
group
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
Council vehicles Greening the fleet
(continued)
(continued)
All new large fleet vehicles, such Ongoing programme of
vehicle replacement
as HGVs and gritters, must be
fitted with engines compliant with
Euro 5 standard for emissions
Graham Bloxsome NI185
(WCC)
Council staff
commuting
WCC Staff Travel Plan
To be reviewed from November
2009, including a survey of staff
travel and commuting methods
Kerrie Parkes
(WCC)
WCC car share database
December 2008 - a total of Kerrie Parkes
200 staff (Council and other
employers) to be signed up to car 245 people signed up to the (WCC)
database across the City
share database by June 2009
WCC Bike for Work scheme
(pool bikes, cycle mileage,
discounted bikes)
1% of staff to join the Bike 4
Work within first two years after
launch in November 2007
Promote alternatives to single Investigate feasibility of
establishing car club for use for
occupancy car use for
business travel by City Centre
business travel at work
based staff
On track to survey and
review
NI186
December 2008 – 97 joined Kerrie Parkes
scheme (0.75% of 13,000
(WCC)
employees)
Due to be investigated in
2009/10
Ric Bravery
(WCC)
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Theme 6: Wildlife and green spaces
Target area /
group
Policy and
services
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Ongoing through planning process Measuring number of
Ensure that new
planning applications
developments in the City
submitted with Checklist
assess and incorporate
Sustainability report.
appropriate green space,
landscaping, shading, and
where appropriate, sustainably
powered water features to
counteract the urban heat
island effect (through existing
Unitary Development Plan and
Sustainable Planning
Checklist, and emerging Black
Country Joint Core Strategy).
Planning Officials
(WCC)
Identify, through analysis of
UKCIP09 scenarios, species,
habitats and valuable local
features that may be at risk
from climate change.
Wildlife Trust?
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
NI188
NI186
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Theme 6: Wildlife and green spaces (continued)
Target area /
group
Policy and
services
(continued)
Action
Increase amount of land
cultivated for produce –
Number of allotments and
occupancy levels
Target and timescale
2011 target =
31 sites; 1075 plots
99% occupancy,
increasing to 34 sites by 2026
Maintain the tree canopy in the 56% by 2011, increasing to
city - % street trees of forest
88% by 2026
stature
Community
Ongoing programme of awareness
Increase awareness on
biodiversity and wildlife issues raising activities throughout the
year.
amongst the general public
Green & Kickin’ week – October
2009
Maintain and enhance species Number of species recorded in the
City on Eco Record database
levels in the City
(maintained by Birmingham and
Black Country Wildlife Trust)
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
31 sites
1075 plots
99% occupancy
(2008)
John Pugh
55.8%
(2008)
John Pugh
(WCC)
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
Sue Shanks /
Cadi Price –
Natural Curriculum
Project
(Wildlife Trust)
Sara Carvalho
(BBC Wildlife Trust)
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Theme 6: Wildlife and green spaces (continued)
Target area /
group
Community
(continued)
Action
Target and timescale
Increase number of Eco schools
Educate about nature
conservation and protection of in the City
other living things
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Eco Schools (2008): 41
schools registered on
Eco Schools Programme in
Wolverhampton.
Awards:
• Bronze - 16
• Silver – 9
• Green Flag – 3
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
Eco Schools
Sue Shanks/
Cadi Price
(Wildlife Trust)
(all 3 awarded to Fallings Park
Primary)
Council actions
John Pugh
(WCC)
Consideration of the impacts of
climate change in planning and
maintaining Council-owned and
run public spaces and parks.
Improve local biodiversity –
number of dedicated nature
conservation of sites (Local
Nature Reserves – LNR; Sites
of Importance for Nature
Conservation – SINC; and
Sites of Local Importance for
Nature Conservation – SLINC)
NI188
NI197
Steve Woodward
(WCC)
To maintain and where possible
increase the area of dedicated
nature conservation sites in the
City (LNR, SINCs and SLINCs)
Leisure Services
Area
(hectares) (WCC)
Type
Number
LNR
1
48
SINC
40
148
SLINC
41
129
Planning Policy
(WCC)
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Theme 7: Adaptation to climate change
Target area /
group
Council,
Wolverhampton
Partnership and
other partners
Action
Review the implications of
climate change scenarios
(UKCIP09) to identify likely
adaptation requirements,
including potential
vulnerabilities and
opportunities for all policy
areas and to inform future
policy developments and
strategy reviews.
Target and timescale
Awaiting UKCIP09 scenarios
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
NI188
Wolverhampton
Partnership
(including biodiversity, land
management, water resources, floodplain management, health, migration,
economy, culture, buildings and
infrastructure, and emergency
planning)
Council Policy
and services
Awaiting UKCIP09 scenarios
Ensure planning and
infrastructure decisions are
informed by climate scenarios
to ensure that well-adapted
decisions are made
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
NI188
Planning Officials
(WCC)
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Theme 7: Adaptation to climate change (continued)
Target area /
group
Action
Target and timescale
LCLIP report due for completion
Council services Conduct a Local Climate
Impacts Profile (LCLIP) for the summer 2009
Authority, to review local
vulnerability to weather events
through internal review of
services affected by weather.
Progress
Media trawl complete, key
weather events identified,
interviews with key staff
completed.
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
NI188
Identify critical thresholds and Awaiting UKCIP09 scenarios
use these to interrogate climate
scenarios from UKCIP09
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
NI188
Awaiting UKCIP09 scenarios
Conduct risk analysis of
likelihood and severity of
impact of climate effects on key
service areas.
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
NI188
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Theme 8: Working with the Community
Target area /
group
Community and
Business
Action
Target and timescale
Progress
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
20 school visits per year to Tom Winckley
Working with members of the Ongoing programme of
community-based presentations inform students about saving (WCC)
community, groups,
energy.
and events, school visits,
homeowners, school pupils,
University students etc. to raise educational outreach for youth
awareness of climate change groups and activity and community 20 community based
presentations and events per
and the importance of energy involvement through the LANA
year to inform local residents
network.
efficiency, and promote
about how to save energy
solutions.
and access energy efficiency
grants for their homes.
Community Insulation
Scheme helps provide
residents with insulation and
benefits community at the
same time via LANA
networking.
Help businesses improve
resource efficiency (energy,
transport, waste and water)
and realise opportunities to
diversify into low carbon
products and services
Programme to be developed
throughout 2009, once funding has
been confirmed
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
Alison Fisher
(WCC)
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Theme 8: Working with the Community (continued)
Target area /
group
Community and
Business
(continued)
Action
Provide accessible, easy to
read information on climate
change, sustainability and
energy efficiency for
community and business via
different communication
methods
Target and timescale
Develop a ‘Green Guide for
Wolverhampton’ for all residents
bringing together a range of
different climate change,
sustainability and eco-friendly
ideas and resources into one
booklet.
Progress
Information available via the
Council’s website, media
promotions, Energy Days
and a number of leaflets
posted to various community
groups and community
centres.
Lead Officer
and
Organisation
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
Contribution to
Corporate Scorecard,
LAA and National
Indicators
NI186
NI187
Tom Winckley
(WCC)
Wolverhampton
Partnership
To be published by 2011/2012
Produce a communications
strategy for the Climate
Change Strategy and Action
Plan.
Plan to be in place to coincide with
the launch of the Strategy in 2009.
To be implemented throughout
2009.
Julie Pietragallo
(WCC)
NI185
NI186
Katie Morrow
(WCC)
Tom Winckley
(WCC)
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8. Appendices
Appendix 1
Consultation
A joint consultation has been conducted on both the Climate Change Strategy
and Action Plan and the City’s Environmental Plan to establish priorities for
protecting the environment and tackling climate change in the city.
It is recognised that everyone in the City will play a fundamental part in
addressing climate change. The Climate Change Strategy seeks to reflect the
views of everyone in the City and an extensive consultation has been
undertaken to ensure this.
The consultation was carried out via questionnaires (distributed to a number
of groups, LANAs, residents panels etc. across the City and also available to
download from Wolverhampton City Council website), an e-panel (set up on
the Wolverhampton Partnership website), Citizen’s Panel survey, visits to
local business and community groups, and a consultation workshop event
with representatives from the public, private, voluntary and community
sectors.
For further details of the consultation programme and questionnaire findings,
please contact Wolverhampton City Council’s Sustainability Unit on 01902
555627, or e-mail: [email protected].
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Appendix 2
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Appendix 3
International and European Policy Context
The United Kingdom has a responsibility to take action to protect the
environment and to tackle climate change, demonstrated in the following
agreements. The Government expects local authorities and local strategic
partnerships to play an important role in protecting the environment.
United Nations (UN) Earth Summit (1992) in Rio de Janeiro was
unprecedented in terms of both its size and the scope of its concerns, and it
officially placed sustainable development and climate change as a priority for
international action. The UN sought to help Governments re-think economic
development and find ways to halt the destruction of finite natural resources
and pollution of the planet, and to ensure a healthy planet for generations to
come. Governments recognized the need to redirect international and national
plans and policies to ensure that all economic decisions fully took into account
any environmental impact. A total of 108 Governments adopted three major
agreements in Rio:
•
Agenda 21 - a comprehensive programme of action for global action in
all areas of sustainable development;
•
The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development - a series of
principles defining the rights and responsibilities of States;
•
The Statement of Forest Principles - a set of principles to underlie
the sustainable management of forests worldwide.
In addition, two legally binding Conventions aimed at preventing global climate
change and the eradication of the diversity of biological species were opened
for signature at the Summit:
•
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(see below)
•
The Convention on Biological Diversity
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1994) is an
international treaty which provides a framework for intergovernmental efforts
to tackle the challenge posed by climate change. A total of 192 countries have
ratified the convention, and the governments of these countries gather and
share information on greenhouse gas emissions, national policies and best
practice; launch national strategies for addressing greenhouse gas emissions
and adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of financial and
technological support to developing countries; and cooperate in preparing for
adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
Kyoto Protocol (1997) is an additional agreement to the UNFCCC that sets
legally binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European
community for reducing GHG emissions. The Protocol places a heavier
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burden on developed nations as it recognises that developed countries are
principally responsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the
atmosphere, as a result of more than 150 years of industrial activity. A total of
183 Parties of the Convention have ratified its Protocol to date.
Under the Protocol, the EU has committed to reducing GHG emissions to 8%
lower than 1990 levels by 2008-2012. This is divided between all countries
who have signed – the UK target is 12.5% decrease on 1990 levels. However,
the UK has also set its own domestic target of 20% decrease in CO2
emissions on 1990 levels by 2010. In addition to this, the UK Climate Change
Act will call for an 80% decrease by 2050.
EU Action Plan on Environment and Health (2004) is designed to give the
EU the scientifically grounded information needed to help all 25 EU Member
States reduce the adverse health impacts of certain environmental factors and
to endorse better cooperation between actors in the environment, health and
research fields from 2004 to 2010.
EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) (2005 onwards) is one of the key
policies introduced by the European Union to help meet the EU’s greenhouse
gas emissions reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol. Under the EU ETS,
large emitters of carbon dioxide (predominantly installations in the energy and
heavy industry sectors) must monitor and annually report their emissions, and
they are obliged every year to surrender greenhouse gas allowances,
including CO2, to account for their actual emissions. The cost of emissions
allowances is determined by the carbon market, and demand for/availability of
allowances. They may use all or part of their allocation and have the flexibility
to buy additional allowances or to sell any surplus allowances generated from
reducing their emissions below their allocation.
EU Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) (2006)
The European Council adopted an ambitious and comprehensive renewed
SDS for an enlarged EU which sets out a single, coherent strategy on how the
EU will more effectively live up to its long-standing commitment to meet the
challenges of sustainable development. The strategy sets overall objectives
and concrete actions for seven key priority challenges until 2010, including
climate change and clean energy, sustainable transport, sustainable
consumption and production, and conservation and management of natural
resources.
EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) (2003, with
implementation from 2008) aims to improve the energy performance of
buildings within the EU through cost-effective measures, with a particular
focus on recording the physical energy performance of public access buildings
and large-scale air conditioning unit inspections. The Directive requires, from
1 October 2008, that an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) must be made
available whenever buildings (domestic or non-domestic) are constructed,
sold or rented out, so that the new tenants are aware of how energy efficient
that building is. It also stipulates that a Display Energy Certificates (DEC)
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must be displayed for all large public buildings, highlighting the energy
performance of that building (on a sliding ratings scale of A to G).
Bali Roadmap (2007 - 2009) is the 2 year negotiations process from the Bali
Climate Change Convention (2007) to the UN Climate Change Conference in
Copenhagen (2009), which will shape the next stage of the Kyoto Protocol
(post 2012). The Bali Roadmap consists of a number of forward-looking
decisions that are essential to reaching a secure climate future. The Road
Map includes the Bali Action Plan, which charts the course for a new
negotiating process designed to tackle climate change.
National Policy Context
To ensure action within the UK, the Government have issued a significant
amount of environmental legislation which requires local authorities to take
action.
Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) (1995) requires local authorities to
improve the energy efficiency of all homes and in doing so seeks to tackle fuel
poverty28 and climate change. It puts a duty on local authorities to draw up
strategies to improve energy efficiency in all housing, both in the public and
private sector, and report to Government on progress made in implementing
these measures. WCC has put steps in place to help the most vulnerable
people and those on low incomes that are unable to afford their gas and
electricity bills as well as ensuring that their properties have improved heating
and insulation. Wolverhampton was one of the first Local Authorities in the
country to develop an Affordable Warmth Strategy (see also Local Policy
Context).
Sustainable Development Strategy – Securing the Future (2005) has four
agreed priorities: sustainable consumption and production, climate change,
natural resource protection and sustainable communities. There is a focus on
“local to global”, acknowledging the role of local action on sustainable
development and the environment. There is an emphasis on joined up
working at the local level around the vision of sustainable communities with
Sustainable Community Strategies and Local Area Agreements, linked to
planning through Local Development Frameworks.
Planning Policy Statement - PPS1 (2005) ‘Delivering Sustainable
Development’ sets out how spatial planning should take into account the
unavoidable consequences of climate change. This also includes the need to
conserve and enhance biodiversity, recognising that the distribution of
habitats and species will be affected by climate change, and highlighting the
28
Fuel poverty is linked to general poverty and deprivation, but it has other distinct characteristics and
causes, including low household income; high levels of occupancy; inefficient or expensive heating
systems and high fuel costs; poor insulation and draughts; and poor energy efficiency in the home.
However, other personal circumstances may also mean that people fall into fuel poverty, such as single
older persons living in aging homes, or single parent households with several children.
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need to conserve and enhance biodiversity as one of the key planning
objectives.
Supplement to PPS1 – Planning and Climate Change (2007) sets out how
planning should contribute to reducing emissions and stablising climate
change and take into account the unavoidable consequences. It sets out how
regional and local planning can best support achievement of the zero carbon
targets alongside meeting commmuity needs for economic and housing
development. Tackling Climate Change is a key Government priority for the
planning system.
PPS1 states that planning can help to:
• secure enduring progress against the UK’s emissions targets, by direct
influence on energy use and emissions, and in bringing together and
encouraging action by others
• deliver the Government’s ambition of zero carbon development;
• shape sustainable communities that are resilient to and appropriate for
the climate change now accepted as inevitable;
• create an attractive environment for innovation and for the private
sector to bring forward investment, including in renewable and lowcarbon technologies and supporting infrastructure; and
• capture local enthusiasm and give local communities real opportunities
to influence, and take, action on climate change.
Through policy and decision making, planning can address the need to
reduce climate change emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change,
and promote low-carbon energy generation at a local scale.
The UK Climate Change Programme (2006) aims to ensure that the UK can
progress towards the long-term goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The Programme considers international, national and personal action as
essential in tackling climate change.
The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act (2006) has the primary
objective of enhancing the UK’s contribution to tackling climate change. It also
aims to help alleviate fuel poverty, promote microgeneration and the use of
heat produced from renewable sources.
Biodiversity Duty - Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act (2006)
includes a duty on Local Authorities to have regard to biodiversity
conservation. The aim is to raise the profile of biodiversity across the public
sector to ensure that it is considered in all relevant policies and decisions. It
states that every public authority must, in exercising its functions, have regard
to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.
Decent Homes Programme (up to 2012) sets a target from Government that
all public sector houses must be brought up to a decent homes standard by
2012. A decent home has been defined as one which is wind and weather
tight, warm and has modern facilities.
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Sustainable Communities Act (2007) aims to give local people more control
over improving their community and encourages suggestions from local
authorities to make communities more sustainable. The methods employed by
local authorities to increase sustainability need to promote economic, social
and environmental well-being. The Act also means that each local authority
area needs to create a ‘Sustainable Community Strategy’ (see ‘Regional and
Local Policy Context’).
Waste Strategy (2007) responds to the need to reduce unsustainable
consumption of resources and the need to reduce carbon emissions from
waste, integral to both of these needs is the diversion of waste from landfill
sites. The strategy includes proposals for new powers for local authorities to
provide financial incentives for recycling, provides guidance for regulation and
tackling illegal activity, investment in waste collection and treatment and local
and regional governance. The strategy also emphasises the need for local
leadership to encourage re-use, recycling and composting of waste.
Energy White Paper: Meeting the Energy Challenge (2007) responds to
the need to save energy, develop cleaner energy supplies and secure reliable
and competitive energy supplies. This White Paper highlights:
• Carbon reduction commitment (see ‘Climate Change Act’ below);
• Energy Performance Certificates (discussed under EPBD – ‘International
and European Policy Context);
• Social housing should be compliant with the Code for Sustainable Homes;
• Action to reduce fuel poverty needs to be more pro-active and localised;
• Planning needs to support greater use of decentralised electricity
generation and renewable means of generating power.
The New Performance Framework for Local Authorities & Local
Authority Partnerships: Single Set of National Indicators (2007) presents
a new performance framework for Local Government, including 198 national
indicators which Councils and Partnerships will have to report back to Central
Government on. For the first time, a number of indicators relate directly to
addressing climate change, including:
• CO2 reduction from Local Authority operations (NI185)
• Per capita CO2 emissions in the Local Authority Area (NI186)
• Tackling fuel poverty (NI187)
• Adapting to climate change (NI188)
• Household waste recycled and composted (NI192)
Water strategy for England - Future Water (2008) sets out a vision for 2030
of improving the quality of water, using water resources sustainably and
implementing fair water charges, tackling climate change by reducing
greenhouse gases and adapting the water industry and users behaviour to
climate change and other pressures, such as more housing.
Climate Change Act (2008) provides a framework for action to tackle the
unavoidable effects of climate change and to ensure adaptation is integrated
into decision-making in the UK. The Act sets an unprecedented, legally
binding, target of 80% reduction in CO2 by 2050 (from 1990 levels) with an
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interim target of at least 26% by 2020. The law sets a framework of
incremental targets to gradually reduce emissions. These will be measured in
five-year budget periods which will place a limit on the amount of greenhouse
gases the UK can emit.
The Climate Change Act introduces a mandatory carbon trading scheme, the
Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), which was first proposed in the
Energy White Paper (2007). The CRC will be a mandatory “cap-and-trade”
scheme for the public and private sector and it will have a significant impact
on reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions from April 2010. The CRC will apply
to large non-intensive energy users within the business and public sector, who
will be responsible for purchasing their carbon emissions in advance, or in
effect have to buy ‘carbon credits’, in order to limit their CO2 emissions. It is
expected that many Local Authorities, including Wolverhampton City Council,
will be trading in the scheme alongside around 5,000 public and private sector
organisations.
The Climate Change Act also launched an independent Climate Change
Committee which provides transparent and independent advice and guidance
to the Government in order to realise the targets and aspirations of the new
law.
4.3
Regional Policy Context
Birmingham and Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) (2000)
operates at the local level of the biodiversity partnership. It depicts the
biodiversity of the region and has 5 main themes:
• People, education and wildlife
• Protection of habitats and species
• Management of sites and habitats
• Creation and restoration of habitats
• Linkages
• Data and monitoring
West Midlands Regional Waste Planning Strategy (2001) sets out a
framework for more sustainable waste management in the West Midlands and
recognises the importance of coordinating waste management regionally.
West Midlands Energy Strategy (2004) envisions: ‘By 2020 we will have
delivered the West Midlands' commitment to the climate change challenge,
having ensured a sustainable, secure and affordable supply of energy for
everyone and strengthened the region's economic capability.’
The Strategy will contribute to the goals of the National Energy White Paper
(see national).
The four headline objectives of the strategy are:
• Improving energy efficiency
• Increasing the use of Renewable Energy Resources
• Maximising uptake of business opportunities
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•
Ensuring focused and integrated delivery and implementation
West Midlands Regional Housing Strategy (2005) aims to achieve
sustainable access to minimise environmental resource consumption and
traffic and improve the quality of the environment. This strategy dovetails with
the Regional Spatial Strategy.
West Midlands Local Transport Plan (LTP) (2006) sets out the local
strategy to improve transport provision and ensure that people have a genuine
choice of how to travel. Key targets are:
•
to limit the increase in road traffic mileage in the West Midlands to no
more than 7% between 2004 and 2010;
•
increase bus use from the 2003/04 base of 325 million trips per year to
355 million by 2010/11;
•
increase light rail use from 5.1 million trips per year in 2003/04 to 5.8
million in 2010/11;
•
1% increase in the cycling index between 2003/04 and 2010/11;
•
100% of schools to have travel plans by 2011;
•
30% of all employees to work in organisations committed to work place
travel plans by 2011.
Black Country Study (2006) is the urban renaissance strategy for the Black
Country which lays out a 30 year vision for delivering environmental
transformation and will form the basis of the Joint Black Country Core
Strategy. One of the four headline objectives is to ‘create high quality,
sustainable environments’. The Study supplied the evidence base for Phase
One review of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), which was adopted in
2008.
West Midlands Sustainable Development Framework (2006) is designed
to ensure that strategies, policies and plans in the West Midlands contribute
towards a sustainable future for the region. The Framework is designed to
support regional delivery of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy
‘Securing the Future’.
The Framework sets out a vision for a sustainable West Midlands as ‘an
economically successful, outward-looking and adaptable region, rich in culture
and environment, where everyone, working together, is able to enjoy wellbeing and quality of life, meeting their aspirations and needs without
prejudicing the ability of others, now or in the future, to do the same.’ The
Framework supports the central aim of the Regional Spatial Strategy to deliver
urban and rural renaissance whilst protecting and enhancing the quality of the
environment.
West Midlands Climate Change Action Plan (2007) sets out the actions that
key regional organisations can take over the next three years to move towards
a position where all regional policy addresses the causes and impacts of
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climate change as a central objective. The region is collectively determined to
work together to make change happen for the better and ensure that the
issues raised are addressed as part of its plans for a more sustainable future.
The Action Plan contains 30 actions covering six regional climate change
priorities:•
•
•
•
•
•
Planning and environment
Economy
Implementation
Leadership
Communication
Targets and monitoring
Delivery of the Action Plan is managed through the Climate Change Office, a
body comprising representatives from five key regional partners - the
Government Office for the West Midlands, Advantage West Midlands, the
West Midlands regional Assembly, the Environment Agency and Natural
England.
West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) (2008) was first issued as
Regional Planning Guidance in June 2004, however, a number of issues were
identified for further work. The RSS was reviewed and updated in 2008 and
provides a strategic vision for improving the quality of life in the region. Its
main purpose is to provide a long term land use and transport planning
framework and it determines the scale and distribution of housing and
economic development across the Region, investment priorities for transport
and sets out policies for enhancing the environment. The RSS also guides the
preparation of the Council's Local Development Framework (LDF). Together,
the RSS and the LDF make up the statutory development plan for
Wolverhampton, the starting point in the consideration of planning applications
for the development or use of land. The central aim of the strategy is to deliver
urban and rural renaissance whilst protecting and enhancing the quality of the
environment.
Climate change is a key theme within the RSS, and it specifically includes a
cross-cutting climate change policy29 whereby all authorities, agencies and
others shall include the following in plans, strategies and programmes to
mitigate and adapt to climate change by:
• Developing and using renewable energy to supply both new and
existing development;
• Reducing the need to travel;
• Reducing the amount of biodegradable waste going to landfill;
and all new development to:
• Minimise demand and encourage the efficient use of resources,
especially water, energy and materials;
29
Regional Spatial Strategy for the West Midlands (2008). Available from:
http://www.wmra.gov.uk/documents/RSS%20Full%20Doc%20Jan%2008.pdf
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•
•
•
•
•
Encourage construction of climate-proofed developments and
sustainable buildings;
Avoid development in flood zones;
Facilitate walking, cycling and public transport;
Facilitate effective waste management;
Protect, conserve, manage and enhance natural and built heritage
assets.
West Midlands Biodiversity Plan – Landscapes for Living (2008) provides
a 50 year vision for a vibrant, diverse and natural West Midlands, where we
are connected to our wildlife and landscape; healthy, sustainable communities
and local livelihoods, working with nature and securing the future. The plan
recognises the fundamental importance of biodiversity to the wellbeing and
happiness of everyone. The plan acknowledges the pressures of
development, intensive land use and climate change on wildlife habitats.
Biodiversity is presented as an important asset for the region’s economy and
as a means by which to adapt to the changing climate.
Black Country Joint Core Strategy (JCS) (proposed for 2010) is being
prepared by the four Black Country LAs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell
and Walsall. The JCS will set out the vision and objectives for future
development in the Black Country up to 2026. This strategy is a spatial
planning strategy aimed at delivering a restructured, regenerated and more
attractive Black Country. The Black Country has ambitious aspirations to
achieve future growth and competitiveness, creating almost half a million jobs
and over 60,000 new homes through transformational urban renaissance. The
aim of the JCS is to balance this high level of growth with the need to protect
and enhance the Black Country for future generations of residents. It will form
the basis of each LA’s Local Development Framework (LDF) and guide future
development decisions throughout the Black Country. The JCS will take into
account existing and emerging national, regional and local planning policies
and guidance.
4.4
Local Policy Context
There are a wide range of current policies and strategies that influence carbon
reduction both within the Council and across the City. These directly address
wider-reaching council and city-wide plans such as the Local Area Agreement
(LAA), WCC’s Corporate Plan, the Sustainable Community Plan (being
developed from the refreshed Community Plan), Wolverhampton
Partnership’s Sustainability Charter, and Environmental Strategy (currently
being developed). The fundamental strategies that feed into these are
highlighted below. All of these strategies and policies have the potential to
contribute to the reduction in CO2 emissions across the city.
Local Development Framework (LDF) is prepared by the LA to set out how
the local area may change over the coming years. The LDF is a folder of
Local Development Documents that set out how the local area may change
over the next few years. The LDF, together with the Regional Spatial Strategy
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(RSS), determines how the planning system will help to shape the local
community.
Wolverhampton’s Walking and Cycling Strategies (2005) aim to promote
sustainable transportation in and around the city. The walking strategy aims to
encourage walking by recognising its role as a mode of transport and part of
the solution to tackling traffic congestion, as well as urban regeneration and to
improve our environment and health. The cycling strategy provides a
framework for the Council to identify specific problems encountered by cyclists
and provides some of the solutions to address these.
Municipal Waste Management Strategy (2006) was written in partnership
with Enterprise, the organisation that manages the collection and disposal of
waste in the City. The strategy outlines the City’s plans for waste
management from 2006 to 2026. The way that waste is managed has a huge
environmental impact and the Wolverhampton Waste Management
Partnership (made up of Wolverhampton City Council and Enterprise PLC)
needs to find ways of reducing the city’s dependence on disposing of waste to
landfill by moving towards more sustainable ways of waste management as
well as trying to reduce the growth in waste.
Air Quality Management Action Plan (2006) focuses on:
•
Reducing vehicle emissions
•
Improving public transport
•
Improving the road network
•
Measures to reduce traffic volumes
•
Reducing air pollution from industry, commerce and residential areas
•
Changing levels of travel demand/ promotion of alternative modes of
transport.
The Action Plan impacts on carbon emissions primarily through its influence
on transport i.e. commuting and business travel. Its legislative backing means
that it is an important part of the armoury to address these organisationally
sensitive issues.
WCC Travel Plan (2007) affects all travel undertaken directly by Council staff,
including commuter journeys, business travel, fleet vehicles, visitors,
deliveries and contractors. The Plan sets out ways to improve the range of
transport options available to council staff for commuting and business travel,
whilst minimising the impact of our travel related activities on the environment,
easing congestion and enhancing both the economy of the City and the health
of its resident population. The Plan responds to the Wolverhampton
Partnership’s Sustainability Charter particularly by reducing dependence on
the car and providing high quality, attractive and sustainable alternatives
(such as through the car share database, pool bikes, cycle mileage
allowances and discounted annual public transport travel cards) . The Travel
Plan is also key to the efforts the Council is making to improve air quality to
support the City’s Air Quality Action Plan.
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Affordable Warmth Strategy (2007) WCC is committed to the eradication of
fuel poverty and the provision of Affordable Warmth for its residents,
irrespective of tenure. WCC is leading the way forward for local authorities as
the first council to have re-released its Affordable Warmth Strategy with
targets set even higher than previously. The strategy has been developed to
help address the social and health problems caused by fuel poverty in the City
and will provide a mechanism for not only achieving increased thermal
comfort levels, energy savings and reduced fuel costs for low income
households, but will ultimately contribute to the objectives of sustainable
development, economic advancement and an overall improvement in the
quality of life for the residents of Wolverhampton.
Local Area Agreement (LAA) (2008 to 2011) is a 3 year agreement between
central government, local government and strategic partners designed to
enable better delivery of local priorities. Clear targets are set to reflect the
needs and wishes of Wolverhampton residents. The environment plays a
significant part in the LAA, with key targets being set with regard to improved
street cleanliness; amount of household waste recycled or composted; CO2
emissions reduction from LA operations; congestion during peak morning
traffic flow; and tackling fuel poverty in the City.
WCC Carbon Management Programme (CMP) (2008 – 2015) WCC is
committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and
activities, and has developed a Carbon Management Strategy and
Implementation Plan in partnership with the Carbon Trust. The plan outlines
projects that the council will take forward in order to reduce carbon emissions
by 25% by 2015 (from 2005/06 levels) from its activities and operations,
including CO2 reductions from council buildings (including schools), fleet
vehicles and business transportation, staff commuting and street lighting.
WCC Energy and Water Management Plan for Public Buildings (EWMP)
(2008-2015) formulates an approach to energy and water management in the
Council’s public building stock and seeks to ensure that best practice is
adopted by the Council for internal facilities management. A robust
management and monitoring framework will be adopted for energy and water
management so that strengths and weaknesses can be identified and future
progress monitored and addressed. The plan has proposals to reduce CO2
emissions from energy use within the Council’s public buildings from
approximately 35,800 tonnes per annum (2005/06 baseline) to approximately
27,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum in 2014/15. The EWMP has been developed
to specifically support the CMP and the Wolverhampton Declaration on
Climate Change.
The Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) (proposed for 2009) has
been prepared by Wolverhampton City Council, through Wolverhampton’s
Local Strategic Partnership, and sets out a long term vision for the City for
2026 aiming to promote and improve the economic, social and environmental
well-being of the City. The vision for action on climate change in the SCS is
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that by 2026 the City will have overcome the challenges of climate change
and that a new balance between nature and development will overcome the
increasing temperatures. The effects of heatwaves and increased storms will
be absorbed by the renewal of the infrastructure and the Building Schools for
the Future (BSF) programme will have successfully educated new consumers
and active citizens who are committed to sustainable production and
consumption. The Black Country will have become the ‘Green Country’ as the
lifestyle and economy succeed under the changing climate.
Draft Housing Strategy (2009) is derived from the Sustainable Communities
Strategy (SCS). Given that housing accounts for 27% of the UK’s CO2
emissions, measures to reduce emissions from the housing sector are very
important. The Council will require all new homes to achieve the required
Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) standards, which includes elements to
reduce carbon emissions, improve thermal and energy efficiency and to
mitigate or adapt to the consequences of a changing climate. WCC intend to
ensure that energy efficient and low carbon technologies are built into
Wolverhampton Homes’ ongoing Decent Homes Programme to bring the
Council’s homes up to the Decent Homes Standard by 2012.
Environment Plan (2009 – 2026) sets out a vision for Wolverhampton’s
environment for 2026, establishing both short and long term targets. The plan,
complied by the Wolverhampton Environmental Partnership, takes a long term
approach and sets out 5 key objectives to achieve a transformed environment
for Wolverhampton by 2026:
• Improve nature conservation in the city
• Develop and maintain the green infrastructure and the public realm
• Develop sustainable consumption and production
• Reduce the speed of climate change and adapt to its effects
• Achieve sustainable transport
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Appendix 4
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Appendix 5
List of Abbreviations
ALMO
Arms Length Management Organisation
AQMA
Air Quality Management Area
BREEAM
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
BAP
Biodiversity Action Plan
BSF
Building Schools for the Future
CCS&AP
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
CHP
Combined Heat and Power
CMP
Carbon Management Programme
CRC
Carbon Reduction Commitment
CSH
Code for Sustainable Homes
DECC
Department of Energy and Climate Change
ESCo
Energy Services Company
EWMP
Energy and Water Management Plan
GHG
Greenhouse Gas
HECA
Home Energy Conservation Act
IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
JCS
Joint Core Strategy
LA
Local Authority
LAA
Local Area Agreement
LANA
Local Area Neighbourhood Agreement
LCLIP
Local Climate Impacts Profile
LDF
Local Development Framework
LNR
Local Nature Reserve
LSP
Local Strategic Partnership
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LTP
Local Transport Plan
NO2
Nitrogen Dioxide
PM10
Particulate Matter
RSS
Regional Spatial Strategy
SAP
Standard Assessment Procedure
SCS
Sustainable Community Strategy
SINC
Site of Importance for Nature Conservation
SLINC
Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation
SO2
Sulphur Dioxide
SPD
Supplementary Planning Document
SUDS
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
UKCIP
UK Climate Impacts Programme
WCC
Wolverhampton City Council
WMPTA
West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority
WRAP
Waste & Resources Action Programme
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