Sustainability Policy

Sustainability Policy

Sustainable Development is:

Development that meets the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  It means improving quality of life for people today, as well as thinking about those who will live after us.

A Sustainable Community is:

Dependent on people acting together to create healthy, safe places in which to live, work and play.

The Council will work towards both a sustainable community and sustainable development through its four Core Values:

Engagement

People should be able to contribute to decisions that affect their quality of life, and their environment.

Equity

Resources should be used to provide for the needs of the whole community without exclusion or disadvantage to any group.

Environmental ProtectionWe all depend on the Earth’s natural resources to live. These resources should be protected and enhanced.

Economic Development

We all depend on a strong, broadly based local economy. This should be developed in partnership to provide opportunities for the whole community.

The Council will work, in partnership with others, towards a more sustainable community, seeking to:-

• Encourage all sections of the community to contribute to decision-making and consider the social and community aspects of decisions;
• Promote access to sufficient and affordable food, water, housing and fuel;
• Improve human health through safe, clean, pleasant environments, and promote the prevention of illness as well as care for the sick;
• Promote community safety to reduce the fear of crime or persecution on account of people’s race, gender, sexuality or beliefs;
• Maximise everyone’s access to the skills and knowledge needed to play a full part in society;
• Promote opportunities for culture, leisure and recreation for all;
• Use energy, water and other natural resources efficiently, effectively and with care; minimise waste and recover or recycle it and finally, sustainably dispose of what is left;
• Limit light, noise, air, land and water pollution levels so as not to cause damage to existing natural systems;
• Value, protect and enhance the diversity of nature, local distinctiveness and cultural identity;
• Improve the attractiveness and quality of the environment by creating or enhancing places, spaces and buildings that work and wear well, and look good;
• Create a vibrant local economy that gives access to satisfying and rewarding work, without damaging the local, national or global environment; value unpaid work and promote a culture that supports and encourages voluntary work;
• Determine and meet local needs locally wherever possible;
• Encourage access to facilities, services and goods, and other people in ways which minimise the need for travel, make less use of the car and make greater use of public transport and minimise impacts on the environment.
• The Council will seek to achieve these aims both through its own activities and through its influence over others. To do this it will:
• Ensure total compliance with relevant legislation;
• Ensure that all decisions about Council services are made with knowledge of their social, environmental and economic implications in line with the core values;
• Integrate its pursuit of social, economic and environmental objectives;
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• Seek to act strategically to prevent problems rather than merely respond to symptoms;
• Improve the council’s own sustainable development performance and aim to set an example of good practice;
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• Encourage and facilitate sustainable and sensitive behaviour by its employees, both at work and outside;
• Ensure that all organisations employed by contractual arrangements or supported by Grant Aid are aware of the council’s core values, and aims, and recognise and meet their own responsibilities;
• Promote public understanding of the Council’s core values and aims;
• Work in partnership with others to achieve its aims;
• Monitor and report on progress towards sustainable development through its Programme Committees.