Published on:
05
June 2008
Councillors have made a commitment to tackle climate change, work towards a sustainable economy and ensure that we live within our environmental limits after approving the draft Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy.
Clackmannanshire's first Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy is the result of over two years' work and has included contributions from a range of Council services and partner organisations.
The draft strategy will now be subject to extensive public consultation from July to September before a final version is produced.
The strategy will provide a framework for improving the Council's own sustainability performance as well as supporting and encouraging the promotion of sustainability across Clackmannanshire with an improved quality of life and enhanced environment for all local residents.
Clackmannanshire Council already has an enviable reputation in terms of contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. The restoration of passenger rail services to Alloa, registration of all schools on the eco-schools programme, the award-winning Black Devon wetland project, major improvements in the energy efficiency of its own buildings, and the highest level of performance on recycling in Scotland (42.9%) illustrate this level of achievement.
However, a great deal remains to be done to make Clackmannanshire more sustainable. The strategy sets out priorities for moving towards more sustainable patterns of production and consumption, creating more sustainable communities, and protecting our natural resources and enhancing our environment.
Particular emphasis is placed on the need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. The Council has taken a lead by producing a Carbon Management Plan to reduce emissions from its own buildings, and the strategy includes a Climate Change Action Plan which sets a target for reducing our carbon footprint.
Sustainability Portfolio Holder Councillor Eddie Carrick said: "The Council currently spends over £1.4m a year on heating, lighting and power in our public buildings. As the cost of energy continues to increase at an alarming rate, and the devastating effects of climate change, accelerated by the burning of fossil fuels are ever more evident, we are all required to take responsibility and reduce the amount of energy we consume. The messages contained in this strategy have to be spread across all Council services to minimise our impact on climate change and cut fuel bills. The strategy will promote energy efficiency in Clackmannanshire's 22,000 homes. The fundamental approach is to help businesses and residents to save money on their fuel bills and help save the planet at the same time."
Government has also urged local authorities to prepare for the inevitable consequences of climate change, including the increased likelihood of flood events and landslips. The strategy therefore proposes the production of a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Clackmannanshire.
The strategy contains 24 targets and 37 specific actions to improve sustainability over the next three years