Environment and Sustainability Policy

ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY POLICY  

1. Policy Statement  

Bretby Parish Council aims to carry out its activities with environmental efficiency, actively seeking to protect and enhance the local environment and biodiversity within its area of operation whilst endeavouring to ensure wider adverse environmental impact does not occur as a result.  

2. Context  

The Parish Council recognises that a climate emergency has been declared at national, regional and within some organisations, local level.   

The Parish Council will consider the impact its activities have on both climate change and biodiversity issues and will endeavour to introduce measures that either mitigate negative outcomes or actively support beneficial outcomes, where this is practicable and affordable within the resources and financial capabilities of council.   

The Parish Council will specifically consider the following:   

1. the impact that operating its assets has on the environment,   

2. the impact that the goods and services it procures, including the environmental commitment of its suppliers, has on the environment,  

3. where possible and appropriate, replace environmentally inefficient assets with environmentally friendly alternatives   

4. the impact that execution of the Parish Council’s activities may have on the environment.   

3. Aims  

In all its activities the Parish Council will aim to;   

1. Minimise the consumption of all resources used in its operations, particularly in respect of the buildings and equipment it uses and the administration of its activities.   

2. Seek, wherever possible, to only use contractors and suppliers who have their own environmental policy, which is continually reviewed, up-dated and measured against recognised, best practice examples.   

3. where possible, affordable and commensurate with Parish Council powers and duties, support local initiatives aimed at climate change and or, biodiversity protection or enhancement.   

4. Principles  

Bretby Parish Council will:   

Environmental & Sustainability Policy     9^th January 2024  

1. Commit to the principles of stewardship, inclusivity, integrity, and transparency and leading by example in the field of sustainability.  

2. Regularly update and improve standards in light of increased understanding and knowledge  

3. Commit to the sustainability and environmental elements of all relevant legislation and regulations and the UN Paris Agreement.  

4. Promote walking, cycling to visitors and residents.   

5. Encourage use of local and sustainable products and services, especially food.   

6. Respect and protect natural resources by practicing conservation and good management by the creation of wildflower planting.  

7. Commit to the prevention of pollution, and compliance with relevant legislation and other requirements such as using the services of sympathetic contractors and disposing of all necessary waste through safe and responsible methods  

8. Commit to protecting the village’s architectural and historic aspects including protecting from unsustainable development.   

9. Encourage wildlife such as birds and bees via the use of suitable plants including perennials and self-seeding annuals.   

10. Encourage its Members and employees to take responsibility for ensuring that the best environmental policy is used and adhered to at all times   

5. Review  

This document was approved for use at the meeting of the Parish Council on 9th January 2024, it shall be reviewed periodically.  

Signed:            Dated: