Climate Change Group

To develop an action plan to support the Sustainable Community Strategy to contribute positively to climate change issues through local initiatives. In particular it will seek to contribute to reduced use of non-renewable energy by; increasing the number of organisations and communities made aware of energy efficiency and using energy efficient sources; promoting he extent of organisations already adopting recognised environmental management standards; focus on transport related ssues; development of the natural environment and its biodiversity and encouraging greater participation in relevant initiatives.

This will involve work with the University and others to showcase innovation in environmental technologies and exemplary initiatives in the community. It will also involve development of a recognised business cluster based on established business strength in environmental technologies. It would hope to build on the relationship with the National Forest Company in developing the environmental economy. It will also play a part in promoting more effectively local initiatives to reduce adverse environmental impacts and to guide individuals, businesses and other organisations to sources of advice on practical approaches to minimising the climate change effect.

The Group will support, encourage and advise partners on how plans, policies and activities may contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Borough in line with national targets by:

• reducing the use of fossil fuels
• encouraging greater efficiencies in the use of energy
• the development of renewable energy technologies and installations and;
• ensuring that the resources are provided to deliver the climate change strategic objectives

GROUP MEMBERSHIP

• Charnwood Borough Council
• AstraZeneca
• Action for a Better Charnwood
• Loughborough College
• Leicestershire Community Council
• Rural Community Council

Strategic Objectives within remit

• SO2 - to reduce the need to, and distance of, travel by car and increase use of walking, cycling and public transport. In particular to improve access by public transport to key services and facilities including the key employment centres of Loughborough, Leicester and East Midlands Airport;
• SO7 - to reduce contributions to climate change and to promote prudent use of resources through patterns of development, design, transport measures, reducing the use of minerals, energy and water and minimising waste
  and encouraging recycling in support of achieving a carbon neutral Borough.
• SO8 - to develop integrated transport schemes and measures to improve safety and reduce the adverse environmental and other impacts of traffic on local communities, for example in and around Loughborough and settlements close to Leicester.
• SO10 - to reduce the risk to people and properties through flooding in vulnerable locations such as parts of Loughborough and the Soar and Wreake Valley villages.
• SO11 - to protect the special and distinctive qualities of all landscapes, and to pay special attention to impacts upon Charnwood Forest and its environs and to support the National Forest Strategy.
• SO12 - to maintain and enhance the range of ecological sites, habitats and species found in Charnwood and seek to deliver biodiversity gain and reverse habitat fragmentation.

Priority Places for this Group's work

• Loughborough, Shepshed, Birstall, Thurmaston
• Borough wide.

Related Documents & Information