Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan

Sustainability Strategyand Implementation Plan2013-2018

www.wolverhampton.gov.uk

Wolverhampton City Council Sustainability Strategy & Implementation Plan 2013-18

ContentPart 1 – Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

What is ‘Sustainable Development’? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3International Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3European Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4National Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Regional Context. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Local Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Part 2 – Strategy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Priorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Monitoring & Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Part 3 – Implementation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Priority 1: Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Priority 2: Climate Change & Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Priority 3: People. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Priority 4: Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Part 4 – Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Approved by Wolverhampton City Council’s cabinet on 24 July 2013 and incorporating theClimate Local Wolverhampton Action Plan

For further information, email: [email protected] Telephone: 01902 552177

02 Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan

03Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan


PART 1 - BACKGROUND

What is ‘Sustainable Development’?

The word ‘sustainability’ has, arguably, never been more sought after, used, or abused but its definitioncan still be unclear.

‘Our Common Future’, the report of the UN’s World Commission on Environment and Development,1987, often referred to as the Brundtland Report, defined sustainable development as ‘developmentwhich meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meettheir own needs.’ It was recognised for the first time that the environment, economy and society areinterconnected and mutually dependent, and that their management holistically would enablesustainable development.

The previous UK Government’s Sustainable Development Strategy ‘Securing the Future’, published in2005, set out five guiding principles of sustainable development: 1. Living within the planet’s environmental limits 2. Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society 3. Achieving a sustainable economy 4. Promoting good governance 5. Using sound science responsibly

The current Coalition Government published a refreshed vision of this strategy, ‘MainstreamingSustainable Development’, in February 2011, which defines sustainable development as, ‘making thenecessary decisions now to realise our vision of stimulating economic growth and tackling the deficit,maximising wellbeing and protecting our environment, without negatively impacting on the ability offuture generations to do the same.’ It also reiterates that ‘sustainable development recognises that thethree ‘pillars’ of the economy, society and the natural environment are interconnected’.

International Context

The concept of sustainable development received its first major international recognition in 1972 at theUN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm followed, in 1979, by the first World ClimateConference in Geneva which was the first occasion on which global governments were asked toconsider and address man-made climate change.

The Rio Earth Summit in 1992 was in turn the first summit at which world leaders acknowledged that arange of global issues should be addressed holistically. An outcome was ‘Agenda 21’, which set out themain issues key to sustainable development in the 21st century, including social and economicdimensions as well as environmental protection.

In 1997 the Kyoto Protocol was put in place, committing the European community and 37 otherindustrialised nations to reducing their emissions of greenhouse gases by 5% compared to their 1990base levels; this remains the world’s only encompassing climate change legislation and provided theframework for all future international agreements.



In 2002 the World Summit on Sustainable Development, also referred to as Rio +10, took place inJohannesburg. The Johannesburg Declaration produced a number of initiatives aimed at achieving theMillennium Development Goals, eight international development goals set in 2000, which integrate thethree aspects of sustainable development; environment, economy and society.

As a result of the most recent response to the Kyoto Protocol, the Doha Climate Change Conference in2012, developing as well as developed countries now have a legal obligation to reduce emissions.

Rio +20, in 2012, prioritised two particular themes for sustainable development; building a greeneconomy and improving international co-ordination. They both emerge from ‘The Future We Want’document which establishes a common vision to integrate economic, social and environmental values inorder to achieve sustainable development.

European Context

The European Union has produced much key legislation related to sustainability. The European ClimateChange Programme was established in 2000, to implement the Kyoto Protocol and produced workinggroups on areas such as energy supply demand and efficiency, transport, carbon capture and storageand adaptation. The Directorate-General for Climate Action has developed strategies including the 2008Climate Action and Renewable Energy (CARE) package which oversees the implementation of previouslymade commitments such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, anincrease in renewable energy sources and the promotion of environmentally safe and soundtechnologies.

The 2009 EU Renewables Directive is one such regulation stemming from the CARE package. Itproduced a mandatory target that the EU obtains 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.The UK specifically has been given the target of sourcing 15% of our energy from renewable sources by 2020.

National Context

Nationally, mainstreaming sustainable development throughout government policy is led by theEnvironment Secretary. At a departmental level the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs(DEFRA) leads on sustainable development and the Department for Energy & Climate Change (DECC)on energy and climate change.

One of the first pieces of legislation to directly address carbon dioxide emissions and energy efficiencywas the Home Energy Conservation Act, 1995, which required councils to produce annual EnergyConservation Reports aimed at improving domestic energy efficiency. The Act was revised in 2012 torequire biennial reports outlining practical and cost-effective local energy conservation measures.

The Climate Change Act, 2008 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050compared to the 1990 base level. By doing so it aims to encourage the transition to a low carboneconomy and reduce the effects of climate change on the economy, society and the environment to amanageable level. Though this Act is predominantly environment based, it has led to the development of



further, more holistically considered regulations. At a local level, the Local Government Association, inJune 2012, launched the Climate Local initiative to assist councils in reducing carbon emissions andadapting to the effects of climate change.

The 2011 Carbon Plan provides a plan for implementing the Climate Change Act, with the intention ofdelivering a more efficient, low carbon and sustainable economy, by promoting the use of renewableheat incentives, biofuels and establishing efforts in agriculture, forestry and waste. The consequentialopening of ‘green’ markets for low carbon technologies provides a pathway for the UK to move to amodern and sustainable low carbon economy, that uses natural resources more efficiently and maintainsa good quality of life.

The Energy Act, 2011 provides a more sustainable government approach to energy. It addresses theissues of: energy infrastructure; climate change and conformity with international and national targets;economic growth and benefits for jobs and investment; affordability of energy; energy security; andsafety.

As part of a national initiative to deliver sustainable development, the National Planning PolicyFramework was established in March 2012. It seeks to build a strong and competitive economy; supporthigh quality homes and healthy communities; and conserve, enhance and protect the natural andhistoric environment whilst meeting the challenge of climate change and its associated effects. TheNPPF is therefore a key part of government policy to address the three aspects of sustainabilityholistically.

The Green Deal, launched in January 2013, aims to improve energy efficiency for business and homeowners, by removing the up-front costs involved in insulation and power generation measures toconsumers, as the cost is instead recouped through savings on energy bills. It is part of the revisedHome Energy Conservation Act (1995); its central aim is to improve energy efficiency in residential andbusiness dwellings. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO), an update of previous initiatives by whichthe energy companies provide funding for energy efficiency initiatives, was also introduced to help deliverthe Green Deal.

Regional Context

Sustainability West Midlands is the leading advisory body on sustainability for the West Midlands region.In 2006 it published ‘Sustainable Future for the West Midlands’, a regional sustainable developmentframework from which councils could develop individual implementation plans. In line with nationalsustainability policy, it set out four key priorities for councils to act upon:1. Sustainable consumption and production2. Climate change and energy3. Natural resource protection and environmental enhancement4. Sustainable communities

In 2007, the ‘West Midlands Regional Climate Change Action Plan 2007-10’ was published by apartnership led by the West Midlands Regional Assembly. It contained a vision and six priorities foraction, reflected in an action plan.



In 2010, a report on ‘Opportunities in the Low Carbon Economy’ was published for the West MidlandsCity Region alongside more detailed reports for each council area. This identified the largest potentialopportunities for Wolverhampton as being within the sectors of construction, manufacturing, transport,environmental goods and services and public services.

Local Context

Wolverhampton City Council and Wolverhampton Local Strategic Partnership have jointly adopted anumber of relevant strategies in the past decade, as a basis for the partners’ work:1. The Sustainability Charter, adopted in 2004, which provided a set of strategic

sustainability principles 2. The Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change, signed by the council in December 2006

and endorsed by the Wolverhampton Local Strategic Partnership Board in January 20073. The Wolverhampton Environment Strategy 20094. The Sustainable Communities Strategy for Wolverhampton 2008-2026, adopted in 2009

(now superseded by the City Strategy)

With regard to carbon dioxide (CO2), a number of initiatives are in operation:1. The council’s Carbon Management Strategy & Implementation Plan (S&IP) was approved by

Cabinet in April 2008 and committed to reducing the council’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 25% by 2015 from a baseline of 2005/06. By 2011/12 the council had achieved a 13% reduction in emissions and was not on track to meet its original target for 2014/15.

2. The Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan for Wolverhampton 2009-2012 was prepared in parallel with the Environment Strategy and was also adopted by both the council and partnership in 2009. This set a local target to reduce the city’s CO2 emissions by at least 12% by 2012 and 35% by 2026 using a 2005 baseline. The latest government figures available are for 2010 and show a 14% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 to 2010, ahead of the target.

3. Under the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), the council has a statutory annual requirementfrom 2010-2011 to report carbon emissions generated by city council activities. The first year was a reporting year only but, from 2011-12, a payment must be made to the Department of Energy & Climate Change for the carbon produced in the form of purchasing a ‘Carbon Allowance’. The CRC produced a figure of 35,012 tonnes of CO2 for 2011-12.

PART 2 – STRATEGY

Priorities

The City Strategy 2011-2026, launched in October 2011, is the overarching strategy for the city counciland the wider Wolverhampton Partnership. This superseded the Sustainable Communities Strategy. It has an overarching goal of ‘Prosperity for all’ with three Key Themes and priority actions relevant tosustainable development:Theme 1: Encouraging Enterprise and BusinessTheme 2: Empowering People and CommunitiesTheme 3: Re-invigorating the City



The council’s Corporate Plan 2012-2015 follows the same structure with an additional fourth aim,which also has a broad relevance to sustainability: Aim 4: A Confident, Capable Council

In order to ensure that the principles of sustainability underpinned these main strategic documents, theSustainable Wolverhampton – Simplified Delivery report was approved by Cabinet on 25 July 2012.It outlines an additional set of priorities and delivery methods for achieving sustainability in the city, toenhance those already identified by the City Strategy. The priorities are:A - Providing effective support to deliver a green economy and achieve sustainable

economic development B - Promoting social inclusion and tackling fuel povertyC - Protecting and enhancing the environment

Reflecting the national priority of climate change and energy, and its significance to the council’sfunctions, it is identified as an additional priority in its own right. The four priorities of this strategy, linkedto the themes of the City Strategy, are therefore the following:1. Provide effective support to deliver a green economy and achieve sustainable economic

development (Reflects City Strategy Theme 1 – Encouraging Enterprise and Business)2. Address the causes and effects of climate change and support the move to renewable & low

carbon energy (Reflects City Strategy Theme 1 – Encouraging Enterprise and Business)3. Promote social inclusion and equal opportunities (Reflects City Strategy Theme 2 - Empowering

People and Communities)4. Protect and enhancing the natural and built environment

(Reflects City Strategy Theme 3 – Re-invigorating the City)The aim of the Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan is to deliver these priorities, in support of the themes and aims identified in the City Strategy and the Corporate Plan.

In support of these priorities, on 24 April 2013, the leaders of the council’s three political parties signedthe Climate Local Wolverhampton commitment on behalf of the city council, following approval byCabinet. This commits the council to the following:• Set locally-owned and determined commitments and actions to reduce carbon emissions and to

manage climate impacts which are specific, measurable and challenging• Publish our commitments, actions and progress, enabling local communities to hold us to account• Share the learning from our experiences and achievements with other councils• Regularly refresh our commitments and actions to ensure they are current and continue to reflect

local prioritiesThis Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan also forms the council’s Climate LocalWolverhampton Action Plan and will be published, monitored, reported upon and reviewed as such.



Scope

The Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan will focus initially on the city council’s own activitiesand is accompanied by an Implementation Plan that will deliver major changes. It supersedes thefollowing documents which have been withdrawn as council policy:• Sustainability Charter• Wolverhampton Declaration on Climate Change• Carbon Management Strategy and Implementation Plan• Wolverhampton Environment Strategy • Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for WolverhamptonOther strategies and action plans will remain and be reviewed and replaced as appropriate as part of theImplementation Plan.

Delivery

The Sustainable Wolverhampton – Simplified Delivery Report set out a new structure to deliver thecouncil’s sustainability priorities. A Sustainability Delivery Group of council employees has beenestablished which is leading on the development, co-ordination and delivery of the SustainabilityStrategy and Implementation Plan and all other activity related to sustainability within the city council. Itreports directly to a Sustainability Advisory Group of councillors. Both will work, where relevant, with theWolverhampton Partnership and other external partners, including contractors, the local enterprisepartnership, local nature partnership, local businesses, Centro and adjacent authorities.

Monitoring & Review

The Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan is for the five years from 2013-14 to 2017-18. TheStrategy will be reviewed in its final year. The Implementation Plan will be monitored quarterly andprogress reported annually; it will be reviewed in the third year, 2015-16, and along with the Strategy in2017-18.



PART 3 – IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Priority 1: Economy: provide effective support to deliver a green economy and achieve sustainableeconomic development

1.1 Actions to support the development of a green and sustainable local economy

1.1.1 The Wolverhampton Economic Growth Plan to seek to enhance & apply low carbon expertise to the local economy to reduce emissions & aid competitiveness

1.1.2 Local delivery of a Technology Strategy Board programme supporting new technology, energy efficiency & more efficient manufacturing processes through targeting local manufacturing Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), including development of a Black Country Growth Hub

1.1.3 Investigate the potential to support the development of low carbon skills in the local workforce

1.1.4 Investigate the development of a partnership with local businesses to promote carbon savings in the public & private sectors

1.1.5 Maximise the potential of the European Structural Fund 2014-20 to deliver a Black Country-wide programme to support a low carbon, environmental & resilient local economy, which minimises waste

Lead

Corin Crane, Head of EconomicPartnerships &Investment

Corin Crane, Head of EconomicPartnerships &Investment

Corin Crane, Headof EconomicPartnerships &Investment

Mark Godson,BusinessDevelopmentOfficer, EconomicPartnerships &Investment

Corin Crane, Head of EconomicPartnerships &InvestmentSupported by: Ric Bravery,Sustainability Officer

When

June 2013

Dec 2013

March 2014

Sept 2013

Sept 2013

Progress



1.1.6 Support Wolverhampton City Fairtrade Partnership in renewing the city’s commitment to fairtrade in its 10th anniversary year (2014)

1.2 Actions to support regeneration

1.2.1 Ensure regeneration schemes in which the council is a partner address economic, social & environmental sustainability including climate change, energy efficiency & renewable & low carbon energy

1.3 Actions to ensure sustainable centres

1.3.1 Promote the economic sustainability of the city centre through continuing support of the City Centre ManagementCompany to:

1. Provide business support, advice and guidance / signposting to Wolverhampton Business SolutionsCentre (WBSC) and Access 2 Business

2. Regularly communicate and consult with city centre stakeholders

3. Support the city council in attracting major investments

4. Manage the ‘Portas Pilot’ project tosupport a sustainable and vibrant city centre

5. Undertake regular health checks of the city centre businesses & survey visitor needs

6. Promote the city through seasonal campaigns to attract footfall & visitors to the city

1.3.2 Promote introduction of a Business Improvement District (BID) for city centre

Ric Bravery,SustainabilityOfficer

Lead

Marie Bintley,Head of PhysicalRegeneration,CommercialDevelopment

Lead

Cherry Shine,DevelopmentOfficer City &Urban Projects,EconomicPartnerships &InvestmentSupported by: Kim Gilmour, WV One

Cherry Shine,DevelopmentOfficer City &Urban Projects,Economic Partnerships &Investment

Dec 2014

When

Annualreview

When

Annualprogramme

June 2014

Progress

Progress

Ballot due early 2014



1.3.3 Explore feasibility of grant programme to support city centre businesses

1.3.4 Promote the economic sustainability of Bilston Town Centre through continuingsupport of the Town Centre Manager to:1. Provide support for development of

a Town Centre Action Plan2. Provide town centre businesses

with support & information on funding opportunities

3. Undertake feasibility assessment for developing a Bilston Business Improvement District (BID)

4. Growing the Bilston Bloom campaign to encourage enhancements to the town centre, attract visitors & promote the town

5. Manage the ‘Portas Pilot’ project tosupport a sustainable & vibrant town centre

6. Promote the town through seasonal campaigns to attract visitors

Cherry Shine,DevelopmentOfficer City &Urban Projects,EconomicPartnerships &Investment

Cherry Shine,DevelopmentOfficer City &Urban Projects,EconomicPartnerships &InvestmentSupported by: Cheryl Welsh, BilstonTown Centre Manager

June 2013

Annualprogramme



1.4 Actions on the council’s own activities

1.4.1 Include sustainability as a key element of new Procurement Code & Corporate Procurement Strategy including both Property & Fleet. Ensure following are addressed:1. Local sourcing2. Water consumption in manufacture

& use of products3. Products’ energy efficiency4. Renewable & low carbon energy5. Low emission vehicles 6. sustainable timber7. Use of chemicals & other pollutants

in manufacture of products8. Fair trade

1.4.2 Implement strategy to reduce cost, energy consumption, paper consumption & storage demands of thecouncil’s handling of documents through:1. Handling & storing more

documents electronically2. Use of more efficient methods for

producing printed documents that are required

3. Publicity campaign aimed at employees

Lead

Head of StrategicSourcing (Acting - PeterOakeshott)

Andy HoareHead Of ICTSService, Delivery

When

Sept 2013

1. March2015

2. March 2014

3. March 2014

Progress



Priority 2: Climate Change & Energy: Address the causes and effects of climate change and supportthe move to renewable and low carbon energy

2.1 Actions city-wide

2.1.1 Sign up to Local Government Association’s Climate Local initiative

2.1.2 Publish this Implementation Plan as thecouncil’s Climate Local Action Plan

2.1.3 Seek approval & sign up to European Commission’s AIDA project to promote energy efficient building design

2.1.4 Participate in AIDA project

2.1.5 Produce city-wide energy strategy, drawing on recommendations of Renewable & Low Carbon Energy Study, December 2011, based on principles of support for:1. Renewable & low carbon energy2. Local generation & distribution3. Integration with related priorities

such as the low carbon economy & tackling fuel poverty

2.2 Actions on council assets (excluding housing)

2.2.1 Ensure the council’s compliance with itslegal obligations under the Carbon Reduction Commitment, recording & reporting on all energy consumption & associated carbon emissions within thebuilt estate & purchasing & surrendering the related carbon credits

2.2.2 Continue to record & report on carbon production from city council activities outside the Carbon Reduction Commitment

Lead






Lead

Dave Webb,Section Leader,Building Services(EnergyManagement)

Ric Bravery,SustainabilityOfficer,

When

June 2013

December2013

June 2013

March 2015

March 2014

When

Annually

Annually

Progress

Achieved April 2013

Approved byCabinet May2013

Progress



2.2.3 Develop new Corporate Landlord Energy & Water Strategy, containing targets for the reduction of energy & water consumption & carbon emissions, as part of a proposed Corporate Landlord approach, to include:1. Maintaining a centralised approach

to procurement, billing, monitoring, invest to save opportunities & statutory compliance

2. Ensuring that opportunities to reduce energy and water consumption, & carbon emissions, are central to decisions relating to investment in buildings & are incorporated into all programmes of work

3. Considering the opportunity for the centralisation of energy budgets, allowing a corporate approach to the implementation of ‘spend to save’ schemes

4. Development of policy with regard to the limitations of the use of energy for maintaining environmental conditions

5. Identification & development of renewable energy opportunities

6. Identification of District Energy Schemes & Combined Heat & Power opportunities

2.2.4 Review both Corporate Property Strategy 2009-12 & Corporate Asset Management Plan 2009-12 for council estate with actions & targets in line with:1. New Corporate Landlord Energy

& Water Strategy2. Lessons learnt from participation in

the AIDA European project

2.2.5 Accelerate on-going programmes for energy efficient street lighting systems to:1. Replace remaining street lights with

low energy lighting2. Phase in LED lighting city-wide3. Reduce lighting of street signs

Dave Webb,Section Leader,Building Services(EnergyManagement)

Julia Nock,Section Leader,AssetManagement

Alan Johnson,PlannedMaintenanceManager, PublicRealm

March 2015

March 2015

AnnualProgramme



2.3 Actions on housing

2.3.1 Develop approach to promote energy efficiency & reduce fuel poverty in council housing managed by Wolverhampton Homes to include:1. Decent Homes initiative

2. Annual Action Plan for ISO 14001 Environmental Handbook

3. Implement Domestic Energy Reduction Strategy 2012-14

4. Investigate Action Plan for energy management for business to include LED lighting in communal areas

5. Implement Green Deal in line with city council approach

2.3.2 Develop approach to promote energy efficiency & reduce fuel poverty in council housing managed by Tenant Management Organisations:1. Decent Homes initiative

2. Start implementing Green Deal in line with city council approach

2.3.3 Finalise Affordable Warmth Strategy to promote energy efficiency measures forhomes & reduce fuel poverty including:1. Home Energy Efficiency Action Plan2. Use of Green Deal in partnership

with relevant provider 3. Use of Energy Company Obligation

(ECO)4. Coverage of owner-occupiers,

private landlords, private tenants & public sector tenants

Lead

Stuart Hobbs,ProgrammeDevelopment &Climate ChangeCo-ordinator,WolverhamptonHomes

Kenny Aitchison,Service Manager,Housing Strategy& Development,Housing Service

Mandy Findlay,HousingImprovementOfficer (EnergyEfficiency),Housing Service

When

1. March 2015

2. Annually

3. March 2014

4. March 2014

5. March 2014

1. March 2015

2. March 2014

June 2014

Progress



2.3.4 Publish Home Energy Conservation Act(HECA) biennial reports

2.3.5 Promote & initiate a ‘collective switching’ energy scheme for householders

2.4 Actions on new building

2.4.1 Monitor implementation of Policy ENV7 of the Black Country Core Strategy & the Renewable & Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Planning Document, September 2012 & report to Scrutiny Panel & through Annual Monitoring Report

2.4.2 Provide support for low & zero carbon construction methods in new building through a programme of training for Building Control & Planning Officers to enable them to advise upon & promote:1. Existing national & council

regulations, policy & guidance 2. Wider local generation &

distribution networks such as Combined Heat & Power (CHP)

3. Use of latest national standards for Code for Sustainable Homes & BREEAM

4. Use of Passivhaus design5. Lessons learnt from participation in

the AIDA European project

2.4.3 All new affordable housing, including council housing, to be built to a minimum standard of Code Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes

2.4.4 Include support for energy efficiency & renewable & low carbon energy in the council’s Housing Strategy through cross-sector working & initiatives such as the Green Deal

Mandy Findlay,HousingImprovementOfficer (EnergyEfficiency),Housing Service

Keith Ireland,Strategic Director

Lead

Michele Ross,Senior PlanningOfficer, PlanningService

Lead: Ric Bravery,SustainabilityOfficerSupported by:Stephen Alexander,Head of Planning;Steve Burson, BuildingControl Manager; IanCulley, Section Leader– Planning Policy

Kenny Aitchison,Service Manager,Housing Strategy& Development

Kenny Aitchison,Service Manager,Housing Strategy& Development

June 2013 &June 2015

June 2013

When

April 2013

AnnualProgramme

AnnualProgramme

June 2013

1st reportpublished April 2013

LaunchedMarch 2013

Progress

Reported toSCSP April2013

Trainingsessions onPassivhaus tookplace in May &June 2013



2.5 Actions to promote low carbon transport

2.5.1 Review council’s Travel Plan, 2007 & update to include measures to promotelow carbon transport for:1. staff journeys to work2. work journeys3. fleet use4. by suppliers

2.5.2 Promote low carbon transport to residents, enterprises, employees & visitors through ‘Smarter Choices’ initiatives including:1. Travel Plans2. Company TravelWise initiative3. West Midlands TravelWise

Campaign

2.5.3 Implement West Midlands metropolitan area project from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, ‘Smarter Network – Smarter Choices’

2.5.4 Promote low carbon transport through implementation of West Midlands LocalTransport Plan 3, 2011-2026

2.5.5 Promote low carbon transport through Transportation Capital Programme

Lead

Linda Downing,Workplace TravelCo-ordinator,Transport Strategy,TransportationService

Linda Downing,Workplace TravelCo-ordinator,Transport Strategy,TransportationService

Marianne Page,Section Leader,Transport Strategy,TransportationService

Marianne Page,Section Leader,Transport Strategy,TransportationService

Gwyn James,Service Manager,Strategy &Development, Transportation

When

March 2014

Annualmonitoring

Sept 2015

Annualmonitoring

AnnualProgramme

Progress

Project currentlyunder way



2.6 Actions on resilience planning

2.6.1 Produce a multi-agency flood plan for Wolverhampton covering surface water flooding & other associated flood risks due to climate change

2.6.2 Produce a risk register for Wolverhampton incorporating consideration of extreme weather events & other risks arising from climate change

2.6.3 Include information on effects of climatechange in publicity about resilience issues

2.6.4 Investigate joint working with other council services & external agencies on other extreme weather events than flooding such as heat waves, cold weather events & droughts

Lead

AnthonyConcannon,ResilienceManager




When

March 2014

March 2014

After March2015

After March2015

Progress

Linked toactions onWaterManagementunder Priority 4



Priority 3: People: Promote social inclusion and equal opportunities

3.1 Actions to promote health & wellbeing

3.1.1 The council’s Health & Wellbeing Strategy to address the following priorities:1. Alcohol2. Dementia3. Mental health4. Urgent (emergency) care

3.1.2 Develop project plans for all areas of disability & mental health services to support people:1. Into employment2. To continue living independently

(reablement)3. With their own personal care

package (personalisation)

3.1.3 Develop Healthy Lifestyle strategies for adults & children

3.2 Actions to promote public involvement in the life of the city

3.2.1 Increase promotion of participation in ‘friends’ & ‘user’ groups for parks & green spaces

3.2.2 Promote local participation in activities & networks that make neighbourhoods safer and greener, improve quality of life & help to make communities stronger, more resilient and more inclusive

3.2.3 Support & widen the involvement of local people in the Neighbourhood Planning process

Lead

Viv Griffin,Assistant Director,Health, Wellbeing& Disability

Viv Griffin,Assistant Director,Health, Wellbeing& Disability

Gloria Rye, HealthImprovementSpecialist, PublicHealth

Lead

Richard Welch,Head ofCommunityRecreation

Sheila Collett,Head ofNeighbourhoodServices


When

Sept 2013

Sept 2013

March 2014

When

March 2014

AnnualProgramme

March 2014

Progress

Progress

DraftNeighbourhoodplans in placefor Tettenhalland HeathfieldPark



3.2.4 Recycling champions shaping local interventions as part of programme supported by Government’s Weekly Collection Support Scheme (see also below)

3.2.5 Support initiatives to improve self-reliance in communities through following work streams:1. Culture shift & addressing

bureaucracy programme with partner organisations

2. Enabling community asset transfersthrough supporting process

3. Unlocking community potential through supporting a range of initiatives including ‘Makeshift’

3.2.6 Support community-led approaches to develop the localised economy throughdirect support to the development of social enterprise

Chris Huddart,Head of Service,Delivery Supported by Sheila Collett, Head of NeighbourhoodServices



March 2015

Annualprogramme

June 2015

Community led initiativesprogressed

Due to startsummer 2013



Priority 4: Environment: Protect and enhance the environment

4.1 Actions on waste & recycling

4.1.1 Revise & implement Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Wolverhampton 2012-2026 with specific reference to:1. Revised communications plan to

increase recycling rates & reduce contamination through behavioural change

2. Improved recycling rates from trade waste service operated by Amey (formerly Enterprise)

4.1.2 Implement programme of initiatives, supported by Government’s Weekly Collection Support Scheme, to improvethe efficiency of the Waste & Recycling Service to:1. Increase recycling rates in areas

with low take up2. Explore potential to extend the

recycling service to ‘hard to reach’ properties

3. Increase efficiency of collection routes

4. Address communication barriers with Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities

4.1.3 Assess results of pilot project in Civic Centre to improve waste recycling rateswith a view to a programme of extending recycling facilities in remainder of Civic Centre & other council buildings

4.1.4 Seek to extend recycling of waste from public bins following pilot project in Wolverhampton, Wednesfield & Bilston centres

4.1.5 Promote waste minimisation through assessing potential for further use of natural ‘green’ waste generated by maintenance of highway land, parks & other managed open spaces for biomass, renewable energy generation & other commercial uses

Lead

Chris Huddart,Head of Service,Delivery

Chris Huddart,Head of Service,Delivery

Chris East, Headof Service, facilitiesManagement &BuildingsMaintenance

Andy Dunn,OperationsManager, PublicRealm

Richard Johnson,ArboricultureManager, PublicRealm

When

Sept 2013

March 2015

June 2013

Annualprogramme

Dec 2013

Progress

Approved byCabinet(Resources)Panel 8 January 2013



4.1.6 Promote waste minimisation through assessing potential for further reuse & recycling of materials used in provision of street lighting & in construction & maintenance of the highway

4.2 Actions on air quality

4.2.1 Review of Air Quality Action Plan

4.2.2 Review results of West Midlands Low Emission Study including work on:1. Low Emission Planning Guidance2. Low Emission Procurement3. Low Emission Zones

4.2.3 Continue partnership working with West Midlands Low Emission Towns & Cities Programme

4.3 Actions on low emission vehicles

4.3.1 Develop corporate policy on low emission vehicles, addressing:1. Availability & appropriateness of

electric vehicles plus alternative vehicles types including hybrid, gas & hydrogen

2. Use of electric vehicles for fleet purposes, including staff pool vehicles

3. Procurement of vehicles for council use

4. Partnership with other organisations, including developers, to promote wider use of electric vehicles across the city, including provision of electric vehicle charging points in council car parks, on-street & in existing & new developments

Alan Johnson,PlannedMaintenanceManager, PublicRealm

Lead

Anna Spinks,Section Leader,EnvironmentalHealth – PublicProtection

Anna Spinks,Section Leader,EnvironmentalHealth – PublicProtectionSupported by: Ric Bravery,Sustainability Officer

Anna Spinks,Section Leader,EnvironmentalHealth – PublicProtectionSupported by: Ric Bravery,Sustainability Officer

Lead

Ric Bravery,SustainabilityOfficerSupported by: Anna Spinks, SectionLeader, EnvironmentalHealth – PublicProtection; DavidBishop, Fleet Manager,Fleet Services

Annualreview

When

March 2014

Dec 2013

Until March2015

When

March 2014

Progress

Progress

Close links toAir Quality, FleetServices, StaffTravel Plan



4.3.2 Investigate participation in government initiatives to promote electric vehicles including provision of electric vehicle charging points

4.3.3 Reference to provision of electric vehicle charging points in new developments in Highways & Transportation Technical Guidance Note

4.4 Actions on management of green space

4.4.1 Promote biodiversity on highway land, parks & other managed open spaces through pilot projects in management of highway land, including planting more native species, improvement to grassland & woodland management & establishing wildlife corridors

4.4.2 Continue existing procedures on replacement & provision of new street trees & shrubs with an aim of increasingcoverage to:1. Improve the quality of the urban

environment & assist in improved public health & regeneration

2. Absorb carbon dioxide & help cool the urban environment in hot weather

3. Plant tree & shrub species which can adapt to climate change

4.4.3 Develop Open Space, Sport & Recreation Strategy & Action Plan with a programme of improvement works to open spaces with following functions: parks, sports & play, allotments & nature conservation


Marianne Page,Section Leader,Transport Strategy

Lead

Nikki Hills, SeniorLandscapeArchitect, PublicRealm

Richard Johnson,ArboricultureManager, PublicRealm

Deb Davies,BusinessDevelopmentManager,Countryside &Projects,CommunityRecreation

Sept 2013

June 2013

When

March 2013

Annualprogramme

March 2014

Progress

Proposalapproved byWaste & StreetScenePartnershipBoard 17/09/12



4.4.4 Monitor implementation of Open Space, Sport & Recreation Strategy & Action Plan

4.4.5 Develop management plans & programme of improvement works for sites with nature conservation interest, including those with potential for Local Nature Reserve status, in accordance with Open Space Strategy & Action Plan & Birmingham & Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan, in partnership with agencies including:1. Birmingham & Black Country

Wildlife Trust2. Canals & Rivers Trust3. Nature Improvement Areas initiative

4.5 Actions on biodiversity

4.5.1 Develop strategy for identifying & protecting Ecological Networks in accordance with Birmingham & Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan

Deb Davies,BusinessDevelopmentManager,Countryside &Projects,CommunityRecreation Supported byMichele Ross,Senior PlanningOfficer

Deb Davies,BusinessDevelopmentManager,Countryside &Projects,CommunityRecreation

Lead

Michele Ross,Senior PlanningOfficerSupported by:Birmingham &Black CountryWildlife Trust

Annualmonitoringfrom 2014/15

Annualprogrammefrom 2014/15

When

March 2015

Progress



4.6 Actions on surface water management

4.6.1 Develop & implement a Sustainable Urban Drainage policy in line with regulations under Schedule 3 of the Flood & Water Management Act 2010

4.6.2 In support of the policy develop a Sustainable Urban Drainage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

4.6.3 Finalise & implement a Surface Water Management Plan to promote sustainable urban drainage & biodiversity

4.6.4 Develop a local Flood Risk Management Strategy

Lead

Gwyn James,Service Manager,Strategy &Development,Transportation




When

March 2015

Dec 2015

Dec 2013

June 2014

Progress

Links toResilience Flood Plan



PART 4 - GLOSSARY

Access 2 Business: A local agency working with job seekers & businesses to provide advice,recruitment services & training in Wolverhampton.

Affirmative Integrated Energy Design Action (AIDA): An energy efficiency project from the European Commission aiming to increase the number of nearly zero energy buildings (nZEBs), thenumber of energy-design building professionals & the number of municipalities building or refurbishing to nZEB levels.

Affordable Warmth Strategy: A strategy aiming to eradicate fuel poverty alongside the provision ofaffordable warmth for all.

Air Quality Action Plan: An action plan, aimed at improving air quality standards, required by theEnvironment Act 1995.

Biodiversity: The variety of life forms, both plant & animal, within a given area.

Biomass: A renewable, low carbon, fuel comprising plant & animal matter such as wood chips or manure.

Birmingham & Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan (2000): An action plan, prepared by apartnership of groups, organisations & individuals, which co-ordinates the identification, monitoring &improvement of biodiversity in the area.

Black Country Core Strategy (2011): A planning document providing housing, economic, transport,environmental, waste & other land use policies to guide development across the Black Country (Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall & Wolverhampton).

Blue Infrastructure: A planned network of rivers, streams, canals, ponds & wetlands which provideamenity as well as economic & environmental benefits.

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM): Anenvironmental assessment method & rating system for non-residential buildings, aimed at encouragingsustainable design, construction & operation.

Business Improvement District: A partnership between a council & businesses to develop projects &services to improve the trading environment within an area.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A natural gas in the Earth’s atmosphere & the principal greenhouse gasproduced by human activity. Due to the large scale of its production & its environmental & socialimpacts, CO2 is often the focus of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon Reduction Commitment: A mandatory scheme for large public & private sector organisationswhich are required to purchase an annual allowance based on their carbon emissions.



City Centre Management Company: Wolverhampton’s city centre partnership to attract investment &encourage improvement.

City Strategy (2011-26): The key strategic document for the council & its partners, giving direction toimprovements in the social, environmental & economic wellbeing of the city.

Climate Change: A long term shift in regional or global weather patterns caused by both natural &man-made processes.

Climate Local Initiative: Launched by the Local Government Association, it encourages councils toproduce an action plan to reduce carbon emissions & improve resilience to the effects of climatechange.

Code for Sustainable Homes: A voluntary, national code for sustainable design & the construction ofnew homes, which aims to reduce carbon emissions & promote higher standards of sustainable design.

Collective Energy Switching Scheme: A scheme which uses bulk purchasing to obtain cheaperenergy prices from suppliers.

Combined Heat & Power (CHP): A process which captures the heat generated by electricitygeneration, making energy savings.

Corporate Plan (2012-15): The plan which explains how the council will deliver its responsibilities underthe City Strategy.

Corporate Property Strategy & Corporate Asset Management Plan (2009-12): Together theseprovide the council’s priorities for managing its assets, such as buildings & highways, & how this will be achieved.

Decent Homes Programme: A scheme aimed at ensuring all public sector housing has warm,weatherproof & reasonably modern facilities.

Energy & Water Management Plan (2008-15): This provides the council’s approach to energy &water management across its public building stock.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO): The government’s new domestic energy efficiency programme,ECO replaces the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) & Community Energy SavingsProgramme (CESP). It works alongside the Green Deal & creates a legal obligation to energy suppliers toimprove energy efficiency.

European Structural Fund: A European Union fund to support development in poorer regions.

Flood Risk Management Strategy: A strategy to identify measures to manage flood risk as requiredby the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 & Flood & Water Management Act, 2010.



Fuel Poverty: A household is defined as living in fuel poverty if more than 10% of household incomemust be spent on heating it to an acceptable level of warmth (21°C in the main living area, 18°C in other areas).

Green Deal: The government’s new initiative to improve energy efficiency for business & home ownersby removing the up-front costs to consumers involved in insulation & power generation measures; thecost is instead recouped through savings on energy bills. It works alongside the Energy CompanyObligation (ECO).

Green Economy: UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) defines a green economy as onewhich results in improved human well-being & social equity, driven by reducing environmental risks &ecological scarcities. It is said to be low carbon, resource efficient & socially inclusive.

Green Infrastructure: A planned network of parks, green spaces & other natural features whichprovide amenity as well as economic & environmental benefits.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases produced by both natural & man-made processes which trap & radiateheat, warming the Earth’s surface & causing climate change.

Health & Wellbeing Strategy: An overarching strategy to improve health & wellbeing for all, aiming toincrease life expectancy, improve quality of life & reduce child poverty.

Home Energy Conservation Act (1995): The Act requires the council to report to central governmenton domestic energy activity within their area on a biennial basis.

Local Nature Reserve (LNR): A nature reserves designated by the council under the National Parks &Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Local Sustainable Transport Fund: A fund made available by government to support sustainabletransport measures over the period 2011-15, some of which was awarded to the West Midlands.

Low Carbon Economy: One which produces a minimal output of greenhouse gases, specificallycarbon dioxide (CO2).

Low Carbon Energy: Energy from a power source which produces fewer greenhouse gases than moretraditional methods of power generation.

Low Emission Vehicle: A motor vehicle which releases low levels of emissions.

Make:Shift Event: An ‘ideas festival’ where local people are challenged to come up with ideas to bringlasting changes to their communities.

Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Wolverhampton (2006-26): A strategy outlining thecity’s plans to address & improve waste management, with a particular focus on the need to reducedependence on the disposal of waste to landfill.



Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs): Birmingham & the Black Country Living Landscape was one of 12areas funded by government from April 2012 to deliver & enhance ecological networks.

Passivhaus: A high standard of energy efficiency in buildings which encourages excellent insulation,airtightness & mechanical ventilation, thereby reducing the demand for heating.

Renewable Energy: Energy from sources which are continually replenished e.g. solar, wind, tidal, wave & hydropower.

Renewable Energy & Carbon Reduction Study, 2011: A Study which assesses opportunities acrossWolverhampton for the city council, businesses & local communities.

Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): A government scheme, launched in 2011, which rewards industry,business & public sector organisations which generate & use renewable energy.

Resilience Planning: Planning for an emergency or major disaster; formerly known as emergency planning.

Supplementary Planning Document (SPD): A plan which provides more detail of the council’splanning policies on specific subjects.

Surface Water Management Plan: A plan which identifies problems & outline measures to be takenregarding surface water flooding.

Sustainability: The Brundtland Report, 1987, refers to sustainability as ‘development which meets theneeds of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’Sustainability is ultimately the destination of sustainable development.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs): A sequence of water management practices &facilities designed to drain surface water in a sustainable way compared to conventional methods.

Sustainability West Midlands: A not-for-profit organisation which acts as a sustainability adviser forthe West Midlands, working with business, public & voluntary sectors.

Technology Strategy Board: A national agency which supports business-led innovation to promoteeconomic growth.

Travel Plan: A plan to manage travel generated by an organisation, with the aim of improving transportoptions, easing congestion & reducing air pollution & carbon. It can cover staff commuter journeys,business travel, fleet vehicles, visitors, deliveries & contractors.

TravelWise Initiative: TravelWise is a national initiative which promotes measures to reduce car usesuch as car sharing, cycling, walking & using public transport. Its overall aim is to cut costs, congestion& pollution.



West Midlands Local Transport Plan (2011-26): Produced by the West Midlands PassengerTransport Authority (Centro) to outline an approach & individual projects to address the transport needsof the West Midlands Metropolitan Area, including Wolverhampton.

West Midlands Low Emission Town & Cities Programme: A programme, involving the seven WestMidlands metropolitan councils & Centro, to improve air quality by reducing vehicle emissions & promotethe uptake of low emission fuels.

Wolverhampton Business Solution Centre: A Joint venture between the council, university & collegein Wolverhampton plus the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, to provide advice & support to business.

Wolverhampton Economic Growth Plan: The council’s plan for delivering the economic priorities inthe City Strategy & Corporate Plan.

Wolverhampton Homes: The organisation which manages council houses across the city on behalf ofthe council.


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Sustainability Strategy and Implementation Plan

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