Environmental and Sustainability Policy

1.  Introduction

• The Council recognises its operations impact on the environment in a number of ways and is committed to identifying, monitoring and reducing such impacts associated with its operations.
• In addition, its duties enable it to protect and at times enhance the local environment both directly and by influencing others. The Council will make best use of its position and powers to do this.
• This Policy will support the aims of the Council’s Corporate Strategy which will ensure environmental considerations are central to the ethos of the organisation.
• Macclesfield Town Council is committed to ensuring that, through its own activities, we have a minimal impact on the environment. In addition, we actively seek to encourage residents, visitors and local businesses to minimise their own impact on their environment and will facilitate, as far as possible, this process.

• The Town Council will:
  • Embrace the concept of sustainability and acknowledge the need to reconcile environmental, social and economic demands.
  • Comply with all relevant legislation and where possible set standards which are more stringent.
  • Have regard for both the natural and built environments and will strive to protect and where possible enhance them.
  • Manage energy with a view to minimising its consumption.
  • Ensure its operations minimise pollution of land, water and air.
  • Seek to minimise waste, re-use or recycle where possible and ensure disposal has the minimum environmental impact.
  • The Town Council is committed to responsible energy management and will promote energy efficiency throughout its operation.
  • Consider nominating a Councillor as an ‘Environmental Champion’ to lead on these issues.

2.  Environmental and Sustainability Policy Statements

2.1. Energy and Water Management

• The Town Council will encourage staff to:
  • Ensure that electrical equipment and unnecessary lights are switched off when not in use,
  • Close windows and external doors when heating is on,
  • Minimise the use of electric heaters,
  • Use water efficiently on Council premises,
  • Minimise vehicle miles driven on council business.
  • Procure electric tools/vehicles for ground maintenance where its viable to do so.
• Allotment holders will be encouraged to use water efficiently and where possible utilise water butts fed by down pipes as a non-drinking water source.

2.2. Recycling and Conservation

• The Town Council will:

• • Encourage the recycling of wastepaper and cardboard at all operations and where possible plastics and glass,
  • Promote and encourage recycling across the Town,
  • Use recycled paper products where feasible, including folders, business cards, printer papers, toilet rolls and envelopes,
  • Minimise the amount of printing and minimise the amount of wastepaper,
  • Observe its duty of care conscientiously with all its waste contracts,
  • Utilise electronic communications wherever possible,
  • Minimise pollution and prevent where possible,
  • Use composting facilities at relevant operated amenities e.g. allotments.

2.3. Biodiversity and Green Spaces

• The Town Council will:

• • Seek to protect and where possible enhance the quality of Macclesfield’s natural environment and open spaces,
  • Support the conservation of trees, hedgerows, ponds and streams,
  • Consider the conservation and promotion of local biodiversity in all its activities but particularly with regard to the management of its land,
  • Seek to manage its green spaces in a manner that promotes and protects biodiversity.
  • Work to wildflower grass verges around the town.
  • Work with volunteers, residents and local groups, services and businesses and ensure grants are encouraged from groups committed to greening the town and biodiversity.
  • Annually budget funding for parks and play area improvements.

2.4. Awareness, Lobbying and Partnerships

• The Town Council will:
• • In all relevant communications promote awareness of, and information on environmental issues within the community,
  • Where appropriate, act as a voice for the local environmental concerns to those agencies given the statutory powers to tackle problems,
  • Ensure that all individuals involved in the organisation are aware of their responsibilities in implementing this environmental policy,
  • Where appropriate work with its partners on environmental issues of all kinds including to minimise the effects of noise and light pollution on the Town.

2.5. Sustainable Procurement

• The Town Council will:
  • Seek to minimise environmental damage caused through the transportation of goods by sourcing materials and services locally so long as the requirements for value for money and quality are met,
  • Ensure that the use of pesticides/herbicides are minimised in its land management and horticultural activities.
  • Where possible buy locally, helping to support those business’.
  • Require where appropriate its suppliers to provide environmental assessments of their environmental impacts and life cycle analysis of major products.

2.6. Sustainable Travel

• The Town Council will:

• • Encourage members and officers to car-share where possible when a car journey must be made on Council business,
  • Promote, and support the use of cycling, public footpaths and public transport, and have set up a Community Transport Sub Working Group to try to change behaviour and encourage using cars less.

3.  Taking Action / Implementation

We will apply sustainability principles across all our activities to the extent possible and encourage others to do the same. Our Actions to deliver and influence local sustainability will include:

• Maintaining an ongoing review of service delivery to identify opportunities for sustainable improvements to operations and policy
• Maintaining an ongoing review of all internal systems to identify opportunities for sustainable improvements.
• Actively seeking to use suppliers of sustainable products and services as well as suppliers who demonstrably operate a meaningful sustainability policy
• Working with the community and local groups to find corporate ways to improve and deliver sustainable development
• The council will promote sustainable development and sustainability awareness through its communications and services.