Stroud District Council THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN
Limiting, Adapting, Recovering and Responding in a Changing Climate
PAGE 1 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN Spring 2021 Spring 2021
CONTACT US
If you need to talk to us in relation to 2030 Strategy and Master Plan you can e-mail the team at: [email protected] Alternatively contact our customer services team by telephone on 01453 766 321 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
Climate Change is the greatest long-term threat to our society. The 2020, Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare the intricacies of our global economies and social infrastructures. The pandemic has also shown the powerful potential of our individual and collective behaviours to perpetuate, mitigate or even, to halt a crisis of almost unimaginable magnitude. The 2030 Strategy sets out a context, rationale and approach for organising the work that will be needed to tackle our climate and ecological challenges. This Master Plan starts to organise work streams that will achieve the ambition by identifying a framework for delivery.
Sir David Attenborough THEMES “If we don’t take climate action, the collapse of our Stroud District Council are pledged to do everything civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural within the council’s power to make Stroud District carbon world is on the horizon.” neutral by 2030.
Stroud District Council: Climate Emergency motion carried, 24th January 2019. NEXT STEPS
PAGE 3 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP...
This document details an approach to help limit the global effects of 4 district and county-wide survey results and the work of climate change by becoming a carbon neutral district by 2030. professional and academic networks.
Many of the greenhouse gas emissions within the district are not 4 lessons learned from partnership delivery of recent projects and within the direct control of Stroud District Council. There are lots of long-running services, including the sustainable energy focused things that we can do as a local authority to improve our own services domestic and business support programmes. and operations, but a whole-hearted effort is required by everyone 4 a series of on-line consultation events, chaired by local experts that lives or works here in parallel with, significant local, national and and attended by town and parish councils; youth groups; international government action to achieve our 2030 aims. charitable, community and voluntary sector groups; businesses; private landowners and their associations; schools, colleges and, THEMES A collaboration interested individuals. Assembling this draft Strategy and Master Plan has involved: This has driven the development of a strategy that strives to be: collaboration with community groups and stakeholders, both within 4 comprehensive in defining the wide range of necessary actions and outside the District Council. This has included participation and development areas for the district in the Climate Action Network Forum, Local Strategic Partnership and in the Gloucestershire Energy Sector Group to name a few. targeted on required key achievements Support from Stroud District Youth Council has also been greatly appreciated and we thank them for their contribution and ongoing supportive in securing provision for the resources required collaboration for our 2030 mission. agile, to enable community led schemes to come forward 4 drawing upon the evidence contained in commissioned reports and studies, aligned to the District Council’s Environmental Strategy and Local Plan Review. NEXT STEPS
PAGE 4 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION A STRATEGY CONSULTATION
You told us… Solutions and innovation: We have now included the context Vision and direction: The ambitious vision and direction was of other district and county strategy and policy documents as a welcomed by almost everyone who took part and the challenge of signpost to some of the aspects you noted as missing but that are achieving this was widely recognised. More explicit emphasis was available elsewhere. We will also be using community governance and wanted for the theme of leadership so we have named this in the continuing our collaborations with key stakeholders and experts to get strategy redraft and it remains covered by our role as exemplar and the specifics right as we deliver actions. strategic partner through the commitments. Fact checking: There was some helpful feedback on targets which Leadership and responsibility: The approach of considering have influenced the approaches in this re-draft.
council influence and scope under the categories of Exemplar, Enabler THEMES and Encourager was considered clear. The balance of commitments Some wanted to know the detail on assumptions but others were across those spheres was also supported. It was noted that a clear impressed by the evidence paper. steer on the purpose of the strategy and plan was needed. We have also taken on board the need for our mission statement to have a clear The setting of targets over a 10-year stretch is a difficult matter and so, line on leadership and ecological emergency. in this version, we have given this context and explained how we will keep targets under check for their sense and reliability in framing our The proposal for community governance was welcomed and seen aims and objectives for action. as very important. There were many good suggestions for how this should be rolled out and these ideas will feed its development as part of our very next steps after strategy adoption. NEXT STEPS
PAGE 5 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE IN THE FUTURE?
Our draft 2030 Strategy defines a vision for 2030 across 7 organising themes and establishes an approach towards tackling the climate, ecological and recovery emergencies Our Mission is to always… facing us now and in the future. …act as an example in the community. To Where did we start? be an enabler and encourager of positive The climate and ecological emergency can seem hugely complex action. Through our services, policies and and daunting, spanning issues from global peace and security to projects to demonstrate leadership doing corporate responsibility, right down to the food in our cupboards and the insulation in our walls. everything in our power to collaboratively THEMES achieve a just transition to achieve We have tried to embrace a broad spectrum of concepts, issues and priorities, while streamlining them to focus on Stroud District’s specific ecosystem restoration and a carbon context. We want to set out a strategy and plan that is comprehensive neutral, resilient, inclusive and, equality but also user-friendly. driven district. This draft Master Plan acts as a framework for the creation of policies, projects and schemes in an agile way across the topics as a whole. The purpose is to offer and invite flexible, multi-benefit solutions across the spectrum of issues. Each theme in the plan is framed by Stretch Goals for to keep action in focus. NEXT STEPS
PAGE 6 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION HOW DOES THIS WORK?
here are 3 levels of action in the Contextual themes Master Plan, which relate to the EXEMPLAR 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 council’s spheres of influence as … in our own operations
T “Exemplar”, “Enabler” and “Encourager”. The area where we have the most direct influence. Here we OUR BUILT ENERGY WASTE & WASTE NATURAL MOBILITY Each commitment is loosely time framed strive to set the standards and Cross-cutting themes ECONOMY RESOURCES COMMUNITY over the decade, which is segmented be the pathfinder through the in the Master Plan ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT challenges facing the district. into 3 phases that can be broadly Food and What we choose to eat, how we source and produce food, develop our considered as: agriculture supply chains and deal with food waste – this cuts across a broad range of actions, including land use, transportation, waste and resources, our (i) (2020 – 2023) preparation and ENABLER economy particularly the farming sector and, community. … partnerships, policy, decisions THEMES pilots; Water Flooding, water consumption and water stewardship – this topic is touched (ii) (2023 - 2027) bigger projects and and services upon by almost all the themes, but is particularly linked to our actions in built roll out schemes; We have shared responsibility and and natural environment, waste and our community. (iii) (2027 – 2030) finalisation of influence in our partnerships and Balancing Energy efficiency is largely dealt with in the built environment actions, but schemes and next stage planning; own projects, and sometimes as a Carbon this topic is also visible in potential action that can be taken in relation to facilitator to the projects of others. transport/mobility and community. The potentials for carbon sequestration and offset are also spread across the seven action areas. In practice things are not so neatly ‘linear’ since we already have some ENCOURAGER Social justice There is a key thread, running throughout the strategy and master plan and well-developed projects. The council in support of COVID recovery needs that is a focus on climate and ecology … advice, information, incentives to simultaneously raise housing standards, alleviate poverty and hunger, has a long track record of action, and We have least influence in the support job creation and strengthen community cohesion, health and the momentum on climate and ecology wellbeing, resilience and inclusivity. private sector, but we can provide issues is well established. So some information and incentives to Funding and It is crucial to the success of this strategy that the master plan includes a projects are underway and results are encourage behaviours and investment range of actions across each of the themes that can generate, distribute and already being realised. These, projects leverage funds to support the large scale investment needed. strategies that make positive in progress, are living examples of how NEXT STEPS contributions towards our vision of a County, National This strategy rightly has a clear and strong local emphasis, but the ambitions the Master Plan can be a framework, an carbon neutral and climate resilient and Global will not be achieved without considerable efforts and collaborations locally, anchor for the detailed action plans that Policy nationally and globally. Stroud district. underpin action. Leadership & The council’s sphere of influence as an exemplar and enabler is where our Agency: role in taking leadership on issues is most apparent. There is also a drive to support and encourage local leadership on issues and actions.
PAGE 7 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION WHAT IS THE COUNCIL GOING TO DO?
Be an Exemplar and … Be Encouraging and… 1 …put our ‘own house’ in order 3 …actively promote good practice Joining up all parts of the council under a common mission, investing The council will be looking for chances to incentivise through awards, in our own property and changing our policies and practices in line accreditation and experience sharing as these help us all understand with the ambition to achieve a carbon neutral and ecologically sound what ‘good’ looks like. district is one way we will demonstrate leadership on our 2030 ambitions.. We will be active in our communications and use a variety of ways to engage, advise and inform the district to help everyone get involved. … be the pathfinder
…signpost to credible expertise THEMES To help others in the district tackle their challenges we will exploit the opportunities of our land and buildings to demonstrate how things can There is an overwhelming wealth of information and support be achieved and how new technologies can be applied. organisations that can help. There is a role for the council to offer good basic advice and reliable signposting and to facilitate community led action. Be an Enabler and... 2 …play our part as a partner Finally, The strategy outlines how we seek to build in community governance We will act as a focal point for diverse groups to come together. In to the ongoing monitoring and reporting to the plan through partnerships and through consultation we will identify shared benefits establishing a ‘Core Group’ to represent community voice. and the initiatives to achieve them.
Our natural system is inextricably linked to the systems of other landowners and authorities; we are focused on making the most of our NEXT STEPS strategic relationships to maximise the potential.
…identify and support access to financial tools
Funding and finance is a cross cutting theme of the plan with the intent that all potential ideas can be considered for viability.
PAGE 8 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION BUILT ENVIRONMENT
FOCUS: the efficient use of power and water in our district’s buildings, towns and villages.
Retrofitting is achieving low carbon operation. Lifecycle considerations Built environment | 2030 Stretch Goals give value to our heritage buildings and SG 1 To have sustainable construction principles and a net-zero requirement shaping legislation and technology are opening new developments in the district up their potential. Newer builds are carbon positive exporting power to the
SG 2 To have completed a retrofit programme to realise the maximum emissions THEMES grid or local area. reductions on the council’s residential dwellings to achieve an average SAP C in energy performance across all properties Families and businesses are benefitting from efficient, healthy buildings that are SG 3 To have established and completed a carbon neutral action plan for the council’s cost effective to operate. public and operational estates …A 2030 VISION for BUILT ENVIRONMENT NEXT STEPS
PAGE 9 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION BUILT ENVIRONMENT
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… BE1 Efficiency Review council owned building Implementation period. Completion and review of The Council owned stock To be stipulated Programme stock for energy and water carbon neutral buildings action represents a significant challenge, in the plan E.g. efficiency; plan. early pilots will help to inform No of installs; Linked to E1, M2 the decision making and provide emissions Compile a list of evidence that can accelerate the savings; £’s recommendations for decision making process around invested achieving carbon neutrality and future implementation. mitigation/ resilience measures (such as cooling/shading and SUD/grey water recycling);
Establish action plan. BE2 Low Carbon Research innovations such Identify and commence early Review of pathfinders and Pathfinding as Energiesprong, Modern ‘carbon neutral’ retrofit & Offset recommendations for future Methods of Construction; pilots on our council owned plans. THEMES housing as pathway projects. Investigate partnerships that can help the District meet its retrofit challenges BE3 Energy awareness Implement “energy awareness Introduce energy manager The council will have Building users have a key part to Training material, at work training at work” training as part of our functions (and any necessary an embedded energy play in achieving efficiency and it training records; induction and ongoing CPD tools such as sub-metering) into management mind-set; is important that our workers can job descriptions; EXEMPLAR processes to help all our staff the staffing structures of our apply their knowledge to support internal to minimise energy waste main offices and other sites; Senior managers and all staff the public to do the same through communication in our own operations in their working practices have appropriate awareness of the services they provide. structures (fixed and understand how energy Provide training to collect how the organisation is using agenda item knowledge and skills apply to and report on energy data energy so that good practice is etc); energy their roles and decision making to support our monitoring maintained. data records, at work. processes and council decision forecasting and making functions. Induction and CPD processes monitoring maintain the standards in place.
BE4 Heritage case Explore the potential to both We will identify funding and We will ensure low carbon Many in our District are living in Working Group; study: the demonstrate and celebrate how implement plans and project retrofit projects are complete heritage ‘hard to treat’ buildings. Concept projects; Museum in the to achieve carbon neutrality concepts for Museum in the at the Museum and maintain The Museum in the Park offers live projects NEXT STEPS Park through our Museum in the Park demonstration retrofit and educational projects that unique potential in its buildings Park site. education projects. have been established to and grounds to be an example provide ongoing information, and source of inspiration to those Plan projects that educate, workshops and support for tackling ‘hard to treat’ buildings of inspire and raise awareness those modifying their own their own. of the potential in our District’s homes. heritage.
PAGE 10 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION BUILT ENVIRONMENT
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… BE5 Financing Redesign our application Develop a carbon offsetting fund As we achieve our carbon neutral An ambition as great as CN2030 will Investment to through process for Community to deal with the residual emissions goals the funding for projects like require significant financing these are sustainable energy development Infrastructure Levy to ensure developers cannot tackle and this will be reviewed on the basis some of the ways in which we secure projects focus on a CN2030 invest this into 2030 Strategy of the needs identified for the those funds. Projects. forthcoming period. BE6 New development Continue ‘ask’ to national Require all new development We will require all new Our Draft Local Plan requires all new Local Planning government for Building to achieve a net zero carbon development to achieve a zero development to achieve a minimum regulations Linked to NE5 Regulations of the highest standard in terms of regulated carbon/carbon positive standard in overall 35% reduction in emissions and planned environmental standards emissions; terms of regulated emissions over Part L Building Regulations; a development 10-15% reduction in emissions through standards Explore and apply interim Issue Supplementary Guidance fabric energy efficiency; and residual planning policies and guidance, on Energy Efficiency Measures in emissions offset through payment to a to addresses the 2030 ambitions. Listed Buildings. SDC carbon offsetting fund. BE7 Homes Improve and maintain provision Collaborate on and deliver large We will keep our funded services The domestic advice and the Websites; of bespoke advice and technical scale retrofit programmes to the under review and work with business support programme for Partnerships; services support to households homes and businesses of the partners to ensure that their Gloucestershire has a well-earned programmes; and specialist services to the District. activities build future proofing and reputation and delivery record but growth in THEMES vulnerable. are being delivered in the most much larger scale action is needed. renewable related cost effective way. Given the multiple priorities and the businesses; Seek partnerships with providers scale of finance required to meet our measures installed, of services that encourage the ambitions it is important that services carbon saved, EPC same in the ‘able to pay’ sector. continue to leverage in more funding ratings achieved than the council invests and that the BE8 Businesses Maintain the provision of Work with a range of partners grants programmes are delivering programmes that provide to deliver large scale retrofit solutions that safeguard a carbon bespoke advice and support programmes to the homes and neutral future. to small and medium sized businesses of the District. enterprises for improving their ENABLER energy efficiency.
Work with partners to explore effective ways of incentivising all businesses BE9 Enforcement Collaborate with the enforcers Implement local level action All applicable buildings in Stroud MEES applies over both private and Enforcement Partnerships; Policy, Decisions and Services Policy, Partnerships; of Minimum Energy Efficiency that helps the implementation District will be MEES compliant as social rental sectors and business record; decrease Standards (MEES) to find ways to of MEES and consider how local a minimum and we are effectively and are regulations used to enforce in fuel poverty improve the way this legislation licensing and control can be used encouraging reduced business minimum standards statistics; EPC
is working to raise building to encourage energy efficiency energy demand through local data. NEXT STEPS energy standards measures in buildings during their schemes. out of hours operation. BE10 Neighbourhood Collaborate to explore how we We will be active in monitoring All areas of the district are using Neighbourhood Plans are an essential Number of Plans can encourage Town & Parish neighbourhoods without plans Neighbourhood plans to maximise tool for communities wishing to neighbourhood councils to develop 2030 and encouraging them to take this their local potential for building in achieve carbon neutral living, allowing plans compatible neighbourhood opportunity. carbon neutrality. them to make local provision that plans. goes beyond the district wide Local Development Plan. BE11 Market Town Produce a 2030 focused Action Planning and delivery on Review and plan for next phase Market Towns can support improved Economic growth; Regeneration Regeneration Strategy for the strategy. delivery. living/ working opportunities, better skills; outcomes Market Towns connectivity, localised supply chains identified in PAGE 11 l STROUDWorking DISTRICT to introduce COUNCIL local l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN etc. projects incentives on low carbon goods and services. INTRODUCTION BUILT ENVIRONMENT
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… BE12 Awards and Research and consult on Review the success of initiatives Award Winning sites in Awards and accreditations are very Number of incentives award and incentive schemes at local levels. our District will be used as motivating for communities and awards in motivate those with building templates for replication plans businesses and help us understand the Districts related responsibilities to Review standards and in other towns and villages. what ‘good’ looks like. businesses plan, build and install only to accreditations to assess the highest energy efficiency applicability to our own /low carbon standards. procurement requirements. BE13 Support the take- Support and promote Review the success of Incentive schemes have almost Building from the good practice Number of quality up of renewable local, national and regional initiatives at local levels and maximised their potential in the in some of our neighbourhoods schemes active; ENCOURAGER home energy initiatives that increase the revise approach to promotion District and the council will be who are collaborating on bulk by Number of installs systems and take up of renewable home accordingly reviewing data from these to schemes for PV. energy systems or green consider the next steps. Advice, Information, Incentives Advice, green tariffs tariffs. Identify any specialist local schemes for potential pilots. THEMES
Key Priority – the retrofit challenge In line with a national picture, the retrofit challenge for the district is to generate both demand and capacity for those industries that will work to improve our buildings. UK engineering consultancy, Burro Happold estimate that capacity must increase 10 fold to meet national 2050 targets and that increases the scale of challenge for our 2030 commitment. NEXT STEPS Meeting this challenge will require cross sector working on economy, skills and, crucially, community engagement to drive the demand for sector growth.
PAGE 12 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION ENERGY
FOCUS: energy generation and power distribution across the district.
Energy consumed within the district is from renewable and decarbonised Energy | 2030 Stretch Goals sources. Much of this is generated SG 4 To have at least trebled the proportion of energy generated by renewable sources within the district via decentralised in the district from the current 12% renewable generation within the district and have power systems utilising increased identified and achieved the offset requirement that will achieve neutrality energy storage. THEMES SG 5 To have facilitated all viable decentralised and ‘smart energy network’ opportunities Localised markets for energy supply (such as district heating and energy from waste systems); as well as all viable offer competitive value. Our energy alternative renewable options such as wood fuel, anaerobic, biomass etc systems are smarter and planned to integrate to minimise energy waste. SG 6 To have encouraged an energy infrastructure fit for the future: …A 2030 VISION for • grid constraints are no longer obstacles to renewable generation ENERGY • storage and on-site generation projects are well supported NEXT STEPS
PAGE 13 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION ENERGY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… E1 Renewable Our office operations will All Council owned business Direct Council operations will be We will ensure Energy Supply Contract; Tariff be 100% Renewable Energy premises will be 100% Renewable 100% renewable energy powered, Procurement at the end of number of Powered at by 2022 Energy Powered where possible sourced from in current tariffs moves to 100% community district generation. renewable by source and ensure energy projects; own procurement practice helps extent of in shape a local green economy district supply by supporting future community MwH energy projects. E2 On-Site All council owned business Any further viable renewables Through a combination of Our heritage sites can be an 2 water source Renewables premises will be surveyed for projects identified will be bought procurement, onsite and, example of how to integrate heat pump (Ebley renewables potential and the forward through a renewable community renewable energy modern technologies on aged Mill Brimscombe linked to BE1 and Water Source Heat projects energy strategy for the district. projects, council owned offices and buildings and our potential as Port); Survey’s 6 and, E4 already identified will be business premises will be renewable landlord to businesses gives us complete; implemented. powered and offset schemes in opportunity to demonstrate how Number of
place for residual emissions. we can work with our business identified THEMES tenants to avoid energy costs projects, number and promote carbon neutral of viable projects; practice. commissioned projects; installed capacity E3 Housing Stock Stock modelling / surveying will Pilot Independent Living Housing All viable renewable energy projects A rolling programme of retrofit Technical Renewables be carried out on all council work will inform the route map; on council owned housing will be will help us meet our 2030 Recommendations EXEMPLAR owned housing stock to give completed. goals. A researched evidence reports for all aspects of our route maps for achieving base will help realise the most in our own operations housing stock carbon neutrality. effective retrofit plans. The and completed An action plan and implemented sheltered housing pilot will capital projects. across the housing stock rolling provide direct experience upon Housing Stock - No out more renewable projects for which to upscale our retrofit Carbon Retrofit/ Offset Action A renewables retrofit pilot on council housing activity. a sample of our Independent Plan developed; installs of new tech; Living Housing will pave the carbon reductions way to wider replication. achieved. Land for We will explore how to manage Feed lessons learned into the The council estate will be maximised It is important we work to be the Renewable
E4 NEXT STEPS Renewables our land assets portfolio to council estate aspects of a for its contribution to in-District pathfinder on energy projects projects scoped; provide the best opportunities Renewable Energy Strategy for generation and we will be using for our District. renewable for renewable generation, the District. the experienced gained to plan for energy strategy in alternative renewables and low future energy needs. place, projects in carbon power in the district initiation. including the securing of the limited sites we have available for on-shore wind generation.
PAGE 14 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION ENERGY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… E5 Energy We will collaborate with leaders Partnerships with anchor institutions Capital projects that support the As well as the need to ensure that Heat Network Networks from councils, business and and key landowners , including establishment of Smart Energy the Javelin Park development Priority Area industry in the District to explore County Council will scope and Networks will be completed subject to not only ‘generates’ power but Options Appraisals; the potential of the Heat Network define energy network projects viability and Partnership arrangements that it is used effectively to avoid Feasibility and Priority Areas that have been as part of a Renewable Energy generation elsewhere, there will projects. identified in research supporting Strategy for the District be other opportunities around our local plan review. larger in-District emitters that will need to be harnessed to meet the District vision. E6 Planning Policy We are reviewing our local plan We will complete and commence We will require all new development As well as requiring high Severn Vale Park and working with experts to implementation of a Renewable to maximise on the available local construction standards we need to as a renewable ensure its policies and scope Energy Strategy focused on renewable generation capacity and to safeguard and utilise the Districts initiative in the focus new development on our reaching the potential of renewable work in cohesion with neighbouring wind and solar potential and District; Garden Linked to NE4,8 2030 aim. generation in the District and energy systems to maximise the work towards new development Communities identifying the offset requirements potentials for serving demand and being energy self-sufficient. In Renewable for neutrality in 2030 storing excess generation to support conjunction with this we recognise powered; this. we have grid capacity issues that Increased THEMES require collaboration with our community network operators. renewable initiatives; increased large scale sites in District. E7 Planning We will continue our strategic Ongoing as required As technology improves in terms Changes to Constraints engagements with local partners of design and, readiness to accept national and and national government to change grows, it is hoped that local planning ENABLER address renewable retrofit ways to overcome issues such frameworks. barriers on listed buildings as PV on listed buildings can be overcome. E8 Community Encourage and where viable Ongoing from phase 1 and leading As well as wind and solar Number of Energy invest in renewable energy to capital pilot projects and case generation there is potential innovation innovation in the District; studies energy in our water ways, ground, projects; number of
Partnerships; Policy, Decisions and Services Policy, Partnerships; projects that develop our low agricultural crops, bi-products and replication projects; carbon generation potential. other waste increased in GHG Linked to BE10 Encourage those who develop saved/avoided, Neighbourhood Plan documents renewable
of their own. generation NEXT STEPS focused neighbourhood plans E9 Alternative Explore with key landowners and We will review findings and set We will have good case studies of A carbon neutral, climate and Renewable Renewables experts in the agri-tech community out recommendations and identify how farms can adapt and diversify for ecology emergency agenda poses Projects what the opportunities are and support streams accessible for a carbon neutral operation and will be both opportunities and threats to developed; local Link to W7 how they can be supported to farmers wishing to take actions encouraging other farmers to do the our farming communities; helping partnerships develop carbon neutral farms. forward. same them to find ways to return on created; support investments, diversify and build schemes identified; stronger local links is important for specialist maintaining this vital sector information channels created. PAGE 15 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION ENERGY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… E10 Signposting We will establish council Ongoing There is a wealth of information Websites; communication systems for and support organisations that Partnerships; information and signposting can provide good information; programmes; to advice and local expertise the variety can be a bit social media data to support those seeking to overwhelming. There is a role include renewable systems in for the Council to offer good Incentives their homes and businesses basic advice and reliable ENCOURAGER ENCOURAGER signposting to help residents Advice, Information, Advice, and businesses. THEMES
Key Priority - mainstream renewable energy Public awareness of the variety, impacts and benefits of renewable energy options needs to be addressed in order to encourage wider adoption of these systems. Marketing strategists have been tapping into the long term benefits of ‘early adopters’ or ‘lighthouse customers’ for accelerating the success of innovations.
We need to work on making renewables accessible but also, as a first step, making them NEXT STEPS more desired. Education, communication, arts and community events can all play their part to make this happen.
PAGE 16 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
FOCUS: Positive outcomes and increased resilience for all species
We are concerned with ensuring safe and inviting habitats for both human Natural Environment | 2030 Stretch Goals and wildlife populations and have made SG 7 To have increased our tree canopy, woodland and forestry in collaboration with the significant biodiversity gains. Local Nature Partnership’s, ‘Gloucestershire Tree Strategy’ ambitions Landscape and economic development
SG 8 To play our part in the SW Nature Recovery Network through partnership working THEMES is both protecting and nurturing nature, ensuring: whilst mitigating and building our • a minimum standard of ‘favourable condition’ for all our ‘bio-’ and ‘geo-’ diversity resilience to a changing climate. sites …A 2030 VISION for • improved access to and public understanding of nature NATURAL ENVIRONMENT • high quality, thriving, protected natural habitats in both water and landscapes in the district
SG 9 To increase Flood Management and Rural SUD defences,as a minimum doubling the current 20% of Frome Catchment that is managed NEXT STEPS
PAGE 17 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… NE1 Our Land Review land use and We will identify and develop Council owned land is being There are a range of measures Nature Recovery Management management policies further re-wilding and land use managed to high standards of that can be taken even on Strategy and and practice to prioritise for Climate Emergency Response ecological sensitivity. The council the smaller strips of land. The targets e.g. New sequestration and biodiversity projects and targets as part of a will consider further improvements small woodland proposal at Woodlands interests in decision making. Nature Recovery Strategy and including the potential to purchase Salmon Springs and our verges planted; species monitor their implementation and land for ecological gains. are examples of these. At counts We will include mitigation NE2 Strategy for progress. Salmon Springs there is limited and adaptation issues in our adaptation and farming use of land and on our land management policy and mitigation verges the rates of cutting, the practice review. This will include collection or not of clippings consideration of issues like and the use of weed killers and increasing tree canopy cover; fertilisers will be reviewed to protection of native species provide environmental benefits (including Ash dieback issues); such as more wildflowers that drought resistant planting and attract pollinators. flood management; biological pest control and natural THEMES management of water and land features where possible. NE3 Joined up We will establish a ‘Climate Identify and develop We will promote models of the Enhancing the way we share our Project outcomes working Action Officer Group’ that are multidisciplinary projects that holistic delivery practice that expertise and opportunities can being achieved;
EXEMPLAR working on projects delivering can be delivered through pan provides the ideal vehicle for the help accelerate our progress new projects infrastructure and regeneration council activity and partnership implementation of productive, multi- towards multifaceted targets developed; 259
in our own operations in order to maximise on net and used to attract external benefit projects across the highly such as our carbon neutral locally designated gains through integrated funds. Incorporate building with intricate landscape of environmental ambition biodiversity and approaches to delivery and next Nature Standards (see NE5) into action. geodiversity steps planning. our own capital projects so that maintained Council led developments are and in ‘positive models of good practice enabling condition’ the introduction of compulsory standards through our planning system. NE4 Using our land We will consult with community We will support the initiation We have some well-established Local food supply is an Projects and their groups interested in the of viable community growing community growing projects and important part of resilience outcomes.
growing potential on our land projects and promote their will be working with new areas to building and gives well rounded NEXT STEPS and help to devise projects like successes, replicating more develop these either by replication benefits for community health community orchards/allotment widely where it is possible to do or broadening their remit and reach and cohesion as well. spaces on our land so. to link with complimentary initiatives elsewhere.
PAGE 18 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… NE5 Planning Promote Building with Nature We will implement biodiversity The District will be a leading Since new development is Standards in Standards Standards in the planning of net gain and tree planting example in building standards and necessary to support the growth place; capital new developments; policies for new development the council will continue to develop of the District it is important projects realised Link to BE6, E6 areas and seek to link up ways to enhance and maintain to take steps to ensure that Introduce Sustainable identified strategic Green standards in line with Building with measures are in place that Development Checklist as Infrastructure corridors. Nature principles. control its impacts on nature. a Supplementary Planning Document to ensure all development proposals have sought to adapt, mitigate and respond to climate change NE6 Natural Capital Collaborate pan-county to We will support the development The District will be a key location The Districts natural Woodland; develop wildlife/land use of cross boundary projects to for new schemes that are bringing environment must be developed species/habitats mapping and ‘natural capital provide at scale opportunities for benefits in sympathy with our in a way that strengthens counts
assessment’ to provide an carbon capture and storage and ecological needs and the council ecological systems as a whole. THEMES evidence base and tool for nature corridors for bio-diversity will be continually forward looking The need for collaboration and developing joined up decisions benefits. in seeking more opportunities in this large scale schemes that cross Engage with farmers and vein. boundaries and bridge nature landowners to influence land corridor gaps should be a key ENABLER use practices that can have feature of future plans. positive and negative impacts on carbon and ecology. NE7 Nature Recovery We will lead the development As well as implementing the The District continues to have Our District’s impressive natural Strategy and of a Nature Recovery Strategy action plan to protect sensitive celebrated and popular natural features are assets to be both Action Plan in (to include recreation areas we will work in partnership environments that attract visitors cherished and enjoyed and it place; progress to Partnerships; Policy, Decisions and Services Policy, Partnerships; mitigation) and action plan with business and community on from near and far. The Council will is important that the balance in identified targets. that pays particular attention the development of alternative continue to monitor the ‘health’ of this managed and maintained to sensitive areas such as the recreation assets for the District these areas and review its mitigation for ecological protection and Cotswold Beechwood Special to ease pressure on our most strategies to ensure their strength enhancement. Protection Area. visited areas. for the future. NE8 Funding for Explore Carbon Offset and Develop partnership and secure Offset and Net Gain projects are Securing and managing spaces Projects Nature Biodiversity Net Gain projects land for a pilot project. self-sufficient and supporting tree that support sequestration and established, gains that may be funded through cover ambitions and biodiversity. biodiversity aims can also raise achieved, carbon Linked to BE5 commercial investors to offset Expand schemes on basis of pilot awareness of private sector stored. NEXT STEPS their impacts. impacts
PAGE 19 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… NE9 Canal Secure funds to complete the Develop Water Stewardship and The Water Stewardship and Water and wet habitat Current Restoration restoration of the Stonehouse Waterways Strategy, identifying Waterways Strategy is delivering management are critical issues restoration plan – Saul section of the Cotswolds mixed opportunities for re- on identified opportunity and the in the wake of climatic changes measures: 30,000 Canal (the Stroudwater wilding; economic regeneration; council will review this progress to that pose both opportunities new trees, 21ha of Navigation) – delivering agricultural water stewardship; inform its plans for the next phase. and challenge. The legacy of new biodiversity multiple environmental, social, mobility solutions (on and water powered communities in areas, 5-10 economic and health benefits, alongside water) and energy our district can be harnessed for cycling/ walking including carbon reductions. generation potentials. modern solutions that support trails. Flooding Climate Emergency and our impacts reduced. waterscapes can add value Measures to NE10 Flood Continue the flood We will roll out the Flood Management management scheme, including Defence Programme integrated to nature recovery and to our be revised as the roll out of woody dams to to the Water Stewardship and health and wellbeing. a waterways slow the flow of water; Waterways Strategy to enable strategy is evolved maximising on the opportunities covering water Bid to the Environment Agency stewardship and
of both. THEMES - Flood Defence Grant will be further mobility/ made to continue this work. biodiversity outcomes.
ENABLER Partnerships and collaborations with landowners and farmers will be developed to explore and address the issues. NE11 Trees, woodland The council will support the Ongoing delivery of planting and Tree planting has value in Salmon Springs and forestry countywide planned delivery offset schemes. issues such as soil erosion, completion; canal Partnerships; Policy, Decisions and Services Policy, Partnerships; of 1 000 000 more trees for shade provision and habitat regeneration; Gloucestershire with well creation and sequestration. other project managed tree planting The availability of land and identified resource to give trees the years We will link into nature recovery of management they need and the Gloucestershire Tree means it makes sense to help Strategy prepared by the LNP. deliver the County commitment alongside our targets for increased tree coverage. NEXT STEPS
PAGE 20 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… NE12 Habitat We will explore the potential Ongoing. Examples and information Example sites Demonstration to both demonstrate and will help people understand established. celebrate different habitats and nature better and find ways Link to BE4 establish exemplar sites around that they can also support their the District, some of which will environments.
Incentives be part of the Museum in the
ENCOURAGER Park exhibitions. Advice, Information, Advice, THEMES
Key Priority - nature knows no boundaries Nature systems in our district exist within the wider systems of local and global natural environments. Developing ourselves as a well connected council and maintianing our strong voice on these issues to ensure effective partnership working will ensure that more rounded
approaches are delivered. These must consider how to both avoid negative impacts and NEXT STEPS maximise on potential for recovering and nurturing our natural environment in all the things we do.
PAGE 21 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION MOBILITY
FOCUS: low carbon movement of people and goods
Networks for transport of all kinds will have been re-shaped to favour Mobility | 2030 Stretch Goals no- and low-carbon public travel SG 10 To ensure the proportion of trips by active travel, public or community transport choices. Fewer of us will be financing outnumber those by private car the ownership of our own cars and our journeys will be healthier through
SG 11 The districts main town centres, with some exemptions for residents and disability/ THEMES active travel and reduced air pollution. mobility reasons will be car free Our rural communities will be better connected to other parts of the district SG 12 To have increased the potential for rail travel through better connectivity and station and beyond. improvements
…A 2030 VISION for SG 13 To have successfully influenced a reduction in air travel by our citizens MOBILITY NEXT STEPS
PAGE 22 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION MOBILITY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… M1 Staff Travel Adopt a Green Travel & Own Ongoing progress made to The council will have achieved its The developing corporate plan Reduction Estates Traffic Management reduction targets as set in the targets to reduce business mileage and the recent homeworking in transport Plan and Policy, incorporating developed policy and will review these to set new experiences of COVID-19 emissions potential new measures such ambitions for the next period. pandemic provide opportunities evidenced in as low carbon pool cars and and understanding for how we monitoring bikes (including e-bikes), can develop as an organisation methods mileage policy, home working to be less reliant on individual and incentives for cycling and vehicles. public transport through local schemes;
Improved measuring and monitoring of the travel and transport carbon emissions of employees and set targets for their reduction by 2030. THEMES M2 On-site Initiate a programme of traffic Ongoing delivery of EV Charging The council will be experienced To overcome the barriers to Number of charge Infrastructure management and other /Active travel facilities to the in running staff incentives and active travel and low emission points and other measures (e.g. charging points, targets of the traffic management facilitation schemes and will be vehicle use we need to improve facilities available; Link to BE1, E3 progressive parking charges, plan. looking at future ideas to enhance infrastructure in a number of reduction in bike storage and hire, bus and these for the next phase. ways and raise awareness while emissions from rail information) across our developing a new culture of staff commutes; parking facilities for staff and travel. Number of
EXEMPLAR public to encourage modal attendees at shift to active travel and public Active Travel in our own operations transport. Events; modal shifts in mobility Extend the plan to include our choices; reduced housing stock. Establish a staff business group to work on Green Travel emissions. & Traffic Management Plan and Policy implementation and support the generation of a low carbon travel culture for our
staff and services. NEXT STEPS M3 Contractors We will ensure low carbon We will extend our requirements The council has extended its We can influence some of our Contract clauses; transport is a priority in our on use of low carbon vehicles influence on low carbon travel major stakeholders through supply chains. procurement processes to other contractual areas through our procurement practice our procurement practices and particularly in the tendering for such as building maintenance, and is monitoring this for review as set high standards by our own large scale contracts such as construction and general required. practice. waste and recycling collection suppliers. and will introduce monitoring of these ‘Scope 3’ emissions
PAGE 23 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION MOBILITY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… M4 Community Working with partners With localised schemes in place The District will be well served We need to find some bespoke Number of Transport including rural communities, we will facilitate experience by local schemes and have solutions for our hilly and rural Schemes town and Parish councils exchange between groups to accumulated much experience in district. There is opportunity for established and Gloucestershire County try to build connections and this that can be used as a basis for us the District to be a leading towns, villages Council, to establish low carbon broaden area coverage between increasing our connectivity beyond light for other areas building the covered. community transport schemes schemes. district boundaries to other areas. capacity for us to make use of (street bicycle hire, e-bikes, out of boundary opportunities in demand responsive schemes, the future. door to door delivery, hub services). M5 Settlement We will finalise a development Establish working groups that Well planned developments Concentrating & mixing New Planning strategy that concentrates new include a wide range of partners are delivering mobility solutions development will reduce the developments to minimise the need to travel from anchor institutions, business and local action is delivering need to travel and support the with ease of Link to NE7; C6 and plan for the development and transport sectors to explore complimentary schemes. The development and use of active mobility planned
of multi-modal interchanges to ways to reduce travel to sites and council will take stock through a gap travel and public transport in - Shared THEMES facilitate public transport and develop shared schemes to give analysis to discover where future networks. Private sector is Schemes in active travel measures rather residents access to incentives focus needs to sit. encouraged to meet mobility operation add than the use of the private car. and schemes that will support needs of staff and communities value to a public more sustainable choices. to supplement a public network. network. M6 Active Travel The Council will work with We will seek to join up efforts The District has achieved high Infrastructure is a major barrier Nailsworth-Stroud, partners to continue the on cycle path building and participation levels in active travel to active travel. This action Cam Greenway,
ENABLER expansion of the local cycle introduction of schemes that will and will review this progress to seeks to maximise upon linking Golden Valley and footpath network (See also encourage its use (bicycle and inform target setting for the future. and planning to achieve the - routes; also NE5). Partnership working will e-bike hire schemes etc. but best connectivity. Severn Vale include, Gloucestershire County also be community festivals, arts scheme Council to ensure spending is and cultural experiences that focused on active travel that could attract attention to these is linking up identified green resources. We will work with Partnerships; Policy, Decisions and Services Policy, Partnerships; infra-structure and contributing the VCS and Health partners to integrated travel solutions to promote the use of these wherever possible. resources in our District. M7 Strategic We will Collaborate to align Expand our strategic The District has good connections Public/Active transport has More frequent Working land use, transport plans engagement to national and locally and wider that offer strong, added benefits such as reduced bus/rail services; and spending within growth international providers and attractive alternatives to personal congestion and improved air greater coverage NEXT STEPS corridors and ensure improved travel agencies to support and car travel. The Council will assess quality. Air travel is also an of District by rail and bus services in terms incentivise District Citizens in how it can continue improvements important area to influence but public transport; of: frequency; coverage and accessing alternative out of at both local and wider levels in the remains a personal/business travel sector provision of the most efficient, county travel options to road next phase. choice and so action is focused specialising in lowest carbon vehicles. and air transport systems and to on ensuring alternatives are sustainable travel promote staycations. promoted. services for citizens.
PAGE 24 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION MOBILITY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… M8 Nudges and We will review and consult Establish plans and introduce Ongoing Licensing and enforcement New local Incentives on how we can use services schemes and incentives that measures are potential levers measures in such as licensing to encourage encourage uptake of low carbon for carbon neutrality but it is place. more low carbon vehicles such vehicles through our licensing also important to consider how as taxi’s in the District and and other measures decisions can affect the small discover what other incentives business owner and therefore maybe required. consultation on how this can be done is important.
ENCOURAGER ENCOURAGER M9 Awareness We will work with partners to Ongoing Targeted and informative Outcomes from develop campaigns to promote campaigning will be used to projects and active travel and its health encourage participation in partnership such
Advice, Information, Incentives Advice, benefits, particularly in relation active travel. as ‘We can Move’ to school journeys THEMES
Key Priority – increase travel options Low carbon mobility requires significant adaptations in lifestyles for everyone. We need to make sure alternatives are accessible and that individual needs are accounted NEXT STEPS for so that this deep cultural change can be made at scale, taking account of the equality and social justice implications for those who will be challenged by a less car dependant lifestyle.
PAGE 25 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION ECONOMY
FOCUS: Developing economy that supports low carbon living
Locally based employment and purchasing drives a circular economy Our Economy | 2030 Stretch Goals that is ensuring we can deliver on our SG 14 Climate and ecologically minded business practice is established in the district and energy and transport challenges and to promoted by council procurement processes and business support services make a sustainable lifestyle affordable, attractive and accessible for us all.
SG 15 The concept of ‘green business’ in the district is defined and encouraged. Green THEMES Business is an area of growth Local assets for innovation and skills development, underpin widely SG16 Starting with new build developments in council housing we will identify and recognised success as a low carbon support projects that provide apprenticeships and training and secure future skills society. for the young and unemployed …A 2030 VISION for ECONOMY NEXT STEPS
PAGE 26 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION ECONOMY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… EC1 Procurement Review procurement policy and We will revise and implement Our sites will be reliant upon local We can shape a localised Reduction Practice practice new procurement policy across business for all our supply needs. circular economy and drive best in transport our estate. practice through the criteria emissions Establish a working group of we apply to our purchasing evidenced in representatives across our decisions monitoring estate to explore how we methods can utilise local, low carbon footprint purchasing for own business needs EC2 Shorter Supply We will work with our catering We will phase out non local We can support and shape local Sales data; Chains outlet managers at our leisure produce from all our food outlets economy and promote our local customer sites to ensure local, low businesses feedback carbon footprint products are available at our site cafes EXEMPLAR EC3 Ethical We will establish an ethics We will phase out any non-ethical Our council will be exemplar in We can support and shape Policy establish, THEMES
in our own operations Investments policy for our investment investments from our plans and its investment and procurement local economy through our record of portfolio and review to identify increase our investments in practice and will be proactive in investments and model and investment where we can improve the local schemes. We will explore ensuring our partners are too. encourage ethical practice for decisions, ROI sustainability credentials of and implement ways to apply our District Businesses. secured our investments and where we these ethic principles to our can expand our portfolio, for procurement, partnership and example, through investments funding decisions to ensure we in Gloucestershire based are not indirectly supporting renewable energy projects. practice not in line with our values. NEXT STEPS
PAGE 27 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION ECONOMY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… EC4 Infrastructure Secure high speed internet Implement and support viable The council is encouraging new Changing traditional office Internet provision; (including across our District as a means projects and consider how office ways of working and remains open based working and commuting transport digital) of supporting economic growth spaces might be used to support to new concepts and ideas that patterns will only be successful if schemes in place. and community connectivity wider use and support economic can support low carbon working the infrastructure is effective. Link to M4 without travel; start-ups in the District with practices. space and facilities. Look for opportunities to work in partnership with employers to develop shared transport schemes. EC5 Low Carbon Consult and collaborate to Support the development of The District is well recognised as a There is a significant opportunity Number of Growth identify the criteria for ‘What green business in the District leader in low carbon initiatives. The for this District since we have ‘green’ in district is Green Business?’; Actively by securing sites for its council will review our economic specialist facilities for skills, business in line encourage the growth of this development, including a ‘Green offering and consider how we can innovation and development with criteria;
sector and use tools such as Business Park’ that is considered build on our achievements for the of the low carbon economy development of THEMES Local Planning Orders to ease in line with how the face of future. through the site at Berkely UTC green business its introduction; business changes in line with and a wealth of entrepreneurial park; Tourism recovery from COVID, through expertise over a wide variety of Zone status and Develop the Stroud District ‘Eco the Local Plan. business types. other award
ENABLER Central’ Vision marks secured EC6 Skills Build on relationships with Our education and training The District has well established Growth in sector, educational and training partnerships will be retrofit schemes and businesses employment data; institutions and apprenticeship implementing new courses and has fulfilled the challenge of qualifications providers; Explore how we and continually reviewing and optimising all housing stock to data; range of can meet the growing demand improving provision to ensure we minimum EPC standards. The focus programmes Partnerships; Policy, Decisions and Services Policy, Partnerships; for future skills particularly for have the skills required to meet is now on how we can go further available retrofit which is an immediate the mitigation, adaptation and and reduce off set demands or even challenge. resilience challenges. provide off-set facility to others. EC7 Practice We will consult to discover how We will work with partners The success of the Pledge scheme By setting standards that apply Pledges made by Standards we can encourage and support to deliver incentives and in encouraging better standards in to ethical and sustainable business partners to be sustainable schemes to support ethical and business will be reviewed to inform business practice for our Link to C8 within their own business environmentally sound business plans for the next phase. partner organisations we can practices: considering district will be trialed across the District encourage and spread good NEXT STEPS ‘quality’ marks for goods and and viable projects bought practice. services and other incentives. forward.
PAGE 28 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION ECONOMY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… EC8 Promoting We will encourage innovation Ongoing Marketing, recognition and local Services and Local and enterprise growth that is economic support programmes schemes active. relevant to this plan through that promote and provide support to services that benefit to low carbon business promote and strengthen local have wide application supply chains. We will also Incentives promote supportive funding ENCOURAGER
Advice, Information, Advice, and awards schemes for those delivering good practice. THEMES
Key Priority – detail the local economic vision Economic growth is required to meet both our recovery and the needs of future generations, it is therefore important we are clear on what a low carbon and circular economy means for the
district and how we are going to work to achieve this. NEXT STEPS Distinct economic strategy needs to be developed with 2030 Strategy central to its rationale.
PAGE 29 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION WASTE
FOCUS: Minimising waste wherever possible
Waste from the manufacture, & use of goods is minimised. Products last Waste & Resources | 2030 Stretch Goals longer, breakdown into re-useable SG 16 Targets are in place for council commercial and operational waste are in place and parts and there is a strong re-use/re- continuous improvement in reducing waste is being demonstrated manufacture economy that is reducing the need for landfill and recycling.
SG 17 The residual kerbside waste in the district is minimal compared to national averages THEMES in similar districts People are well educated about avoiding waste and make good choices SG 18 The impressive 60% of kerbside waste being recycled shows continuous improvement driving a low carbon, localised market. SG 19 The districts capacity for processing materials is optimised through better sorting …A 2030 VISION for WASTE facilities, community initiatives and resource hubs and increased drop off points for a range of sorted waste NEXT STEPS
PAGE 30 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION WASTE
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… W1 Procurement Procurement Policy review The council will implement Council procurement policy and We need to directly support Revised policy; in line with sustainable policy alongside staff training practice is kept under review to the development of a local staff training use principles and the and awareness programmes ensure it is in line with best practice sustainable economy and records for waste hierarchy to ensure to ensure it is implemented recommendations for sustainability, ensure we are a model of best new standards; purchasing new is secondary in all service areas of its main whole life cost and in support of a practice in our own procurement reduced to reuse, leased, secondhand offices and will roll out similar circular economy. replacement equipment and where programmes in its other public purchasing necessary conducted with service sites. consideration to environmental concerns and locally sourced where possible. W2 Reuse Support supply chains We will ensure our contractors We are maintaining direct links With more considered thought Equipment for equipment and other and public service providers to organisations that re-use and to how we dispose of equipment (by weight) materials for re-use/re-cycling/ are also minimising waste remanufacture equipment and as we could be supporting those and materials composting; through their practices including a result the council has minimised who rely on re-purposed rehomed/ those delivering demolition waste being produced goods. E.g. the repurposing of reclaimed THEMES Explore all options for the items and construction projects with computer equipment through the council no longer needs reclamation opportunities. third sector organisations in before classifying as waste. Gloucestershire. W3 Reduce and Implement waste monitoring We will roll out the policy and The council will have clear and In order to effectively implement Data sets and Refuse on its own estate; Introduce procedures in place at our accurate data on the components of and monitor improvements in target monitoring benchmarking and targeting main office site to our other waste across its estate and will be procurement and culture change of reduction formulated into a public service sites alongside keeping this under review in order around waste we need to be EXEMPLAR waste reduction plan. programmes of staff development to achieve optimum reductions. informed and in control of our
in our own operations to ensure all staff are aware of own waste production Shape service delivery to be their impacts in this area and that waste free (e.g. paperless responsibilities have been defined billing) for key individuals. W4 Recycle The council will identify the As local re-use/remanufacture The council has some leading Improving waste infrastructure Improved potential in its existing waste concepts are developed the waste processing facilities and and exploring how to maximise it facilities in action; depots for enhanced storage council will work with communities will be considering how to further to community advantage will be community and sorting facilities to facilitate to identify how its waste sorting enhance its sites and services. key drivers in the success of our projects identifying and processing and storing can link to local waste reduction aims. supported.
waste for re-use/recycling / schemes and initiatives for NEXT STEPS composting. material supply and other services. W5 Policy & Practice Encourage national policy that Put in place roles and There will be no single use plastics Already contributing to Stroud Waste monitoring reduces waste at source and responsibilities that ensure waste on our estates and a reduction District Action on Plastic data; equipment reduces in-built obsolescence; composition and quantity is in the use of plastic generally initiative, there is a need to lists, purchasing Remove single use waste from monitored and managed at the as procurement practices are ensure active campaigns across policies operations. Staff awareness council offices and other sites. refined by policy that encourages our sites training. consideration of whole life cost of equipment.
PAGE 31 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION WASTE
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… W6 Collecting and Building on our success in The council will support recycling District waste is at a minimum This is in keeping with ‘use less’ Waste tonnage Sorting reducing landfill waste across schemes through Local Plan and the council work to maintain principle - recycling is positive the District we will set ourselves infrastructure policy. It will a standing in the top councils but still very energy intensive. a progressive series of annual focus on reducing waste and nationally and to promote our Reducing waste at source is an targets to reduce the overall increasing public and community Districts achievements. We will important tactic. Making it easy amount of waste collected at opportunities to reuse and/or continue to look for ways to improve for people to dispose of their kerbside District. recycle their waste. facilities for waste disposal with an waste in a manner that enables emphasis on re-use/remanufacture. it to be useful for remanufacture or recycling purposes no matter where the ‘waste’ is created. W7 Commercial Collaborate with business and We will facilitate partnerships and There are a number of reference There is a lot of potential in Waste related and Agricultural agricultural partners as well as support funding bids to ensure projects for thinking differently waste for our energy needs projects and their Waste alternative energy specialists that any suitable infrastructure about waste in the District and the and some of the processes outputs. to maximise on the existing projects identified in phase 1 are Council are identifying ways to used have bi-products that also Link to E9 use of the county’s food waste carried forward. encourage more innovations. have wider uses. For example, THEMES to provide bio methane into Anaerobic digesters, produce the gas grid by exploring a safe fertiliser which can be opportunities in agricultural used for crops. This brings ENABLER waste and, also to ensure that opportunities to develop the other types of commercial/ food growing potential within industrial and agricultural waste the county to shorten food such as heat are maximised for supply chains and build food our energy needs. security.
Partnerships; Policy, Decisions and Services Policy, Partnerships; W8 Funding The council will explore the Ongoing There is a new perspective on There is potential to emerge Revenue Schemes economic opportunity of waste waste as a resource in the District schemes that help finance generation; to identify the potential for and the Council is working to the development of no waste funding local revenue schemes around support partners and innovation economies for the District. administered; composting; remanufacture and entrepreneurs who are evolving grants leveraged; recycling so that funds can be this new culture through their local community created to support low waste businesses. projects and projects. waste re-use businesses established. NEXT STEPS
PAGE 32 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION WASTE
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… W9 Messaging Council waste services, Ongoing Use less is the best way to Campaigns contractors and reduce carbon impacts across Run, Outreach communications will promote the board, more powerful achieved a use less message in and effective for reducing prominence; signposting impacts than recycling and community initiatives and remanufacture. supporting new ones to be Incentives established such as Freegle ENCOURAGER ENCOURAGER groups, repair cafes, community Advice, Information, Advice, composting and library of things. THEMES BEST OPTION Prevent Key Priority – communicate
Minimise the waste hierarchy Messaging about recycling has had Reuse good effect in the district. We need to build on this to raise the profile of the Recycle ‘use less’ message that will help us consider reducing waste as the priority. This will encourage the development of Recover Energy NEXT STEPS localised supply chains and support the Dispose development of a circular economy.
PAGE 33 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION COMMUNITY
FOCUS: How we work together on limiting and adapting to a changing climate and ecological emergency
Stroud District’s diverse communities, including our own council community Community | 2030 Stretch Goals of staff and partners, are effectively SG 20 The climate and ecological emergency response has a clear leadership and collaborating within a strong ethos governance structure that is executed collaboratively with the community of respect for Climate and Ecological Emergency issues.
SG 21 The climate and ecological emergency response is embedded and valued THEMES across council policy and partnership activity. Local leadership through town and We are minimising our environmental parish councils and other representatives is being delivered and residents and impacts as producers, consumers and businesses are actively playing their part service deliverers. We are a society of caring communities of all kinds; SG 22 Externally audited measures such as ISO drive the council in a continuous ‘review inclusivity and social justice are strong and improve’ cycle principles in action, working to ensure equality of opportunity and good quality SG 23 All businesses and institutions active in the district are signed up to our Climate of life for all of us. and Recovery Pledge and cross sector collaboration on climate and ecological emergency issues is strong …A 2030 VISION for COMMUNITY NEXT STEPS
PAGE 34 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION COMMUNITY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… C1 Corporate The Corporate Development Senior Leadership will work with The sustainability principles of the The CDP is an important Revised CDP Development Plan (CDP) for Stroud District managers to develop delivery council are well embedded and document for shaping council with clear targets, Plan Council is to be reviewed plans in their directorates subsequent updates to CDP will priorities and culture and the commitments and with the Climate Emergency that integrate the plan and its build upon the values and targets success of our commitment values in relation Response for a sustainable sustainability principles. for continuous improvement across target and Climate Emergency to this plan; Stroud District at its heart. the whole council. Response is dependant upon Directorate plans Performance management an holistic and fully committed with contributing systems will monitor and report approach across all aspects of targets and on progress. council working clearly defined responsibilities to this plan C2 Quality Systems The integration of The adaptation management The council will have a record Accreditations offer frameworks ISO systems, environmental management standard ISO 14090 will be of successful audits on its and feedback for how plans, audit through the recognised reviewed and considered for accreditations and a clear plan of organisations should plan to reports and
standard of ISO14001 will implementation alongside action for continuous improvement. build on the strengths and fortify accreditations THEMES be rolled out and subject to ISO 14001 for even stronger areas of required improvement external audits by 2022. resilience in practice. C3 Monitoring and We will commission a study of A working group will establish The council will have cohesive Cohesive collation of data and Study and Reporting available tools for monitoring how to integrate monitoring systems of monitoring outcomes evidence is vitally important for recommendations; the pillars of this action plan systems across all projects in the related to this plan that are feeding its influence to council decision tools developed and use the findings to feed an council to ensure that monitoring reporting and decision making. making. and integrated;
EXEMPLAR annual monitoring and reporting tracks all relevant data. Decision making will be structured quality of data / programme. to be highly influenced by the reporting in our own operations evidence of this data. C4 Social Return on Complete research that includes Embed principles on (SROI) The council will be prioritising As we create new systems of Consultations; Investment investigation of how best to and keep our council decision activity that has benefits to climate energy, economy and social procedure incorporate Social Return on making process under review to emergency issues and will be culture we will need to plan revisions, Investment (SROI) principles to develop our understanding of making future plans on the basis carefully the investments sustainable carbon saving business how well decisions overall are of the evidence for what has been required on the basis of a range decisions made. working towards our targets. working well. of benefits. Having agreed Frame council reports to include frameworks for decision making robust 2030 implications to all on financial and other issues is reports requiring decisions. vital. NEXT STEPS C5 Staff Training Our induction and ongoing We will conduct a Climate The council will continue to deliver Training and skill are not only Induction and training programmes will Emergency Response Team skills professional development to ensure core to effective delivery but a training records, include energy &water efficient audit in our own community of our knowledge and skills are in line key part of building inclusive staff feedback; behaviour at work and the council workers and develop a with the needs of our delivery plans and supportive culture around line management context of Carbon, Ecology and programme of training to fill gaps the agenda. records Climate Change.
PAGE 35 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION COMMUNITY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… C6 Governance We will expand our 2030 We will encourage private Our collaborations on climate Since there is a huge Working governance systems to include individuals and organisations in emergency are well established dependence upon action that is groups formed, public representation in the open sharing of their progress and there is a clear picture of beyond the remit of the council consultations oversight of our plans and their and projects towards climate how public and private projects wider partnerships and shared conducted, delivery to include, amongst emergency solutions to build a are working to deliver climate accountability must be nurtured projects others, members from high cohesive picture of action across emergency solutions and this data in a way that empowers District developed emitting business sectors, the District. and experience is feeding future leadership from beyond the academics and technical plans. council. experts. C7 Funding Identify a range of funding Work with our networks, strategic The District has a wealth of Leveraging investment and Projects in options including those we can groups and partners to develop experience and key flag ship encouraging as much activity development; establish for ourselves (see a picture of how many projects in projects in action which are being as possible around Climate applications BE5); the District are actively working used to successfully leverage Emergency plans will help to made; funding on Climate Emergency Solutions; local and regional funding as well accelerate progress. leveraged Encourage new projects that as having success in national and can support the vision; Support knowledge share to international funding schemes. THEMES optimise on the value of this Support to partnerships for work through replication and applications will be available innovation on the basis of what to those coming forward with works. suitable ideas. C8 Pledge Exploit the potential in co- Explore and implement ways to The networks and partnerships This will work to encourage Networks/ ENABLER benefits and co-production provide commonality in priorities connected to the council are cohesive action in our District Organisations/ through our community, youth such as a District Pledge or connected by a ‘Green Thread’ of and help to maximise the groups signed and health initiatives to realise Climate Charter that will help common values and priorities that potential in co-benefits up to a District mutual benefits. organisations and networks can be met without compromise to and co-production through pledge. frame their working on these the Climate Emergency cause. This our community, youth and Cross-sector issues in a cohesive way. is supporting cross sector working health initiatives; facilitating collaborations/
Partnerships; Policy, Decisions and Services Policy, Partnerships; and multi benefit outputs collaboration on community projects. needs and issues where mutual benefits for Climate Emergency Responses can be achieved. C9 Diversity and We will ensure our Climate We will work in partnership to The council is providing support to We have had a significant Equality and Emergency response groups explore and implement measures Climate Emergency related projects Inclusion success in Stroud District diversity in ToR for NEXT STEPS and consultations include to encourage increased that can evidence interaction and in nurturing environmental groups; data and broad representation, reaching participation and improve access benefit to all sectors in our District action groups and a nature reporting includes beyond those already active to Climate Emergency awareness and will use this experience to aware culture but it remains information in this sphere and, particularly and services. underpin future improvements to a prime concern for a limited on diversity in including voice from our Youth inclusivity. demographic in the District. More representation Council and other young needs to be done to understand people. our levels of inclusion and how to improve them.
PAGE 36 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION COMMUNITY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… C10 Lifelong We will liaise with our Districts We will ensure that our The council is working with We are already engaging with Apprenticeships; Learning schools, colleges and other partnership projects provide partners on a range of projects that schools in educational activity jobs created; educational institutions and opportunities within the District involve local people in their design around the regeneration of volunteer training providers to ensure involve, engage and employ local and delivery and is using this our canal systems and there is numbers; events opportunities to be involved in people in positive actions around experience to develop new project scope to do this more. Being held Climate Emergency projects, Climate Emergency. concepts for future development. involved helps people learn and schemes and events for people love the developments they are of all ages. involved with. C11 Arts and Culture Explore how we can work We will work in partnership to The council has experience of Achieving Carbon Neutrality will Nature Recovery with our artistic, creative and deliver at least one event/ art corralling public action through change our local landscape. Art Strategy; Creative
ENABLER Link to NE7 leisure sectors to raise levels installation or show that will creative partnership working and creativity can help people Partnerships; of engagement with the natural have high appeal in the District and is evolving new schemes vision a future and start to work Artistic world and involve people with and raise the profile of Climate and plans that will support our out how they want to fit with Installations and the visioning of the future of the Emergency needs and solutions. creative entrepreneurs and draw that. schemes.
District. people into the District, developing THEMES understanding and sensitivity to
Partnerships; Policy, Decisions and Services Policy, Partnerships; the needs and changes of our landscape.
C12 Youth Voice
As the lead youth voice organisation, ‘Stroud District Youth Council’ will continue to encourage NEXT STEPS young people and all educators to be actively involved in the efforts to become carbon neutral and address climate and ecological emergency by 2030.
PAGE 37 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION COMMUNITY
INDICATORS OUR COMMITMENTS 2020-23 2023-27 2027-30 RATIONALE OF SUCCESS… C13 Messaging We will use our Ongoing Ongoing The range of advice and Web pages, communications channels to information in the public domain social media data, encourage, support, inspire is vast. The council can provide articles and inform about adaptation, summaries and signposting mitigations and resilience in the to give simplified access to a face of changing climate range of topics.
C14 Incentivising We will promote schemes that Ongoing Ongoing Awards help identify Awards received ENCOURAGER support, reward, encourage ‘good practice’; provide in our District. and inspire localism and encouragement and motivation environmental protection and and can lead to further Advice, Information, Incentives Advice, encourage our business and investment and wider replication citizens to get involved of successful schemes. THEMES
Key Priority – District Dialogue
The 2030 Strategy has big implications for all of us. Putting community voice at the heart of NEXT STEPS its execution and governance is seen as vital in generating the ownership and buy-in that will deliver the 2030 mission and visions.
PAGE 38 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN INTRODUCTION WHAT ARE THE FIRST NEXT STEPS?
he progress through the master plan will not be linear, starting Working collaboratively council and community can better define the at the beginning on launch day and completing in 2030. The principles that will underpin the path to net zero, working from the Tcouncil’s long awareness of the urgency of this situation means outputs of national research such as, Climate Assembly UK and the that there is significant headway in many areas as outlined in the inputs of the District Dialogue that will be established. starting points described for each theme in the strategy document. Following steps need to focus on the master plans key priority areas to develop and upscale projects and services that accelerate the The first next step: progress to our carbon neutral ambitions. Commitment C6 - Governance
Developing community governance structures and the establishing of the KEY PRIORITIES THEMES new teams both within and external to the council is a priority first step. Built Environment Retrofit Challenge Energy Mainstream Renewables Consolidating these existing achievements into a system that ensures as a council and community are sharing achievements, lessons Natural Environment Nature knows no boundaries learned, evidence base and challenges must be the very next job. Mobility Increase travel options This will help us to be informed and collaborative in ongoing decision Economy Detail the Vision making. Waste Communicate the Waste Hierarchy Community District Dialogue NEXT STEPS
i https://www.climateassembly.uk/report/read/final-report-exec-summary.pdf
PAGE 39 l STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL l THE 2030 STRATEGY MASTER PLAN Spring 2021
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