Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Contents
Foreword Chapter 5 – Sustainable Communities What this theme is about Chapter 1 – Introduction Issues that influence our approach What do we mean by ‘achieve sustainable development’? What has been achieved so far? Wellbeing and quality of life Strategic outcomes and how we intend to achieve them Why is the ‘environment’ important to economic growth and social progress? How do we achieve sustainable Chapter 6 – Implementation, development? monitoring and reporting Climate Change How we will deliver the strategy What are the impacts for Scotland? Governance diagram What has climate change got to How we will monitor and do with sustainable development? report on the strategy How the strategy has been developed Climate change duties statutory reporting South Lanarkshire’s State of Chapter 2 – Policy Background the Environment report International context National context Appendices Local context Appendix 1 Environmental Statement Chapter 3 – Sustainable Council Appendix 2 What this theme is about Consultation and statutory assessments Issues that influence our approach
What has been achieved so far? Appendix 3 Strategic outcomes and Summary of strategic outcomes and how we intend to achieve them how we intend to achieve them
Appendix 4 Chapter 4 – Sustainable Environment Monitoring table What this theme is about Appendix 5 Issues that influence our approach Definitions and links What has been done so far? Strategic outcomes and how we intend to achieve them Foreword
Welcome to the council’s third ‘Sustainable Many of our strategies and plans have Development and Climate Change Strategy’ a strong connection to the Sustainable which covers the period 2017 to 2022. Development and Climate Change Strategy. This strategy ensures the connections Due to its cross-cutting nature, all our between sustainable development and services have a role in delivering sustainable climate change are more explicit and sets development and meeting our climate out the council’s approach to sustainable change targets. Decisions need to be taken development and addresses the challenges which are robust and able to adapt to the and opportunities of climate change. uncertainties of the future climate. We will also promote resource efficiency which will help us deliver best value for South The strategy not only covers the next five Lanarkshire. years but is also the mechanism for longer Using the principles of sustainable term planning to contribute to global development, we can provide improved sustainable development goals and meet local services at the same time as ensuring national climate change targets. the resilience of our environment, economy Sustainable development is about taking and local communities. forward the development of our economy, Councillor John Ross society and environment together, in an integrated way. In keeping with our Leader of South Lanarkshire Council previous approach, this strategy will focus on the environmental aspects of sustainable development, to complement the council’s already extensive work in the areas of social and economic development. The vision for our overall approach to sustainable development remains: ‘People live and work sustainably in South Lanarkshire while respecting and enjoying the benefits of a high quality environment’. We aim to achieve this vision through the commitment of our employees and the services they deliver, through our work with community planning partners, and the wider community. We will build on the strong foundation provided by the first two sustainable development strategies.
Clyde Walkway, Mauldslie, South Lanarkshire
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 1 – Introduction
This Strategy sets out how we aim to achieve sustainable development and tackle climate change over the next five years. The Strategy will provide a broad strategic direction and sets our planned actions and projects to deliver our vision.
What do we mean by ‘achieve It is recognised that in order to have a strong sustainable development’? economy we require a strong society. Social progress is essential for a strong society and, Sustainable development can be includes necessities like access to education, interpreted in many different ways, but the health care, affordable housing, equal most frequently quoted definition is: opportunities for all, inclusion, safety and a fair distribution of wealth. “Sustainable Development is development that meets the Why is the ‘environment’ important needs of the present without to economic growth and social compromising the ability of future progress? generations to meet their own Fundamentally the environment provides natural resources essential to meet our ne ed s.” basic needs, including fresh water, clean air, food, medicinal resources, raw materials What does this really mean? Simply stated, and energy. The world’s stocks of natural the principle of sustainable development resources are referred to as natural capital recognises the importance of ensuring that which underpins our economy and society. all people should be able to satisfy these basic needs and enjoy a better quality of Natural capital is central to economic life, both now and in the future activity and growth, providing raw materials we need to produce goods and services It supports strong economic and social however the continuous supply of goods and development, in particular for people with services from the available natural capital a low standard of living. At the same time is dependent upon a healthy, functioning it emphasises the importance of protecting environment. The structure and diversity of natural resources and the environment. habitats and ecosystems are also important components of natural capital. Wellbeing and quality of life We are, however, consuming natural Traditionally, the term ‘development’ was more capital at a rate faster than the planet can commonly associated with ‘economic growth’ replenish, contributing to the depletion in which the focus was improving the economic of natural resources like water; fossil fuels ‘well-being’ and ‘quality of life’ for people by (coal, oil and natural gas); and metals creating and/or retaining jobs, supporting and and minerals. The capacity of the natural growing incomes, the expanding or retaining of environment to absorb and process local businesses, and promoting technological unwanted by-products, in the form of advances and innovation. pollution and waste, is also under stress due However focusing predominately on to the over-consumption of natural capital. economic growth does not take into account The removal of forests for agriculture, other factors essential for ‘wellbeing’ and housing and commercial use is also on ‘quality of life’ for people, like a healthy the increase. environment and social progress.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 This is resulting in a loss of biodiversity Reducing these environmental impacts has which can affect food and medicine great potential to lead to economic growth sources, industry, and intensify climate by creating new markets in areas such as change. biofuels and renewable energy sources. This could lead to new employment Therefore, while natural capital is used opportunities, benefits in population and to generate economic growth, it needs environmental health, whilst also improving to be used sustainably and efficiently in energy security in the long run. order to secure growth in the long run - whether by improving the efficiency of Ecosystems like grasslands, wetlands, resource consumption or by adopting woodlands and forests also contribute to new production techniques and product managing risks to economic and social designs. activity, helping to minimise flood risks, regulating the local climate (both air quality Using fossil fuels for energy and transport and temperature), and maintaining the causes substantially more harm to the supply of clean water and other resources. environment than renewable energy sources, including air and water pollution, Protecting and enhancing the natural damage to public health, wildlife and environment is a key factor in sustaining habitat loss, water and land use and economic and social development, not just increased carbon emissions. today but for future generations.
A strong economy requires a strong society, and both depend on a healthy natural environment.
Figure 1.1 economic development and growth circular accessibility economy education governance and learning Economy and policy energy society equality health air and culture and wellbeing habitat Community ecosystems waste reduction materials and diversion land water Environment How do we achieve sustainable development? Developing sustainably requires a new way inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for of thinking. Essentially we need to integrate people, planet and prosperity. social progress, a healthy environment, and economic growth outcomes (otherwise Sustainable development is not a “thing referred to as People, Planet and Prosperity) we do” or a “program we carry out.” It in our decision making and actions. is a set of fundamental values by which All three are essential factors for the we make decisions and how we choose wellbeing and quality of life for people and to live. These values are outlined in the communities: we cannot aim to achieve one 17 Global Sustainable Development at the cost of another. Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as Achieving complete sustainable seen in figure 1.2. development is not easy due to overlapping national, political and economic interests or conflicting priorities. However we should strive to move closer to building an
Figure 1.2
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Natural greenhouse effect Enhanced greenhouse effect
Energy from the sun passes through the Human activities, particularly the atmosphere and warms the surface of burning of fossil fuels, are adding the earth. The earth’s surface then more greenhouse gases to the releases most of this energy as heat atmosphere. This is enhancing back into the atmosphere. the greenhouse effect, trapping Some is trapped by greenhouse more heat and causing global gases in the atmosphere which raises temperatures to rise. temperatures on the earth’s surface and atmosphere, making it suitable for life.
Heat trapped by More heat trapped by greenhouse gases enhanced greenhouse gases
Some energy Less energy escapes back escapes back into space into space
Global temperature
Atmosphere Atmosphere rising
Greenhouse gases Enhanced greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in the atmosphere
Climate Change What is Climate Change? Weather reflects short-term conditions of One of the primary greenhouse gases the atmosphere while climate is the average is carbon dioxide (CO2) which is emitted daily weather for an extended period of through the burning of fossil fuels – for time at a certain location. Climate change example oil, gas and coal. is a change in global or regional climate Other human activities, such as agriculture patterns. and deforestation, also contribute to the The earth’s climate has always gone through increase of greenhouse gases that cause natural cycles. However, widely accepted climate change. scientific evidence shows that there is The concentration of greenhouse gases in a build-up of greenhouse gases in the the atmosphere is 40% higher than at the atmosphere produced by human activities start of the industrial revolution and is still which is increasingly warming the planet increasing. causing changes in the earth’s climate. Effects of Climate Change What are the impacts for Scotland? The Earth’s atmosphere is warming faster The climate has already changed here in than it ever has, resulting in more frequent Scotland and South Lanarkshire; over the extreme weather events like heavy rain, last century the average temperatures stronger storms and severe heat waves. In have increased with warmer summers some cases weather patterns, climates and and milder winters, however not all of the natural environments are changing quicker clear-sky, bright sunshine variety. We have than wildlife or people can adapt. experienced increased cloud cover and rainfall and less snow coverage during the Some of the effects of climate change winter. We have also experienced more could have serious effects which will amplify frequent extreme weather from heavy health implications such as increased sun storms, flash floods and heatwaves.1 It exposure, increased air pollution, a longer is anticipated that the extreme weather and more intense allergy season and the events will increase as a result of climate spread of insect-borne diseases. Damage change. to property and infrastructure which could be extremely costly with a greater impact While climate change is no longer a new on those on low incomes; and energy, food concept, it can sometimes seem less and water supplies could be affected. important to people on a personal level. However, no matter what we are passionate Businesses and industries that are closely about, something we care about could be linked to weather and climate, such as affected by climate change. tourism, sporting and outdoor activities, and agriculture, may also face considerable Scotland and South Lanarkshire are already challenges from climate change. experiencing the consequences of our changing climate and we are only likely to Other effects are less serious like the see more of these if the changes continue disruption to transport systems. And some at their current rate. effects, like less cold-weather related illnesses and longer growing seasons for • More extreme rainfall events are crops, are positive. expected with an increased potential for river and surface water flooding, and However, as the Earth keeps getting subsequent impacts on people, property warmer, the negative effects are expected and the environment. to outweigh the positive ones. This decade has seen the warmest years ever recorded globally, and even the current 1ºC of warming is causing significant impacts to people such as serious health problems, livelihoods are being ruined and people are being forced to become climate migrants.
Flooding at M74 near Abington, South Lanarkshire after Storm Frank
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 • Warmer, drier summers are expected to Climate change will also bring opportunities lead to an increase in the number of days to Scotland and South Lanarkshire including with high pollen counts, also causing increased business opportunities for some problems for those who have respiratory sectors as a result of extended tourist diseases, or suffer from hay fever. season, warmer summers and extended growing seasons. As the climate continues to change, there will be an increased need for skills and expertise in the design of well-adapted buildings and managing construction processes in response to climate change. And a warming climate may provide more opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle, while reducing mortality in winter The effects of climate change in other countries will also impact Scotland and South Lanarkshire: for instance, a devastating drought in Eastern Europe can push up food prices here. For further information on the impacts for Scotland see the 15 key consequences of climate change identified in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme: Climate Ready Scotland. This programme sets out Scottish Ministers Enjoying the hot weather at Calderglen Country Park, objectives in relation to adaptation to South Lanarkshire climate change, their proposals and policies • Climate change in Scotland could see an for meeting those objectives. increase in pests, diseases and invasive species, which could affect people’s health, animals, plants and trees, adding pressure on the likes of our National Health Service, farming and forestry industries. • Climate change could mean that some species of animals and plants may no longer be suited to the new climate conditions. For example cod, herring and haddock could migrate away from Scotland’s west coast waters because of warming sea temperatures, according to Scottish Association for Marine Science Storm damage to residential housing in Burnside, South Lanarkshire (SAMS). • Wetter winters are expected to lead to 1 increased fungus growth in poor quality Although there is no official definition of a ‘heatwave’ in the UK, the term can be used to or inadequately heated housing, causing describe an extended period of hot weather, days or problems for those suffering from asthma weeks, relative to the expected conditions of the area and other respiratory diseases. at that time of year – Met Office What has climate change got to do 2. Sustainable Environment: with sustainable development? Considers what the council is doing to protect, enhance and respect the quality Climate change is now recognised globally of the natural environment contributing as one of the most significant threats to the health and wellbeing of local to humanity and is a key challenge for communities. sustainable development. 3. Sustainable Communities: The effects of climate change can add Considers how the council’s services significant stress to development and will help provide places for people to growth of the economy, society, and a live and work in an environmentally healthy environment. However in turn, responsible way and be better prepared Sustainabl developing sustainably can help reduce the for a low carbon Scotland. e en greenhouse gas emissions that are causing vi ron climate change and also help prepare for For each theme we have identified m the effects of a changing climate. outcomes we hope to achieve and en addressing climate change issues has been t Taking action to reduce greenhouse gas used as a guiding principle throughout the emissions and adapting to a changing strategy as outlined in figure 1.4. climate would be far less expensive than dealing with the consequences of not To help guide our approach to sustainable doing so. We have the knowledge and the development and climate change we have the council’s Environmental Statement technology to reduce our impact on the which summarises the commitments we s climate, and ease the pressures on people, e have made. The Environmental Statement i planet and prosperity. t i can be found at Appendix 1. n How the strategy has been As part of the development of the strategy u developed? we carried out a number of engagement m In keeping with our previous approach, and consultation sessions, carried out an m
this strategy focuses on the environmental equalities impact assessment and followed o C
aspects of sustainable development to the Strategic Environmental Assessment e complement and align with other council procedures as at Appendix 2. l
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Within each theme we have listed the a
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a The vision for our overall approach to achieve the outcomes. The outcomes and t
intentions are designed to be broad enough s sustainable development remains: u to span the next five years and also provide S ’People live and work sustainably flexibility in the event of any changes that in South Lanarkshire while may impact the strategy e.g. changes in respecting and enjoying the legislation. benefits of a high quality The outcomes and intentions as at il environment’. Appendix 3 provides the framework to nc develop an annual action plan which will ou The strategy has three themes which are include specific Service actions and projects C interconnected to help us achieve our to meet the outcomes in each theme. The le ab vision. action plan will be made available on the tain council’s website and details of monitoring Sus 1. Sustainable Council: and reporting on the action plan is detailed Considers the council’s own impact on in Chapter 6 (page 46). the environment and what we and our partners will do to minimise it.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017 - 2022
Figure 1.4
Sustainable env iro nm e
Outcomes nt
c l 1. South Lanarkshire’s natural environment
i m is protected, enhanced and respected
a
t 2. South Lanarkshire’s enhanced e
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plans and policies support the benefits of a high e
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a emissions and adapt to a n
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a Outcomes
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s 3. Local communities are supported 1. The council’s carbon emissions are
u in taking action to be more S managed and reduced. environmentally responsible. 2. The council is environmentally e g responsible in the procurement, n a use and disposal of resources. ch e at 3. The public sector climate clim l change duties are further ci embedded in service delivery n and partnership working. ou C ble ina Susta Chapter 2 Policy Background Chapter 2 – Policy Background
The concept of sustainable development has been around for about 25 years and in that time has seen many changes in the international and national legislation that has shaped local policies. The policy history of sustainable development and climate change is detailed in the previous strategy and is updated here with the changes since 2012.
International Context The Scottish Government is committed to delivering on the Paris Agreement and has Sustainable Development Goals announced proposals for a new Climate The 17 Sustainable Development Goals Change Bill, including a new ambitious 2020 (SDGs) are a new, universal set of goals target of reducing Scottish emissions by aimed to end poverty, protect the planet, more than 50% (based on 1990 levels). and ensure prosperity for all. The SDGs follow and expand on the Millennium The agreement entered into force on Development Goals (MDGs), which were 4 November 2016 with the United Kingdom agreed by governments in 2001 and being one of the 169 parties, to date, who expired in 2015. has ratified the agreement. Each goal has targets and indicators that United Nations member states are expected to use to frame their agendas and National Context political policies over the next 15 years. The Climate Change Plan Scottish Government adopted the goals in The Scottish Government published the July 2015 making Scotland one of the first Climate Change Plan in January 2017. This nations to commit to them. is the third report which sets out how The new goals recognise that tackling Scotland will meet the emission reduction climate change is essential for achieving targets in the period 2017-2032. sustainable development and as such, The plan sits alongside the Scottish many of the SDGs are addressing the core Government’s Energy Strategy and provides drivers of climate change. In particular SDG the strategic framework for the transition to Number 13 promotes urgent action to a low carbon Scotland. Building on previous combat climate change and its impacts. reports on policies and proposals, the Plan sets out the path to a low carbon economy The Paris Agreement while helping to deliver sustainable At the United Nations Climate Conference economic growth and secure the wider in Paris in December 2015, world leaders benefits to a greener, fairer and healthier agreed to adopt a legally-binding Scotland in 2032. agreement to limit global average temperature rise to well below 2°C and to The draft Plan includes policies and build resilience and reduce vulnerability to proposals to reduce emissions from the adverse effects of climate change. electricity generation, housing, transport, services, industry, forestry, peatlands, waste, and agriculture.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Climate Ready Scotland: Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme (SCCAP) The Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme sets out Scottish Ministers objectives, policies and proposals to tackle the climate change impacts identified for Scotland in the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment, as required by section Climate change duties reporting 53 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 2009. Published in 2014, and due on 5 sets clear and ambitious targets for 80% yearly cycles, the next SCCAP is due in emissions reductions by 2050 and other 2019. However, Scottish Government has climate change provisions including already begun early engagement on the adaptation. The public sector has a crucial development of the second SCCAP. South leadership role in the delivery of Scotland’s Lanarkshire is influencing this through climate change ambitions. The Act, which Climate Ready Clyde (see page 29 for came into force in January 2011, places information on Climate Ready Clyde). duties on public bodies requiring them to:
Climate change duties for Integration • contribute to carbon emissions Joint Boards reduction targets New legislation, in the form of the Public • contribute to climate change adaptation Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act • and to act sustainably 2014 came into force on 1 April 2014. The act requires Health Boards and Local Further to the duties contained in the Act, Authorities to work together effectively the Scottish Government introduced annual to agree a model of integration to statutory reporting in 2016, for public deliver quality, sustainable health and bodies, on their compliance with the climate social care services. In April 2016, the change duties. The new reporting platform integration of health and social care went has improved the quality and consistency of live in South Lanarkshire and is led by the climate change information reported across South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care the public sector in Scotland. The reports Partnership (H&SCP). and analysis are publicly available thereby increasing accountability and transparency. The Lanarkshire H&SCP agreed that an The standardised format makes it easier for Integration Joint Board (IJB), otherwise the public and other parties to understand known as the ‘Body Corporate’ model, an organisation’s climate performance. would be established. The IJB has This in turn is helping to improve leadership developed a strategic commissioning and engagement, while raising awareness plan for integrated functions and budgets of the impact of climate change with senior delegated to them. management with an aim to integrate climate change objectives are integrated The IJB is a public body and as such is in corporate business plans and action subject to the climate change duties and embedded across all departments. The the statutory reporting. South Lanarkshire’s council’s annual climate change duties IJB will work alongside the council and report can be found on our website. Health Board to comply with their climate change duties and reporting requirement. Local Context Connect 2017 – 2022 The council’s Vision to ‘improve the quality of life of everyone in South Lanarkshire’ remains at the heart of the Council Plan (Connect) and, along with our values, ambitions and objectives, influences everything that we do. Although all of Connect’s objectives are relevant to sustainable development, several are of particular importance to this Strategy.
Connect Objectives Key Outcomes for Sustainable Development Improve the availability, quality • Council housing stock meets the energy efficiency and access of housing standard by 2020 and the impact of fuel poverty and climate change on people is minimised Improve the road network, • South Lanarkshire’s road and public transport influence improvements in public network enables the flow of people, goods, and transport and encourage active services thereby supporting the local economy travel • Increased active travel and recreational access to the outdoors will improve health and wellbeing and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels Work with communities and • Communities are better prepared for a low carbon partners to promote high future and can adapt to the effects of climate quality, thriving and sustainable change communities • Local environments are protected and enhanced and communities benefit from a high quality natural environment Support the local economy by • Job creation, potential growth and investment providing the right conditions for opportunities within a green economy in South inclusive growth Lanarkshire • Develop skills, knowledge and competence to assist with the transition to a green economy in South Lanarkshire Support our communities by • Improve energy efficiency in homes to help tackle tackling disadvantage and fuel poverty deprivation, and support • Reduce the vulnerability of those most at risk from aspiration the impacts of climate change Improve achievement, raise • All learners, but especially young people are educational attainment and enabled to contribute to the global Sustainable support lifelong learning Development Goals Ensure schools and other places • Educational establishments are environmentally of learning are inspirational sustainable Encourage participation in • Individuals enjoy the benefits of healthier lifestyles in physical and cultural activities a high quality natural environment Deliver better health and social • Utilising our natural environment for ‘our natural care outcomes health service’ This strategy contributes to the council’s overall vision and sets out an appropriate plan of action based on the changes in policy background.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Chapter 3 Sustainable Council Chapter 3 – Sustainable Council
The ‘Sustainable Council’ theme is about need to maintain awareness of the council’s our own environmental performance and sustainable development and climate how we can continue to improve it. change priorities. South Lanarkshire is the eleventh largest Employee surveys consistently show there authority area in Scotland and is home is a good understanding of the need to more than 317,000 people making it to use resources more wisely and the the fifth largest population-based local part employees can play in helping use authority. The council provides services resources like energy, water, transport and for everyone in the South Lanarkshire raw materials more efficiently, and reduce area. We recognise that an organisation waste. Resource efficiency helps achieve our size could significantly impact on financial savings as well as improve our the environment and that we have a environmental performance. responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and use resources wisely. We will continue to reduce our carbon footprint through the way we manage our estate. This includes energy use in our buildings, waste management, energy from our street lighting, and fuel used in staff and business travel. We will ensure the services we deliver are efficient and resilient in the face of a changing climate As a public body we have a key role in leading by example and promoting climate Employees’ energy efficiency campaign change action more widely. The way we carry out our functions, the decisions we make and the engagement we have with local communities means we have a much wider sphere of influence on carbon emissions than just our own direct impact. By working with communities and our partners we can strengthen this approach. The way we source goods and services can also be a key lever through which we can influence a more sustainable economy, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure resilience to a changing climate. Our previous strategies have helped us improve our environmental performance. This could not have been achieved without strong leadership and the support of our employees. It is essential that we continue to create a culture that focuses on sustainability by embedding sustainable development into our strategies, plans and policies and decision making. We also One of the council’s electric cars
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 What are the issues that influenced our approach to this theme?
Policy Key priorities
Sustainable • Use resources efficiently and reduce waste Development Goals • Promote sustainable procurement practices • Invest in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures • Create a culture that focuses on sustainability
Paris Agreement • Reduce the council’s carbon footprint • Ensure service delivery is resilient to the effects of climate change
Climate Change Plan • Increase energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation (RPP3) programmes across council assets • Promote a circular economy model in construction and make greater use of green infrastructure in council facilities • Interventions to encourage sustainable and active travel • Strategic Environmental Assessment is applied appropriately and consistently in policy development
Climate Change • Resource efficiency and climate change action incorporated in Assessment Tool procurement practices and Statutory • Climate change action embedded in staff competencies Reporting • Identify risks and opportunities of climate change for the council • Demonstrate leadership and good partnership working in addressing climate change • Climate change is incorporated into relevant policies, plans and strategies
Procurement • Comply with the new sustainable procurement duty Reform Bill What has been achieved so far?
Highlights from the previous strategy Our Carbon Footprint The council’s carbon footprint • More than 40 LED lighting and solar comprises of energy use from photovoltaic projects have been carried our buildings, household waste out, 36 voltage optimisers and 13 to landfill, energy used for street boiler optimisers have been installed, lighting, fuel consumption used in 11 combined heat and power units, 49 our fleet and business travel. biomass boilers and 8 ground source heat pumps have all contributed to the Over the course of the previous strategy we overall carbon reduction. have reduced our carbon emissions from 135,256 tonnes to 110,894 (2016-17 data), an • To improve efficiency and reduce the 18% reduction. A range of initiatives can be ecological impact of our vehicles we have attributed to this significant reduction. installed a ‘telematics’ tracking system in many of our large vehicles such as • An ambitions street lighting LED replacement programme began in 2015 refuse collection, roads maintenance with savings achieved in the first year and (including winter maintenance), road/ second year. Expected savings of over footpath sweepers and buses and in 50% are anticipated at the end of the our light vehicles, such as cars and small three year programme. vans. The telematic system provides information on the utilisation of vehicles • Recycling services for our households have including incidents of engine idling and continued to expand with segregated harsh braking. This information enables waste collections extended to multi changes in the use of the vehicles that occupancy properties in 2014. New food will help reduce carbon emissions, and garden waste collections introduced vehicle emission, fuel costs, and improve in 2016 will also have contributed to the the services provided by a wide range of overall carbon reduction since 2012. vehicles. • Emissions from the energy used in our • In 2014, our low emission, low carbon, building has reduced each year; and in 2016/17 had reduced by 8,630 tonnes sustainable Fleet Service achieved a of carbon compared to 2012 (the period silver award in the Scottish Green Apple of the previous strategy 2012-2017). Awards for environmental best practice This is partly due to the milder weather and a bronze award in the International experienced but also to a successful Green Apple Awards. energy efficiency campaign and a host of new technologies and improvements made to the fabric of buildings. Solar panels at Newton Farm Primary School, South Lanarkshire
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Creating a culture that focuses on sustainability Staff engagement Decision making and governance We have continued to raise awareness Following a report from the World and engage staff on environmental Economic Forum detailing that climate sustainability and climate change through change is the top global risk for 2016, various methods including training, using the council has updated its top risks to learn-online courses, webinars and the include sustainable development and Management Development Programme. climate change duties. Climate change is Regular news articles in The Works online considered to be a concern both in the magazine, email, intranet and social media short and long term. The importance of are also key methods of communication. long term thinking about risk is especially significant when attempting to limit the We have provided opportunities for staff to extent of climate change and to adapt to take part in national campaigns such as Earth the change that is already inevitable. It Hour, Recycling Week, Home Energy Scotland is important that the council recognises and Paths for All Step Challenge. The that climate change is an increased risk council’s environmental campaigning work led to economic, social and environmental to an Earth Hour runner up award from the development. World Wide Fund for Nature in 2013. Sustainability and climate change action is The council managed to secure external used as a guiding principle for all new and funding to promote sustainable travel choices revised programmes, plans, polices and for employees. Initiatives included the ‘Cycle strategies (PPPS). Environmental impacts to Work’ scheme, ‘Dr Bike’ maintenance are also considered through the Strategic sessions, ‘Essential Cycling Skills’ training Environmental Assessment process for all and equipment like cycle shelters, lockers new and revised PPPS. Furthermore all and dryers. All initiatives have been well committee reports have a requirement to supported and received by staff. detail any sustainability or environmental implications. The Sustainable Development Member Officer Working Group, consisting of three Elected Members and three Executive Directors, has the responsibility for implementing this Strategy and reporting progress to the Executive Committee. An Officers’ Coordination Group supports the work of the Member Officer Group, making recommendations and developing work programmes.
Employee essential cycling skills
The council’s personnel service introduced agile working for employees which contributes to reducing the council’s carbon footprint. Wider adoption of this model could lead to reduced travel costs and reduced office accommodation required, with a resultant reduction in heating, lighting and general running costs. Sustainable Procurement Sustainable South Lanarkshire The Sustainable Procurement Policy has During the development of the previous helped to further embed sustainability Sustainable Development Strategy, and climate change considerations in internal consultation took place with the procurement process. Sustainability employees to gain their views and ideas testing is now a requirement in the in relation to the council’s approach to corporate sourcing strategy allowing developing sustainably. The feedback for climate change and sustainability to revealed that employees were aware be considered when compiling tender of individual areas of work such as specifications. energy reduction, active travel and recycling. However, many did not make Training has also been provided to the connection that these areas of work employees, involved at all stages of the contributed towards the council’s overall procurement process, to understand the sustainable development objectives. implications on public procurement resulting from the new sustainable procurement duty There was a suggestion to develop which is derived from the Procurement branding to be included on all Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. sustainability related publicity material so that employees could easily recognise that the varying topics, projects and initiatives contribute to the council’s sustainable development objectives. ‘Sustainable South Lanarkshire’ has been designed to provide a visual connection to sustainability for employees and the wider community. The use of the branding is still in its infancy; however through promotion and further use this will become a recognised brand for the council. Email: [email protected] I cycle because...
South Lanarkshire Council Carbon Management Plan it makes 2016 me feel good
Cycling is economical, healthy and green
Get out and give it a go
For more information visit www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk Documents and
Produced for Community and Enterprise Resources by Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. 016447/Dec14 posters that include the Sustainable South Lanarkshire branding
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Strategic outcomes In this section, we have set out our strategic outcomes and how we intend to achieve them.
Outcome 1.1: Outcome 1.3: The council’s carbon emissions are The public sector climate change managed and reduced. duties are further embedded in service delivery and partnership How can we achieve this? working. • Implement our Carbon Management Plan to reduce the council’s carbon footprint How can we achieve this? in line with the Scottish Government’s • Demonstrate leadership and further targets develop partnership approaches in • Continue to implement energy efficiency sustainable development and climate measures across council facilities change action including investment in renewable and • Ensure that sustainable development low carbon energy solutions and climate change is used as a guiding • Implement measures within the principle in council plans, policies and council’s fleet to contribute to the strategies and that these also incorporate Scottish Government’s ambition of the environmental considerations decarbonisation of road transport • Take account of the public sector climate • Continue to improve the efficiency of change duties (mitigation, adaptation our business travel and promote more and acting sustainably) when making sustainable travel options for employees decisions about the use of our assets and capital investment in our estate • Continue to raise awareness of Outcome 1.2: sustainable development and the The council is environmentally business impacts of climate change with responsible in the procurement, our employees and develop the skills use and disposal of resources. required across the council to influence and adapt to change How can we achieve this? • Continue to develop procurement processes to improve environmental Sustainable Council key strategies outcomes and ensure compliance with the and plans council’s sustainable procurement duty There are a number of key strategies and • Create a culture of resource efficiency in plans that will help us achieve the intended the workplace outcomes in this theme. These include: • Maximise the use of environmentally • Asset Management Plans responsible materials and reduce, reuse • Carbon Management Plan and recycle construction waste in new and refurbished council facilities • The Council Plan Connect • Employee Travel Plan • Energy Management Framework • Fuel Efficiency Strategy • Sustainable Procurement Policy Chapter 4 Sustainable Environment Chapter 4 – Sustainable Environment
The focus of this theme is South measures should be put in place to reduce Lanarkshire’s natural environment and the emissions. Typical measures to reduce benefits it can bring to people who live, emissions from local sources include traffic work or visit the area. The quality of the management, the encouragement of environment across South Lanarkshire is in uptake of cleaner vehicles, and increased many aspects relatively good. A rich and use of public transport along with more diverse environment provides the area with sustainable transport methods such as its unique character. walking and cycling. It also has a significant influence on human Healthy biodiversity supports sustainable health and quality of life. The provision development and benefits not only by of high quality, safe and easily accessible providing us with clean air, water, food, greenspace, for example, is recognised energy, medicine, and building materials as being an effective way to promote but also provides jobs and places for physical and mental health and recreation and enjoyment. The resources community wellbeing. that biodiversity provides are known as ‘ecosystem services’. Biodiversity The council continues to work with its conservation is not just about protecting community planning partners to develop those species that are rare or we find and enhance greenspace provision and especially attractive; it is about securing the encourage more outdoor recreation. fundamental building blocks which There are well established links between we rely on. economic growth and the quality of the environment. This is self-evident in relation Predicted changes in the local climate as a to industries which clearly rely on a clean result of global warming, present some risks and healthy environment, for example, to our natural and physical environment. food production and tourism, but can While these are difficult to quantify at also be a factor in determining business present, the council has a duty to consider investment choices. potential impacts and contribute to national plans being developed to help Scotland’s Clean air is important for our good health natural systems and infrastructure to adapt. and wellbeing. That is why it is so important that we all play our part in protecting and Biodiversity and ecosystem services can improving the quality of the air that we also be used to mitigate and adapt to breathe. Pollution from road traffic, and climate change. For example the restoration particularly diesel fumes, is a significant of peatland can improve the carbon storage cause of poor air quality. The council’s capacity and reduce incidents of flooding. role is to monitor air quality and where concentrations exceed national levels,
Enjoying the outdoors, Cunningar Loop, Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 What are the issues that influenced our approach to this theme?
Policy Key priorities Sustainable Development • Sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes Goals local culture and products • Robust and reliable environmental data • Reduce air pollution • Provide safe, inclusive and accessible green public spaces and foster healthy lifestyles • Protect and safeguard South Lanarkshire’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations • Biodiversity conservation is an integral part of local development planning • Community-based participation in environmental management Paris Agreement • Ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity • Conservation and protection of carbon sinks • Help natural systems adapt to changes in the climate • Use the natural environment to minimise the effects of climate change Climate Change Plan (RPP3) • Greater sequestration potential through increased canopy cover, woodland creation and restoration of degraded peatlands • Accessible open/greenspace canopy cover and woodlands contributing to improving people’s health and wellbeing Climate Change Assessment • Indentify the threats to biodiversity from a changing Tool and Statutory Reporting climate Cleaner Air for Scotland • Local air quality action planning which includes measures that will provide co-benefits in terms of sustainability and carbon reduction • Biodiversity and ecosystem services can also be used to mitigate and adapt to climate change. For example the restoration of peatland can improve the carbon storage capacity and reduce incidents of flooding. What has been done so far?
Highlights over the last five years The improvement in water quality of this Greenspace and Biodiversity habitat network will result in multiple waterways supporting a more diverse Woodland Restoration at and sustainable fish community that is Chatelherault Country Park more resilient to the effects of a changing Restoration of conifer plantation sites climate. to ancient woodland is a national conservation priority and a key objective Peatland Restoration of South Lanarkshire Council’s long term The council owns Langlands Moss Local management plans for various sites. Nature Reserve which is managed in The woodlands at Chatelherault are an partnership with the Friends of Langlands important component of the Clyde Valley Moss (FOLM). The site is a small (20ha), Woodlands National Nature Reserve, largely intact area of lowland raised bog and one of the most biodiverse natural in south East Kilbride. The group has habitats in Scotland. 18 hectares (6,500 been carrying out conservation work on tonnes of timber) of commercial plantation site for many years, and more recently in conifers have been removed from the partnership with Butterfly Conservation’s west banks of the River Avon. Revenue Bog Squad to install dams and remove generated from timber will be invested in trees. These works have helped to rewet vital improvements at the country park. The parts of the moss helping to ensure natural regeneration of native woodland will that specialist bog species survive as greatly improve biodiversity of the site. well as improving the efficacy of the A diversely structured native woodland site as a carbon store and to help with with variable ground flora will slow the reducing flood risk. The council has been flow of water down steep gorges, helping awarded Peatland Action funding to carry to reduce flooding risk and protect soils. out a feasibility study, to direct future Over the long term, carbon will be captured management which will ensure the long and stored by trees and the associated term effectiveness of this important site. woodland soils. This naturally functioning woodland will contribute to a valuable Urban Greenspace habitat network, aiding species resilience The council’s Countryside and Greenspace and adaptation to the effects of climate Service work with various partners including change. community groups to regenerate and maintain the council’s land assets, especially Returning Salmon to the River Avon woodland and other natural open spaces. On the River Avon, two abandoned weirs: During the five years of the previous Ferniegair (Chatelherault Country Park) strategy the volunteer time invested in and Millheugh (close to Larkhall) were keeping these resources accessible and in identified as high impact obstacles to the good environmental condition has equated movement of species such as salmon. South to £700,000. Over the same period, more Lanarkshire Council was one of a number of than £800,000 of external funding has been partners involved in constructing fish passes invested in greenspace improvement. at these weirs, creating a navigable pathway for fish. The project was completed in October 2016, allowing fish to migrate upstream and access an additional 200km of waterways for spawning.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 • We have facilitated an air quality and active sustainable travel programme for schools. The programme has included classroom workshops, social marketing training and travel action days. The aim of the programme is to raise awareness of air quality issues and encourage active and sustainable travel among older school pupils and their family groups, particularly during the journey to school. To date approximately 3,400 pupils have participated in over 118 classroom sessions. • We launched the ECO (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme in 2015. The scheme is free and available to fleet operators within South Lanarkshire and is aimed at helping fleet operators improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions as well as making cost savings. Woodland restoration at Chatelherault Country Park, South Lanarkshire We have also joined the scheme as fleet operators and to date there are 101 scheme members including national and Health and the environment local operators. The scheme covers 5,481 Outdoor Access – South Lanarkshire vehicles which regularly operate in the has over 775km of core paths (which South Lanarkshire area. are detailed in South Lanarkshire’s Core • Vehicle emission testing events as well Path Plan), 1,180km of wider access as engine idling patrols which focus on network routes, and 114 km of core water school pickup times are undertaken on a based routes. Investment in maintaining, regular basis. These events help support upgrading and extending the network efficient vehicle emissions as well as of paths and tracks available for walkers, encouraging behaviour change in terms cyclists and horse-riders includes projects of engine idling. such as the completion of the South Lanarkshire section of the Glasgow to Vacant, derelict or contaminated land – Carlisle National Cycle Network Route Under the Environmental Protection Act No.74 and the Clyde Walkway Community 1990 we have a responsibility to investigate Links project where paths have been our land area specifically to find and improved to link local communities with the resolve contaminated land issues. Potential Clyde Walkway. contaminated sites are investigated and remediated through the planning Air Quality – In South Lanarkshire we process which helps support sustainable generally have good and improving air development. To date 1,698 sites (29% quality. However, there are some localised of the total) have been, in whole or part, air pollution hotspots in our towns. We have investigated and remediated. declared three air quality management areas in these hotspots (East Kilbride (Whirlies), Rutherglen and Lanark) which allows action planning to improve air quality to be developed and delivered. Flooding – As part of the statutory trim trails, nature trails and accessible duties within the Flood Risk Management wooded/wildflower areas. In addition, many (Scotland) Act 2009 , the council has teaching staff across South Lanarkshire been involved in the production of Local have undergone accredited Forest School Flood Risk Management Plans, part of a Training which allows them to lead teaching collaborative approach with other local on woodland activity. authorities and other external stakeholders including the Scottish Government, SEPA Partnership Working and Scottish Water to manage flood risk in The council works with many partners to a sustainable manner. There are two Local deliver multiple benefits to communities Flood Risk Management Plans that cover from using the local environment. Here are the South Lanarkshire area: Clyde and Loch a couple of examples of the many different Lomond and Tweed. partnerships we are involved in and what collaborative working can achieve. Environmental Monitoring South Lanarkshire’s comprehensive State The Lanarkshire Greenspace, Health and of the Environment report is produced Wellbeing Partnership every two years and was last updated in The partnership was established in 2013 2015. The Report provides an effective to build upon the growing evidence means of tracking changes in the local that physical exercise, especially in a environment, ensuring that the council and natural environment, has a positive partners have a clear understanding of its impact on physical and mental health. current condition and helps to promote The Partnership supports a Walking awareness of local environmental pressures Development Officer, who co-ordinates and priorities that need to be considered the Get Walking Lanarkshire initiative. alongside local community issues and Developing environmental volunteering the economy. remains a key partnership objective, with the council’s Countryside and Greenspace Environmental Education continuing to run three successful, mental South Lanarkshire’s ‘State of the health focussed volunteering programmes Environment’ report has been made with health and social care sector partners: available as an interactive resource on Recover Through Nature (Phoenix Futures), ‘GLOW’, the online educational platform Cadzow Crew (Lanarkshire Association for for schools. Pupils and staff can access Mental Health) and Branching Out (Forestry data tables, charts and maps as well as Commission and NHS Lanarkshire). other resources within the State of the Environment section on GLOW. In turn environmental data collated through their own research and experiments can be uploaded and will be used to influence future editions of the State of the Environment Report. The Outdoor Learning Strategy was launched in 2015, which is aimed at taking the curriculum outdoors. Many of our schools now have outdoor learning provision within their grounds which include facilities such as outdoor classrooms, biodiversity areas, planters/ Get Walking Lanarkshire plots for growing vegetables, orchards,
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 The Partnership connected with the Conservation Volunteering at South Haugh national ‘Our Natural Health Service Action South Haugh is an area of land, Programme’, during 2017, to become a approximately 32 hectares, near the centre ‘Local Green Health Partnerships’ which of Hamilton, bordered by the river Avon, will co-ordinate action between the health, the M74, Motherwell Road and the houses social care and the environmental sectors. at Smithycroft. It is made up of a variety of habitats: ponds, riverbank, woodlands, The action programme is led by Scottish meadows and public recreation land. Natural Heritage (SNH), working in partnership with Forestry Commission Over the last two years South Lanarkshire Scotland, NHS Health Scotland and a range Council’s Countryside and Greenspace of other national and local organisations. team have worked with a number of The goal of Our Natural Health Service local groups and individuals who have action programme is to instigate a step volunteered at South Haugh to restore change in how the natural environment can and improve its natural heritage. The team be used to improve people’s health supports volunteering in a number of ways such as running events and training courses; directly supporting groups to apply for The Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape funding for site improvements and running Partnership regular conservation work days. The Clyde and Avon Valleys Landscape Partnership was established in 2011, with From February 2014 to June 2016, the funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Countryside and Greenspace team have Over its six year lifespan, the Partnership hosted 43 conservation action events which has supported over 70 projects to conserve has resulted in a contribution of time by volunteers equal to 393 days. They have the built and natural heritage, increase undertaken a wide variety of environmental community participation, improve access volunteering activities including clearing and develop learning and skills training. paths, thinning trees and removing invasive As lead partner, the council has benefitted plant species. The volunteers have also greatly from capital investment in some built and installed a number of benches, of South Lanarkshire’s key biodiversity, information boards and repaired a bird landscape and tourism assets, sharing screen at one of the ponds. of resources and expertise and greatly improved capacity for community Environmental volunteering not only participation and volunteer engagement. improves the local environment but reconnects people with nature and provides Environmental Volunteering health and wellbeing benefits and social Work has continued with environmental and equality opportunities for people. volunteers across South Lanarkshire to help improve parks, woodlands, walking routes and many other green places. Environmental volunteering can include ‘Friends of’ groups that look after their local woodlands; horticulture groups, health walk groups leading weekly walks, and practical conservation groups all of which have equated to over 12,100 volunteer days in the last four years.
Volunteers working with the Countryside and Greenspace team to clear paths at South Haugh, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire Strategic outcomes In this section, we have set out our strategic outcomes and how we intend to achieve them.
Outcome 2.1: • Continue to educate our young people South Lanarkshire’s natural about the local environment in which environment is protected, they live and encourage them to reduce the impacts they have upon it enhanced and respected. • Provide environmental volunteering How can we achieve this? opportunities and support community • Continue to measure progress and groups to manage local environmental report on the state of South Lanarkshire’s projects environment • Ensure our planning and land use policies protect and enhance the natural Sustainable Environment key environment and ecosystem services strategies and plans: • Use our natural environment to help There are a number of key strategies and mitigate and adapt to the impacts of plans that will help us achieve the intended climate change outcomes in this theme. These include: • Review and assess air quality throughout • Air Quality Strategy and Action Plan South Lanarkshire in line with our Air Quality Strategy • Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan • Meet our statutory biodiversity duty by • Contaminated Land Strategy managing our own estate to enhance and • Core Paths Plan protect biodiversity • The Council Plan Connect • Contribute to South Lanarkshire • Flood Risk Management Plans Biodiversity Partnership’s action plan ensuring ecosystems are strengthened • Open Space Strategy and used sustainably • Local Transport Strategy • Local Development Plan and Statutory Supplementary Guidance Outcome 2.2: South Lanarkshire’s enhanced • Outdoor Access Strategy environment provides health • South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy and wellbeing benefits to local • South Lanarkshire Council Invasive communities. Species Strategy How can we achieve this? • Continue to develop the Greenspace Strategic Partnership to enable people to learn, play and be physically active outdoors in South Lanarkshire • Work in partnership to develop and implement South Lanarkshire’s Outdoor Access Strategy
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Chapter 5 Sustainable Communities Chapter 5 – Sustainable Communities
Sustainable communities can be described • Enhancing active travel within our as places in which people want to live, now communities is a key focus for the and in the future; improving the quality council. Work is ongoing to improve the of life for all whilst safeguarding the cycling infrastructure and to date there environment for future generations. are over 750km of paths for walking and cycling within the area, and over This theme is about the action the council 250km of signed cycle routes. The cycle takes, solely or in partnership, to enable network has also been extended with the people in South Lanarkshire to live within construction of new schemes, including environmental limits whilst ensuring strong, the recent completion of National healthy and just communities and help Cycling Network (NCN) Route 74 through to achieve a sustainable local economy. South Lanarkshire linking Glasgow There are many areas in which the council’s and Gretna via Uddingston, Hamilton, policies and actions can make it easier for Larkhall, Stonehouse, Kirkmuirhill and people to live more sustainably. Lesmahagow, and NCN Route 756, which Statutory duties set out in the Climate connects East Kilbride to Glasgow. Change (Scotland) Act, 2009 require us to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions not just from our own services, but across the wider community as well. The statutory duties also require us to support communities increase resilience to climate change impacts and to mitigate against the potential for climate change to increase health and social inequalities. We can contribute to action on climate change through our policies, powers and Making use of South Lanarkshire’s cycle routes partnership activities. • How we plan for new developments has a • The waste management services we significant impact on the transport needs provide enable householders to recycle of local communities. It can promote a more of what they throw away and so shift towards walking, cycling or use of help reduce greenhouse gas emissions public transport systems and away from from landfill sites. Recycling helps reduce a reliance on private cars to access jobs, demand for new raw materials, the services and recreation opportunities. energy needed to process them and • The council also has a role in supporting the environmental impact on the natural communities and local businesses to be environments where they are sourced. ready for, and benefit from, Scotland’s Increased awareness of the impact of transition to a low carbon economy. waste can hopefully encourage people to be less wasteful in their everyday lives. • We will continue to work with partners and local communities to increase • The council is investing in the energy resilience against the impacts of efficiency of homes to help reduce climate change and to benefit from any fuel poverty and minimise the costs to opportunities and minimise the impacts householders using a range of available of climate change widening the gap in funding mechanisms. Lowering wasted health and social inequalities energy to heat homes will help achieve further reductions in South Lanarkshire’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 What are the issues that influenced our approach to this theme?
Policy Key priorities
Sustainable • Integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation into local Development development planning Goals • Help build resilience of our communities to the effects of climate change • Ensure learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development • Invest in energy efficient buildings, renewable energy sources and help tackle fuel poverty • Promote active travel, the use of public transport and electric vehicles • Discourage engine idling and promote ongoing vehicle maintenance • Provide communities with facilities for waste management • Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all • Equip local communities with the knowledge and tools to reduce their environmental footprint • Engage with local communities on environmental sustainable development and climate change action
Paris Agreement • Council polices, plans and strategies will help reduce carbon emissions in the South Lanarkshire area • Work with communities to build resilience and decrease vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change • Collaboration with partners on climate change adaptation
Climate Change • Increase energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation programmes Plan (RPP3) across council housing - Improving the energy efficiency of homes will also improve health outcomes • Adopt circular economy principles in construction and make greater use of green infrastructure in council housing • Enhance the capacity of the electric vehicle charging network, promote the uptake of ultra low emission vehicles and consider urban-wide low emission zones – lower emissions from transport will help reduce air pollution and improve health • Further infrastructure improvements in favour of walking and cycling
Climate Change • Local infrastructure and local communities are resilient to adapt to Assessment Tool the impacts of climate change and Reporting
Fairer Scotland • Tackling fuel poverty by providing warm homes that are affordable Action Plan to heat What has been achieved so far?
Highlights from the previous strategy We have used secured funding through Transport Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Sustrans and Paths for All as well as air South Lanarkshire’s Local Transport quality grants to support an ongoing Strategy was revised in 2013 and includes initiative aimed at increasing active policies which address climate change sustainable travel across South Lanarkshire. issues including flood risk management There are many health and environmental and sustainable travel options. South benefits to be gained from choosing more Lanarkshire’s first cycling strategy was also active and sustainable means of travel. published providing details of projects to The initiative has involved a promotional promote and encourage more cycling in campaign with adverts, posters, leaflets, the area. online articles and social media promotion Excellent progress has been achieved of cycling and walking. in delivering improvements to cycling A review of the walking and cycling infrastructure across South Lanarkshire. information available on South Lanarkshire One of the projects completed during the Council’s website was undertaken. previous sustainable development strategy Signposts to useful online walking and was the final section of the National Cycling cycling resources were added. Between Network 74 route from Lesmahagow to June 2016 and June 2017 these pages Happendon. The completion of this final received 6,341 page views with an section now allows cyclists to travel on a increasing trend observed from late January direct route from Glasgow to Gretna. In 2017 which coincides with increased 2014 the first South Lanarkshire Cycling promotion of the campaign. Partnership was established to promote and progress cycling issues within the area. Land use and housing There are now 58 electric vehicle charging The council has invested significant posts covering 98 bays across South resources in its 25,000 homes to bring Lanarkshire which encourages the use of them up to the Scottish Housing Quality electric vehicles in line with the Scottish Standard (SHQS), significantly improving the Government’s commitment to complete sustainability of council homes. decarbonisation of the road transport sector by 2050. In order to achieve this goal it The average energy efficiency rating will mean moving away from the current across council housing has increased and dependence on fossil-fuelled vehicles. the improvements are estimated to save Locations of electric charging points in South households around £40 per year on fuel Lanarkshire can be found using ‘Locate it’. bills. As a result of this investment the total lifetime reduction of carbon emissions is projected to be over 100,000 tonnes. Through the Homes Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) and other schemes, the council has attracted over £15million external funding for improving energy efficiency in private homes.
Electric charging points
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Local Development Plan When assessing new developments we We adopted the South Lanarkshire Local consider the probability of flooding from all Development Plan (LDP) in June 2015 sources and utilise the latest climate change 2 and it runs until 2020. The LDP sets out projections to ensure that development a land use planning framework for South only takes place on current or future flood Lanarkshire which seeks to ensure that plains where it will not affect the ability of future development takes place in a the flood plain to store and convey water, sustainable way. It is supported by a suite of where the development will not be at risk ten Statutory Supplementary Guidance (SG) of flooding and where the development documents which contain detailed policies will not increase the risk of flooding and guidance on a range of topics including elsewhere. We also use the latest climate Sustainable Development and Climate change projections when undertaking Flood Change, Natural and Historic Environment, Studies, Surface Water Management Plans Green Networks and Greenspace and or Flood Protection Schemes, to assess Renewable Energy Development. Work has if our assets are able to cope with the commenced on LDP2 which will update demands of future rainfall patterns. the policies in LDP1. It is proposed that the (2) South Lanarkshire Council currently use the adopted Minerals Local Development Plan information from the UKCP09 climate projections to be amalgamated into LDP2 with separate plan and adapt for future changes in climate. Once statutory SG on Minerals being produced. the UKCP18 data is released we will use this updated information.
Climate change adaptation Climate Ready Clyde The local development plan and associated The council is a member of Climate Ready sustainable development climate change Clyde which is a cross-sector initiative supplementary guidance includes policies bringing partners together to work and advice that helps address land use strategically to minimise the risks and seize issues arising from the impact of climate the opportunities climate change brings for change. The policies and advice from the the economy, society and environment in LDP and SG will help ensure: Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. The aim of the initiative is that people and communities • New developments are adaptable will benefit from actions to adapt to climate to withstand more extreme weather, change, that adaptation helps secure including prolonged wet or dry periods existing investment and generates new • The development and promotion of local opportunities, and protects the area’s green infrastructure to support local natural environment and uses it to help biodiversity (such as green corridors) adapt to climate change. • The use of sustainable drainage systems Running from 2016-2019, it is leading (SuDS) to reduce flood risk and improve development and co-ordination of a Climate watercourse water quality Change Adaptation Strategy and Action • Identifying opportunities for blue/green Plan for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. infrastructure to reduce flood risk and Alongside this, it provides capacity building improve watercourse water quality and support, as well as new evidence and • The promotion of landscaping and climate change leadership. It is funded by natural shading to cool spaces during Scottish Government and 11 local partners, hotter periods including healthcare providers, Universities, transport providers and Local Authorities. Waste management and recycling Community Involvement We have created greener waste collection All schools within South Lanarkshire are services for households across South engaged with eco schools or similar Lanarkshire, including food and garden programmes. The aim of the eco schools waste collection and the extension of our programme is to make environmental recycling services to flats. As a result, 49.8% awareness and action an intrinsic part of of household waste was recycled in 2015-16 the life and ethos of the school for both compared to 37.7% in 2012-13. In 2015, we pupils and for staff and to engage the wider won the Scottish Green Apple Gold Award community. Over 40% of our schools have for environmental best practice in waste achieved the internationally recognised management. symbol of excellence in Sustainable Development Education - the Green Flag – demonstrating their good work in protecting, respecting and enhancing the environment and reducing their school’s carbon footprint.
Climate Challenge Fund Community groups in South Lanarkshire have received grants through the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) to tackle climate change by running projects that reduce local carbon emissions. The CCF has supported projects involving energy efficiency improvements to community owned buildings, home energy efficiency advice, lower carbon travel options, community growing initiatives and schemes to tackle waste. Some of the projects funded in South Lanarkshire through the CCF have included: • Bike Town, run by Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust • Passback and Blantyre Bikes Better both Waste collection services run by Blantyre Soccer Academy • The Healthy n Happy Community Hub Eco Project, run by Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust • Revolve Recycling, run by Lightburn Elderly Association Project
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Local community engagement The council has facilitated a series of air quality and active travel workshops funded from Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) and Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) grant programmes. The bespoke workshops have involved pupils from Primary 4, 5 and 6 from various schools across South Lanarkshire and have focused on awareness of air quality issues, the benefits of active and sustainable travel and related issues such as car parking and engine idling near schools. The workshops were mainly classroom based however did include supporting activities such as homework exercises and take-home information.
Following the workshops, two separate Long Calderwood Primary School, East Kilbride projects were undertaken consisting of taking part in the air quality and active travel more focussed activities, allowing whole workshops schools to participate, with parents and carers being encouraged to travel by active/ sustainable modes on the day. Pupils delivered presentations on air quality, active travel and engine idling, and distributed air quality and active travel information leaflets (which they designed) to their families, friends and the wider community. Going forward it is hoped that we can continue to secure funding for these workshops engaging pupils in tackling air pollution in South Lanarkshire, helping them understand how their families’ travel choices could help reduce these problems, and ultimately encouraging a change in travel behaviour toward choices other than the private car. Strategic outcomes In this section, we have set out our strategic outcomes and how we intend to achieve them.
Outcome 3.1: Outcome 3.2: Homes and communities are The council’s strategies, plans and energy efficient, environmentally policies support communities to live sustainable, and fuel poverty is more sustainably, reduce carbon minimised. emissions and adapt to a changing How can we achieve this? climate • Explore options for innovative and How can we achieve this? affordable low carbon energy and • Continue to divert waste from landfill by heating solutions in local areas that will providing and encouraging the effective contribute towards national climate use of household waste management change ambitions services across South Lanarkshire • Work in partnership to help build • Continue to invest in energy efficiency resilience in local communities and measures in council homes including mitigate against the potential increase improvements to the fabric of the of health and social inequalities from the building, installation of affordable low impacts of climate change carbon heating and the use of renewable • Work in partnership to ensure that local technologies infrastructure is resilient to the impacts of climate change and seek opportunities • Work in partnership to provide advice for including blue-green infrastructure and support to local communities to help to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of increase energy efficiency at home and climate change minimise fuel poverty • Encourage the uptake of low emission • Increase focus on sustainability for new vehicles across South Lanarkshire developments through innovative design • Help to reduce vehicle emissions and and delivery, using natural resources and congestion and connect communities by environmentally-responsible building improving infrastructure in favour of, and materials, and incorporating low carbon integration between, walking, cycling and energy solutions using public transport • Work in partnership to support and • Incorporate inclusive and sustainable encourage sustainable travel choices place-making principles into the design for people within South Lanarkshire, and delivery of area-based housing with emphasis on walking and cycling development projects and programmes promoting a healthier lifestyle • Ensure that opportunities for environmental benefits are realised through our procurement practices and externally funded programmes such as the renewable energy fund and developers’ contributions • Support renewable energy generation across South Lanarkshire helping to reduce the area’s carbon emissions and promote economic growth • Encourage sustainable production and consumption in the business community and support the growth of a low carbon industry in South Lanarkshire
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Outcome 3.3: Sustainable Environment key Local communities are supported strategies and plans: in taking action to be more There are a number of key strategies and environmentally responsible plans that will help us achieve the intended outcomes in this theme. These include: How can we achieve this? • Support communities to access funding • Air Quality Strategy for environmentally sustainable projects • Cycling Strategy or action on climate change • The Council Plan Connect • Communicate and engage with • Energy Management Framework communities on environmental and climate change issues empowering • Lanarkshire Tourism Action Plan further local action • Local Housing Strategy • Support local communities to be more • Local Transport Strategy resilient to the impacts of climate change • Local Development Plan and Statutory • Embed sustainability and climate Supplementary Guidance change in the school curriculum and continuing to engage young people in • Outdoor Access Strategy environmental education through eco • Sustainable Procurement Policy schools and similar programmes • Local Flood Risk Management Plans • Work in partnership to provide (Clyde and Loch Lomond and Tweed) the appropriate skills required for employment opportunities in the low carbon and renewable energy industry • Develop and implement policies which supports sustainable tourism, creating jobs and promoting local culture and products Chapter 6 Measuring, monitoring and reporting Chapter 6 – Implementation, monitoring and reporting
How will we deliver our strategy? development member officer group Sustainable development is part of our reporting to the Executive Committee. The approach to best value and should inform group is chaired by an elected member and how we deliver all our services. Therefore, includes two other elected members. The we will integrate the actions from the Chief Executive, the Executive Director of Sustainable Development and Climate Community and Enterprise Resources and Change Strategy into the council’s annual Executive Director of Housing and Technical Resource and Service Plans. Resources also sit on the group (as outlined in the diagram below). A table of how we intend to deliver our strategy is attached at Appendix 3. This An Officer’s Coordination Group drawn is the framework we will use to agree and from all Council Resources and led by the review the strategy’s actions and measures council’s Sustainable Development Officer with our Services on an annual basis. The supports the work of the member officer annual action plan will be published on the group, making recommendations and council’s website. developing work programmes. The responsibility for implementing the strategy rests with the sustainable
Governance diagram
Executive Committee
Sustainable Development Member Officer Working Group
Sustainable Development Coordination Group
Learning about Carbon SEA Corporate Sustainability in Management Working Schools (LASS) Sub-group Sub-group Sub-group
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 How we will monitor and report Climate Change Duties Statutory on our Strategy Reporting As has been noted throughout the strategy, We will continue to report progress on many of our strategic outcomes and our sustainable development and climate actions are delivered through, or shared change outcomes to the public through by, other plans and strategies. We will, various methods of communication however, report in relation to sustainable including our website, news articles, and development objectives ‘as a whole’ to social media. provide an overview of our progress. We also have a statutory requirement, Actions will be monitored quarterly using as part of the Climate Change (Scotland) the council’s performance management Act 2009, to annually report our climate software system ‘IMPROVe’ and progress change duties compliance to the Scottish will be reported at least twice a year Government. Our annual climate change through the council’s committee structures. duties report is available on our website. Progress reports will also be made available to the public on the council’s website. We aim to improve the way the council’s South Lanarkshire State of the approach to sustainable development is Environment Report reported to make it more accessible and In addition, we will continue to maintain transparent. The council also publishes the biennial South Lanarkshire’s State annual public performance reports; a copy of the Environment report. This report of the sustainable development public provides analysis across a range of performance report can be found on our environmental issues, giving an overall website: www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/ picture of the condition of South info/200173/council_performance/1478/ Lanarkshire’s environment. It is used to performance_at_a_glance/20 identify environmental challenges facing As well as reporting on actions, there are a South Lanarkshire and to track changes in number of specific measures which will be environmental conditions. used to help assess the overall success of our approach in relation to each strategy theme. These will be collated through our Outcome Monitoring Plan and reported in the annual review of the strategy. Key measures for each theme are attached at appendix 4. Appendices Appendix 1 Environmental Statement Sustainable Development South Lanarkshire Council has broad achieving economic and social ranging responsibilities spanning development in a way that also economic, social and environmental enables us to protect and enhance issues. It is important that we find a our environment both now and for balance between all three issues to the future. safeguard the wellbeing of future generations both locally and globally; Our Sustainable Development this balancing is referred to as Strategy focuses on the environmental sustainable development. aspects of sustainable development to complement our other strategies Sustainable development, which is for social and economic development. a priority for the council, is about Our Environmental Commitment This ‘Environmental Statement’ sets out the council’s environmental commitments as detailed in this sustainable development and climate change strategy. The Environmental Statement is relevant to all staff as everyone has a part to play in being sustainable, and protecting and enhancing the environment both locally and globally. Environmental Statement Communication • We will promote the importance of the local • We will communicate environment in which our openly the council’s young people live and environmental policies, encourage them to reduce plans and performance and the impacts they have upon it. involve local communities in decisions impacting on their local Resource efficiency environment. • We will improve resource • We will ensure that our employees efficiency, including our use and elected members are familiar with of water, energy and raw this environmental statement and will materials. enlist their support in improving our environmental performance. • We will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy Education sources. • We will continue to educate our young Waste people about the environment through • We will promote the the Curriculum for Excellence and help reduction of waste them learn the skills they will need in a low produced and encourage carbon economy. the re-use and recycling of materials.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Procurement Climate Change • We will aim to procure • We will work in partnership goods and service in a in response to the national sustainable manner and targets to reduce the contribute to the transition council’s carbon emissions of a circular economy. We and those for the South will also encourage our suppliers to adopt Lanarkshire area. similar environmental principles • We will minimise the effects of climate change on our service delivery and Travel work in partnership to ensure that local • We will promote sustainable infrastructure and local communities are travel through the efficient resilient to adapt to the impacts of climate use of our own fleet and change and minimise the impacts of promote greater use of the climate change widening the gap in health public transport network, car sharing and and social inequalities. cycling and walking as alternative means of travel. We will support the use of low Delivering carbon vehicles. our statutory Protect the physical requirements • We will comply with environment, relevant legislation and biodiversity and contribute to national targets in greenspace relation to the environment. • We will protect the public from environmental hazards, take action to improve the quality of local environments and promote the potential of the environment to improve health and wellbeing. • We will work to protect biodiversity and safeguard ecosystem services in accordance with national and international legislation, policies and guidelines. • We will work with communities to provide access to well managed, good quality greenspace and opportunities for accessing the outdoors. • We will support and develop opportunities for environmental volunteering. Appendix 2 – Consultation and statutory assessments
Consultation and engagement Equalities In preparing the Strategy we held Reducing inequalities and creating engagement and consultation sessions opportunities is a key goal of sustainable using a set of sustainability questions development and is reflected in the designed to help understand people’s United Nation’s new global Sustainable attitudes and perceptions to environmental Development Goals. This strategy has been issues in their local area. developed using the principle of equality for all as it cuts across all three themes and • An internal consultation was carried out indeed the work of the council. for all our employees to gain their views and ideas The impacts of climate change on • Discussion sessions were held with young communities and individuals has the people in local schools and colleges to potential to widen the gap on health and hear their views on how decisions made social inequalities therefore the strategy by the council affects their lives now and will include action to work in partnership to in their future mitigate against this. • A stakeholder consultation was Our corporate commitment to conducted to understand local needs equality is contained in the council’s and priorities mainstreaming equalities report and the equalities outcomes it sets out. The We received considerable feedback during report outlines our whole organisation’s the engagement and consultation sessions approach to meeting the general duties and we would like to thank everyone contained in the Equality Act (2010) to who contributed. The strategy has been eliminate discrimination, harassment strengthened as result of the feedback we and victimisation; advance equality of have received. opportunity; and foster good relations in relation to the protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, Strategic Environmental race, religion and belief, gender and sexual Assessment (SEA) orientation, pregnancy and maternity, and We have carried out an SEA screening marriage and civil partnership. of the draft Strategy. The statutory An equalities and human rights impact Consultation Authorities (Historic assessment is currently being undertaken Environment Scotland, Scottish Environment to assess the impact of the strategy on Protection Agency and Scottish Natural people living, working and visiting South Heritage) agreed with our determination Lanarkshire. This will be available on the that a full SEA was not required for the council’s website. Strategy. It is considered that no new significant environmental effects would be identified through the preparation and implementation of this strategy beyond that already taken account of in the full SEA of the previous Sustainable Development Strategy. In preparing this Strategy, full cognisance of this SEA has been taken.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Appendix 3 – Summary of strategic outcomes and how we intend to achieve them Theme Outcome How we intend to achieve outcomes Sustainable The council’s Implement our Carbon Management Plan to reduce Council carbon emissions the council’s carbon footprint in line with the Scottish are managed Government’s targets and reduced Continue to implement energy efficiency measures across council facilities including investment in renewable and low carbon energy solutions Implement measures within the council’s fleet to contribute to the Scottish Government’s ambition of the decarbonisation of road transport Continue to improve the efficiency of our business travel and promote more sustainable travel options for employees The council is Continue to develop procurement processes to improve environmentally environmental outcomes and ensure compliance with the responsible council’s sustainable procurement duty in the Create a culture of resource efficiency in the workplace procurement, Maximise the use of environmentally responsible use and disposal materials and reduce, reuse and recycle construction of resources waste in new and refurbished council facilities The public Demonstrate leadership and further develop partnership sector climate approaches in sustainable development and climate change duties change action are further Ensure that sustainable development and climate change embedded in is used as a guiding principle in council plans, policies service delivery and strategies and these incorporate environmental and partnership considerations working Take account of the public sector climate change duties (mitigation, adaptation and acting sustainably) when making decisions about the use of our assets and capital investment in our estate Continue to raise awareness of sustainable development and the business impacts of climate change with our employees and develop the skills required across the council to influence and adapt to change Theme Outcome How we intend to achieve outcomes Sustainable South Review and assess air quality throughout South Environment Lanarkshire’s Lanarkshire in line with our Air Quality Strategy natural Ensure our planning and land use policies protect environment and enhance the natural environment and ecosystem is protected, services enhanced and Continue to measure progress and report on the state respected of South Lanarkshire’s environment Meet our statutory biodiversity duty by implementing our Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan which will enhance and protect biodiversity through managing our own estate Contribute to South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership’s action plan ensuring ecosystems are used sustainably and strengthened Use our natural environment to help mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change South Continue to develop the Greenspace Strategic Lanarkshire’s Partnership to enable people to learn, play and be enhanced physically active outdoors in South Lanarkshire environment Work in partnership to develop and implement South provides health Lanarkshire’s Outdoor Access Strategy and wellbeing Continue to educate our young people about the local benefits to local environment in which they live and encourage them to communities reduce the negative impacts they have upon it Provide environmental volunteering opportunities and support community groups to manage local environmental projects Sustainable Homes and Explore options for innovative and affordable low Communities communities are carbon energy and heating solutions in local areas energy efficient, that will contribute towards national climate change environmentally ambitions sustainable, and Continue to invest in energy efficiency measures in fuel poverty is council homes including improvements to the fabric minimised of the building, installation of affordable low carbon heating and the use of renewable technologies Work in partnership to provide advice and support to local communities to help increase energy efficiency at home and minimise fuel poverty Increase focus on sustainability for new developments through innovative design and delivery, using natural resources and environmentally-responsible building materials, and incorporating low carbon energy solutions Incorporate inclusive and sustainable place-making principles into the design and delivery of area-based housing development projects and programmes
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Theme Outcome How we intend to achieve outcomes Sustainable That council’s Work in partnership to help build resilience in local Communities strategies, communities and mitigate against the potential increase plans and of health and social inequalities from the impacts of policies support climate change communities Work in partnership to ensure that local infrastructure to live more is resilient to the impacts of climate change and seek sustainably, opportunities for including blue-green infrastructure to reduce carbon mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change emissions Work in partnership to ensure that local infrastructure and adapt to and local communities are resilient to adapt to the a changing impacts of climate change climate Encourage the uptake of low emission vehicles across South Lanarkshire Help to reduce vehicle emissions and congestion and connect our communities through infrastructure improvement projects in favour of, and integration between, walking, cycling and using public transport Work in partnership to support and encourage sustainable travel choices for people within South Lanarkshire, with emphasis on walking and cycling promoting a healthier lifestyle Ensure that opportunities for environmental benefits are realised through our procurement practices and externally funded programmes such as renewable energy fund and developers’ contributions Supporting renewable energy generation across South Lanarkshire helping to reduce the area’s carbon emissions and promote economic growth Encourage sustainable production and consumption in the business community and support the growth of a low carbon industry in South Lanarkshire Local Support communities to access funding for environmentally communities sustainable projects or action on climate change are supported Communicate and engage with communities on in taking action environmental and climate change mitigation and to be more adaptation issues empowering further local action environmentally Support local communities to be more resilient to the responsible impacts of climate change Embed sustainability and climate change in the school curriculum and continue to engage young people in environmental education through eco schools and similar programmes Work in partnership to provide the appropriate skills required for employment opportunities in the low carbon and renewable energy industry Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products Appendix 4 – Monitoring Table
Theme Measures Sustainable • Council greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005/06 baseline Council • Energy consumption in council buildings • Carbon emissions related to council transport • Building energy performance ratings achieved for new buildings • Percentage of recycled materials used in construction of new buildings • Number of employees who have received training in sustainable development issues • Employee awareness of, and attitude to, sustainable development and climate change policies (council employee survey) • Percentage public satisfaction with the council’s response to climate change (council wide satisfaction survey) • Mileage travelled by electric fleet vehicles • Self-evaluation results using the Climate Change Assessment Tool • ‘Five steps to managing your climate risks’ tool • Number of risk assessments for climate vulnerability Sustainable • Percentage of adult residents normally taking visits to the outdoors Environment at least once per week (Scottish Recreation Survey) • Figures from walking/cycling counters in South Lanarkshire • Number of environmental volunteer days • Number of formally constituted community groups working with the council to manage local greenspace and/or path networks • Number of Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) • Area of South Lanarkshire Council land managed specifically for biodiversity e.g. wildflower areas/long grass management • Sites removed from the Vacant Derelict land register due to a biodiversity friendly end use e.g. woodland • Sites/area of land managed in partnership with communities where biodiversity is part of the project e.g. community woodland regeneration • Number of teaching staff trained in leading outdoor learning • Air Quality monitoring levels • Number of properties prone to flooding • South Lanarkshire ‘State of the Environment’ report
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Theme Measures Sustainable • South Lanarkshire area wide greenhouse gas emissions Communities • South Lanarkshire wide household energy consumption • Installed capacity of domestic renewable generation • Percentage of council houses which meet ESSHH • South Lanarkshire recycling rate for domestic waste • Tonnage of domestic waste produced per household • Amount of funding invested in domestic energy efficiency measures • Percentage of adults travelling to work or education by active or public transport (Scottish Household Survey) • Percentage mode share of children travelling to school by active or public transport using data (annual national ‘Hands Up’ survey) • The number of electric vehicle charging bays available to the public in South Lanarkshire • The public sector climate change duties annual statutory report • Involvement in the eco schools and related programmes • Total funding awarded within South Lanarkshire from the Scottish climate challenge fund Appendix 5 – Definitions and links
Adaptation Scotland – formerly known Biomass – a renewable energy source from as the Scottish Climate Change Impacts organic materials that can be burned and Partnership. This is a partnership that used as a source of fuel. Wood being the brings together stakeholders across main source of biomass such as saw-dust or Scotland to address and prepare for any type of waste from wood is processed impacts to climate change. Further to make wood-pellets and used as fuel for information can be found at their website wood pellet boilers and stoves. www.adaptationscotland.org.uk Boiler optimisers – technology works with Air pollution – occurs when harmful existing boiler controls by using self learning substances including particulates and intelligence that can determine if and when biological molecules are introduced into a boiler should fire and for how long. Earth’s atmosphere. Built environment – surroundings that are Air quality – the degree to which the air in built by humans, that is, distinguished from a particular place is pollution-free. the natural environment.
Air Quality Management Area – where Canopy cover – the total ground area a local authority finds places where the covered by the vertical projection of tree national air quality objectives are not likely crowns (small openings in the crown are to be achieved, it must declare an Air included) i.e. trees and large shrub masses Quality Management Area there. This area from a bird’s eye view. could be just one or two streets, or it could be much bigger. Carbon dioxide (CO2) – a colourless, odourless gas. It is produced both naturally Best value – a framework to help local as people and animals exhale CO2, and authorities ensure the delivery of better, through human activities, such as burning more responsive public services through gas, coal, oil, and wood, all contributing continuous improvement and ensuring to CO2 levels in the air. In the earth’s that they are of the highest quality at a atmosphere CO2 acts as a greenhouse gas cost which is acceptable to their local and plays a major role in global warming communities. and climate change.
Biodiversity – biodiversity is the variety Carbon emissions – the release of carbon of life which inhabits the planet including dioxide into the atmosphere over a all plants, animals, fungi and also the specified area and period of time. surroundings they live in. Carbon footprint – a measurement of Biodiversity duty – a duty to further the the amount of carbon dioxide produced conservation of biodiversity was placed on by the activities of a person, company, all public sector bodies in Scotland through organisation, country or the planet. The Nature Conservation Act (Scotland) 2004. This biodiversity duty is about Carbon management – monitoring connecting people with the environment and measuring an organisation’s carbon and managing biodiversity in the wider emissions and developing initiatives to environment all around us, not just in reduce them through an agreed action plan. specific protected sites.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Carbon sequestration – is a natural or Climate change mitigation – limiting the artificial process by which carbon dioxide is extent of future climate change by reducing removed from the atmosphere and held in greenhouse gas emissions now and in the solid or liquid form. future. It can also mean removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, for example Carbon sinks – a forest, ocean, or other by planting more trees or restoring peat natural environment viewed in terms of its bogs (carbon sinks). ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 – an act passed by the Scottish Government to Circular economy – is an alternative to ensure the reduction of greenhouse gas a traditional linear economy (make, use, emissions and a transition to a low carbon dispose) in which we keep resources in economy. Further information can be found use for as long as possible, extract the on the Scottish Government’s website maximum value from them whilst in use, www.scotland.gov.uk then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life. Climate Ready Clyde – bringing together organisations across all sectors to address Climate challenge fund – a fund launched the climate change adaptation challenges by the Scottish Government to help facing Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. community groups tackle climate change For further information see by running projects to reduce their carbon Adaptation Scotland’s website footprint. For further information see www.adaptationscotland.org.uk the ‘Keep Scotland Beautiful’ website www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org Community planning – the process through which public sector organisations Climate change – a change in global or work together and with local communities regional climate patterns, in particular a and the voluntary sector, to identify and change apparent from the mid to late 20th solve local problems, improve services and century onwards and attributed largely to share resources. the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels. Cultural heritage – the legacy of physical artefacts and intangible attributes of a Climate change adaptation – actions or group or society that are inherited from changes required in anticipation of, or in past generations, maintained in the present response to, the impacts of a changing and bestowed for the benefit of future climate. generations.
Climate change duties – The Climate Curriculum for Excellence – the curriculum Change (Scotland) Act 2009 places duties in Scotland for 3 to 18 year olds aiming to on public bodies relating to climate help every learner develop knowledge, skills change which requires them to: contribute and attributes for learning, life and work. to carbon emissions reduction targets; contribute to climate change adaptation; Cycle to Work Scheme – this is a UK and to act sustainably. Government tax exemption initiative to promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution. It allows employers to loan cycles and cyclists’ safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. Decarbonisation – the reduction or removal Energy efficiency – a goal to reduce the of carbon dioxide from energy sources. amount of energy required to provide products and services. It is achieved Dr Bike – a service aimed at organisations primarily by means of a more efficient that require a mechanic to come to their technology or use. workplace/community and carry out basic bicycle servicing. Environmental footprint – the impact of human activities measured in terms of the Earth Hour – an annual global event area of biologically productive land and water dedicated to heightening awareness required to produce the goods consumed of climate change. It is an hour in and to assimilate the wastes generated. which people are invited to show their commitment to caring for the planet by Environmental performance – the switching off all non-essential lights and measurable outcome of an organisation’s electrical appliances. ability to meet environmental objectives and targets set out in the organisation’s Economic development – a process by environmental plan or policy. which a community or nation creates, retains and reinvests wealth and improves Environmentally responsible materials – the quality of life. those that make optimal use of resources, produce minimum waste and are safe for Economic growth – an increase in the the environment and people. capacity of an economy to produce goods and services, compared from one period of Equalities impact assessment – is a time to another. process designed to ensure that a policy, project or scheme does not discriminate Eco schools programme – an international against any disadvantaged or vulnerable programme that engages children and people. young people in key issues including the environment, sustainability, global citizenship Essential cycling skills – training provided and the value of a low carbon future. through Cycling Scotland to help boost the confidence of those new to or returning to ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme – a cycling and give them the necessary skills to free scheme that aims to help fleet operators negotiate on-road journeys. improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions and make cost savings. Fleet – is a number of vehicles under the control of an organisation. Ecosystem – short for ‘ecological system’, includes all the living organisms such as Flora – the plants of a particular region, plants, animals, fungi existing together in a habitat, or geological period. particular area and how they interact with each other and with the non-living elements Fossil fuels – non-renewable energy of the area, such as climate, water, soil etc. sources formed from fossilised plants and animals over millions of years such as coal, Ecosystem services – these are the benefits oil and gas. that are supplied by an ecosystem; these include clean air, water, food, and energy, Forest School – offers all learners regular medicine, building materials, jobs and opportunities to achieve and develop places to live. confidence and self-esteem through hands- on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Forestry Commission (FC) – are the Habitat network – a configuration of Government department responsible for habitat that allows species to move and the protection and expansion of woodlands. disperse through a landscape. Further information can be found on their website www.forestry.gov.uk Homes Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) – is the Scottish Framework – a broad outline of the Government initiative to tackle fuel poverty principles and supports required to achieve and increase energy efficiency in homes. a particular goal. IMPROVe – the council’s system for Fuel poverty – is when a household would managing and reporting performance. have to spend more than 10% of their income on fuel to keep their home in a Industrial revolution – the rapid development satisfactory condition and is determined of industry that occurred in Britain in the late by a number of factors, such as the cost 18th and 19th centuries, brought about by the of energy, the energy efficiency of the introduction of machinery. property and the household income. Infrastructure – are the physical structures GLOW – online community for Scottish and facilities needed to operate a functional schools. society e.g. roads, utilities, water, sewage, etc.
Global risk – an occurrence that causes LED lighting – stands for “Light-Emitting significant negative impact for several Diode.” An LED is an electronic device that countries and industries. emits light when an electrical current is passed through it. LEDs are energy efficient Green corridors – is a thin strip of land and have a long lifespan. The energy that provides sufficient habitat to support efficient nature of LEDs allows them to wildlife, often within an urban environment, produce brighter light than other types of thus allowing the movement of wildlife bulbs while using less energy. along it. Common green corridors include railway embankments, river banks and Local development planning – planning for roadside grass verges. the future development of the local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in Greenhouse gases – gases that stop heat consultation with the community. escaping from the earth’s atmosphere ensuring that the planet is warm enough to Local Food Risk Management Plan – sustain life. Human activity has increased the Scotland has been separated into 14 Local emission of greenhouse gases contributing Plan Districts for flood risk management to global warming (e.g. Carbon Dioxide). purposes. These districts are based on river catchments and coastal areas which cross Greenspace – an area of grass, trees, administrative and institutional boundaries. shrubs or other vegetation used for recreational or aesthetic purposes Low carbon – causing or resulting in only (e.g. a park or community garden). a relatively small net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Habitats – the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. Low carbon economy – an economy that produces goods and services of increasing value while reducing the associated carbon dioxide in their production, use and disposal. Low carbon energy / heating – energy Objectives – a goal / target. or heating that comes from processes or technologies that produce power with Our Natural Health Service – the use of substantially lower amounts of carbon the natural environment (parks, woodlands dioxide emissions than is emitted from and other green spaces) as part of an conventional fossil fuel power generation. holistic approach to health and social care.
Low carbon industry – manufacturers of Outcome – desired end result following low carbon technologies. action.
Low carbon future / society / Scotland Partnership working – partnerships can be – a future, society or Country, that has formed between a number of individuals, economic growth while ensuring minimal agencies or organisations with a shared carbon emissions. This may involve the interest. There is usually an overarching deployment of low carbon technologies and purpose for partners to work together and changes to social behaviours and lifestyles. a range of specific objectives. Partnerships are often formed to address specific issues Low emission zones – a defined area and may be short or long term. where access by some polluting vehicles is restricted or deterred with the aim of Paths for All – a partnership of improving the air quality. organisations committed to promoting walking for health and the development of Lowland raised peat bog – a bog which multi-use path networks in Scotland. rises in height over time as a result of peat formation. Performance management – includes activities to ensure that goals are National nature reserve – is a protected consistently being met in an effective and area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna efficient manner. or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed Photovoltaic – the method used to convert for conservation and to provide special sunlight into electricity (i.e. solar power). opportunities for study or research. Place-making – is a multi-faceted approach Natural capital – the world’s stocks of to the planning, design and management of natural assets which include geology, soil, public spaces. air, water and all living things. It is from this natural capital that humans derive a wide Public Sector Climate Change Duties range of services, often called ecosystem – a legal obligation for the public sector services, which make human life possible. under The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. Further information on the Act and Natural heritage – inherited habitats, its duties can be found on the Scottish species, ecosystems, geology and Government’s website www.scotland.gov.uk landforms, including those in and under water, to which people attach value. Renewable energy generation – energy which comes from natural resources such as Natural resources – something that is sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal found in nature and is necessary or useful (thermal energy generated and stored in to humans such as such as a forest, the Earth). minerals, fresh water.
Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2017-2022 Resource efficiency – maximising of the South Lanarkshire Sustainability supply of money, materials, staff, and other Partnership – facilitate and coordinate assets in order to function effectively, joint action by partners allowing people to with minimum wasted (natural) resource enjoy the benefits of a sustainable South expenses. It means using the Earth’s limited Lanarkshire. resources in a sustainable manner while minimising environmental impact. Staff competencies – knowledge, skills, abilities and personal attributes Scottish Environment Protection Agency that contribute to enhance employee (SEPA) – Scotland’s environmental regulator performance and ultimately result in and national flood forecasting, flood warning organisational success. and strategic flood risk management authority. Its main role is to protect and Stakeholders – a person or group with a improve Scotland’s environment. direct interest, for example our employees and customers. Scottish Green Apple Awards – an annual campaign to recognise, reward and State of the Environment Report – promote environmental best practice. provides information on the different aspects of South Lanarkshire’s environment. A copy Scottish Housing Quality Standard – is the of the report can be found on the council’s Scottish Government’s principal measure of website www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk housing quality in Scotland. The SHQS is a set of five broad housing criteria which must Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) all be met if the property is to pass SHQS. – a requirement under the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, to Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) – consider environmental impacts both grant scheme to support behaviour change positive and negative in policies, plans, initiatives to increase active and sustainable programmes and strategies developed by travel. the public sector.
Social development – social development Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is about improving the wellbeing of (SPT) – the public transport executive citizens and communities and creating the responsible for planning and coordinating conditions for all individuals to reach their regional transport, especially the public full potential. transport system, in the Strathclyde area.
Social progress – is the on-going process Sustainable procurement duty – The moving towards the goal of social Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 development. places a duty on public procurement to maximise the social, environmental and South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership – economic benefits through effective and the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership efficient procurement activity. is a group of organisations who wish to further biodiversity in the area and work together to deliver the South Lanarkshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN) – United Nations – the United Nations (UN) is a partnership of the Scottish Government, an intergovernmental organisation tasked to Keep Scotland Beautiful and SSN members promote international co-operation and to throughout the public sector to improve create and maintain international order. Scotland’s public sector performance on sustainability and climate change. Further Voltage optimisers – technology optimises information can be found on their website the incoming site voltage to a level such www.sustainable-scotland.net that electrical equipment runs more efficiently and consumes less energy. Sustainable tourism – is an industry committed to making a low impact on the World Economic Forum – an independent environment and local culture, while helping non-profit organisation dedicated to to generate future employment for local improving global economic and social people. conditions on a global scale.
Sustainable urban drainage – is a natural World Wide Fund for Nature – approach to managing drainage in and an international non-governmental around properties and other developments. organization working in the field of the biodiversity conservation and the reduction Sustrans – a UK sustainable transport of humanity’s footprint on the environment. charity. It is also concerned with endangered species, sustainable production of Telematics – records and analyses business commodities and climate change. journeys which helps with vehicle routing Further information can be found on their and reduces vehicle idling thus reducing website www.wwf.org.uk carbon emissions.
Ultra low emission vehicles – a motor vehicle that emits extremely low levels of motor vehicle emissions compared to other vehicles.
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