Climate change and sustainable Bournemouth community action plan

Go Green Bournemouth Contents Introductions 3 Facing up to the future 5 Adapting to climate change 7 Low carbon Bournemouth 9 Low carbon Council 23 Sustainable Bournemouth 25

2 Improving our environment is a top priority for Bournemouth Council So we have developed this community Councillor Stephen MacLoughlin, action plan for the public, businesses Leader of Bournemouth Council and local public service providers to raise awareness of the issues, and to take positive action that will lead to a Global population is predicted to rise However, the public is becoming sustainable future. by 50% by 2050 - 3 billion additional increasingly sensitive to the imperative The actions we’ve set out will have an people – and naturally, people in of sustainable development, and impact, but they require coordinated rapidly developing countries such as this is expressed by their support for and concerted action by the whole India and China want to break out of environmental initiatives. community in Bournemouth, in tandem Bournemouth poverty and aspire to our lifestyle. For example, in Bournemouth the with our neighbours locally, nationally combined rate for recycling and Council has made But the western world has become and internationally. composting rose from 36% to 40% in used to a way of life that is dependent As a well known high-street retailer 2007/08 alone. ‘improving our on consuming natural resources at an put it, ‘This is Plan A, because there unsustainable rate. Fossil fuels are In response to public opinion, is no Plan B’. environment’ fi nite and release greenhouse gases Bournemouth Council has made as they burn, adding to the natural ‘improving our environment’ its top its top priority processes of climate change. priority, and we have deliberately chosen a broad defi nition of the term Our protein-rich diet drives to include natural, built, social and agricultural land use around the world, economic aspects of our environment with market failure contributing to because they are so inter-related. huge food mountains in some countries and shortages in others. We also waste However, it is not always clear what unacceptable quantities of food. people should do for the best in a subject which is technically, politically and socially complex.

3 Now is the time to act… Together sharing good practice and challenging It is hard to Adrian Thomas, and encouraging partners to act Chair of Bournemouth 2026 effectively in response to what they imagine such things have learnt.

As both Bournemouth Borough happening and so At its conference in November 2005 of what is likely to happen as a result Council and the Partnership have even harder to the Bournemouth Partnership, which of climate change and ways in which endorsed the Earth Charter, we have represents over 200 organisations in we can respond to these challenges. a framework against which we can the public, business, voluntary and motivate ourselves However, because we tend to judge our achievements. What this community sectors, started to create perceive climate change as a series reveals at present is that there is a to make the a vision of the Bournemouth we would of predictions which will occur at great deal yet to be done. The action like to see in 2026. some point in the future, we can be plan requires our endorsement and necessary changes Many formal and less formal tempted to postpone our response to a commitment so that the environment discussions with individuals and time when we will actually experience we value so highly will thrive and in the way we live groups went into creating this vision them. It is hard to imagine such sustain life in all its abundance. and the resulting strategy, known as things happening and so even harder Bournemouth 2026 is fully behind Bournemouth Vision 2026, sets out the to motivate ourselves to make the this new vision for our town and we big picture for Bournemouth 2026 and necessary changes in the way we live. will seek to ensure that all of our identifi es the things we can practically Fortunately, this is not the whole plans recognise and respond to the aim for over the four years, 2007- story, nor can it be! Much has already challenges it presents. 2011, towards achieving our goals. been achieved and can be built One of the major challenges we all upon through our action plan. The face is that of climate change. The contribution of Bournemouth 2026 Climate Change and Sustainable continues to be focused through the Bournemouth Community Action Plan Sustainable Environment Forum which sets out clearly the extent and breadth has the role of providing information,

4 Facing up to the future In recent years, the UK government has introduced a range of legislation and action plans to meet the challenges of climate change and sustainable energy. Regional bodies in the south-west building stock and activities, and have also addressed the issues with reference to the particular take a leadership role to promote concerns of the region. energy effi ciency in the wider community Where Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset • To deliver these aims, build on Energy effi ciency strategy • Play our part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020 is concerned, considerable work has opportunities and overcome and action plan been undertaken during the past fi ve barriers, six priority areas have been • Eliminate fuel poverty in our area years, including: identifi ed. • Create a high degree of awareness by 2016 and community action on energy • Developing positive planning effi ciency Renewable energy strategy policies for renewable energy Green Knowledge Economy and action plan • Make the most of the economic • Developing biomass energy and The concept of the Green Knowledge opportunity of improving energy • Maximise the potential for local renewable energy from waste Economy – in which the environment effi ciency in our area economic benefi t and diversifi cation • Increasing the application of is the main driver of economic • Maximise the use of available • Facilitate renewable energy sustainable energy in buildings development - is seen as crucial in resources within national development appropriate to our meeting the challenges of climate • Raising awareness and programmes to achieve a step- change, and we are currently environment and communities understanding about sustainable change in energy effi ciency developing a viable strategy and action energy • Encourage a high degree of improvement in the domestic sector plan to implement these principles. community involvement, • Developing community renewable and tackle fuel poverty in vulnerable understanding and benefi t from energy initiatives households Green Infrastructure using energy more effi ciently and • Encourage and facilitate a major developing our renewable energy • Researching and developing new The term Green Infrastructure refers increase in business energy resources areas for action on sustainable to a wide range of natural assets such effi ciency energy as beaches, open spaces, gardens and • Play our part in reducing greenhouse • Ensure local authorities reduce street planting and its proper provision gas emissions carbon emissions from their own can make a positive contribution to

5 Image courtesy of Bournemouth Daily Echo Image courtesy of Bournemouth Daily Echo

our recreation and health, wildlife Reducing CO2 habitats, food production, fl ood emissions reduction and many other aspects of our daily lives. With current emissions of 5.7 tonnes per capita in Bournemouth, the target At present, a Green Infrastructure is to reduce this by 6.8% to 5.31 tonnes Framework is being developed for in 2010/11. South East Dorset with regional and local strategies to follow. In addition, the Council aims to reduce its own emissions from energy and Bournemouth 2026 transport by 5% over the next two years. Based on a carbon footprint of The Council aims Bournemouth Vision 2026 is specifi cally 27,325tCO2 for 2008/09 this means a concerned with developing sustainable to reduce its own total reduction of 1,366tCO2. lifestyles and ensuring effi cient use of resources, and a Sustainable emissions from energy Environment Action Plan has been and transport developed to identify and co-ordinate the actions being taken to by 5% over the deliver the goals. next two years.

6 Image courtesy of Bournemouth Daily Echo

Adapting to Climate Change Climate change is now recognised as the greatest environmental challenge facing the planet. • More extreme weather will put • A longer growing season will increase Over the last 100 years, global temperature has increased by our local habitats and native the potential for new and novel 0.74°C, while sea level has risen by 17cm. The 12 warmest years on wildlife at greater risk, with some agricultural crops record have all occurred since 1990. marine life lost as coastal waters • New fi sh and marine life could bring become warmer about business opportunities. How will Bournemouth’s What are the • More storminess is likely to increase damage to coastal and The impact of climate change? consequences? marine habitats, as well as trees extreme weather By 2050, it is projected that • High summer temperatures will and woodlands We can already see and feel how more Bournemouth will: become more frequent, resulting in • The risk of getting food poisoning drier summers with longer droughts extreme local weather is affecting • Be warmer overall, by as much as could increase people and places in our area and 3.5°C in summer • Deaths associated with hot weather • Skin cancer could become more we need to better understand and will increase, especially amongst the • Have more stormy, wetter winters, prevalent due to increased UV light. reduce the increasing risk and impacts very young, older people and more with a 5 - 20% increase in rainfall. facing Bournemouth from its changing vulnerable adults However, there are some benefi ts • Be drier in summer, with a 10 - 40% from climate change as well. weather. • Winters will become wetter and decrease in rainfall Bournemouth and Poole Councils fl ooding more frequent, damaging • Tourism benefi ts with good coastal are currently working together on • Have warmer coastal water and sea more places and livelihoods protection in place a Local Extreme Weather Impact level rising by about 45cm. • More stable summers and milder, • Increased numbers of buildings, Study and this will give us a greater stable springs should enhance and homes and people will be at risk understanding of the links between: from extreme weather conditions lengthen the tourist season • Our local weather • Local transport could be disrupted by • More people will enjoy active • The built and natural environments expanding railway lines and melting outdoor lifestyles of both towns or cracking road surfaces • Winter deaths among vulnerable groups should be reduced

7 Image courtesy of Bournemouth Daily Echo

Sustainability Audit Bournemouth 2026 has carried out a Sustainability Audit to ensure that its Community Strategy does not confl ict with wider considerations. All reports to the Council’s Cabinet are accompanied by an environmental • Specifi c local communities and To date, the work has involved: Tourism and climate change impact assessment which is available neighbourhoods to the public. This specifi cally To communicate the issues to a wider Resilience and managing identifi es response to climate change • Our overall vulnerability to extreme audience, we have helped to produce as a factor in decisions on new or weather and its impacts community risks a 20-minute DVD featuring 10 leading revised plans, policies and projects. • Existing action plans most likely to A Community Risk Register has been tourism businesses from the south- make a signifi cant difference. developed to identify those areas west, illustrating how these innovative businesses have adapted to our Bournemouth climate From this study, we will be able to which need to be addressed in order changing climate and the effects of change community determine how we can best manage to reduce the risk wherever possible extreme weather conditions. the impact of our current climate and how to respond effectively if action plan incidents occur. Already some 200 and make sure residents, businesses, We have also worked with the • Introduce the UKCIP Business risks have been identifi ed and work visitors and public services are all Environment Agency to produce a Areas Climate Impacts Assessment is on-going to refi ne contingency equally well prepared for the future short animation of the projected Tool (BACLIAT) for local services, planning on a multi-agency basis. effects that climate change is certain climate change fl ood impact facing businesses and other organisations to bring. Bournemouth and Poole. to explore and address the Managing Bournemouth’s Both Bournemouth and Poole Councils implications of climate change for have made this issue a top priority, fl ood risk Biodiversity their operations and stakeholders with senior offi cers and specialist staff The Council has established a After attending a national conference • Strengthen climate change taking responsibility for developing full-time, permanent engineering on climate change and biodiversity, adaptation planning through and delivering the project to post to support the improvements we produced our own report and links with the sub-regional ambitious and stringent targets. needed in our fl ood risk management recommendations for local action. Resilience Forum We have also successfully applied for and response. A Strategic Flood Risk • Run a community engagement Breathing Places status under the Assessment was completed in 2008 on campaign to get everyone talking BBC’s national learning programme behalf of all authorities in the River about the impacts of existing and our “Year of Wild Action” began in Stour and Avon catchments. extreme weather and the strength April 2009. of Bournemouth’s response to these.

8 Image courtesy of Bournemouth Daily Echo

How big is Bournemouth’s carbon footprint? Bournemouth and Poole have the largest carbon footprints in Dorset. In Bournemouth, our carbon Low carbon Bournemouth emissions come from: With oil prices subject to greater volatility than ever, local • Homes and domestic use producing authorities are intent on taking practical steps to help households both council operations and public the most at 45.4% and businesses adapt to a world of diminishing energy supplies and transport climate change. • Business and public services • Launch a major public energy- producing 36.2% awareness campaign Bournemouth has based its response • Conduct a detailed energy audit of • Road transport producing 18.4%. • Find ways to encourage local food on the work of the Oil Depletion all council activities and buildings production and processing and so Analysis Centre, whose recent report • Ensure our community risk register reduce energy used in refrigeration drew together the most promising includes action to reduce the and transportation of food. policies for tackling peak oil, so that threats from volatile fossil fuels and everyone can benefi t from the best energy supplies practices being developed both at Carbon emissions in Bournemouth home and abroad. • Develop an emergency energy supply plan Almost every area of policy is Road Transport 167t Industry and Population affected, from transportation to land • Introduce rigorous energy effi ciency Commercial 329t 161,000 use, planning to social services, and and conservation programmes Based on CO2 the Centre’s proposals to mitigate • Encourage a major shift from emissions totalling peak oil are usually complementary private to public transport, cycling 909,000 tonnes in to those required to combat global and walking warming. However, there are also 2006. • Expand existing programmes such as important distinctions that may affect NI186 target is 6.8% cycle lanes and road pricing the decisions we have to make. reduction by 2011. • Reduce overall transport demand Many of the suggested policies through imaginative planning can reduce expenditure almost immediately simply by saving energy, • Promote the use of locally produced, and a wide-ranging review suggests we non-fossil transport fuels such as Domestic 413t should consider the following actions: biogas and renewable electricity in

9 Energy consumption Local homes and domestic use Local business and public services The chart below gives a comparison of different The chart below shows the sources of Bournemouth’s There is no data for the carbon emissions or energy

energy sources’ contributions to carbon emissions in domestic CO2 emissions. Electricity and gas account use of the business sector alone, but Defra fi gures Bournemouth, compared to their contribution to the for 46% and 51% of our total domestic emissions, give the combined emissions of businesses and the total amount of energy consumed. respectively. In this sector, Bournemouth has the public sector (including hospitals and schools). After highest levels of emissions in Dorset. Poole and Purbeck, Bournemouth has the third highest level of emissions in Dorset.

Energy use in Bournemouth Sources of domestic emissions Industrial and commercial emissions (total 3,035GWh) in Bournemouth (total 413 tonnes) in Bournemouth (total 329 tonnes)

Petroleum Coal and manufactured Domestic oil 4t Domestic solid and other 5t Public sector 118t products 691GWh fuels 6GWh

Electricity 793 GWh Natural gas 1,544 GWh Domestic gas 209t Domestic electricity 194t Industrial and Renewables and waste 1.2GWh commercial 211t

Although not all CO2 emissions originate from energy use, metered electricity and gas account for 63%

of Dorset’s CO2 emissions, while oil (not including Energy effi ciency is the transport), coal and manufactured solid fuel use is responsible for approximately a further 7.5%. most effective way of Therefore energy effi ciency is the most effective way reducing CO2 emissions of reducing CO2 emissions and is also the cheapest as its costs are offset by savings on energy bills.

10 A very loose estimate of the contribution to CO2 Potential savings in industry sectors emmissions in Dorset from different business sectors can be made using an economic modelling tool Industry Potential savings Sources of gains adopted by councils in the South West. Chemicals 5 to 15% of energy bill Process improvement Food and drink Up to 10% Process control

Industry CO2 Tonnes CO2 per Hospitality 40% reduction in energy bill Energy effi ciency measures installed contribution £ million GVA during refurbishment Hospitality 12% reduction in carbon emissions Simple energy effi ciency measures that Finance 16.8% 82 pay for themselves within two years Secondary 14.1% 446 Agriculture and horticulture 30% of heating costs Simple energy saving measures industries Retail 20% reduction in costs Better management of heating Energy & water 12.0% 492 and lighting Business 9.6% 17 General 10% of energy bill Better boilers and associated services distribution systems Distribution & 8.5% 30 General – industrial buildings 20% of heating costs Simple measures Retail General – offi ces 20% of energy bills Simple measures Transport 7.0% 116 Primary 6.1% 136 Over 200 businesses in Dorset benefi t from resource Industries effi ciency advice every year, but the projected Non metal 6.1% 291 reduction in emissions is only 2.3% over 10 years. products While our infl uence over business energy effi ciency Chemicals 3.7% 572 and carbon emissions is not as strong as in the Construction 3.5% 20 domestic sector, there are still ways in which we can Others 12.7% 1286 be effective. These include economic development The Carbon Trust has produced estimates of the functions, promotion of business advice services, potential for energy saving across a range of leadership in the community, planning policy and industrial sectors, suggesting a 20% reduction in procurement. energy costs is possible for most businesses. A 20% reduction in energy costs is possible for most businesses

11 building control offi cers and key local developers are all working in partnership.

Key recommendations Image courtesy of Bournemouth Daily Echo for the low carbon Bournemouth strategy Community and Bournemouth carbon • Promote smart energy meters to • Maintain a strategic approach to charitable sector emissions report and residents and businesses as a way of helping them reduce energy use reducing Bournemouth Council and While there are no available recommendations area carbon emissions • Work to reduce car dependency and statistics on the carbon impact of For the past 18 months, Bournemouth develop planning conditions to help • Conduct a scrutiny review of energy the community and charitable sector, Council has been working with the reduce traffi c growth. • Ensure that a cross-council system is their infl uence over others is much Energy Saving Trust. The main result in place for gathering data relating more important than the effect of the is a report on the actions we can take Key recommendations for to sustainable energy sector’s own buildings. to tackle climate change through Although there are real obstacles for sustainable energy management. low carbon Council services • Widen the carbon reduction team charities and community groups to • Ensure the Council regeneration membership and ensure that a overcome, signifi cant opportunities do Key recommendations for team recognises the value of member of staff in each service exist, including: energy effi ciency improvements and area is responsible for promoting the Council’s low carbon integration of sustainable energy • Improving their own buildings and ensure a core focus of economic community leadership and carbon reduction making them into exemplars of development activity is to secure energy effi ciency • Ensure that energy and climate high energy standards in projects • Include a carbon impact assessment change is identifi ed as a key priority and businesses targets for all major projects and decisions • Exploiting their wide range of issue in the community plan contacts within the community to • Strengthen partnerships with • Provide energy training to staff disseminate energy effi ciency advice • Develop a communications plan to registered social landlords to set in areas of operation having the lead the community to take action targets in social housing greatest impact on energy use • Undertaking projects where part on reducing energy usage and work or community carbon emissions of the funding is available, for • Work with the Energy Saving Trust in partnership with local community reduction. example: if half of the cost of an to provide advice to residents and groups to set up joint initiatives energy survey is provided, they can look to target residents in identifi ed fi nd match funding. • Work with the Carbon Trust to hotspots promote its services to businesses, • Introduce and enforce specifi c industry and schools energy policies and ensure planners,

12 Low Carbon Bournemouth Community Action Plan Adopt national targets of at least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and at least 34% reduction in emissions by 2020. • Consider introducing measures to encourage reduced car use and cleaner car purchase such as congestion charging or carbon-based • Identify organisations in • Communicate the steps we need residents parking permits Bournemouth with fuel bills in excess to reduce our carbon footprint of £50,000 per year and introduce through the Bournemouth Go Green • Ensure Bournemouth is fully them to the Carbon Trust to help campaign engaged with neighbouring councils them save money, increase energy and community partners on • Reduce. Avoid energy use, then effi ciency and reduce CO2 emissions the delivery of strategies reduce through energy effi ciency and and action plans for • Ensure proper insulating, heating and redesign of products and services renewable energy and thermostatically controlled water in • Replace. Use low carbon renewable energy effi ciency all public buildings and that ‘smart energy where possible and/or clean, switches’ are used to turn off all • Use the Energy Saving effi cient fossil fuel technology non-essential electrical items when Trust report and people leave public buildings • Neutralise. Offset unavoidable recommendations as the carbon emissions basis of our Low Carbon strategy and • Extend the Green Tourism Business action plans. Scheme and introduce visitor carbon • Encourage the local community calculators to look at the impact of to develop community renewable their trips schemes

• Review the impact of the Air • Develop an effective communications Festival, with a view to reducing any plan to encourage the community to negative environmental impact take action on reducing energy usage

• Increase the use of composting • Promote smart meters to residents rather than waste recycling or and businesses as a way of helping disposal them reduce energy use

13 Key Issues Low carbon Bournemouth homes The energy that households use to Bournemouth’s housing stock consists of 82,000 properties, of heat their homes and water accounts which 55,800 are owner- occupied, 18,200 privately rented, 5,100 for over 80% of the total, with 13% council owned and 2,900 Housing Association properties. of this accounting for UK emissions. The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan has identifi ed the key issues we face To reduce carbon dioxide emissions includes cost-effective energy saving Building regulations in attempting to improve domestic from energy use in housing requires measures, plus renewable heat and energy effi ciency. Building regulations now set minimum existing stock to be installed with electricity measures. energy effi ciency standards for newly • Because we are used to the way energy saving measures, new Councils are required to improve constructed homes and the government our boilers and appliances work, we housing to be built to a very high domestic energy effi ciency by 30% by has made a commitment for all new have little appetite for change energy effi cient standard, a mix 2011, and by April 2008, the projects homes to be zero-carbon from 2016. of sustainable energy generating • Many of us are not aware of the we initiated have led to a 25.38% technologies to be used and Various other directives are under options available and tend not to improvement - a cumulative year on households to adopt day-to-day energy review, and when fi nalised will have a spend time researching them year reduction of over 0.5 million conserving lifestyles. direct impact on low carbon homes. tonnes of carbon dioxide. • Changes to our buildings can involve The 2008 Climate Change Act set disruption and cost We are also obliged to review the legally binding targets to reduce Social housing energy effi ciency (SAP) ratings of • The cost of improving the energy household CO2 emissions to almost private housing, and our 2008 survey As well as working with registered performance of buildings has to be zero over the next four decades and showed the average SAP to have social landlords and energy suppliers balanced against other priorities, local authorities are seen as crucial to risen from 44 to 50 – higher than the to improve the energy effi ciency even if we get the money back reaching this goal. national average. of their housing stock, we are also over time through savings on our To help achieve these targets, it is required to invest in the energy energy bills We have devised a range of strategies proposed to introduce new fi nancial performance of our properties to to encourage energy effi cient, • People living in rented support for measures that have high ensure they have effective insulation affordable housing, and we also accommodation may not be able to up-front costs, install smart meters and effi cient heating. help fund energy improvements with make changes to their properties for all domestic customers by the grants for loft insulation and heating Recently, councils have been given • Modernising our buildings will not end of 2020 and give incentives for improvements, particularly for low the opportunity to build affordable be enough – we will also need to using renewable heat and electricity income and vulnerable people. housing by the Homes and Community change our habits. technologies. It is also intended that Agency, and this funding is dependent by 2030, all homes will have received on properties being energy effi cient a ‘whole house makeover’ that and sustainable.

14 Partners Partners who work with the Council to Partners who work with the Council The Bournemouth Building Control improve our housing stock include: to fund, promote and carry out Service operates a partnership The Registered Social Landlord improvements to the energy scheme with various local companies, partners who build affordable housing • Quadron Property Services – main effi ciency, health and safety of liaising directly with these partners on behalf of the Council are: contractor for void works private sector housing include: to reduce energy consumption in new • Spectrum Housing Association • In-house building maintenance team homes, and encourage the design and • Age Concern Bournemouth - responsible for boiler replacements • Raglan Housing Association construction of low carbon, privately and upgrades • Bournemouth Housing Forum funded housing. • Bournemouth Churches Housing • Heatech – installation of new gas • Bournemouth Partnership Association Bournemouth Building Control Service central heating systems • Bournemouth Police currently works with the following • Testway Housing Association • PJ Harvey - installation of new gas companies: • Bournemouth & Poole • East Dorset Housing Association. central heating systems Primary Care Trust • Anders Roberts & Associates - • George Howe & Sons Ltd – external architects • Bournemouth University insulation contractor • Harriplan Limited - architects • Citizens’ Advice Bureau • Permarok – external insulation system • Dave Wells Properties - • Disability Wessex and provider of grant funding property developer through Eaga • Dorset Energy Advice Centre • Holton Homes - property developer • Solutions for Energy – responsible for • Dorset Fire & Rescue Service • Glossbrook Homes - sourcing best grant funding for fuel • DOTS Disability property developer switching, boiler upgrades, cavity wall and loft insulation • Eaga (Warmfront) • Greenward Associates - architects

• Gendex – contractor providing loft • Energy Saving Trust • Avon Project Services – architects. and cavity wall insulation. • Government Offi ce of the South West

• Insulation installation companies

• National Landlords Association

• Quadron Property Services

• The Pension Service

• Utility companies.

15 Low carbon Bournemouth homes Community Action Plan

• Develop further guidance on • Investigate implementing a how developers can incorporate council tax incentive scheme for sustainable energy in new buildings homeowners installing insulation and re-developments • Support national campaigns and raise • Explore the use of renewable energy awareness of home energy effi ciency. systems on local authority owned/ Promote national and local energy controlled land and as part of all effi ciency grant schemes to new-build developments and major householders at events, in the media refurbishments and through work with schools

• Send information leafl ets on • Investigate joint energy effi ciency renewable energy, sustainable schemes to help achieve minimum construction, grants, etc. when standards across all social housing householders make pre-application • Select energy champions to enquiries for conversions or promote energy effi ciency within new build local tenants groups. Pilot use of • Extend and improve the delivery of smart metering by tenants’ energy local energy effi ciency programmes, champions – publish results to raise and develop new programmes awareness.

• Identify cost-effective ways to target more hard-to-treat properties and historic buildings and develop pilot programmes to do this

• Provide grants to owners and occupiers in vulnerable groups to improve energy effi ciency

16 Low carbon Bournemouth economy National planning guidelines give councils a framework for promoting sustainable economic development, prudent use of resources, mitigating against the effects of, and adaptation to, climate change. • Castlepoint Shopping Centre • Poole Town Centre Partnership

• Daily Echo • Royal Bath Hotel Environmental issues are also central to regional plans and strategies, while • Deverill Limited • Sibbett Gregory the Bournemouth Local Development Partners • Dorset Business • South West Regional Framework includes policies on Development Agency • Dorset Police improving sustainable transport Key partners in the local economy and • Terence O’Rourke Ltd options, setting targets for the amount supporting groups include: • Federation of Small Businesses • Unisys Insurance Services of renewable energy developments, • Abbey Life • FJB Hotels setting sustainable building standards • Borough of Poole and mitigating against the effects of • Go South Coast climate change though the provision of • Bournemouth Airport • Harbour Heights Hotel green infrastructure. • Bournemouth and Poole College • Jothrey Smith In addition, the Council has included • Bournemouth Area Hospitality • HSBC Bank plc all of the Energy Saving Trust Association recommendations for delivering a • ITW Finishing • Bournemouth Borough Council low carbon economy in its community • JPMorgan Chase & Co action plan. • Bournemouth Chamber of • Learning & Skills Council Trade & Commerce • LV= Liverpool Victoria • Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra • Marc Young Hairdressing • Bournemouth Tourism Management Board • Poole Harbour Commissioners

• Bournemouth University • Poole Hospital NHS Trust

• Business Link Dorset • Poole Tourism Partnership

17 Low carbon Bournemouth economy Community Action Plan

• Investigate the potential of new • Support the growth of local businesses related to the production installation businesses and support of renewable energy other businesses to diversify into installation of energy effi ciency • Expand the uptake of business • Identify organisations in measures energy advice in the county Bournemouth with fuel bills in excess • Introduce incentives for exemplar of £50,000 per year and advise • Work with regional bodies and zero energy developments them on saving money, increasing Business Link to expand and enhance energy effi ciency and reducing CO2 the available business advice • Target local business, private and emissions offering on energy effi ciency public in campaign to: • Extend the Green Tourism • Undertake a feasibility study to » stop using fossil fuels Business Scheme. ensure that future environmental » switch to renewables e.g. business support programmes are concentrated solar power effectively targeted to achieve a low carbon resource effi cient economy » ensure proper insulating, heating and thermostatically controlled • Identify specifi c business types which water within public buildings have high carbon emissions and could be targeted for a co-ordinated » use ‘smart switches’ promotion of business energy » turning off all non essential effi ciency advice, and to assess the electrical items when employees effectiveness of this action leave public buildings e.g. • Include minimum energy computer screens and printers performance standards for suppliers in local authority procurement guidelines

18 Low carbon Bournemouth travel Together with neighbouring authorities, Bournemouth Council has

developed a number of policies focusing on transport sustainability Image courtesy of Bournemouth Daily Echo in the area. • Making shorter journeys to work or Partners school by bus, cycling or walking Working with partners is one of the For Bournemouth itself, reducing Parking • Reducing the need to travel best ways to use scarce expert staff traffi c congestion and improving town Possible solutions include: resources effectively, and our key centre transport are major priorities, • Best use of the existing network partners include: and the key issues identifi ed in the • Ensuring developers provide • Low emission vehicles current strategy are: suffi cient off-street parking for • Bournemouth 2026 • Work, school and residential expected levels of car ownership travel plans • Dorset County Council Accessibility, traffi c • Introducing more managed parking • Bus lanes • Borough of Poole congestion and quality in residential areas where there is signifi cant parking pressure • Bus priority at junctions • Transdev Yellow Buses of life • Replacing some long stay commuter • Development of safe, direct and • Wilts & Dorset Possible solutions include: parking with more short stay retail attractive routes for pedestrians and • Volunteer groups such as Dorset • Actively encouraging more parking cyclists Cyclist Network responsible car use • Introducing some form of • Improvements to Bournemouth rail • Disability groups • Enhancing alternatives to the car Park and Ride and coach station • Chamber of Trade • Managing development to reduce the • Replacing some on-street parking • Improved cycle storage facilities at • Bournemouth Area Transport need to travel by car along main roads with more off- all schools Action Group street parking. • Introducing traffi c calming in • Improved rights of way • Bournemouth & Poole appropriate areas Where climate change is concerned, • New low carbon buses Primary Care Trust we have been looking at a wide range • Building new and upgrading of solutions to mitigate the situation, • Community transport • Bournemouth Council for existing roads. including: • Park and Ride. Voluntary Services • Sustrans

19 Low carbon Bournemouth travel Community Action Plan

• Consider procurement of biodiesel • Consider introducing incentives and bio-ethanol for vehicle fl eets to encourage reduced car use and cleaner car purchase such as • Ensure that there are sustainable, congestion charging, workplace affordable, accessible bus services parking levies or carbon-based and taxis available residents parking permits • Introduce a more comprehensive • Promote the Energy Saving Trust’s and affordable community transport free green fl eet review service to network to cater for people with local businesses. severe disabilities or those without a regular bus service

• Provide and promote attractive alternatives to the car - such as buses, cycling and walking

• Promote initiatives that reduce the number of car trips - e.g. home-working, fl exible working, car-sharing, car clubs, school and workplace travel plans

• Make best use of intelligent transport systems

20 Low carbon community groups The term ‘The Third Sector’ encompasses voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, cooperatives and mutuals – and the council has developed a comprehensive strategy to serve such groups. • Strengthening community links, • Dorset Race Equality Council especially with socially excluded • Bournemouth 2026 Key issues • Engaging people through events people and innovative consultation, with • Help and Care • Investing in outreach work to deliver Understanding the a realistic, achievable range of and sustain initiatives and encourage • Help the Aged projects Community feedback on needs and issues in • Homestart Identifying communities and • Developing and managing leisure. • Age Concern. appropriate, affordable activities developing community profi les are The Council is also actively and facilities. There is also an opportunity to work key to improving the understanding of encouraging the development with emerging representative groups local issues, enhancing local contacts of community renewable energy from black and ethnic minority and highlighting potential gaps in Embracing schemes and all of the Energy Trust cultures, including: facilities, activities and people. Community Action recommendations have been included Recent examples include: in the community action plan. • Bournemouth Chinese School Engaging with local people to meet • Fair Share funding to ascertain their real needs is of prime importance • Bournemouth Thai Language and community needs and implement and the following issues need to be Partners Cultural School local projects considered: Once again, partners and funders play • Dorset Bengali Association • Motivating people to take part in a major role in the Council’s activities, • Understanding what community • Dorset Farsi Speaking Association formal and informal activities development is - facilitating local and these include: • MalPolski • Overcoming resistance to taking part decision making, including all • The Community Foundation for in activities and ensuring people sections of the community, offering Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole • Dorset Kurdish School trust organisations like the Council relevant solutions to local issues • Bournemouth Council for Voluntary • Dorset African Caribbean Association to deliver on their promises - and what it is not - imposition of Services • Unity in Vision decisions, limited choice, ignorance • Using advocates in the community of local opinion • Poole Council for Voluntary Services • Bournemouth Reform Synagogue – community leaders, youth workers, community development workers • Dorset Community Action • Bournemouth Portuguese Association.

21 Low carbon community groups Community Action Plan

• Encourage developers to incorporate • Develop a ‘bank’ of resources for sustainable energy in new buildings community groups to use to promote and re-developments energy effi ciency

• Develop further guidance on • Maximise the benefi ts of the Energy how developers can incorporate Saving Trust advice centre by making sustainable energy in new buildings residents fully aware of the service, and re-developments schemes and grants

• Explore the use of renewable • Target residents in Energy Saving energy systems on local authority Trust identifi ed hotspot areas land and as part of all new • Lead the community to take action build developments and major on energy by setting up community refurbishments energy effi ciency initiatives • Consider use of renewable energy • Encourage the local community for street lighting, school crossings, and energy services companies to parking meters, etc. develop renewable schemes • Establish a community sector energy • Develop a communications plan to network encourage the community to reduce • Develop a programme for provision energy usage of energy surveys, advice and • Work to reduce car dependency. funding to community buildings, making sure that users are involved in all stages, and following up with domestic energy effi ciency advice to users of the building

22 To address the situation, the Council Local authority energy Low carbon Council has set itself a target of reducing CO2 fi nancing scheme emissions by 5% over two years. Based The Carbon Trust estimates that UK local authorities spend £750 Since 2005 the Council has offered its on a carbon footprint of 27,325tCO2 for million a year on energy, and are one of the largest single sources services and interest free loans for 2008/09 this means a total reduction of emissions, with over 25 million tonnes of CO2. energy effi ciency projects. It covers a of 1,366tCO2. large range of projects from lighting to The Council is now participating in the insulation, and some £60,000 and 300

Bournemouth Council is committed to Bournemouth Council owns a huge Local Authority Carbon Management tonnes of CO2 have been saved to date. reducing such fi gures, not only to save variety of buildings - from offi ces to Programme operated by the Carbon money, but also to show leadership plant nurseries, schools to leisure Trust, and through this we have set Combined heat and through their own example. centres, car parks to a crematorium - an aspirational target of reducing CO2 power scheme and some of these are particularly high emissions from our operations by one- We have carried out a feasibility study energy users. third by 2014. into the local generation of electricity and the use of the heat from the Bournemouth Council’s estimated direct CO2 emissions The Council’s carbon generation process to provide heating compared with neighbours reduction team to buildings in the area. If the scheme

Number Total Total CO2 Local Direct The Council has set up a dedicated goes ahead it will offer carbon and 2 of m CO2 emissions authority emissions group which meets monthly, and cost savings for both private and public buildings emis- (tonnes) emissions as % of sions per m2 per head of local au- as well as looking at renewable buildings, and could also be powered (tonnes) population thority area technologies, it will also play a key by bio-fuels from local waste. (kg) emissions role in implementing a number of Bournemouth 193 250,209 15,616 0.06 95.48 1.68% initiatives designed to contribute to an Display energy certifi cates Christchurch 69 18,556 1,634 0.09 36.24 0.54% effective strategy. These include: Government legislation now requires Dorset County 380 545,040 21,066 0.04 52.51 0.70% all public buildings over 1000m2 to Carbon reduction have a certifi cate showing its energy East Dorset 10 8,840 809 0.09 9.50 0.14% commitment performance, and those performing North Dorset 17 6,310 805 0.13 12.31 0.17% A carbon trading scheme due to start poorly will be prioritised for further Poole 176 228,248 11,190 0.05 81.09 1.20% in 2010, whereby carbon allowances investigation and possible LAEF funding. Purbeck 3 2,495 164 0.07 3.63 0.04% are purchased each year, and bonuses Sustainable Construction Policy West Dorset 47 11,393 470 0.04 4.91 0.05% or penalties paid according to the performance of the Council. Weymouth & 45 17,602 2,477 0.14 38.35 0.78% The Council has also signed up to this Portland policy to ensure buildings constructed Total 940 1,088,693 54,230 0.05 135.19 1.12% or refurbished meet a certain standard in respect of sustainability.

23 Low carbon Council Community Action Plan

• Introduce measures to encourage • Consider producing our own reduced car usage and cleaner renewable energy car purchase, such as congestion • Assign energy costs to departments • Set targets for vehicle emissions and • Insist on high energy standards or charging or carbon-based residents’ and buildings, based on actual use. fuel use in procurement of transport carbon neutral development in parking permits Set targets for energy reduction and services council property or land • Introduce basic or high energy train staff to use less energy and • Set targets and timescale for • Use the planning system to reduce effi ciency standards in the raise awareness of the importance reducing energy consumption car dependency procurement of electrical goods of this. Publicise the results and use across our own operations, service them to raise further awareness • Ensure building control offi cers • Introduce basic or high energy delivery and throughout the wider are trained and encouraged to standards for new council buildings • Consider developing at least one community promote sustainable energy to all exemplar project • Procure local items where • Ensure that a cross-council system is those applying for building control possible, and items manufactured • Apply to the Energy Saving Trust for in place for gathering data relating approval with minimal energy use and a green fl eet review to sustainable energy • Provide advice on fuel poverty to environmental impact • Promote cycling and public • Ensure that a member of staff within social care clients. • Include environmental criteria as transport, and provide facilities each service area is responsible part of the process for selecting for cyclists to those sites currently for promoting the integration of subcontractors and suppliers without them sustainable energy

• Increase the proportion of the • Set a target for reducing car use and • Develop and train key staff in council’s total energy expenditure encourage car sharing the introduction of sustainability spent on energy effi ciency impact assessment • Encourage staff to use more • Seek advice and support from the effi cient vehicles for work and • Introduce energy training to staff in Carbon Trust on Council owned consider prohibiting high polluting areas of council operation with most buildings vehicles signifi cant impact on energy use

24 Sustainable Bournemouth This year, for the fi rst time, a comprehensive assessment has been carried out to see how effectively public bodies are working together to improve the quality of life for local people. Part of this survey examined the issue of Bournemouth’s sustainability, and the conclusions included: The feasibility of a town centre based Review of Council combined heat and power scheme is service spending also being considered alongside the Sustainability Strengths We were the fi rst local authority in possibility of it running on energy We undertook a detailed review of the UK to adopt the Earth Charter Bournemouth’s 2,000 acres of parks produced by bio-fuels derived from spending as part of the challenge to principles, and these are expected and gardens have an impressive 10 local waste products, especially food. set a sustainable revenue budget, to improve our ecological integrity Green Flag Awards, which refl ects on and this identifi ed budget savings of and make a signifi cant contribution We have taken a positive position the considerable work and expertise £1.558m in 2009/10 together with the to our efforts on sustainability, on the planned off-shore wind-farm which goes into maintaining our release of £2.678m from reserves. equality and diversity. development to the west of Isle of green spaces. These budget savings have been used Wight and if this happens, it could to support services under pressure and Bournemouth Tourism has silver level support the creation of new low Sustainability Weaknesses to invest in new growth. in the Green Tourism Business Scheme, carbon employment opportunities while our annual green tourism seminar Our performance on tranquillity and in research, construction and As a result, the Council included over for local businesses, coupled with our air quality is low compared with other maintenance. £2.330m for spending in 2009/10 annual tourism awards, encourage and areas and the density of urban living on its top priority of improving the is considered to be having a negative recognise sustainable tourism. Sustainability Threats environment. impact on peoples’ physical and Our local transport plan has been mental health. There is undoubtedly a lack of complimented by the government for awareness about sustainable economic its environmental content, and we Sustainability Opportunities growth and the need for major have taken an innovative approach to investment to protect people from land management in an urban setting Local partners in nature and in the impact of more extreme weather with, for example, goats grazing complementary holistic health conditions and climate change. on cliffs. This supports the changes treatments want to work more with in public perception needed for the council to realise the proven Perversely, effective campaigning on Bournemouth to adopt more radical mental health benefi ts of people being sustainable consumption will have a solutions which challenge traditional in our beautiful open spaces. negative effect on our ability to achieve thinking on conservation and heritage. government targets for waste recycling.

25 Big Green Fortnight As part of our mission to increase support for sustainability and carbon reduction, we held a special event in May 2009 to raise awareness of environmental issues while making them accessible and fun. The Bournemouth and Poole Big Green Fortnight included 65 events, a fi lm festival and the Big Green Bournemouth’s place in the world Bus, and was attended by almost 8,000 people. Jeffrey Newman, Director of Earth Charter UK grouping ‘local governments for emissions and carbon trading, desire sustainability’ (ICLEI) which has for cheap travel and the needs of the Bournemouth Borough Council made Local action, global incorporated the Earth Charter into environment, while enhancing public a bold move in February 2008 when it understanding its bye-laws. awareness of the choices that must became the fi rst local authority in the be made. Bournemouth, with its tourism, An ICLEI representative could be UK to demonstrate its commitment to 35,000 language school students, present at Bournemouth’s 200th Fair Trade policy could provide another sustainability and ecological integrity and University Centre for Global Anniversary and the 2010 Local important issue, as could fi nding by endorsing the Earth Charter. Perspectives could develop an Government Authority Conference at suitable sites for travellers. The Charter is now informing integrated understanding of the the BIC. This provides an opportunity the Council’s corporate strategy, impact of global issues on the local to highlight ways in which the Making something particularly in fi ve separate but community and vice versa. The endorsement of the Charter enhances different happen inter-related areas. ‘twinnings’ and the 200th Anniversary the work of a local authority. We believe it is essential that are of particular importance. Bournemouth now undertakes a small The need for a Making diffi cult choices pilot project that can validate the joined-up approach Strong relationships Achieving the aims of the Earth Charter potential local impact of the Charter. are essential will undoubtedly involve diffi cult Environmental sustainability (both As an illustration, a collaborative decisions, but Bournemouth is ideally natural and built) is inextricably From an Earth Charter perspective, ‘Food Initiative’ could draw together placed to lead the way in explaining linked to community sustainability there are many reasons to pursue a wide range of partners – schools, the issues. For example, Bournemouth and issues of health, justice, equality, local alliances with Poole and Dorset restaurants, food shops, local business, could host a series of symposia in employment and the like. on the sustainability agenda, while local food producers, tourism, the Transition Town movement is conjunction with the university. Local residents have already raised the South West Food and Drink, the two also an important local, national question of Bournemouth’s ‘soul’ and The Air Festival offers an excellent universities, the catering college, the and increasingly international this could provide a stimulating way example, since it attracts tourism NHS (PCT and Hospitals), farmers and “grass-roots” initiative. to help people think about what they but confl icts with other espoused the NFU, community groups, public look for in their community. We also recommend that Bournemouth values, and Bournemouth’s experience procurement, waste disposal, the Soil considers joining the international could help clarify issues of carbon Association, and more.

26 During Big Green Fortnight, we launched the Go Green Bournemouth Sustainable Bournemouth campaign, the aims of which include:

• Raising awareness of the predicted Community Action Plan weather and climate in 2050 and the opportunities and challenges created by it • Instigate a community-wide • Ask Bournemouth 2026 to support a • Introduce a more robust assessment discussion about Bournemouth’s major food initiative to involve of the sustainability impacts of our • Encouraging residents and businesses ‘soul’ as a way to help people local partners key decisions to improve their energy effi ciency think about what they look for in a • Develop an action plan to reduce • Work with groups we fi nd hard to and reduce their carbon footprints sustainable community the negative health impacts of high reach to make sure our climate • Raising awareness of practical • Ask the university’s Centre for density urban living change and sustainability plans solutions for more sustainable Global Perspectives to lead the are developed and delivered in • Provide greater equality of access lifestyles and more sustainable use development of an integrated partnership with them to open spaces that are quiet, of our natural resources understanding of the impact of relaxing and support more subtle • Produce information and advice on global issues, including climate • Engaging people in fun and exciting leisure activity climate change and carbon reduction change, on the local community ways, offering family-friendly in user-friendly versions that enable and vice versa • Encourage greater involvement of activities for residents, local full community engagement local community partners in nature communities and holidaymakers • Provide support for a Transition and complementary holistic health • Run the Go Green Bournemouth group, with the emphasis on helping • Showing that sustainable living can campaign over the next three years, to build the capacity it needs for • Investigate the feasibility of a town be easy, healthy, inexpensive and fun to improve our sustainable use of sustainable growth centre based combined heat and natural resources. The campaign • Showcasing local green success power scheme stories • Consider joining the ICLEI themes are: air, nature, energy, • Encourage local support for the food, travel, waste and water. • Work with Bournemouth Education • Promoting sustainable travel, such potential benefi ts of new ‘low and the university to host seminars as walking, cycling, public transport, carbon’ employment and for the on ‘diffi cult choices’ of national and school bus services and car share. developing green knowledge economy wider importance • Increase community awareness about • Review the business case for how our natural assets supporting adopting Fair Trade procurement more sustainable economic growth will policies for the council’s own require investment to protect them operations and service contracts from the impact of more extreme weather events and climate change

27 For more detailed information about the Climate Change and Sustainable Bournemouth Community Action Plan please visit: www.bournemouth.gov.uk/gogreen

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