Draft Climate Change Policy and Action Plan Borough Council

‘Urgent action is need now to combat the worlds ‘greatest environmental challenge’ global warming.’ Tony Blair, September 2004

Introduction Global climate change is a naturally occurring process. However, humans impact on this process, through emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (from burning fossil fuels for energy) and methane gas is now evident and causing much more dramatic effects than would occur naturally.

The Council recognises the significance of climate change and has made a commitment to reduce its own impact on this global problem. In 2003 the Council became the first local authority in to become a signatory to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change and committed to develop a policy and action plan to address the causes and effects of climate change.

What is Climate Change? Global warming or climate change is a natural process and is caused by the ‘greenhouse’ effect. . Atmospheric greenhouse gases (principally carbon dioxide CO2) allow energy from the sun to reach the Earth’s surface and warm it up. In turn the earth gives off infrared ‘heat’ radiation. Most escapes to outer space, but some are trapped by the greenhouse gases and heat the earth.

The natural balance of this process has been upset by human activity by increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which make the world warmer. (See appendix 1)

Atmospheric CO2 levels have increased by around 30% since the start of the industrial revolution, in the late 18 th Century The main cause of this increase has been the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas, which all contain carbon) to generate electricity. A car driven 5 miles releases 1kg of CO2 into the atmosphere, and £1 spent on electricity releases 10kg of CO2.

The lifetime of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere means that even if emissions were to be stopped tomorrow the impacts would continue to impact for 80-100 years.

‘Internationally our first priority is climate change, in the long term probably the most important issues we face as a global community’ Lord Whitty, August 2004.

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Source: ‘ picture in - Global warming, local warning – Dr Caroline Lucas’

Recognition of the global, national and regional significance of climate change has risen dramatically over recent years and resulted in international co- operation to address the causes and impacts of climate change.

Source: Hadley Centre, ‘Dangerous Climate Change Report December 2004.

Research indicates that climate change is having complex impacts on the global environment with damaging local effects around the globe. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ‘mid rage scenarios’ projects an increase in global mean temperatures of between 1 °C and 3.5 °C, by the year 2100, the largest warming in the past 10,000 years. Average sea level is projected to rise by between 15 and 95sm by the year 2100.

The greenhouse gases are Carbon dioxide Methane Nitrous oxide Ozone Water vapour 2 Halocarbons

International Cooperation The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 and published its first assessment report in 1990 – this stated that global warming was real and urged something to be done about it. IPCC current role is to assess all information relevant to understanding the scientific basis of risk of human-induced climate change, its potential impacts and options for mitigation and adaptation.

The findings of the IPCC panel spurred governments to create the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992. One of the first major responses to climate change took place at the Earth Summit In Rio in 1992 when 160 nations agreed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 base year levels by 2000. This agreement came under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

This agreement was developed further and at the Earth Summit in Kyoto in 1997 individual national targets were set to reduce a group of six gases based on 1990 levels – the Kyoto Protocol . This legally binding agreement set mandatory targets to reduce green house emissions for the six principal greenhouse gases. Climate Change – facts: (IPPR findings)

• Global emissions of CO2 have increased 12-fold over the course of the last century. As C02 stays and accumulates in the atmosphere for many decades, CO2 concentrations have risen by 30% over pre-industrial levels • The 1990s were the warmest decade since written records began. The planets snow cover has decreased by 10% and the extent of artic sea-ice has decreased by 15% in spring and summer since the 1950s. • Global climatic changes include a 10-15% increase in rainfall and a doubling of stormy weather in parts of the northern hemisphere since the 1950s. Global average sea levels have risen by up to 0.2m during the 20 th century. • 150,000 premature deaths are attributed to climate change through heat waves, floods, storms and droughts, the spread of water-borne diseases and those carried by insects. (WHO) • Economic losses from natural disasters (80% are weather related) have increased 9-fold since the 1960s to $480 billion in the 1990s, according to German re-insurer Munich Re. • The Association of British Insurers estimates that losses from natural disasters cost $60 billion in 2003 and could be as much as $150 billion by 2010 • Ecosystems are being damaged – warming oceans has killed large stretches of coral reefs. • Global average temperatures are predicted to rise by 6 °C by the end of the century if little is done to reduce emissions, and sea level rises are projected to rise by almost 1meter, flooding low lying islands, crop land and certain cities worldwide

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National Commitments The UK government has established the UK Climate Change Programme (UKCIP) to meet the targets agreed under the Kyoto Protocol. The UK is legally bound to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% below 1990 levels by between 2008 and 2012. UKCIP also aims to help organisations assess how they might be affected by climate change.

The Governments has set domestic goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010.

In the long-term the Royal Commission on Environment and Pollution has predicted that a target reduction on greenhouse gas emissions of 60% by 2050 and 80% by 2100 (from the level in 1990) are required to stabilise levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and ensure climate change does not accelerate dangerously.

In February 2003 the Government published its Energy White Paper ‘Our Energy Future – creating a low carbon economy’. This defines a 2050 strategic vision to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by a challenging 60%. A national target of 10% of all UK electricity being supplied by renewable energy by 2010 has also been set, with the aspiration that this increases to 20% by 2020.

Regional Context UKCIP commissioned the Hadley Centre and the Climate Research Unit at East Anglia University to produce a set of future national climate predictions. The study known as UKCIPo2 considered 4 different scenarios (low, medium- low, medium-high and high) corresponding to future greenhouse gas emissions. The results are presented in the form of UK maps showing future rainfall, temperature, wind speed and other variables for the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s. Regional climate change partnerships have used this data to identify the likely impacts on their region.

The following page shows the Climate Change Scenario’s for the South East Region.

By taking all the scenarios together the main UKCIP02 predictions for the South East are that, by the 2080’s:

• Winters will have 10-30% more rainfall • Intense rainfall days with 20mm of rain could double • Winters will be 1.5-3.5 °C warmer • Summers will be 2-6°C hotter • 30-60 more extremely warmer days per year • Summer rainfall will be 20-60% lower • Higher daily average wind speeds in the winter • It could be warm enough for 40-100 extra growing days of plant growth per year (currently about 250 days per year)

4 • Sea levels will rise by 19-79cm (mean sea level in the English Channel increase by 54cm by 2080)` • ‘Once in 50 years’ storm surges along the coastline will increase by 20- 140cm.

Many of the predicted effects will be clear and tangible by the 2020’s - within our lifetime.

The South East Climate Change partnership (SECCP) published ‘Rising to the Challenge’ a study of the possible impacts of climate change in the region in 1999.

In 2003 the South East England Regional Assembly published the South East Energy Efficiency and Renewable Strategy called ‘Harnessing the Elements‘. The Strategy highlights the potential for renewable energy in the region with wind, biomass and solar technologies representing over 95% of the regions potential in the short to medium term.

And locally The likely impacts of climate change in Hastings and St Leonards include

• Rising sea levels – resulting in increased risk of tidal flooding and possible disruption to our transport corridors • Increase in drought conditions during summer months – putting pressure on our water supplies, local food supplies • Increase demand for water for existing users and proposed new developments (the south east has the highest demand for water per head than any other area in the UK) • Deteriorating air quality • Coastal flooding and erosion • Opportunities for increase in tourism – with longer season • Opportunities for renewable energy developments and installations • Increase in subsidence due to drier land and soil • Milder winters with larger rainfall

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What do climate change scenarios show for the southeast?

These maps from the UK Climate Impacts Programme show how the aspects of our climate could change by the 2080’s.

6 The Council is already doing a lot of work in pursuit of the Kyoto agreement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010. In 2003, it became a signatory to the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change and made a commitment to develop a climate change policy and action plan.

Hastings Borough Council has worked with partners to develop a Community Strategy for the Borough. The Climate Change Policy can help contribute to the Community Strategy. During 2005 the environmental targets of the Community Strategy will be reviewed at an Environmental Summit.

This policy builds on the Council’s existing environmental successes and ensures climate change is taken into account in planning and delivering its services and activities within the Borough. It sets out a range of options, which aim to reduce the CO2 emissions and take further measures to enable the residents, the Council and its partners and ensures the habitats within Hastings to adapt to Climate change.

What Hastings borough Council has done so far

• In 2004 embarked on an energy efficiency programme and achieved a reduction in its own energy consumption by 14% and a reduction of 69 tonnes of CO2 emissions (or 14 hot air balloons) • In 2004 the Council switched 7l of its key offices to a ‘green energy supplier’ • As part of work on the Home Energy Conservation Act which aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollutants in local homes by 30% by 2010. The Council had achieved a 10 % improvement in energy efficiency by March 2004. • Promoted discounted priced home composters extensively – over 8500 distributed since 1995 • Reduced the waste generated at our offices by 52% • Launched a Kerbside recycling scheme for paper and bring sites were established borough wide • Replaced the courier’s car, which travels between all the Councils offices, with a LPG fuelled vehicle – reducing CO2 emissions from our transport. • Sought expert advice form the Carbon Trust about how to refurbish an old school building for office accommodation in the most energy efficient way • Secured funding form DEFRA to expand the kerbside recycling scheme to all households • Committed to developing a staff travel plan and surveyed all staff in November 2004 – to adopt new policy in June 2005. • Took part in an Interreg funded ‘Environmental Stewardship’ project with 9 partners in France, Kent and East Sussex • Committed to developing a Staff Travel Plan and successfully applied to the transport best practice programme for expert advice and support

7 The Council intends to work to tackle climate change through 9 key areas of action. Each key theme area includes a brief description of the climate change issues and outlines actions to address these concerns. An action Plan at the end of the document describes the actions in more detail.

This Climate Change Policy operates on a long-term perspective but it includes targets and actions to be achieved in both the short and medium term too. The policy is a flexible document reviewable on an annual basis.

The principles of the Climate Change Strategy for Hastings incorporate 3 overarching themes • Reducing CO2 emissions • Adaptation to Climate Change • Promotion of Sustainable Development

Climate Change Menu The Policy has been developed using the Climate Menu developed by Ecofys. The Menu enables local authorities to identify, priorities and secure consensus about the actions that can be taken to address the causes and impacts of climate change. The Council is the first coastal-based local authority to use the Climate Menu and the first local authority in East Sussex.

The Climate Menu was originally developed for Dutch councils on behalf of the Dutch Agency for Energy and Environment, and more than 150 local authorities in the Netherlands are using the Menu.

The EU Climate Menu (www.climatemenu.com) project is supported by the European Commission Altener Programme and the Climate Alliance (consisting of 1000 local authorities signed up to taking action on climate change). ECM and the Climate Alliance partners have been developing the tool further and enabling it o be used in over 7 European countries.

8 Key Theme 1 Regeneration, Planning and Regulation

The way in which developments are regulated, planned and built and the way in which resources are used to do this determines whether or no they are sustainable. Simply by re-evaluating how and where we build things we can reduce emissions and help adapt to some of the issues climate change will bring about.

As one of the key objectives is to promote sustainable development the planning system is an ideal tool through which we can work to address issues relating to climate change.

Current planning regulations limit the extent to which the council can insist on new developments being sustainable but the Council will actively encourage developers to use more sustainable construction methods. It will also promote sustainability as an integral part of the Local Development Framework – a new spatial plan for the borough, which will determine what, can be built in the Borough.

The following is an extract from Hastings Local Plan

Local Plan Policy DG23 – Renewable Energy Schemes Planning applications for renewable energy schemes, will be assessed against the following criteria a. the immediate and wider impact of the proposed development on the landscape b. the need to protect features and areas of natural, cultural, historical and archaeological interest c. the measures that would be taken, both during and after construction, to minimise the impact of the development on local land use and residential amenity d. the local and wider benefits that the proposal may bring, e. certain renewable energy resources can only be harnessed where the resource occurs Local Plan Policy DG24 Energy Efficient Development Development should as far as possible be designed to be energy efficient in terms of: a. Site layout – use of land, location within site, orientation and landscaping; and b. Building design – building form and materials used. Particular support will be given to proposals incorporating or facilitating the use of energy – efficient supply technology and/or renewable energy resources

As part of the Local Development Framework the Council intends to develop Supplementary Planning Design on ‘Sustainable Design and Construction’. Energy use in buildings providing services such as water, heating and light equates to 50% of the UK’s CO2 emissions. This can be addressed through tackling water efficiency, installing renewable energy sources, improving insulation and minimising waste.

There are essentially four key elements of sustainable development, which can be taken into account of in the local planning system

9 • Location – position of developments affects peoples need to travel and mode of transport • Layout – a site and its buildings can be devised so that it is more sustainable e.g. position building or windows to maximise passive solar gain • Landscape – landscape around a development can help to reduce energy consumption e.g. reducing heat loss, protection from winds • Sustainable construction measures – e.g. using sustainable urban drainage systems and rain water storage to reduce water needs

The European Performance of Buildings Directive implemented in 2006 requires that minimum energy performance standards are set for all new buildings (and for large buildings being refurbished) and that energy performance certificates are provided. The Directive will mainly be implemented in the UK through the new building regulations and the Housing Bill (part 5), which will enact the requirement for Home Information Packs including a Home Energy Report and Certificate. The key focus of the new 2005 building regulations is to reduce CO2 emissions.

Water supply and drainage will become a more pressing issue to consider in future housing developments. Rainfall is predicted to become more intense and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) will be required in order to slow the flow of run-off from hard surfaces and alleviate flooding, especially as more land is developed or otherwise sealed over. Water can also be stored through the use of SUDS and re-used for other purposes. Water supply is likely to become scarce during summer months and with an increased need, this resource will need greater management

Actions • Incorporate the consideration of climate change in the Local Development Framework and other key planning documents. • Collate examples of best practice where climate change has been incorporated into planning policy. • Develop Supplementary Planning Document on Sustainable Design and Construction to accompany the Local Development Framework • Develop a sustainability checklist to be used by developers to help implement the SPD on sustainable design and construction. • Provide regular training for the planning department to help enable them to make informed decisions on sustainability aspects of building design and construction, including climate change • Encourage the use of SUDS for new and existing developments and in the management of the Council’s own land and buildings • For proposed new capital builds – ensure options for renewable energy and sustainable construction are considered • Promote the use of renewable energy to local business, organisations and residents

10 • Through Hastings Sustainable Business Partnership promote Envirowise free audits to local businesses and support them to implement the findings of the audit • Through Hastings Sustainable Business Partnership and in partnership with Seaspace provide Environmental Management Systems Training for local construction companies. • Encourage the development of new environmental technology based local business economy

11 Key Theme 2 Energy Management in Buildings

Using energy more wisely, using alternative sources of energy or using more effective heating systems, will reduce CO2 emissions and help to promote more sustainable development and well being, benefiting local people living in fuel poverty, local businesses and our own services both economically and in terms of proving a more comfortable environment.

The Council is committed to reducing its own demands for energy use associated with its own buildings and activities. In 2004 the Council launched a successful energy management programme and to date has secured a 14% reduction in energy consumption in its own buildings, which achieved a 69 tonne reduction on CO2 emissions (or 14 hot air balloons)

In addition the Council re-tendered its energy contracts and now uses a green energy supplier for its 7 key office buildings. It wishes to continue with its energy management programme and has set an additional energy reduction target of 5% from 2005/06, which will achieve a 20% reduction in 2 years.

The Governments Energy Best practice programme has supported the accommodation review for our offices and expert advice has been sought from the Carbon Trust about possible energy efficient solutions for the refurbishment of proposed new offices accommodation and our existing offices.

The council also wishes to consider its demands upon water resources in the area with a view to reducing our water consumption in our buildings and activities.

Through initiatives like the Hastings Sustainable Business Partnership local businesses have been encouraged to consider energy efficiency. As the cost of energy is likely to continue to increase, many of the solutions to climate change represent win-win business opportunities.

Actions • Review and implement the findings of the multi-site energy management assessment carried out in December 2004 in partnership with the Carbon Trust • Implement a water management programme within the councils offices • Sustain the energy management project in council offices and achieve an additional 5% reduction in our energy consumption by March 2006. • Procure the Councils energy supplies for its offices from renewable energy sources • Ensure climate change considerations are included in Council building projects • Investigate the potential for renewable energy use in council offices and building projects e.g. refurbishment of Christchurch, development of Country park visitor centre

12 Key Theme 3 Housing Energy efficiency is a key element to any climate change strategy. Wasted energy or poorly managed energy can result in high CO2 emissions being produced, loss of money and damage to the environment. One of the biggest challenges is to address issues arising from our existing building stock, and to ensure their refurbishment and redesign contributes to climate change.

Buildings should be designed to be long life, low maintenance, and energy efficient, adaptable to meet changing needs and constructed of low embedded energy, locally produced, renewable materials. Buildings that are flexible in design are more likely to be re-used.

Measures to improve energy efficiency in our homes also improves local air quality, helps combat fuel poverty as well as improving peoples quality of life.

Housing statistics Hastings and St Leonards have greater amounts of pre-1919 housing (38%) and private rented housing (17.2%) then both the national and south eastern average. Dwellings in these 2 categories are of low standard. The Housing Condition Survey in 2001 revealed that nearly 6000 dwellings are unfit or in substantial disrepair, often these properties are the least energy efficient and most difficult to heat. Housing associations – 16% Privately rented – 17% Owner occupied (no mortgage) – 28% Owner occupied (mortgage) – 39%

The Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) is the main driver for improving energy efficiency in the domestic sector. HECA seeks a 30% improvement in energy efficiency in residential accommodation by 2010. Hastings has achieved an improvement of 10% by March 2004 and will continue to work towards the 30% target.

Every Household in the UK creates about 6 tonnes of CO2 every year enough to fill 6 hot air balloons 10mm in diameter. By taking the average efficiency measures, the average household could reduce this by 30% or 2 tonnes and save £200 per year.

Many low-income households live in homes that lack efficient heating and insulation measures. They can spend 10% or more of their income to heat their homes. In October 2003 Hastings Borough Council with our partners produced a Fuel Poverty Strategy, which forms the basis of the Council’s long-tern programme to tackle fuel poverty in the town. Castle and Central St Leonards wards are ranked 2nd and 3rd worst wards in the South East region with regard to fuel poverty.

13 Heat for Every Home – Hastings and St Leonards Affordable Warmth Policy A ‘fuel poor’ household is one that needs to spend more than 10% of its income on fuel to adequately heat the home. It’s estimated that up to 30% of UK household are affected by fuel poverty. The effects of fuel poverty include ill health, premature deaths and social exclusion.

In Hastings Castle and Central St Leonards had the 2 nd and 3 rd highest- ranking scores in the south east region, with the district as a whole having the second highest score in the south east region.

The Millennium Communities project in Hastings will deliver 1100 new homes which will be sustainably designed and constructed and provide opportunities to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. The project provides an opportunity to promote carbon neutral development and housing design standards to other developers e.g. BREEAM Eco Homes

The ‘Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment Method’ (BREEAM) is widely used to assess the environmental performance of both new and existing buildings. BREEAM assesses the performance of building in the following areas: management, energy use, health and well being, pollution, transport, ecology, materials and water. BREEAM covers a range building types – offices, homes, industrial units, retail units and schools. The homes option is called ‘Ecohomes’ Ecohomes provides an authoritative rating for new, converted and renovated homes and covers both houses and apartments.

Actions: • Implement the targets in the Affordable Warmth Policy Action Plan • Promote grants and funding to householders and registered social landlords and other organisations for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects e.g. Clear Skies • Promote free Home Energy Efficiency Surveys for local householders provided by the Surrey and East Sussex Energy Advice Centre (SEEAC) • Promote the Millennium Communities and other similar projects as examples of best design and construction practice • Provide information about BREEAM Ecohomes • Further develop the energy efficiency pages on the Councils web site

14 Key Theme 4 Waste

Waste is a growing problem, and its appropriate disposal is a central part of the work to reduce the effects of climate change because of the impact it has in the production of greenhouse gases. The majority of the waste we generate in the town is currently disposed of at the landfill site at Pebsham, with approximately 11% of our household waste being recycled. The site is fast filling up combined and with the resulting CO2 it creates (in the form of methane from biodegradable waste) we all need to re-consider how we deal with our waste.

Hastings residents produce approximately 32,000 tonnes of household waste each year of which a significant proportion is biodegradable e.g. kitchen and garden waste. The council currently recycles 11% of this waste – or 3500 tonnes. During 21005/06 the Council plans to increase its recycling rate form from 11% to 18% by expanding the household kerbside recycling scheme.

The Statutory Waste Recycling and composting targets for the council are:

Achieve an 18% household recycling rate by 2005/06

We provide discounted priced home composters to help local people to compost their garden waste at home, and are currently piloting a green garden waste collection scheme for commercial composting. In addition we promote kitchen waste digesters and wormerys and have ensured most of our parks and gardens waste is composted, and re-used.

The Council has committed to reducing its own waste impacts on the landfill site and between 2001 and 2004 successfully reduced its own waste by 52%. A council office wide recycling scheme for paper, cardboard, plastic and cans has been established.

Actions: • Promote and expand green waste collections from householders following the review of the green waste pilot. • Promote use of wormeries and digesters (‘Green Joanna’s) to help local residents compost kitchen waste including cooked food. • Promote home composting to help local residents compost their garden waste and green kitchen waste • Maintain the councils office waste recycling programme • Continue to expand recycling options to include plastic, cans and cardboard collections for local residents in line with meeting statutory recycling targets (Achieve a 18% recycling rate 2005/06)

15 • Hastings Small Change Community Project – work with local residents to show how small changes to our lifestyles can make a big difference working in partnership with Global Action Plan through lottery finding. • Further develop information on the Councils web site about recycling and composting.

16 Key Theme 5 Transport

Emissions form vehicles account for a major proportion of greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO2; road transport accounts for 24% of CO2 emissions. New strategies and technologies should help to reduce this impact.

The Governments ‘Powering Future Vehicles’ Strategy has a key objective that 10% of new vehicles will be low carbon – using less than 100g per km of CO2 equivalent by 2012.

Reducing the need to travel by using alternatives to the car and providing local facilities in places where people live are ways of reducing the impact of road transport on climate change.

The Council is developing a ‘Staff Travel Plan’ to help promote more sustainable transport choices and reduce the need to travel. Proposals such as car sharing, encouraging cycling and walking, working from home, and using public transport are designed to result in a measurable reduction in the number of journeys and miles undertaken by staff commuting to work and business miles at work. In turn this will reduce our CO2 emissions.

Travel Plan A Travel Plan consists of a package of measures to encourage and support employees and visitors to choose more sustainable travel patterns such as walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing.

The Council is a key partner in the Quality Bus Partnership, which works to improve local bus services, bus facilities and increased bus usage in the town. Since 2003 bus usage has increased by 3%, 3 quality bus corridors have been introduced and 6 bus routes providing low floor buses have been provided.

In addition the Council is developing a Transport Plan for the town, which will influence and inform the development of the county councils Local Transport Plan (LTP) a framework, which describes what, transport measures the county are proposing to deliver over a 5 year period. This will help address some of the air quality management issues in the Air Quality Management area on Bexhill Road.

The key to reducing the need to travel is localisation, ensuring that through the planning process the new development is sited conveniently, with good access for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.

17 Actions • Adopt Hastings Borough Council draft ‘Staff Travel Plan’ and implement the action plan • Promote information about sustainable transport choices • Promote the Governments ‘Powershift’ program providing grant support to convert cars to renewable energy fuels • Implement the Quality Bus Partnership Action Plan in partnership with Stagecoach and ESCC to increase bus usage in the town (Community Strategy Target 19) • Agree and implement the first year targets of the Local Transport Action Plan for Hastings and St Leonards • Adopt and implement the Air Quality Management Area Action Plan

18 Key Theme 6 Coastal Management and Tourism

The Hastings coastline is very well developed and supports 2 major infrastructure links – the A259 and the coastal railway. As a coastal authority the Borough Council has a shared responsibility for coastal defences in partnership with the Environment Agency. Some of our defences are being compromised by sea level change.

The Council is a partner organisation in the South East Coastal Group, which was established to provide a co-ordinated response to coastal erosion and flooding. The Group is also responsible for developing a shoreline management plan and coastal defences strategy. A draft version of the ‘South Foreland to Beachy Head Shoreline Management plan’ is currently being consulted on.

Hastings coastline is approximately 12km; to the east of the town are 7km of sandstone and clay cliffs which extend past the cliff top village of Fairlight to the low lying land at Pett Level, both of which are in Council. The cliffs are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and have been designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC); for the 5km within the Borough there is a policy of no active intervention and the cliffs are left to erode naturally. To the west of the town are 2km of low-lying land at Bulverhythe, which the Environment Agency has responsibility for defending against coastal and fluvial flooding.

The town has the largest beach launched fishing fleet in Europe. As a seaside town, the town’s beaches are widely used for beach launched leisure activities and by the many 1000s of visitors and local residents during the summer months.

Sea level rise, generated by climate change are already measurable, at around 6mm a year. The effects of the anticipated rise in sea level will increase the likelihood of flooding and place additional pressure on sea defences.

The longer summer season and warmer winters is likely to benefit the town, by attracting additional visitors; this will provide economic opportunities but will also need to be considered in planning and service decision making processes; how will we accommodate a rise in visitor numbers from people who wish to escape to the cooler coast line; where will people park how will they travel to the town?

Actions: • Work with the Environment Agency to produce accurate flood risk data • Work with partners to gain a greater understanding of Climate Change in the Borough including likely sea level rises • Ensure climate change considerations are included in the seafront strategy and capital projects on the seafront

19 • Capitalise on the positive opportunities climate change could provide for the town including increased visitor numbers during the summer and longer summer season

20 Key Theme 7 Wildlife, Habitats and Management of our Parks and open spaces

Changes in seasonal weather characteristics such as drier, warmer summers and cooler, wetter winters may affect local plant and animal life. We may start to see more northern European species in Hastings, and local species may migrate further north. Local fishermen have already begun t catch more tropical fish species.

Wildlife is widely used as a natural indicator of climate change as plants and wildlife are sensitive to change in temperature. The UK has developed a set of 34 indicators to track climate change impacts as they happen across the UK and as they affect the natural environment, economy and society. The indicators can be divided into those measuring the ‘state’ of the environment and those measuring the ‘response’ to shifts in climate. For example – 4 coastal observatories monitor the arrival of swallows in the UK. Swallows only arrive when their food supply of aerial insects is plentiful, which in turn is related to spring temperatures. Since the 70s swallows have been arriving earlier in response to warmer springs.

With higher rainfall likely during winter months coupled with dry weather in summer, there is a greater chance of flash rises and falls in local watercourses. With no means to cope with surface water run off the impacts of flooding are worsened. The installation of Sustainable Urban Drainage systems can help reduce the effect of run-off caused by flooding (and can also help with low river levels during the summer).

The Borough has a rich diverse manmade and natural environment and features include Alexandra park in the town centre, , the beach, a wealth of local parks, gardens and allotments as well as 3 SSSI, and 6 local nature reserves. As the impacts of climate change upon our natural environment it will become important to develop wildlife corridors, so that species do not become trapped by the built environment (roads, housing, commercial developments) and are able to migrate to more suitable habitats.

Hastings Countryside and Nature Conservation Sites Hastings Cliffs are designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – Marline Valley Woods, and sea cliffs of Hastings Cliffs to Pett Level. A country park 6 local nature reserves – Marline Valley Woods, Filsham Reedbeds, St Helens Woods, Churchwood, Summerfields Woods and Old Roar Gill 30 sites of Nature Conservation Interest

To help address water shortages in dry summer months it will become more important to plant drought tolerant species and use shelter and shade to reduce the amount of water lost through evapotranspiration (the natural

21 process by which plants take up water) in addition improving the richness of soil by applying mulch and compost will improve its water capacity.

Actions: • Reduce reliance on rainfall and irrigation in the design, specification and management of open spaces and planting schemes • Use planting schemes which introduce more drought tolerant species and reduce watering demands of planting schemes • Ensure Biodiversity Action Plan takes account of the implications for Climate Change • Work with partners e.g. local fishermen to establish an informal reporting mechanism for unusual fish catches and wildlife observations as indicators of climate change – report through Hastings Wildlife website

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Key Theme 8 Procurement

When purchasing goods or services it is possible to adopt environmental policies relating to climate change. Hastings Borough Council is a major player in the local market in relation to procurement of goods and services. It should be possible to use this purchasing power in a way that influences suppliers in the right direction regarding climate change issues as well as other environmental policy issues.

Examples of What HBC procures: Stationery including paper, pens and envelops Cleaning, refuse, street cleansing and recycling, leisure, and rounds maintenance services Building repairs and maintenance IT equipment and consumables Food and refreshments Vehicles

Environmental and climate change impacts occur through both the source and nature of the goods purchased. For example the use of timber from non- sustainably managed forests e.g. use wood that is accredited to the FSC and the use of fossil fuels in vehicles e.g. use LPG

‘Green ‘ or renewable energy The council has recently procured its electricity and gas from one supplier and 7 key council offices are now supplied with ‘green’ or renewable energy. The Climate Change Levy is a tax on the use of energy in industry, commerce and the public sector, and addition a support for energy efficiency schemes and renewable sources of energy. The levy forms part of the Governments overall Climate Change Programme. The commitment to the use of renewable energy removes the need to pay Climate Change Levy.

The council has a procurement strategy, which is supported by the environmental purchasing policy (EPP). The EPP will be updated to take account of climate change and reducing our CO2 emissions through our services and goods we procure and will promote sustainable procurement choices e.g. promoting life cycle costs – so that A rated appliances are selected for use rather than E rated ones and that the use of renewable energy can be considered.

It is possible to purchase goods and services in a more sustainable way by looking at factors such as service delivery options and contracts to encourage

23 businesses to operate green and sustainable procurement policies. E.g. specifying the use of low carbon fuels for contractors vehicles

Proposed actions: • Update the Environmental Purchasing Policy to reflect the Climate Change Policy and raise staff awareness of the policy • Ensure when the electricity and gas supplies are re-tendered they contain a proportion of energy, if not all that is supplied from a renewable source • Consider on renewal of leases etc, replacing the Councils vehicles with renewable energy vehicles e.g. LPG and other technologies as they become available.

24 • Key theme 9 Raising awareness and partnership working

By creating wider knowledge and understanding of climate change and sustainability through raising awareness and promotion, we can more easily help to bring about the changes we need to make. For individuals and organisations to really make a difference people need to understand the issues at stake.

Another important factor in increasing our understanding of climate change is to gain a greater understanding of the likely impacts in Hastings especially with regard to sea level rises.

This Policy informs the public of the potential local impacts of climate change the opportunities and challenges it may present. It explains the Councils aims in reducing CO2 emissions and how it hopes to work to reduce the effects of climate change. The more people and organisations that know and understand, the more likely they are to want to help reduce the effects of climate change.

Actions: • Develop climate page on the Councils web site • Produce an easy to read version of the Climate Change Strategy and action plan • Incorporate climate change issues into the review of the Community Strategy targets • Consider becoming a Member of South East Climate Change Partnership • Work with other partners to consider the likely impacts of climate change in Hastings and identify actions they can take to reduce CO2 emissions • Implement the climate change action plan, monitor and report on its progress • Develop simple guidance on the ‘steps you can take’ to reduce your impact on climate change

Sources of Cli mate change information Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) www.ipcc.ch/ United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) www.unfcc.int /2860.php UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) www.ukcip.org.uk Encyclopaedia of the atmospheric environment – one stop source of information on a range of atmospheric issues www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/eae/ Climate research unit at the University of East Anglia – one the worlds leading institutions concerned with the study of climate change Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – part of a wider programme research into climate change www.defra.gov.uk 25 Summary of UK Commitments Kyoto Protocol Industrialised nations have made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels over the next decade. The UK is on target to achieve a 12.5% reduction in 1990 levels by 2010. The targets are legally binding . UK Government The Government made a national commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by 20% by 2010 over 1990 levels. Energy White Paper 2003 ‘Our energy future – creating a low carbon economy’ Seeks to reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2050; short term targets include • 10% of UK’s electricity to be supplied from renewable energy by 2010 • aspiration to double this by 2020 • double capacity of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) by 2010 to around 10GW Building Regulations There are proposed changes to change the building regulations to raise energy efficiency standards in new housing by bout 25% and extend energy efficiency requirements to renovations and non-domestic buildings. These requirements will partly implement the EU Energy Performance in Buildings Directive, which comes into force in January 2006. Housing Act 2004 Includes requirements fro Home Information Packs, which requires all homes when constructed, sold or rented to receive an energy performance assessment form January 2007 . Planning Policy Statement 22 on Renewable Energy (being finalised) – key points include • Local Development Documents should have policies ‘designed to promote and encourage, rather than restrict, the development of renewable energy resources’ • LA’s should consider renewable energy in all new developments , and may require a % of the energy for new developments from on-site renewables • The wider environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy projects should be given significant weight in decision making • Regions should set renewable energy targets and identify broad areas where development of particular types of renewable energy may be appropriate Planning National planning guidance provides guidance about reducing the need to travel, concentrating developments in existing settlements, density requirements for housing, sustainable development and design.

Energy Efficiency Commitment Requires electricity and gas suppliers to secure quantified carbon emission savings through securing installation of energy efficient technologies (other words ) Home Energy Conservation Act Requires local authorities to report on how they are contributing to the target to save 30% energy savings in housing UK Fuel Poverty targets To eradicate fuel poverty from vulnerable households by 2010, and from all dwellings as far as reasonably possible by 2016

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