Civic Centre, Lakeview Road, Craigavon, Co. BT64 1AL. Tel: 028 38 312400 Fax: 028 38 312444 Minicom: 028 3832 9757 e-mail: [email protected] www.craigavon.gov.uk

towards a sustainable craigavon 3

contents Foreword:The Mayor 3 Foreword: The Mayor 12 Climate Change and Energy 18 Sustainable Communities This document describes the progress Craigavon This progress report on Sustainable Development 13 Wind Turbines at Carn Depot, 18 Neighbourhood Renewal Borough Council is making towards a more shows what can be achieved when organisations 5 A view from the Chief Executive Kinnego Marina and Craigavon Water 19 Community cleanups sustainable society. Our vision set out in 2000 commit to long term action. It also gives us the 7 Introduction Sports Centre 19 Investing for Health has been translated into concrete achievements opportunity to review our successes and set even 13 Solar Panels at Lough Neagh with many successful and significant changes higher and more ambitious objectives for the 8 Craigavon Borough Council Discovery Centre 20 Governance having been implemented within the Borough future. In doing so we hope Craigavon will 9 Leading the Way 13 Liquefied Petroleum Gas vans (LPG) 20 The International Council for Local over the past seven years. Examples of these become a leading exemplar of sustainability both 9 Programme for Sustainable Environmental Initiatives. Local achievements are set out within this document. regionally and nationally. Development in Craigavon 14 Sustainable Consumption Governments for Sustainability We have also encouraged others to follow our and Production The road to a sustainable society is one of many 21 Learning and communication example and have contributed to projects that challenges. Craigavon can say with firm 11 Sustainable Development 15 Building Control facilitate businesses within the area to reduce 15 Green Purchasing conviction that we are much further down that 22 The future their environmental impact. road now than in 2000. I believe that we should 15 Recycling 22 Our Next challenges feel proud of what we have achieved, and look to 17 Natural Resource Protection/ the future positively. Photography by: Environmental Enhancement The Environment and Heritage Service. 17 ISO 14001 Colin McMullen Photography, 26a High Street, . Newcreation.com. Designed by Newcreation.com. 4 5

a view from Foreword:The Mayor the Chief Executive

The immediate future brings the promise of a Much remains to be done. We cannot become It has become clear over the past few years that The demands which we put on our natural statutory duty for Councils to deliver action in complacent about the environment or our legal we cannot continue with our current patterns of resources and environmental systems such as line with targets set out in the Sustainable obligations. However, if we remain a daring, ‘development’ if our planet is to survive as a water, land and air cannot continue unchecked. Development Strategy for Northern innovative council that proactively pursues place where our children and our children’s The earth’s population continues to expand by “First Steps Towards Sustainability”. The Council change, and treads new paths with optimism, children will live as we have lived. Will they look the hour and in terms of income alone, over a is enthusiastic about this new challenge and we will all have the opportunity to achieve a back upon us in gratitude for how we billion people live on less than a dollar a day. views the new obligation as an opportunity to sustainable society and change Craigavon for mismanaged what we ourselves inherited and ask The accepted definition of Sustainable integrate Sustainable Development into the long term. why did we bring them into such a world? Development is ‘development which meets the everyday activities. Every day we increase the loss of biodiversity needs of the present without compromising the I believe that we have risen to meet the Kenneth Twyble with the felling of rainforests, forced production, ability of future generations to meet their own challenge of Sustainable Development. I am, Mayor of Craigavon over fishing and other crimes against nature to needs’ – In terms of sustainability, we are not however, aware that future success will involve feed our ever growing consumption needs. No meeting the needs of the present let alone regular and transparent reviews of our progress, other species is responsible for this, it is our way addressing the needs of future generations. as presented here. This will enable the Council to of life that is placing an intolerable burden on set new goals and new directions for future work our planet. that builds upon what has already been achieved and involves everyone within the Borough. 6 7

a view from the Chief Executive introduction

We all must begin to make real progress towards Sustainable Development is about considering This document highlights many of the advances addressing the dilemma we face, otherwise our the needs of future generations and the planet Craigavon Borough Council has made in the area Mother Planet faces a grim future. We need to while providing for the present. If everyone lived of Sustainable Development since 2001. It sets make a decisive move toward more Sustainable the way we do in we would out what we have achieved and how we are Development, not just because it is the right need the resources of three planets. This is progressing towards a more sustainable society. thing to do, but also because it is in our planet’s clearly unsustainable. In doing so we are striving to improve the quality long-term best interests. We all have a part to Craigavon Borough Council is working hard to of life for the residents of the Borough and with play, at work, at home, in school, at leisure, our deliver a sustainable Craigavon. However, we every step we make towards a sustainable every action can add up to make the difference. must remember that every single person in the Craigavon we are giving a little more to our This programme represents the Council’s Borough can have an input. By not wasting children and future generations. contribution to making that difference. energy in the home, recycling properly with our green bins, or using our car a little less often, everyone can make a difference and everyone Francis Rock must try! Chief Executive We did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrowed it from our children. (Native American proverb) 8 9

Craigavon Borough Council

The Council spends £18 million providing over With around 600 staff we are one of the biggest Leading the Way These objectives were: 80 services to the 83,000 people living in the area. employers within the Borough. With such wide Craigavon Borough Council, like all other Councils Corporate Matters Relating to the Council’s Craigavon Borough Council has five main ranging responsibilities, we’re committed to in Northern Ireland, is about to be given a own activities departments: providing good-value, high quality services across statutory obligation by government to deliver the Borough. That commitment means we’re Sustainable Development. In Craigavon we have The Environment Protecting the area’s Building Control continually looking for ways to improve the way already started this process. natural assets Corporate Services we work and provide our services. We are The Economy Ensuring sustainable striving towards working in a manner that Programme for Sustainable Development Development economic growth minimisies our environmental impact. in Craigavon Our Society Protecting and enhancing Environmental Services In August 2000 Craigavon Borough Council set Our aim is a sustainable Craigavon, one in which the setting in which itself some tough targets in its Programme for Leisure Services we care for and develop all aspects of our people live and work Sustainable Development for Craigavon. Environment, Economy and our Society. This action Plan is now subject to review. By reviewing what we have achieved so far, we can take pride in our successes in sustainability, develop new objectives and aim even higher. 10 11

sustainable development

Being sustainable is about improving the quality Our approach is underpinned by the following of life and environment, both now and in the areas for action: future. Straightforward and sensible as this seems, achieving real, sustainable change is often a very complex process.

Climate Change Natural Resource Governance for and Energy Protection/ Sustainable Environmental Development Enhancement

Sustainable Sustainable Learning and Consumption Communities Communication and Production 12 13

climate change and energy The effects of climate change can already be Wind Turbines at Carn Depot, Solar Panels at Lough Neagh Liquefied Petroleum Gas seen. We are experiencing more frequent incidences of severe weather, temperatures and Kinnego Marina and Craigavon Discovery Centre vans (LPG) sea levels are rising, ice and snow cover is Water Sports Centre Commissioned by Solarcentury as part of the Within our fleet we have five vans adapted to run declining all with potentially catastrophic The case for wind energy is simple: it is renewable, Solar21 scheme, Leisure Services had a 4.56 kWh off LPG, as well as conventional fuel. Whilst on consequences for the natural world and society. economic, safe and good for the environment. system installed on its Lough Neagh Discovery LPG it is estimated that the van will travel 50% Our energy consumption contributes towards At our Carn Depot electricity generated from the Centre on the shores of Lough Neagh, allowing it further than conventional diesel or petrol for the this climate change and we aim to minimize wind replaces generation from conventional power to generate energy on site to contribute to the same price. In addition to its financial attractions, this contribution. stations, thus preventing the emissions of several power demands of the building. Members of the LPG is also a cleaner fuel than petrol, and greenhouse gases, including carbon and sulphur public and staff will be able to see solar power in dramatically cleaner than diesel. Compared with dioxides. Presently there are five 43.8 kWh wind action when they visit this wildlife sanctuary, petrol, LPG vehicles emit about 20% less CO2. turbines working. The turbines generate a saving adding to the educational value of the building LPG emits 20 times less nitrogen oxides (NOx) of £11,000 and reduce our CO2 emissions by 54 and lowering its impact on the environment. than a diesel engine and 120 times less tonnes. By the end of 2006 running parallel to the A reduction of 2.4 tonnes of CO2 emissions is particulates, both of which are major causes of turbine at Carn will be a new wood burning stove, expected from the panels ground-level air pollution. which will reduce our CO2 emissions further. 14 15

sustainable consumption and production

Sustainable consumption and production is about Building Control Advice is available on issues ranging from Recycling improving resource efficiency. Achieving more The Building Regulations are key contributors to improving energy efficiency of the building, to The Council has been making leaps and bounds with less. This means not only looking at how advancing environmental issues. In 1977 they the reuse and recycling of materials in the towards Sustainable Development, helping us all goods and services are provided, but also the were expanded to include conservation of fuel construction or renovation stage. to be more sustainable in disposing of what we impacts of products and materials across their and power. New regulations introduced on buy. A waste management program for recycling whole lifecycle. November 30, 2006, as result of EU requirements Green Purchasing through the green bin scheme diverts recyclable on CO2 emissions, will have a significant impact The Council recognises its responsibility as a waste from landfill to be re-used. Currently our on buildings. So, in effect, Building Control is major purchaser of goods and services. In 1999 recycling rate is at 29%, one of the highest in the making an impact by applying the building the Council adopted a green purchasing policy region. In addition the Council has delivered over regulations, and every completion certificate which aims to integrate environmental 11,000 brown bins to households to collect issued implies this. The ethos for Building considerations into the purchasing process with garden waste which greatly minimises the Control is ‘protecting people and the the goal of reducing the impact of our purchases production of greenhouse gases from landfill. environment, ensuring equal access for all. on human health and the environment Throughout the Borough the concept of Our suppliers now have to meet our Sustainable Buildings is being promoted through environmental criteria, in reducing their leaflets and presentations. Practical advice for environmental impact while providing a service development is offered on how individuals can for Craigavon Borough Council. play their part in protecting the environment. 16 17 natural resource protection/environmental enhancement

Craigavon Borough Council always recognised the ISO 14001 The standard is awarded by an external third importance of its wildlife and natural habitats The ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized party organisation. within the Borough. The Council was the first in system of high standards applied by To make sure that we play our part in Sustainable Northern Ireland to appoint a Biodiversity Officer organisations to reduce their impact on the Development, the Council has committed itself to charged with developing an Action Plan aimed at environment. It is only awarded to improving our own environmental performance. conserving our natural heritage. Produced in organisations that: In order to achieve this we are in the process of December 2006 the plan aims to ensure that Comply with environmental law and implementing environmental management system national targets for species and habitats will be regulations. ISO 14001. So far we have achieved ISO14001 for met within the Borough. The Plan identifies key the Environmental Services Department and Implement, maintain and improve their species and habitats for which actions will be currently intend to extend this to other areas of environmental performance. taken to conserve and enhance their environment the Council including Island. in Craigavon. Life takes time to evolve but once it Demonstrate conformance with an is lost it is impossible to replace. Through the environmental policy. actions of Leisure Services it is anticipated that we in Craigavon will pass on a sustainable and richly diverse environment of wildlife and varying habitats to future residents and visitors. 18 19

sustainable communities

Our aim is to create sustainable communities Neighbourhood Renewal areas have been bodies and other service providers, it is believed Community cleanups that embody the principles of Sustainable identified using the Northern Ireland Multiple that services in areas of deprivation in Craigavon Working in partnership with local community Development at local level. This means working Deprivation Measure, selecting the 10% most will benefit from better co-ordinated and targeted groups Craigavon Borough Council has helped to give communities more power and say in the deprived neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland. services to meet their needs. The Action Plans enhance the environment of many local decisions that affect them. Working in In total 35 areas are being targeted for action, 3 of centre around a number of sustainable themes: communities within the Borough. partnership at a local level we are striving to which are in Craigavon. Health Investing for Health provide cleaner, greener, safer, thriving and Part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy Education, Employment and Training Craigavon Borough Council is an active member well-connected communities where people want involves the establishment of a Neighbourhood of the Southern Investing for Health Partnership. to live and work. Renewal Partnership which includes Housing Through our Investing for Health Officer we are representatives from the local community and Community Life/Community Facilities Neighbourhood Renewal trying to improve the health status of all our statutory agencies. Neighbourhood Renewal is The overall aim of the Neighbourhood Renewal Community Relations and Community Safety residents and reduce inequalities in health. based on a community planning approach which Strategy is to close the gap between the quality focuses on improving public services and Leisure of life of the people who live in the most therefore by adopting a joined up approach deprived neighbourhoods and the quality of life Environment between Government Departments, statutory of the people who live in the rest of society. Transport 20 21

governance learning and communication

Governance is about placing a real emphasis on A new image for Craigavon Borough Council The International Council for An essential element to ARENA Network was The Eco-Schools programme the mechanisms which will deliver Sustainable An inclusive place for all Local Environmental Initiatives achieve the necessary established in 1995 to provides a simple framework Development in Northern Ireland. It is not just behavioural change is the coordinate all business to enable local schools to Local Governments for Sustainability environmental governance; it also includes A strong vibrant economy need to communicate environmental analyse their operations and Craigavon Borough Council is the first council in corporate and political governance. It is A sustainable environment what Sustainable initiatives in Northern become more sustainable. Northern Ireland to become a member of the about joined up Government, better Development is about, providing clear Ireland and to provide an environmental support Working with 12 schools A desirable quality of life ICLEI organisation. As the international regulation and partnership between local and information appropriately targeted to audiences. service for local business. Since 2000 Craigavon within the Borough, and in partnership with Sustainable Development and environmental central Government. All of the themes to be addressed are in some Borough Council has been working in partnership Eco-schools, the Council is helping schools in the agency for local governments, ICLEI provides By supporting the STEM Project and in way related to Sustainable Development in the to improve local business performance through area become a more stimulating place in which The Corporate Plan identifies through the Shaping information, delivers training, organises partnership with the ARENA Network, practical area. The corporate commitment to a sustainable environmental best practice. Practical site visits to learn, whilst reducing the environmental Craigavon’s Future initiative 5 priority themes. conferences, facilitates networking and city-to- advice on implementing environmental Craigavon is reflected in these topics and the and baseline audits for businesses are offered impact of the whole school on the community. city exchanges, offers technical services and management systems is being offered to 30 local three pillars of Sustainable Development free of charge so that local businesses can gauge consultancy, to help local governments achieve businesses in Craigavon. (environment, economy and society) are included. their environmental impacts and identify priority their Sustainable Development goals. The Council We are one of nine cross border councils that are areas for action. aims to avail of their technical expertise in the participating in the new environmental project area of sustainable procurement with the aim of called STEM (Sustainable Together through fully integrating environmental considerations Environmental Management). into all stages of corporate purchasing. 22 23

the future

Our Next challenges Our targets are clear; a society that provides Craigavon Borough Council is committed to Significantly decreasing the overall consumption Sustainable Development must be supported by social cohesion, which gives young people a good progressing towards a sustainable Craigavon. The of energy through council activities. a strong vision and clear goals established start in life, with safe, unpolluted communities to changes to our society that have already been Raising community awareness, through effective public participation. Leadership live in. Sustainable jobs because we invest in our achieved are set in stone. Work is already participation and responsibility for in all sectors is critical. Small groups working in economy and our community. Economic growth underway to set the bar even higher and develop sustainability in the community. isolation can achieve a lot in their own particular that is long-lasting because it is not achieved at further advances in sustainability for Craigavon areas, but a more meaningful and overall shift is the expense of the environment but ensures the that is meaningful and useful for this generation Reducing Council’s Greenhouse Gas emissions more likely when sustainability ‘champions’ lead preservation of nature and our natural and the next. through the use of renewable energy and alternative fuels. a combined effort. foundations of life. Some of the Council’s future objectives include: Establishment of partnerships with other Updating and implementing a new Action plan relevant organisations to promote Sustainable on Sustainable Development. Development in Craigavon. Full integration of Green Purchasing We welcome your views and support in throughout the Council. developing these plans. Protecting and preserving the natural Contact Sustainable Development Officer environment and resources. on 028 3831 2598.