Making sustainability a core value: Guidance for navigation authorities In this guide 1. Introduction 2. W hat is sustainability? 3. Governm ent policy and legislation 4. W hat can navigation authorities do? 5. Current policy by navigation authorities 6. Guidance and case studies 6.1 Appraisal of im pacts and opportunities British W aterways Sustainability Register 6.2 Using sustainable resources for navigation authority work Essex W aterways: Bank repairs on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Auchinstarry Basin, Forth & Clyde Canal: a sustainable approach to marina construction Brierley Hill, W est Midlands: Towpath refurbishment Kennet & Avon: Recycled glass for shot blasting 6.3 Reducing waste and landfill: recycling and reuse of m aterials River W eaver: Tree management Cardiff Harbour Authority: Sustainable waste management Bristol Harbour Authority: Floating Harbour Fradley Junction: Visitor facilities with recycled materials 6.4 Minim ising the contribution to clim ate change 6.4.1 Energy efficiency and renewables Kennet & Avon Canal: Solar powered cattle trough Stone, Staffs: Canalside lighting Various locations: SCADA telemetry bollards Montgomery Canal, Tannant Feeder: Solar energy to power meter house Driffield Navigation: Proposed hydro power installation Crinan Canal: W ind turbines 6.4.2 Reducing road traffic Gloucester Docks: Travel plan River W elland: Spalding water taxi 6.5 Planning and m onitoring for sustainability: Checklist Kennet & Avon Canal: Sustainability monitoring 7. Sum m ary Appendix: W eblinks, References W e would like to thank Defra for its continuing support as this document is a product of its research funding for AINA. Page 2 1. Introduction .t is difficult to ignore the importance of sustainability. Daily Sustainability must become a core value for all navigation news items on climate change, international commitments authorities. Everyone needs to make a contribution and this and emerging legislation constantly bring the subject to our document shows how navigation authorities can play their attention. W hether driven by legislation, economics or social part. Since sustainable development is a wide and cross- responsibility, it has become an increasingly important priority cutting subject, there is undoubtedly a need to initially for government, business and individuals. prioritise any actions. Operating sustainably will also mean that navigation authorities are able to comply more easily Indeed, Government has now followed up its 2005 UK with the requirements of the W ater Framework Directive and Strategy for Sustainable Development, entitled ”Securing the other European legislation. Future‘, with a broader vision for ”one planet living‘. It has also established a range of sustainable development indicators against which performance will be measured. All W hy is it im portant for navigation authorities organisations now have a role to play in helping to meet to address sustainability? national targets. Local authorities and other agencies are becoming more Sustainability is a priority for all navigation accountable for their performance in promoting and authorities both nationally and locally. By working implementing sustainable practices. Many have set relevant sustainably you will: priorities to help influence the way sustainability is applied to projects, planning applications and procurement. show a commitment to the future Furthermore support and funding from public bodies, such as the National Lottery, is increasingly being linked to ñ help meet legal requirements sustainability, placing an onus on partners to prove their ñ conserve and improve the environmental and social credentials. environment ñ mitigate against the impacts of It is essential that navigation authorities are able to understand and respond to sustainability issues and the climate change inland waterways industry needs to be proactive in this ñ help save money and resources regard throughout their operations. Indeed, the larger ñ win friends and influence others navigation authorities have already demonstrated their commitment by developing and maintaining their waterways in a sustainable manner by adopting policies and formulating guidance. The smaller independent authorities will also In addition, it will help to integrate this document‘s messages benefit from practicable and cost effective guidance. on sustainability when applying any of AINA‘s other good Navigation authorities need to be aware of increasing public practice guidance material across operational issues which expectations and understand that their work in this field will are available by visiting www.aina.org.uk help to meet some of their wider objectives. AINA has identified the impacts of day-to-day operational work as being an area where their members can make a difference and can demonstrate that their performance is improving. The core of this guide therefore relates to these aspects of their work. Page 3 2. W hat is sustainability? 3 . G o vernm ent policy and legislation Sustainability means many things to many people. In simple In 2005, the UK Government launched its new strategy for terms it means ensuring the well-being and quality of life for sustainable development, ”Securing the Future‘. This states everyone, now and for generations to come, by meeting that a major shift is now needed to help deliver new products, social and environmental as well as economic needs. W ise services and ways of working which as a lower impact on the decisions need to be made to balance these needs so that environment and which benefits society. Defra oversees the there is a net overall benefit, and so that limited impacts on delivery of the Strategy, but all public and private sector one parameter can be balanced by greater gains on the other organisations, regardless of any formal duties now share a two. It means considering the wider impacts of our actions, responsibility for ensuring that sustainability is built into their creating a culture of responsibility which is often described as work. ”think globally, act locally‘. Five shared UK-wide principles are listed in ”Securing the Perhaps the most widely used definition, used by the Future‘. These have been agreed by the UK Government, Bruntland Commission when reporting for the United Nations Scottish Executive, W elsh Assembly Government and the in 1987, is: Northern Ireland Administration, and are being used to guide production of subsequent policy in each country. 'Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability for future generations to meet their Priority areas identified for immediate action are as follows: own needs.' Sustainable Consum ption and Production International pressure and climate change have subsequently Sustainable consumption and production broadly aims to provided the impetus for further worldwide action, and over achieve more with less. This means not only looking at how the past 20 years there has been a growing realisation that goods and services are produced, but also the impacts of current growth and development is unsustainable. In other products and materials across their whole lifecycle. words we are living beyond our means. From loss of biodiversity to the increased use of resources, our way of life Clim ate Change and Energy has been placing an increasing burden on the environment The effects of a changing climate can already be seen, and which can no longer be sustained. scientific evidence points to human activity as the primary cause of the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. The Government seeks to secure a profound change in the way energy is generated and used and is determined to set a good example for others to follow. The 2007 Climate Change Bill recognised the threats presented by climate change and energy consumption, and the Government is now committed to reducing the country‘s greenhouse gas emissions. The Bill will set legally-binding targets of a 60% reduction by 2050, with a 26-32% reduction by 2020. W hilst further investment in renewable energy will take place, energy efficiency measures will now need to be considered by all. Natural Resource Protection and Environm ental Enhancem ent Prudent use of natural resources is vital. W e need to better understand our environmental limits to ensure that everyone lives in a good quality environment. This aspiration needs to be backed by a more integrated policy framework. Sustainable Com m unities The government aims to create sustainable communities that embody the principles of sustainable development at a local level. This involves working to give communities more say in the decisions that affect them, and working in partnership at The simple diagram above shows how environmental, the right levels to ensure that plans are implemented. economic and social issues overlap and influence the ways in which navigation authorities can plan to achieve sustainable development as part of their work and operations. Page 4 4. W hat can navigation authorities do? Sustainability should optimise the potential of our canals, The day-to-day operational work of navigational authorities rivers and navigations so that both present and future brings with it a range of environmental impacts which can be generations can contribute to their local environment, culture, minimised through careful good practice. Sustainable economy and quality of life, whilst minimising negative approaches to work can play a role in helping to meet both environmental and social consequences.