(A pdf copy of this policy is available for download here.)
1. Introduction
Maker with Rame Parish Council (MwRPC) recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment that extends beyond basic regulatory/legal requirements. The council is committed to reducing its environmental impact and continually improving its environment and sustainability performance. It will encourage local residents, suppliers and stakeholders (including landowners and neighbouring parishes) to do the same.
Environmental sustainability is the responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect ecosystems to support health and wellbeing, now and in the future. A key commitment is to meet today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
2. Aims of Policy
This environmental sustainability policy provides a framework within which MwRPC will:
2.1 Strive to be carbon neutral by 2030.
2.2 Incorporate environmental sustainability issues into council decision making.
2.3 Carry out its work in an effective way that minimises or eliminates adverse impacts on the environment.
2.4 Promote the importance of a healthy environment to the quality of life, health and wellbeing of the local community.
2.5 Support residents and visitors in their enjoyment of, and understanding and respect for, the local environment.
2.6 Monitor and improve the council’s environmental performance on an ongoing basis. This will be in the form of a ‘dashboard’ of indicators which can be accessed on the council’s website. We will work with the local community to define those indicators.
3. Values
3.1 Follow “the three Rs” to reduce waste: reduce, re-use and recycle. In doing this we will take into account the whole lifecycle of a product (including raw materials, production, distribution, consumer use, and disposal of the product).
3.2 Conserve energy and water.
3.3 Increase knowledge and understanding of climate change within the parish and, wherever possible, take steps to mitigate its effects.
3.4 Promote biodiversity net gain wherever possible.
3.5 Secure goods and services from organisations and suppliers with a sustainability ethos and procure locally wherever possible in order to reduce transport costs and impacts. In line with Cornwall Council, our decision-making will be informed by a triple bottom line approach where we take into account social and environmental impacts in addition to financial value for money (i.e. contract awards will not be based solely on the cheapest bid).
3.6 Encourage and support local green and sustainable community groups and initiatives through information sharing, grant funding where feasible, and via other means.
4. Conservation and the Natural Environment
4.1 Support and promote the conservation of natural habitats within the parish including trees, woodlands, parks, hedgerows, ponds and streams. Work with landowners and neighbouring parishes to this end.
4.2 Where possible, expand, protect and promote the use of green spaces within the parish.
4.3 Develop a plan to avoid the use of pesticides/herbicides on all land owned or managed by the council.
4.4 Encourage tree planting and provide information for the public on grants and other funds that support this.
4.5 Use environmentally friendly practices that promote biodiversity and enhance habitats on council-owned and council-managed land.
4.6 Give consideration to pursuing ‘dark skies’ when replacing lighting within the parish and learn from and, if appropriate, pursue involvement in Cornwall Council’s dark skies pilot scheme.
4.7 Work with government and other organisations to protect our marine environment.
5. Energy and Water
5.1 Reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible by switching off lights and electrical equipment when not in use.
5.2 Adjust heating with energy consumption in mind.
5.3 Take energy consumption and efficiency into account when purchasing new products.
5.4 Use water efficiently.
6. Office Supplies
6.1 Take steps towards minimising paper use when conducting council business. Shift to paperless council meetings.
6.2 Prioritise the procurement of office supplies that meet environmental sustainability criteria.
6.3 Procure recycled and recyclable paper products.
6.4 Reuse and recycle paper where possible.
7. Sustainable Procurement
7.1Utilise the council’s Responsible Procurement Policy when making procurement decisions.
7.2 Minimise environmental damage caused via the transportation of goods by sourcing materials and services locally wherever practical.
7.3 Apply environmental sustainability criteria when making procurement decisions.
7.4 Avoid procurement of products with a significantly higher environmental footprint, for example single-use plastics and recycled plastic products (which create waste issues further down the line) if alternatives exist.
7.5 Procure timber and paper products from FSC certified sources.
7.6 Work with local suppliers to the council improve their environmental performance where appropriate.
7.7 Support and promote local initiatives that encourage the use of local traders and services thereby reducing the need for residents and visitors to travel to distant shopping centres or utilise supermarket delivery services.
8. Travel
8.1 Encourage councillors to minimise vehicle miles driven and to car share where possible on council business.
8.2 Utilise emails / phone conferencing / webinars where feasible in order to reduce travel.
8.3 Promote the use of active travel within the parish (e.g. cycling, walking and public transport). This could involve negotiations with local transport providers to ensure convenient, affordable and accessible services.
9. Planning and Development
9.1 Take all actions within the council’s power and resources to support and encourage environmental sustainability in all forms of development.
9.2 Give priority to housing development on the following: brown field sites; infill; and bringing back into use unused buildings.
9.3Support and encourage environmental sustainability in the council’s planning recommendations. Seek environmental assurances that extend beyond the requirements of the Rame Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan where necessary.
10. Communications and Leadership
10.1 All councillors and staff will endeavour to promote awareness of this environment policy and lead by example in supporting environmentally friendly activities when carrying out their council duties.
10.2 Promote awareness of and information on environmental issues within the community.
10.3 Produce/update the Council’s Rame Green Guide at least once every two years to ensure that the local community has information on local services, resources and actions that help to fight climate change while protecting the environment.
10.4. Act as a voice for local environmental concerns to those agencies given the statutory powers to tackle problems.
10.5. Support local groups and initiatives that promote the aims and values outlined in this policy.
10.6 Seek training and other capacity building opportunities for councillors and staff so that they can fulfil the objectives of this policy.
Date Adopted: 11 May 2022
Review Date: Every 3 years – May 2025 Amendments: