Sustainable development is about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come. It means recognising that our economy, environment and social well-being are interdependent and will only work if governments, businesses, organisations and individuals all play their part.
What is the Council Doing?
St Albans City and District Council is committed to sustainable development. Back in 1998 the Council began implementing a range of projects to improve the sustainability of the District via the Agenda 21 Action Plan.
More recently in 2006, with the growing challenge of climate change, the Council signed the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change , a national pledge to systematically tackle climate change both within the Council and across the District. As signatory to this pledge, the Council set itself a carbon reduction target and a plan of action to achieve this.
The Council was then selected, amidst strong competition, to take part in the Carbon Trust Local Authority Carbon Management Programme. Through this specialist programme of support and consultancy we were able to develop a Carbon Management Strategy and Implementation Plan. This plan sets out the actions we will take to reduce our emissions in order to achieve our target of 25% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2013 from a baseline year of 2006/07 and underpins potential financial savings to the council of around £1.16 million. You can download a copy of this document below.
This year, the council are delighted to have been successful in winning a place on the Energy Saving Trust one-to-one support programme for local authorities. Within this 2 year package, the Energy Saving Trust will provide consultancy, training and support to enable us to build upon all our previous achievements so that we are able to make even greater energy efficiency improvements and reduce carbon emissions across all the Councils services and operations.
What are the Council doing to reduce our environmental impacts
What are we doing to reduce our energy use?
Energy saving light bulbs and light fitting installed across the district offices
Energy efficient boilers will soon be installed in the district offices
Installation of solar panels (Solar PV) to the Civic Centre Council Offices
Solar thermal panels (hot water) installed to the 'Inn on the Park'.
Solar PV Panels (electricity) installed at jersey farm Community Centre.
What are we doing to reduce our waste?
Office paper recycling is available across the council offices.
Disposable cups are recycled.
Construction waste from housing projects is recycled.
What are we doing to reduce our transport emissions?
Green Travel Plan produced.
Car sharing database available to match people commuting from the same areas
Hourly rental of low impact vehicles from Whizz Go reduces the need for car ownership
Bicycle purchase interest free loan scheme to encourage cycling
Interest free loan for rail season tickets to encourage train travel
Company cars will soon be limited to emission levels of 180g carbon dioxide per km
Group health walks available at lunch time
Bicycles available for staff to use during working hours for business or leisure