The Council will integrate environmental considerations into all it's activities and seek to:

• Reduce it's own energy and water use whilst promoting responsible waste and energy management throughout the District.
• Minimise and where-ever possible eliminate the release of any pollutant which may cause environmental damage to water, land or air.
• Balance developmental needs with the protection and conservation of the natural and built environment, protecting and enhancing the landscape; historical, architectural and local distinctiveness of the District, whilst preserving and enhancing the bio-diversity of the area.
• Implement Projects to improve the natural environment.
• Promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources and renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Work in partnership at a local, sub-regional, regional, national and international level to promote and share good environmental practice.
• Promote understanding of, and participation in environmental issues both within the Council and in the community.

The Council is achieving these aims by:

• Making 'environment' a priority objective is the Council's corporate plan.
• Developing and implementing a 'plan' to achieve the Council's commitment when it became the 100th signatory of the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change.
• Ensuring environmental aims and improvements are reflected in the Council's internal planning processes and strategies.
• Setting milestones and targets for environmental improvements / activities within the plan and monitoring and reporting progress to staff, members and the community.
• Educating, training and raising awareness of climate change and sustainability issues amongst staff, members and the community.
• Complying with legislation and regulations and other national requirements.
• Raising awareness of environmental issues with our service providers and contractors and the Council's partners and encouraging them to work towards similar environmental standards.
• Striving for continual improvements in environmental performance and management.
• Reviewing the plan and its milestones and targets reguarly and making any necessary changes.

For further information contact:

customerservices@ashfield-dc.gov.uk

or Tel: [01623] 457284