Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy Appendix A.
Progress Achieved in the 15 Priority Areas November 2003 to December 2004
COMMITMENT ACHIEVEMENTSEnvironmental Management Systems
Lead Officer: / Peter Kettlewell
: /
- Meet policy commitment to have EMS in all service areas.
- Maintain 20 existing environmental management systems within Council services
- Assist 10 EMS teams in the development of service-specific documentation systems in the corporate format
- Continue working with partnerships including Mbro Environment City, Community Transport, High Rise Blocks, Town Hall Clock Tower, new Art Gallery etc.
- Brief Housing Management on sustainability issues in preparation for Housing Stock transfer
- Work with HBS to implement EMS in two selected areas
- Brief Heads of Service in Education on EMS
- Commence new separate review groups for the 'Wet' Sports Centres and the other 'Dry Sports Centres
- Commence EMS work with Community Development staff based at Langdon Square by end of March 2004.
- Commence EMS work with Community Safety and Transport Policy staff by June 2004
- Seek to implement EMS further in Regeneration and Central Services groups by September 2004
- Assist Pallister Park, Albert Park and Stewart Park management in the application for the Green Flag Award for 2004
- There are EMS schemes is all Service areas other than Education.
- Achieved. Also produced a draft corporate environmental policy statement (see Appendix C), the top level policy under which service units can produce specific statements for external accreditation.
- Achieved.
- Achieved. In addition, achieved national recognition from the Movement for Innovation (M4i) Rethinking Construction, an organisation that promotes innovation and 'lean-thinking in the construction industry, for the use of EMS techniques
- Achieved. We anticipate partnership working continuing with Erimus Housing
- A review group covering all of HBS Service Middlesbrough has been established covering more than 2 areas
- Not achieved. We hope to commence work in 2005.
- Achieved.
- Not achieved. Waiting for Community development team.
- Work just started.
- Regeneration management team have agreed to commence EMS work. Review Group established. Legal services Review Group established in June 2004
- Achieved, with a the Civic Trust 'Green Flag Award' for 2004, an award that recognises good management of open spaces
Sustainability Appraisals
Lead Officer: / Bob King
Proposed Action: /
- Building on experience within Middlesbrough Council, prepare and run a sustainability appraisal pilot in three selected services.
- With assistance from Forum for the Future, assess this pilot appraisal process through comparison with appraisal processes elsewhere.
- Prepare a programme for conducting sustainability appraisal in all council service areas.
- Continue application of sustainability appraisal mechanisms to capital project assessment.
- Working with Forum for the Future, developed a draft Sustainability Appraisal Tool to match new priorities in the new Community Strategy.
- Began testing this draft Tool through discussions with LSP Action Group chairs and lead officers.
- Prepared work programme with Forum for the Future and LSP Manager to finalise SA Tool to suit final Community Strategy. Outcome dependent on the Community Strategy development.
- Sustainability Appraisal mechanism for capital project appraisal updated and used December 2004.
Zero Waste/Waste Minimisation
Lead Officer / Ken Sherwood
Proposed Action: /
- Continue to support and develop the “Blue Bag” waste paper recycling scheme, to maximise tonnages recovered
- Examine the introduction of additional kerbside collections of dry recyclables
- Develop a programme of school based educational initiatives on waste awareness
- Continue to develop the operational arrangements at the Household Waste Recycling Site, to maximise recovery of materials
- As part of the waste disposal operations maximise the non recyclable wastes needing disposal diverted from landfill
- Refreshed blue bag paper collection scheme, to encourage participation. Issued calendars to all households outlining benefits of scheme and collection arrangements for next three years.
- Multi-material recycling pilot launched, with approximately 12,000 households in south Middlesbrough participating in the use of kerbside box scheme to recover glass, cans and textiles along with waste paper.
- Waste Awareness Officer appointed, who has developed and begun a series of school visits to promote waste awareness and recycling.
- Worked with Stockton Council and SITA to maximise recycling at Household Waste Recycling Site. In conjunction with partner Tees Valley authorities and SITA, sent over 70% of all household waste disposed to the Energy from Waste Plant.
Air Quality Action Plan
Lead Officer: / Anthony Luke / Paul MacGregor
Proposed Action: /
- Issue permits to new IPPC activities (ferrous and non-ferrous metal sector).
- Exhaust Testing. Carry out 12 free exhaust testing sessions and publish the results. Enforcement checks will be carried out subject to the agreement of the Vehicle Inspectorate.
- Air Quality Monitoring. Operate our network of air quality monitoring stations (Breckon Hill Road, MacMillan College and Elm Street) and aim for a rate of data capture of 95%.
- Air Quality Data. Air quality data for 2003 will be posted on the Council’s website by the end of March 2004. The 2004 dataset will be posted by the end of March 2005.
- Air Quality Complaints. We will investigate all complaints about air quality and take action as required by legislation.
- Planning. Air quality matters will be considered in the development control process to ensure that the economic development of the town does not result in the poor air quality or put the decision jot to declare an air quality management area at risk.
- First block completed. Second block on programme for completion by end of March 2005.
- Twelve free exhaust testing sessions delivered. The Vehicle Inspectorate has been approached, but enforcement checks have not been carried out (possibly due to legislative changes).
- Achieved. All data available.
- Data set ready for adding to re-structured council website. 2004 dataset will be prepared in January 2005.
- 58 air quality complaints received in 2004. (97%) responded to within target time. Robust line taken on enforcement of illegal burning.
- New Government guidance note on planning and air quality being followed as standard condition; full compliance expected.
The Hydrogen Economy
Lead Officer: / Jeff Duffield / Jim Gillon
Proposed Action: /
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a small fuel cell located at the Transporter Bridge road sign
- Carry out preparatory work at Acklam Chapel for a larger fuel cell by Nov 2003 and ensure health and safety requirements are met. Install a fuel cell by March 2004, subject to the above assessments
- Participate in a partnership feasibility study to look at hydrogen and sustainable energy opportunities at Middlehaven by Feb 2004. Anticipate a Middlehaven feasibility study and an EU bid for £2 million ecus
- Explore external funding opportunities to implement the recommendations in the Forum for the Future Hydrogen Economy report
- Take at least one update report to CMT
- Participate in the work of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Forum to integrate practical hydrogen opportunities into sustainable sub regional energy initiatives.
- Installed a small demonstration fuel cell at the Transporter Bridge road sign.
- Completed preparatory work to install a larger fuel cell in the visitors centre at Acklam Cemetery. Prototype Fuel cell now installed. Commissioning work to commence Jan 2005.
- Developed links in the EU for potential collaborative work in the future.
- Participated in a major feasibility study, which identified how a sustainable energy system can cost effectively be incorporated into the Middlehaven Development, including a large demonstration fuel cell. Facilitated a second study to look at how an Energy Services Company (ESCO) could be established.
- Achieved.
- Achieved. Influenced work programmes.
Sustainability and the Community Strategy
Lead Officer: / Rob Mitchell
Proposed Action: / The community strategy themes, Action Groups and actions have been reviewed. As a result, there is a need to ensure that the work remains centred on sustainability. Consequently, the actions under this theme are -:
- Review the advice given on sustainable development to the Action Groups (April 04)
- Brief all the LSP’s Action Groups on the advice prior to their work on reviewing actions in their areas (April to June 04)
- Review Forum for the Future’s role in supporting sustainable development in the community strategy (June 04)
- Review the actions in the ‘revised’ community strategy once the Action Groups have re-drafted their themes (October 04 to March 05)
- Building on previous guidance, and to fit in with the LSP’s schedule to develop the new Community Strategy, provision of advice on sustainable development to Action Groups began in November 2004.
- Forum for the Future worked with council officers to develop the draft Sustainability Appraisal Tool presented to Action Group chairs and lead officers in December 2004.
- Following discussions with chairs and lead officers, and at the December 2004 Stakeholder Conference, arrangements have been made for Forum for the Future to conduct a formal sustainability appraisal of the draft Community Strategy during the public consultation period ending 31 January 2005.
Sustainability / Quality of Life Indicators
Lead Officer: / John Polson / Scott Postlethwaite /Bob King
Proposed Action: /
- Prepare a comprehensive set of quality of life indicators that meets the local requirements of Middlesbrough Council, the LSP, and ‘Action 2020’, while complementing ‘Quality of Life Counts’, Audit Commission, and other relevant national and regional quality of life indicators.
- A Quality of Life Indicators working group, with representatives of the council, the Middlesbrough Partnership, and Middlesbrough Environment City, is developing a set of QoL indicators to suit the new draft Community Strategy, key council strategies and policy frameworks, and the ‘Action 2020’ Local Agenda 21 programme.
Climate Change
Lead Officer: / Jim Gillon
Proposed Action: /
- Conclude the public consultation on Climate Change Community Action Plan and report results by February 2004
- .Draft a final version of the Climate Change Community Action Plan in negotiation with key partners.
- Develop a school’s Climate Change leaflet with Middlesbrough Youth Parliament by April 2004.
- Continue awareness raising activities within the Council’s Environmental Management Systems
- Launch final Climate Change Community Action Plan in summer 2004.
- Develop an awareness-raising programme for schools for the next school year by September 2004.
- Hold awareness raising events, particularly for businesses (June 2004) and schools (starting September 2004).
- Achieved March 2004 due to extended consultation period
- Achieved June 2004
- Leaflet launched in May 2004 at the UGC Cinema, Middlesbrough to coincide with the release of the climate change movie, "The Day After Tomorrow". 10,000 leaflets distributed.
- 11 service areas have carried out climate impact reviews as part of their Environmental Management Systems
- Approved by Executive Aug 2004. Printed Oct 2004. Launched for Nov 2004.
- Schools and libraries awareness programme launched August. Presentation carried out in two schools, Nov 2004.
- A Tees Valley Energy and Environment Fair, initiated by Middlesbrough Council, was held at the Riverside Stadium in June, attracting 180 people. The aim was to put businesses in touch with practical services to help them improve environmental performance and seize business opportunities.
Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels / Travel Alternatives
Lead Officer: / Alistair Bolton
Proposed Action: /
- Produce an overarching Travel Plan within Middlesbrough Council.
- Continue to facilitate Travel Plans with over 60% of employees that work for major employers. (greater than 200)
- Develop a further 12 School Travel Plans.
- Promoting safe routes to schools.
- Establish a walking strategy to promote walking as a mode of transport.
- Produce our Cycling Strategy document and establish an action plan.
- Develop a Public Transport Strategy within Middlesbrough in partnership with the bus operators and neighbouring authorities.
- Establish a travel awareness campaign in association with the other Tees Valley Authorities to promote health and environmental benefits of sustainable transport modes.
- In conjunction with private partners continue to investigate provision of a tram system within Middlesbrough.
- Establish public transport links between North Middlesbrough and deprived wards with Middlesbrough and a demand responsive service providing links to the hospital following a successful Urban Challenge bid
- Draft survey form under consultation; to be sent to all council employees to update information on travel patterns.
- Monitoring existing Travel Plan at James Cook Hospital. Working with Police to finalise Travel Plan for the new divisional HG, St. Hilda’s. Initiating discussions with Teesside University to develop a Travel Plan.
- 10 school plans completed by December 2004; work continuing on the other two.
- A Safer Routes to School project is being undertaken, in partnership with Sustrans and Middlesbrough Environment City, within the Acklam Area of Middlesbrough.
- Completed draft document
- Achieved
- Work in progress.
- Achieved. Campaign being carried out over three years.
- Investigations in progress
- Achieved. Urban bus funding secured £647,000. Consultants appointed to work up details
Going for Green Sustainable Communities
Lead Officer: / Les Broomhead
Proposed Action: /
- Hold hanging basket training sessions in at least five different areas of Middlesbrough between May and July 2004
- Set up of a Horticultural Club in the Gresham area by April 2004.
In partnership with the Streets Ahead For Information (SAFI) shop and other local community facilities, provide an Energy Day, a Healthy Living Day, and ‘Drop-in’ advice for residents.
- Support, promote, and assist with events in Linthorpe Cemetery
- Promote the Eco-Schools programme and recycling in two local schools.
- Assist resident led groups in Gresham in enhancing green areas and holding events such as the Ayresome Gala day on 11 July 2004.
- Organise a campaign in Gresham for reductions in dog fouling and littering, by September 2004.
- Achieved. Sessions held in 6 new wards, and additional training also in 5 schools. In total, over 650 residents and school children were trained.
- Achieved. The Club met at least once a month up to December 2004.
- Achieved. Three Health and Security in our Community (HASIOC) events were held in October in Gresham, North Ormesby and University wards, organised by Going for Green, the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership, the Community Protection Service, North Ormesby 2001, and Streets Ahead for Information, with help from Community Councils
- Going for Green has actively supported the Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery, assisting with the Environment Day, Bat Night, wildflower planting, and distributing publicity.
- Support has been provided on various Eco-Schools related activities at New Port Primary and Ayresome schools. The going for Green Officer is working with Streetscene and MEC to promote the Eco-Schools programme.
- Achieved. Going for Green has assisted local groups with a variety of schemes to enhance the Gresham environment, and strongly supported the 2004 Ayresome Gala.
- Achieved. Going for Green has worked with Street Wardens to distribute ‘scoop the poop’ items to dog owners, has run campaigns and surveys, and organised a competition for schoolchildren to design a Scoop the Poop poster for use on the signs now displayed throughout Middlesbrough.
Biodiversity
Lead Officer: / Anne Gladwin
Proposed Action: /
- Ongoing support to the delivery of the Tees Valley Biodiversity Action Plan in partnership with Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and other local authority partners.
- Declaration of Berwick Hills Allotments as a Local Nature Reserve alongside work on site to improve wildlife habitats
- Delivery of the East Middlesbrough Beck Valleys Project in partnership with the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.
- Habitat management of land around Lingfield Countryside Centre to improve biodiversity including Fernwood, Serpent Wood and the creation of wildlife garden.
- Ongoing delivery of the Wildspace! Project
- Planting of the arboretum in Albert Park
- Creation of Doorstep Green at Landsdowne Road
- Ongoing delivery of React a partnership project between Middlesbrough Council, The Tees Forest, Groundwork South Tees and The Countryside Agency.
- Ongoing work in Maze Park by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust to improve the habitat and monitor the population of the Greylag Butterfly
- Ongoing delivery of Tees Corridor Natural Regeneration Project by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.
- Ongoing contribution to the urban working group and participation at the Steering Group
- Declared as Local Nature Reserve,
Creation of new pond with planting of wild flowers,
Events programme run during the summer including participating in the Story-telling Festival
- Completed. This project has been a mixture of habitat management work, including planting wildflowers, creating additional scrapes at Berwick Hills and woodland management, and community work to raise awareness about the presence of water voles. The project has included 1677 people attending events and activities, 1607 children attending educational activities and 525 volunteer hours involved in the project. Two leaflets have been produced on water voles.
- Wildlife Garden – completed. This has been achieved with input from placements from Kirklevington Prison and Erimus. It has included the creation of two new ponds, habitat piles and building footpaths.. Fernwood and Serpent Wood – Woodland and grassland management is ongoing.
- Initial consultation with residents to create a Local Nature Reserve on Whinney Banks Greenspace with West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust. A free family orientated informal event with a variety of wildlife and craft activities was held on 3rd July.