South East Forum For Sustainability

Oxford City Council has been chosen along with eight other councils (Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Northumberland, Haringey, Nottingham, Plymouth and Bournemouth Poole and Dorset MAA) to pioneer an ambitious programme of action to tackle climate change.

The councils will work with Government over the coming twelve months to pioneer and test new local carbon frameworks. They will take centre stage in the UK’s action to tackle climate change whilst residents will reap the benefits of large scale home insulation projects, alternative sources of energy and the emergence of greener communities which together could reduce fuel bills alongside further  benefits.

By working more closely with energy suppliers; to develop ambitious plans for ‘greening’ up domestic and non-domestic properties; increasing the demand for renewable energy; considering how to increase the economic viability of new energy sources; boosting links to heat and energy schemes and make more effective use of surplus energy to power homes, councils could potentially unlock new sources of income for local authorities.

John Denham is proposing that local carbon frameworks will involve councils:

• setting out a clear set of targets for action and a route for progress and milestones.  Many of the councils involved have already set themselves stretching targets to reduce carbon emissions – 40 per cent reductions and higher by 2020. The frameworks will support ambitions for going even further, faster

• developing a clear strategy for how carbon reductions can be achieved.  Robust and strongly evidence based; this strategy will need to articulate how the council will secure community buy in and involvement

• producing a delivery plan involving all its partners, including those outside the formal strategic partnership.

Plans might set out what action is needed on issues spanning recycling, energy efficiency, wind power, transport and more.

Councils would be expected to put together a prospectus setting out how they would develop and deliver a local carbon framework. This would be negotiated and agreed with Government. It will then be down to councils to take forward delivery and report on its achievements.

Local authorities will also be able to use their prospectus to set out an ‘ask’ of central government.  Councils will be expected to maximise the use of their existing freedoms and flexibilities but Government is ready to offer additional help and support and look at what more can be done to help delivery.

The pilot authorities will work with Government to help develop and test the concept. Further pilot programmes will be developed in the coming months. £3m has been allocated to support the pilot programmes.

John Denham said: “Local authorities – through their oversight of housing, planning, waste, transport coupled with the significant spending power they possess – are uniquely positioned to use their role and influence to drive and shape a low carbon economy, low carbon living and influence the kind of behaviour change that will be needed to meet the UK commitment to the 34 percent cut in emissions on 1990 levels by 2020.”

“Councils are already making huge advances on this agenda. We want all local authorities to take the lead on reducing emissions in their area. The nine authorities being named today are ready to help Government identify the support needed for all local authorities to follow the lead of the best, make sure unnecessary barriers to action are swept away, and identify the tools needed for local authorities to do the job.

“There are obvious benefits for local people both financially and in terms of quality of life and it is crucial that local authorities maximise these and involve local people every step of the way.”

The potential for local authorities to go further than their current responsibilities around climate change was proposed in the Strengthening Local Democracy Consultation published in the summer. That document made the case for using greater opportunities for local leadership on climate change to put local government at the heart of high quality, innovative public services. The frameworks present the next stage in tackling climate change and offer the potential to transform the expectations of what local government is and what it does for people.

Ultimately John Denham wants to work with those authorities already engaged in this agenda and encourage them to do more but also raise the bar for all authorities and help them recognise the potential and maximise the advantages that are available.

Friends of the Earth, Campaign for Better Transport, CPRE, CTC and Living Streets have this week published a manifesto asking the future government to commit to a better more cost effective transport system.

The manifesto sets out recommendations which ensure that our transport system:

Provides sustainable jobs
Tackles climate change
Increases opportunities
Improves people’s health and quality of life
Connects communities

Stephen Joseph  (executive director of the Campaign for Better Transport)  said: “This manifesto is about practical and affordable changes that can be made to improve everyday transport, giving people more choice in how they get about and making alternatives to cars easier and cheaper to use.”

If you are signed up for 10:10 then you’ll know that January tips for cutting CO2 are all about lighting. If you’ve not signed up to to cut your carbon 10% by 2010 then here are a few tips on saving energy (and money) through changing your light bulbs and how you use them.

1. There are low-energy bulbs that work with dimmer switches
2. Yes, you can replace your halogen spotlights
3. Modern low-energy bulbs give off lots of lovely, flicker-free light
4. Handsome globe-shaped eco-bulbs are available
5. You can save more than £50 per bulb replaced#

There is some more advice in the lighting section of the 10:10 website.

There’ll be a new theme next week when we move into February so watch out.

Update to post 11/01/2010 (more updates will follow as information becomes available)
Extracts from four existing documents are presented in this LTP3 advice summary. For context it is recommended that you read the full versions using the web page references outlined in the document.
1.  Cycling: a local transport solution
2.  Promote public health: take action on active travel
3.  Local Transport Plan activist training days September 2009
4.  Oxfordshire Active Travel Strategy

You can also track the current progress of LTP3s in your area using this LTP3 South East document.

You were stunned by Local Transport Plans I, amazed by Local Transport Plans II now be horrified by Local Transport Plans III!

But seriously folks, you may or may not be aware but your local council is currently working out how transport systems in your area will look beyond 2011.

So what is a Local Transport Plan (LTP): 

1. Supporting economic growth
2. Tackling climate change
3. Contributing to better safety, security and health
4. Promoting equality of opportunity
5. Improving quality of life and a healthy natural environment

There is obviously great scope in them (though it is not mandatory) to help in reducing carbon emissions and encouraging travel by foot, bike and public transport.

The process with in  local authorities is starting now (a spreadsheet of where councils are in the development of their plans will be coming to this article shortly but that information should be available on your local council website) but there is no need to wait for the consultations to comment. A group in Oxfordshire got together and  proactively drew up their thoughts in the Oxfordshire Active Travel Strategy on how their LTP should look. You could do the same.

More information on LTPs and how to influence them can be found on the CTC website and also in a detailed briefing from Friends of the Earth

 We’ll also be adding more on the SEFS website as and when it is available.

Brighton Pavilion Feb 2009

You’d think perhaps that this photo is pre-emptive of the weather forecast for the South East for the next few days. Actually  it was taken in the February cold snap this year. Snow on the beach was quite an unusual sight.

2009 has been quite an unusual year in many ways. SEERA as you all know has been abolished. To be replaced with the South East Partnership board. SEFS no longer has guaranteed seats and it has been a battle to find our niche so we can continue input to regional policy, in particular the development of the Regional Strategy. However there is a realisation that stakeholders need to be involved in the Strategy’s development and we are hoping that the New Year will see things moving forward on a positive footing.

REGIONAL STRATEGY
Work has started on the development of the Regional Strategy  and the Partnership Board has published a project plan. SEFS is aiming to comment on this before the Partnership Board agrees it in the Spring. Along side this the Sustainability Appraisal is being developed and Christine Drury with Ian Hepburn’s help will be ensuring SEFS is fully engaged with this process.
We hope the work SEFS does in relation to the Regional Strategy will be able to be as effective as our engagement with the South East Plan. It remains to be seen whether the Partnership Board is willing to take sustainability issues seriously but we were pleased to notice the Board has recently published a Climate Change feature on its website.

To keep up to date with Partnership Board news you can subscribe via their website to regular news updates.

Community Action on Sustainability and Low Carbon
At the AGM in October it was inspiring to hear about action taking place on the ground to develop low carbon and sustainable communities through the presentations from Jacinta Thorley from the South East Rural Communities Council and Fiona Wellings from the Greening Campaign.
There is so much going on in the the region and Climate South East are currently doing a survey of activity to try and get a detailed picture of what is happening and what support is required. The survey takes a few minutes to complete and is online until Wednesday 23rd. Please do add your details to help build as complete a picture as possible of all activity in the South East.

Local Transport Plans Round 3 (LTP3s)
SEFS has always had an active involvement in regional transport issues and this continues with our monitoring of the new round of LTPs. These are being developed now as I write by your local council. You can read more about them and what groups are already doing to influence them in the LTP post. SEFS isn’t able to engage with all the LTPs around the region but we hope to be able to share help, advice and case studies as we gather them.

Events
SEFS General Meeting
Usually SEFS has a General Meeting in March/April time. However, P&EC has decided that it might be more helpful to have the next one in June after the election. The provisional date is 15th June so please pencil this into your diaries. There will be more information in the New Year.

RAISE Events
There are two RAISE events coming up which may be of interest Tuesday 23rd March (Central London) Third Sector Engagement with Local Strategic Partnerships and Wednesday 3rd March VCS Health and Social Care Event (Guildford). Details for  both can be found on the RAISE website

FORWARD TO 2010
2010 promises to be another challenging one for SEFS, the Partnership Board will be more established and SEFS will be working with other stakeholders to ensure strong representation. Where we can we will engage in the development of the new Regional Strategy. However, no one is quite sure what the general election will bring. A change of parliament could mean a  whole new system of governance is introduce. SEFS will continue to network while members still feel there is a value in us doing so (which at the AGM we were given to believe there was), and while we still have the financial resources and time to do this. Do continue to support SEFS by renewing your membership for 2010/11. However, please note P&EC has decided that there is a need for us to increase our standard fees slightly as these have not changed for 10 years. Don’t let this put you off though, all donations, small and large will be gratefully received. Reminders will be sent out in March.

We are grateful to SEEDA for the financial support they have given us over the last 2 years, to Surrey Wildlife Trust for providing financial administration and employing me, and now to the Environment Centre who as of the beginning of December are now providing that service.

I hope you all have a good Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Best wishes

Alison
SEFS Coordinator

I happened to overhear some people the other day talking about the price of Christmas Trees.  I was stunned that a 5ft or so tree (without roots) was going for £40 at the flower stall near where I live. Later I went past my local homewares shop and they were renting out trees (ok maybe  not quite such big ones for a snip at  between £20-£30 (they deliver them and collect after Christmas. The trees are then replanted and available for next  years rental.

If you’re lucky enough to live in Brighton you can rent your Christmas tree from Gill’s Home and Garden Shop on Western Road . Alternatively you can hire them from the Christmas Tree Man . These one’s don’t come cheap  but then neither do the precut ones and they’ll be for chipping after New Year.

If you have already bought a Christmas Tree and aren’t planting it out in the garden for next year. Don’t forget that most councils now have Christmas Tree collection points. So check your local council website for details of their tree recycling arrangements.

So those last minute Christmas presents.  Most charities are struggling for cash this year, including many SEFS members so save on all that shopping and wrapping and just join or donate to your family and friends favourite charities.  Websites for most SEFS members can be found via the links  page on this website. I’m sure you’re cash would be gratefully received and UK taxpayers can of course claim tax relief on charitable donations.

Alternativley why not learn a new craft or trade next year. SEFS member Commonwork run interesting workshops on everything from bread making to green wood work. Or you could learn about Permaculture, fruit tree management or green architecture with Brighton Permaculture Trust. Many rural centres run courses like this so check out your local area or plan a UK holiday around a course futher afield.

Finally if you have to buy presents then check out these suppliers of ethical and environmentally friendly products Ecocentric, Nigels Eco Store, or the Ecologist Ethical Christmas Guide

Finally think about Waste

To cut down on food waste (and the impact of your Christmas eating) plan your meals ahead to avoid waste, think about experitmenting with a vegetarian feast at some point over the holidays and make sure you’ve space in your compost bin for all those potato and carrot peelings.

For ideas on cutting down on general Christmas waste check out Waste Online for ideas and make sure you know when your council is collecting your recycling over the christmsa period.

Have a great and fabulously green time!

Campaign Success

Campaigners met today in Ditchling to celebrate as the Secretary of State signed the South Downs National Park Designation order.

It has been more than 60 years in the making but today sees the South Downs finally becoming the regions second National Park.  After Hilary Benn’s announcement in March earlier this year that he had agreed in principle to the National Park, campaigners have been waiting eagerly for the final boundary disputes to be resolved.  These led to a one-day public inquiry in August with the Inspector submitting his report to Government in the same month.  Until these issues had been sorted out, the legal order, formally creating the National Park could not be signed. 

The South Downs Campaign (SDC), a network of around 160 organisations is celebrating the removal of this last hurdle in the long and difficult history of the South Downs.  It now wants to see swift action to ensure that the new National Park Authority is given all the help that it needs to make it a success.

 Robin Crane, Chair of the SDC, commented “Today is a fantastic and historic day: the final milestone on the long path to a South Downs National Park.  The South Downs will now have the protection and recognition that this landscape so richly deserves. ”

The decision letter can be found by clicking here and the full boundary details by clicking here

On a momentous day for Planning in the UK the Government has today published 7 out of the 12 National Policy Statments expected under the new Planning Act. These 7 are out for consultation until 22nd February and details can be found below:

EN-1 – Overarching Energy NPS - 93 pages

EN-2 – Fossil Fuels NPS - 19 pages

EN-3 – Renewables NPS - 71 pages

EN-4 – Gas Storage and Pipelines NPS - 28 pages

EN-5 – Electricity Networks NPS - 19 pages

EN-6 – Nuclear NPS - 300 pages

Ports NPS - 75 pages

The overall consultation page for the DECC NPSs is here.

The overall consultation page for the DfT NPS is here.

Are you trying to deliver Sustainable Development at a local level? You might find this work by the Sustainable Development Commission useful:

Local Decison Making and Sustainable Development

This paper sets out the key responsibilities of local authorities and their Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) partners in relation to sustainable development, and some of the opportunities and challenges that they face in meeting these. It also highlights some of the ‘key ingredients’ for delivering sustainable development at the local level.

A series of case studies go hand in hand with this work

Brighton & Hove is currently threatend with a bin strike. But this needn’t be a bad thing. Strikes or changes to collections can be a great opportunity for communities to pool their resources and stop looking at waste as a problem.

By working collectively we can significantly reduce the amount that ends up in our bins. If we don’t act of course it will become a smelly, hazardous eyesore but by taking a few small steps we can make great strides in minimising the problem. There are many things that can be done to reduce/reuse/recycle and compost but – here’s a few suggestions:

 1) Take the waste challenge and slim your bin, look at what you throw away each day or week and challenge your household to see how small you can make that waste pile. (see the slim your bin page for examples of how to monitor your waste)

2) Reduce
a. Packaging – avoid goods that are over packaged and return unwanted packaging to the store.
b. Food – avoid food waste by planning your meals in advance, check what’s in the cupboard and fridge before you shop make a list and only buy what you need.
c. Buy a water filter and a water bottle or flask instead of bottled water and ask for your takeaway coffee to be put in your own container.
d. Cut down on junk mail by joining the Mailing Preference Service
e. Read the paper online.

3) Reuse
a. Joinyour local Freecycle, Freegle or the Green Cycle Sussex network and exchange what you don’t want any more for something you do.
b. Repair old clothing or give it away to charity (or if it’s unfit to use take it to the your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre and put it for textile recycling).
c. Use leftover food for another meal.
d. Use old carrier bags again (and again)
e. Buy second hand clothes/books/furniture
f. Try using reusable nappies

4) Recycle
a. Wash and squash all your recyclable materials (cans, plastic bottles etc) so they take up less space while council collections aren’t taking place (and so they don’t go smelly).
b. Store your recyclables in a dry place
c. If you’re in Brighton get together with some neighbours and subscribe to Magpie’s Opt-in recycling scheme  Tel: 01273 684425 Email: optin@ magpie.coop

5) Compost
a. If you still have food waste left over after following the reducing tips then minimise what goes into the bin by composting. Small gardens can usually accommodate at least a wormery, while larger gardens are suitable for compost bins or food waste digesters.
b. If you don’t have a garden, team up with someone who does and share their compost bin.
c.  Tips and guidelines for composting can be found on the Recycle Now website

Visit the Act on CO2 website:  for more help and suggestions on how to reduce/re-use/recycle and compost

It would be great to get into the habit of doing this now and teaming up with our neighbours and communities then when changes or strikes happen they will be less of a problem.