A to Z of Services

Environment

Environmental Management

Environmental Management

Sustainable development is a cross cutting theme in Rotherham's Community Strategy and Corporate Plan. Rotherham Council is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our activities in accordance with the Council’s Environmental Policy.

To ensure we achieve continual improvement whilst carrying out normal service delivery activities, the Council is implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS). This will comply with the European Regulation Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

Corporate Environmental Policy

The Corporate Environmental Policy summarises the environmental objectives of the council. We are committed to preventing pollution, ensuring we continuously improve our environmental performance and reducing our environmental impact.

The policy is supported by an action plan focusing on targets and actions to achieve the objectives. Performance management is monitored and driven through the Members Sustainable Advisory Group and the Sustainable Development Action Group.

This is a PDF document icon. Corporate Environmental Policy 2006 to March 2010 (41 Kb)

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EMAS

An environmental management system (EMS) provides a framework to manage significant environmental impacts produced by the Council and deals with all aspects including:

Energy - Contracts - Conservation - Water
Bio-diversity - Pollution - Transport - Waste
Local issues - Procurement - Legal compliance

EMAS registration has been achieved by Chief Executives Directorate; Environment and Development Services; Neighbourhoods and Adult Services; Abbey School; St Mary's (Herringthorpe) RC Primary and Wath C of E Primary School.

Rotherham MBC produces an Environmental Statement reporting on the Council's environmental performance. The statements have been independently verified and outlines the environmental performance of the council during the reporting periods:

This is a PDF document icon. Environmental Statement for April 2004 to March 2005 (1,721 Kb)
Environmental Statement for March 2005 to July 2006 (1,545 Kb)
Environmental Stement for July 2006 to August 2007 (464 Kb)
Environmental Statement for August 2007 to July 2008 (954 Kb)

The statements outline the Council's performance on Environmental Management; Climate Change; Built and Natural Environment; Procurement; Pollution Prevention and Control and Communication and Education.

For further information about environmental management in the Council, contact:

David Rhodes,
Corporate Environmental Manager
Tel: 01709 822166
Email: environmental.management@rotherham.gov.uk

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Climate Change

Climate change is a threat and scientific evidence indicates that man-made greenhouse gases are having an effect on the earth's climate. Records show that globally the hottest ten years on record have all occurred since 1990. Climate models predict that global temperatures could warm from between 1.4^oC to 5.8^oC over the next 100 years. In Yorkshire and Humber Region forecasts are that, compared with the 1990's, by 2080 average temperatures will have risen by between 1.6^oC and 3.9^oC; that rainfall will reduce by between 10% and 20%; the North Sea level will rise by up to 1 metre and the growing season will lengthen by up to six weeks. This will have a significant impact on the social, environmental and economic aspects of everyday life.

Rotherham Council recognises the need to reduce the effects and adapt to threat of climate change. In partnership with the Energy Saving Trust Rotherham Council has developed a Climate Change Action Plan to reduce resource consumption, reduce emissions and improve efficiencies.

CO₂ Calculator

The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO₂), produced when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas for energy. Over 40 per cent of CO₂ emissions in the UK come directly from what we do as individuals; for example, heating, usingelectricity in our homes and driving vehicles. Flights are the next biggest source of individuals' CO₂ emissions.

Everyonehas a carbon footprint - it's your own personal measure of how much carbon dioxide you create and how much you contribute to climate change.

Use the 'Act on CO₂' calculator to find out what your carbon footprint is and get a personalised action plan with recommendations about how you can help tackle climate change.

Follow the link: This is an external link icon. http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/index.html

For more information on:

	*Greener living: a quick guide*	*Greener home*
	*Waste and recycling*	*Greener garden*
	*Energy and water saving*	*Greener shopping*
	*Greener travel*	*Greener food and drink*
	*Greener life events*	*Your local environment*

Follow the link: This is an external link icon. www.direct.gov.uk/greenerliving

Energy

Energy management is a fundamental practice that contributes to the Climate Change Action Plan, Environmental Management System and the Corporate Environmental Policy. Reductions in energy consumption result in reduced emissions, improved efficiencies and lower utility costs. the Council strives to achieve reductions in consumption and reduced emissions through:

Improving the energy efficiency of council operational properties through a programme of site surveys.
Promotion of renewable energy in new builds and refurbishment projects.
Contracted supply of green electricity for council properties.
Developing a Sustainable Construction standard for Rotherham Construction projects.

For further information or technical advice about energy conservation / efficiency or other energy related matters in the Council, contact:
Steven Cope, Environmental Officer (energy)
Tel: 01709 822167
Email: environmental.management@rotherham.gov.uk