1. Introduction - Environmental Policy Statement

1.1. Local Councils are often criticised for not doing enough to protect the environment. Some criticism is sometimes justified but we have been in the business of improving and preserving the local environment for many years; it is, after all, one of our main roles in life. One of the purposes of publishing these policies is to inform the people of Runnymede of the extent to which the Council goes to monitor, protect, and enhance the environment.

1.2. It is accepted that for Environmental Policies to be successful there has to be an integration of effort across all departments. There also has to be consultation with the community over specific issues, and Council Members have to fully support the policies adopted.

1.3. In 1990/91 the Council completely reviewed its Environmental Policies taking into account the then recently published Environmental Protection Act, the Government's White Paper "This Common Inheritance," and the "Environmental Charter for Local Government" published by Friends of the Earth. The result was that a considerable number of additional policies were agreed and these, together with existing activities, were consolidated into a single document to make the public aware of the Council's Environmental Policies, and to ensure that the Council's employees and agents are left in no doubt as to what is expected.

1.4. The environmental policies have subsequently been reviewed annually by the Environmental Services Committee and amended to reflect the current situation.

1.5. This document aims to give a clear definition of the Council's environmental vision, core values and policy statements.

For details of the Council's current environmental activities please refer to the Environmental Activities Review 2000 document available from the Environmental Services Department, local libraries and the Council's website (http://www.runnymede.net).

2. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

(i)Runnymede Borough Council is committed to preserving and enhancing the environment of the Borough for the enjoyment of those who live in, work or visit Runnymede.

(ii) The Council's activities are broad in scope but all have an ultimate effect on the environment. The Council has an impact on the local environment when undertaking its duties, for example, as:

• a regulator (e.g. in producing land use and transportation policy advice and in processing planning applications),
  
  
• a service provider (e.g. in managing local parks),
• a landowner,
• an employer,
• a purchaser,
• an asset manager,
• a grant provider,
• an educator (who can provide leadership in environmental education)

(iii) In all its activities the Council pledges to continuously improve the quality of the environment of the Borough. To this end, it endeavours to:

• minimise its detrimental impact on the environment and
• maximise opportunities for environmental improvement

(iv) It will implement this policy and where appropriate encourage the community to adopt it.

This commitment stems from a concern to work towards sustainable development and to enhance the quality of life for the local community.

A. Integrated Transport Strategy

Promote the provision of a more sustainable transport system and encourage the community to use environmentally friendly means of transport. Emphasis must be upon encouraging car users to consider whether their journey is essential.

B. Sustained Waste Management Programme

Minimise waste production in the whole community and optimise waste recovery.

Minimise energy use in the Council's buildings and promote energy conservation throughout the Borough.

Safeguard the Borough from air, land and water pollution.

E. Water Resources

Protect water resources and raise awareness of water conservation issues in the Borough.

F. Land Use Planning

Ensure that new development proposals are located on sustainable locations.

G. Natural Environment

Safeguard and enhance Runnymede's natural heritage and diverse habitats.

Safeguard and enhance Runnymede's built heritage and diverse landscape.

I. Environmental Purchasing Policy

Favour purchase of environmentally friendly products and use of services with a minimal environmental impact, so long as requirements of value for money and quality are met.

J. Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles

Promote healthy lifestyle patterns in the Borough.

K. Environmental Education and Awareness

Raise awareness of environmental issues in the whole community and provide easy access to environmental information.

Consult the community on projects affecting their local environment and enable residents to take action and help shape the future of their Borough.

To deliver its Environmental Policy aims, the Council will:

• Implement its policies in the local plan
• Review its environmental policies annually
• Include environmental implications of recommendations in all Committee reports
• Set up a cross-departmental working group to promote best environmental practice internally
• Set objectives and targets each year and organise six-monthly reviews on target