Environmental Policy

FALMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Approved by Grounds, Facilities and Environmental Action Committee on 21 November 2022. Adopted at Full Council on 19 December 2022

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Falmouth Town Council recognises that a healthy environment is fundamental to the prosperity and wellbeing of our local community. The Council acknowledges that whilst our activities may have adverse effects on the environment, we can take steps to minimise those impacts.

1.2 The Council considers that the environment is important and will comply with and, where possible, exceed all environmental regulations, laws and codes of practice, as applicable.

1.3 The Council will make a positive contribution to the environment by protecting and enhancing its assets.

2. AIMS OF POLICY

• To promote the importance and value of a quality environment, and to support local people in their enjoyment of it

• To carry out our work in an efficient way that minimises or eliminates its adverse impact on our environment

• To promote the development of a Circular Economy

• To support community initiatives

3. THREADS

3.1 Carbon Reduction

Falmouth Town Council declared a climate emergency in October 2021 and pledges to be fully carbon neutral by 2030. A Carbon Audit (Oct 2021) was undertaken which set out plans for immediate and long-term actions to reach this goal which include:

• Consider the introduction of phased replacement of LED bulbs in Council premises where feasible

• Introduce phased replacement of electrical equipment used on Council premises with products of maximum energy efficiency rating

• Switch to 100% renewable energy tariffs for electricity on Council premises

• Phased replacement of non-renewable heating sources (gas fired systems) with renewables when funds available

• Invest in electric car charging points

• Undertake a biennial audit of Council emissions

• Identify energy efficiency measures in all buildings and vehicles and undertake retrofits as required

• Encourage the switching off of electrical equipment and unnecessary lights when not in use Falmouth Town Council Environmental Policy Page 2 of 3

• Encourage the closing of windows and external doors when heating is on, with consideration for the health of staff during Covid restrictions.

3.2 NATURE & WILDLIFE

Falmouth Town Council is committed to increasing opportunities for nature to thrive on the assets it owns or manages and influencing others by:

• Conserving trees, hedgerows, ponds, streams and other habitats

• Managing Council assets (including public rights of way, coastal areas, play areas, playing fields, and verges) in a manner that protects and increases biodiversity where appropriate

• Introducing wildlife-friendly planting and features where appropriate

• Supporting other land owners to protect and improve their assets

3.3 PESTICIDE USE

Falmouth Town Council is committed to maintaining the already implemented reduction of the use of pesticides on assets we own or manage (with the exception of use for the control of Schedule 9 plants under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, such as Japanese Knotweed, or where it is used to reduce material risks to asset integrity).

3.4 SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

• Promote and support modern working practices, such as remote working, amongst staff and councillors

• Encourage members and officers to car-share, where possible, when a car journey must be made on Council business

• Promote and support the use of cycling, public footpaths and public transport

• Ensure all Council vehicles are serviced and maintained to a high standard

• The use of electric powered vehicles will be pursued where this is a workable alternative

3.5 WATER MANAGEMENT

• Where possible, installing and using water butts as a non-drinking water source

• Supporting campaigns to educate staff and users so they are aware of which materials can be disposed of in waste water

• Promoting and supporting natural solutions to reduce/reuse surface water run-off

• Working with South West Water to understand the surface water flooding risks and to support their DWMP strategies for alleviating this

• Installing water saving measures in public toilets where this is feasible

3.6 WASTE & RECYCLING

• Keep waste to a minimum by preventing, reusing, recycling or recovering waste

• Ensure waste is sorted, stored and disposed of appropriately

• Adopt plastic-free on council assets and encourage events taking place in the town to reduce single-use plastic

• Encourage the installation of and promote use of water fountains instead of purchasing disposable plastic water bottles

• Recycle all recyclable waste generated at Council premises and events

• Promote and encourage recycling amongst residents Falmouth Town Council Environmental Policy Page 3 of 3

• Explore the use of recyclable, compostable and/or recycled products on Council premises

• Reduce the production of non-recyclable resources such as laminated or plastic based publicity material

• Minimise the amount of printing and the amount of waste paper

• Observe our duty of care conscientiously within our waste contracts

• Maximise use of electronic communications; councillors to use an opt-in scheme for printing paper documents

• Recycle green waste by using composting facilities

• Support campaigns to reduce flytipping and pollution incidents

3.7 RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT

• Develop procurement policy to encourage local suppliers to apply to provide goods and services

• Source materials and services locally so long as the requirements for value for money and quality are met

• Ensure that catering produce, including tea/coffee in offices, is sourced from local, organic, fair trade (or other recognised certification schemes)

• Ensure that timber, or similar products, used by the Council is from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sources

• Encourage the use of eco-friendly consumables (such as cleaning products and inks) in Council premises while being aware of the needs of outcome required

• Continue to work towards the delivery of a Circular Economy

3.8 AWARENESS

• Promote awareness of, and information about, environmental issues within the community

• Ensure that all individuals involved in the organisation are aware of their responsibilities in implementing this environmental policy

• Advise all contractors of the commitment of the council to delivering this environmental policy and request their support where appropriate

 

To download a copy of the policy, please click on the link below. 

 

ALTERNATIVE FORMATS

If you require this document in amended formats please contact the Council on 01326 315559 or e-mail comms@falmouthtowncouncil.com