The report of the Strategic Director Corporate Resources (Document “BF”) sets out proposals to adopt a Sustainable Development Action Plan in order to respond to the challenges and opportunities for sustainable, clean and inclusive economic growth, a fairer society and a healthier environment presented by the Climate Emergency. It follows the Climate Emergency declaration at Full Council and the Council’s decision to join the Leeds City Region Climate Coalition. The Sustainable Development Action Plan sets out clear direction and guiding principles for the Council and District building on existing activity and stated commitments. The plan reviews current activity and proposes actions for 2020-21 for business, public sector partners, communities, citizens and investors to take forward positive action at pace and scale. Those actions include delivering progress on emissions reductions, improving communications and community engagement and the developing of a comprehensive evidence base and performance framework. The plan includes establishing a new Sustainable Development Partnership for the Bradford District.

Recommended -

(1)       The Sustainable Development Action Plan (2020-2022) including its guiding principles is approved and endorsed and the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources instructed to implement its proposed actions.

(2)       The establishment of a Sustainable Development Partnership for the District and terms of reference as set out at Appendix B to Document “BF” is approved.

(3)       That the Director of Finance and Strategic Director of Corporate Services are instructed to identify appropriate resources to meet the costs associated with the communication, co-ordination and  delivery of  the Climate Action Plan in 2020-21, with a view to funding being built into the Council’s base budget requirement from April 2021.

(4)       That partners, businesses, not-for-profit and community organisations, residents and visitors be thanked for their efforts to date and encouraged to work with the Council to accelerate practical action.

(5)       That public communication and engagement are undertaken, in line with the 2040 Vision, to seek views, advice and contributions to the next version of the action plan and our shared efforts in sustainability and that partners working on UN Child Friendly status and City of Culture 2025 are requested to ensure that their engagement activity connects to climate action and environmental stewardship.
 

(6)       That effective environmental management and performance be developed including rapid and significant reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

(7)       A dedicated report on the key developments in UK environmental legislation and environmental protection be brought to the Executive in autumn 2020.

(8)       That as a matter of urgency support, training and guidance is provided to elected members, officers, suppliers, contractors and partners and citizens on taking forward sustainable development and climate action 2020-2025.

(9)       That an annual progress report be brought to the Executive.

Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee                                                                 (David Walmsley – 01274 432131)

Recommended -

(1)       The Sustainable Development Action Plan (2020-2022) including its guiding principles is approved and endorsed and the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources instructed to implement its proposed actions.

(2)       The establishment of a Sustainable Development Partnership for the District and terms of reference as set out at Appendix B to Document “BF” is approved.

(3)       That the Director of Finance and Strategic Director of Corporate Services are instructed to identify appropriate resources to meet the costs associated with the communication, co-ordination and  delivery of  the Climate Action Plan in 2020-21, with a view to funding being built into the Council’s base budget requirement from April 2021.

(4)       That partners, businesses, not-for-profit and community organisations, residents and visitors be thanked for their efforts to date and encouraged to work with the Council to accelerate practical action.

(5)       That public communication and engagement are undertaken, in line with the 2040 Vision, to seek views, advice and contributions to the next version of the action plan and our shared efforts in sustainability and that partners working on UN Child Friendly status and City of Culture 2025 are requested to ensure that their engagement activity connects to climate action and environmental stewardship.
 

(6)       That effective environmental management and performance be developed including rapid and significant reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

(7)       A dedicated report on the key developments in UK environmental legislation and environmental protection be brought to the Executive in autumn 2020.

(8)       That as a matter of urgency support, training and guidance is provided to elected members, officers, suppliers, contractors and partners and citizens on taking forward sustainable development and climate action 2020-2025.

(9)       That an annual progress report be brought to the Executive.

Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee                                                                 (David Walmsley – 01274 432131)