Sustainability

What on earth is Sustainability?

Sustainability is about:

• Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future to meet
  its own needs.
• Improving economic, social and environmental wellbeing at the same time.
• Treating the Earth as if we mean to stay.

What is the Council doing?

Climate change is a big sustainability issue which the Council must address. The Wyre Forest Climate Change Strategy(1.4MB) and Action plan sets out what we are doing about climate change.

For information on the greenhouse gas emission of Wyre Forest District Council, please read our latest Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report(30K).

The District is now working with the Carbon Trust to develop a 5 year Carbon Management Plan by the end of 2011, ready for implementation in 2012 with a target 35% Carbon emissions reduction by 2016.

The Council is also signed up the Worcestershire Climate Change Pledge and the 10:10 campaign. Explore these pages to find out more about climate change as well as other sustainability issues such as Biodiversity and Fairtrade.  

The current edition of Climate Change Matters (259K) contains all the latest news from the Worcestershire Partnership.

What can I do to be greener?

Lots! Explore these pages to find out how. Here are a few ideas:

• Sign up the 10:10 climate change campaign
• Calculate your carbon footprint and then reduce it
• Save energy by installing cut price insulation or solar panels
• Get on your bike - see the Wyre Forest walk/cycle map
• Visit the Worcestershire Green Directory website

Why should I bother?

There are loads of positive benefits to leading a greener lifestyle.

Saving energy and cutting fuel use will help reduce your bills. Whether you decide to start growing your own fruit and veg, exploring your local countryside or walking or cycling to escape the traffic jams, you're bound to feel healthier and happier as a result.

Small changes by lots of individuals all add up - what you do now will make a difference!

For those that are interested in any aspect of moving towards sustainable energy - be it in the home or in the community - then a free to attend event called Powering the Future - Towards Sustainable Energy is taking place on Saturday 17th September 2011.

Five keynote speakers, followed by a choice of afternoon workshops, will cover a wide range of topics including the latest international and national developments, how local authorities and social housing can accelerate progress, what local councils are doing, sustainable energy and community renewable schemes, and improving sustainability in the home and in farming.

Alongside the conference, the exhibition will showcase products, services and examples of best practice from a number of companies and organisations engaged in sustainable and renewable energy.

The event starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4.00pm.