Sustainability is at the heart of the Council Plan
"Leading and coordinating the effort for Warwickshire to be a net zero county by 2050 means many of our actions are focused on supporting others – community groups, schools and residents, as well as our business sectors – to contribute to creating a sustainable and prosperous community."
Climate change is one of the most important issues facing our county. The continued burning of fossil fuels is affecting weather patterns around the world as well as causing devastating extreme weather events more locally, leading to flooding, heatwaves, drought and wildfires. These events pose a direct risk to Warwickshire’s communities and economy, and we recognise that they will disproportionately impact the poorest and most vulnerable in the County.
It's therefore clear that the transition to and beyond net zero must be managed in a way that widens opportunities through the growth of high-value, green-related business sectors and jobs.
“A green economy is broader than a low carbon economy; it aligns to the wider context of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. A green economy is an approach to sustainable economic growth with a central focus on reducing societal and environmental risks and ecological scarcities. It embeds climate adaptation into its construct. It transitions from the current ‘growth based’ approach to investments, employment, and skills towards growth without degrading the environment, and the wellbeing and prosperity of citizens.” Warwickshire County Council’s Draft Sustainable Futures Strategy
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals give us a blueprint of peace and prosperity for both people and the planet, now and into the future. They recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Given the enormity of this task, it’s clear that governments, the business, the not-for-profit sector and communities must all work together. Therefore, leading and coordinating the effort for Warwickshire to be a net zero county by 2050 means many of our actions are focused on supporting others – community groups, schools and residents, as well as our business sectors – to contribute to creating a sustainable and prosperous community.
There are many things, both big and small, that can make a difference, and we’re encouraging everyone to play their part. For example, by prioritising walking or cycling, improving home energy efficiency, reducing waste, buying sustainable, local products and produce, and taking an active role in the protection and enhancement of our natural spaces.
Some of our initiatives are below. If you have any feedback on these, or other ideas that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear it. Email us at climateemergency@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Sustainable Warwickshire Podcast
A new podcast series for those people living and working in Warwickshire who care about climate change and ensuring that Warwickshire is sustainable now and for future generations. It features conversations with people from our public, private and voluntary sectors, all taking action to reduce carbon emissions, support biodiversity and promote economic growth. There are four episodes already published, and more will follow to cover topics such as energy, the built environment and the green economy. Listen on Podbean or search for Sustainable Warwickshire on Spotify or Apple.
Warwickshire Climate Emergency Resources
Did you know that Warwickshire has a climate emergency website? It is a comprehensive summary of all the Warwickshire County Council climate change strategies and plans, as well as links to a range of other useful resources. This includes funding opportunities for Warwickshire businesses where available. Visit: www.warwickshireclimateemergency.org.uk
Sign up for the latest climate change news
We publish a monthly newsletter with a round-up of any climate change, sustainability or biodiversity news from the Council. It’s an easy way to make sure you’re keeping up to date. Sign up here: https://warwickshire.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a24b439ef7022ae0d86f9ca6e&id=6f19e0f3a5
Encouraging your employees to walk or cycle to work
Our Safe and Active team have a comprehensive programme of support for Warwickshire businesses: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/road-safety/safe-active-workplaces
Managing your recycling and waste
If you’re a small Warwickshire business, then please bring your recycling and waste to one of our local Household Waste and Recycling Centres. Each of the nine Centres in Warwickshire offer trade waste, including a recycling permit from just £50 per annum. For more information, watch our video: https://www.facebook.com/warwickshirerecycles/videos/1288532391646069
Big Green Week (10th – 18th June)
Although the focus of the UK’s Big Green Week is to celebrate community action to tackle climate change and protect nature, it offers all organisations an opportunity to raise awareness of the need for action amongst employees, and to showcase your commitment to sustainability. It’s also an opportunity for you to get involved with your local community as part of any CSR initiatives – through local schools, community groups or sports clubs, for example. The Big Green Week website has a map of local events as well as lots of other ideas on how to get involved.
Other national events or awareness days to build into your calendars include:
Clean Air Day – 15 June
Plastic Free July – 1 to 31 July
Cycle to Work Day – 4 August
Recycle Week – 19-25 September