South Ayrshire Council News

South Ayrshire Council has agreed a local action plan to tackle the global threat of climate change as part of its commitment to Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration (SCCD).

The Council’s Climate Change Action Plan sets out the steps it will take to reduce carbon emissions caused by lighting, computer equipment and staff travel. It also outlines commitments to increase renewable energy capacity, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and follow green procurement guidelines.

The Council has also pledged to work with local organisations to reduce carbon emissions across the community and to ensure that South Ayrshire is better able to adapt to the changing climate by assessing the impact on local environment and services.

Councillor Peter Convery, the Portfolio Carrier for Sustainability and Environment issues said: “The Council signed the Declaration in January 2007 and instructed Officers to develop a Climate Change Action Plan. We are committed to working with the Scottish and UK Governments to contribute to the delivery of the Climate Change Programme. Our Plan addresses the reality of our changing climate, by reducing our carbon emissions and adapting our services to cope with the changes that are expected in the coming years. Every member of staff in every section of the Council will play their part in this initiative and together we will reduce emissions, and adapt our assets and services to meet the challenges of a changing climate . We will work with local communities and partner organisations to make sure that we do everything we can to protect our environment.”

The Plan sets out the framework for how the Council intends to protect the environment by:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to future climate change.
• Improving the Council’s energy use and sourcing, travel and transportation, waste production and disposal, estate management, procurement of goods and services, and improved staff awareness.
• Assessing the risks and opportunities for services and communities of predicted climate change scenarios and impacts, and taking appropriate action.
• Encouraging and working with others in the local community to take action to adapt to the impact of climate change and to reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions.
• Publishing an annual statement on the progress of our climate change activities, detailing targets set and outcomes achieved
• Working with other organizations to promote good practice on climate change mitigation and adaptation.