Lancashire Action
Lancashire has a part to play in reducing the emissions of those gases contributing to climate change. We need to re-think our transport plans, change our energy systems, and reduce our demand for energy.
‘Rising to the Challenge – A Climate Change Action Plan for England’s North West’ is a 3 year Action Plan for the region, which aims to address climate change and energy issues. The Action Plan is currently under public consultation until the 5 th September 2006, with the final plan being launched on the 9 th November 2006.
The draft version can be viewed by following the link: www.nwda.co.uk/climatechange
As part of the work on the Climate Change Action Plan, the North West Regional Assembly (NWRA) and Sustainability North West (SNW) have developed a regional database to link up what is happening across the region with respect to tackling climate change.
The Lancashire Environment Strategy provides a detailed description of the aims and objectives of the county in order to limit its contribution to climate change. These are split into a number of themes, which are listed below, along with the organisations in the county involved in tackling the issue.
1. Increase energy efficiency in the domestic sector
In 2006 there has been a big push in Lancashire to improve energy efficiency in the domestic sector. The North West Partnership for Domestic Energy Issues has identified the key priorities for action following a series of workshops across the North West. The group has produced a scoping report on the state of the region, and priorities for domestic energy efficiency, fuel poverty and domestic renewable energy.
The Lancashire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (LEEAC) are involved in providing free and impartial advice on all aspects of energy efficiency, and also provide free home energy checks. They work with schools and community groups giving advice on how to save energy and the types of grants available.
The District Councils in the county have HECA (Home Energy Conservation Act) officers who aim to secure improvements in energy efficiency in the domestic sector. Some district councils provide grant aid for improving insulation, drought proofing and heating systems.
Elevate is an organisation that aims to create sustainable communities. They are promoting energy efficiency standards in refurbished housing.
2. Encourage the development of renewable energy
Lancashire has set a target for 10% of its energy use to come from renewable sources by 2010.
CLAREN (Cumbria and LAncashire RENewables) work directly with local communities to help them to develop and implement community scale renewable projects throughout Lancashire and Cumbria. The organisation promotes and increases awareness of renewable energy, and provides information on grants and funding available for installing renewable energy technology.
Renewables North West (RNW) provides information and assistance on finance and grants available for the development and implementation of renewable technology, and actively promotes renewable energy in the region.
Envirolink help to unlock funding for research and development and demonstration of environmental technologies. Envirolink North West is involved in advising regional ETS (Environmental Technologies and Services) companies on new business opportunities and developing funding applications in the region. They provide advice on energy efficiency and energy management, environmental technologies and services, and renewable energy.
There is also a push to encourage big energy users to use renewable energy. Several local authorities including Lancashire County Council source some of their energy requirements from renewable sources.
3. Increase energy efficiency in the business sector
There is a drive to push for increased energy efficiency in the business sector, and the Lancashire Environment Strategy has set a target of 10% improvement in energy efficiency in the business sector by 2010 (based on 2000 levels).
The North West Climate Change Charter asks organisations to make a commitment to energy efficiency by signing a regional charter. The Charter is a business initiative to encourage the private and public sectors to commit to reducing energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels. Over 60 regional organisations have signed up to the Charter. It is hoped that the Charter signatories will assist the region in achieving the national goal of reducing CO 2 emissions by 60% by 2050, as well as working to ensure the North West becomes a champion for climate change activity.
4. Increase the cover of carbon sinks
The aim in Lancashire is to increase the level of tree cover by a minimum of 10% (or approximately 1000ha per annum by 2010), with no significant reduction in the area of blanket bog.
The Lancashire Landscape Strategy promotes the management and extension of woodlands, and Lancashire Woodland Vision aims to provide information and guidance regarding new woodland planting and woodland management.
5. Reduce dependence on private car use
As transport contributes greatly to the emissions causing climate change, it is important to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. The aim is to keep traffic growth in Lancashire below 5% during the period 2005-2010.
The Lancashire County Council Transport Plan aims to ensure that cycle and pedestrian provision is integrated into highway improvement schemes. There is currently a budget available for cycle path development and improvement, and most districts in the county have cycling strategies
Lancaster is one of only 6 Cycle Demonstration Towns in the country. It is therefore committed to improving cycling routes, around the area. Through becoming a cycling demonstration town, Lancaster receives funding from the Department of Transport to promote cycling, improve routes, and offer training in bike confidence and maintenance.
For more information see: http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=818.
6. Reduce the likelihood of flooding
The specific targets surrounding flooding are:
Ensure 77% of ‘at risk’ properties are provided with a flood warning system.
Ensure 70% of flood defence assets in Lancashire are in good condition or better.
The Environment Agency is responsible for developing and maintaining flood warning systems, and producing Catchment Flood Management Plans across Lancashire.
For more information on the specific targets and policies see the Lancashire Environment Strategy.