Sustainability Charter

Environmental principles

Individually and collectively we will:

Principle 9

Modify our activities to ensure they are consistent with current scientific and technical understanding, and apply a precautionary approach to possible harm to the environment.

As a principle, the burden of proof will be on those who argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant harm.

Principle 10

Promote the provision of frequent, safe, reliable, accessible, affordable and integrated local transport services that offer good geographical coverage.

These must be combined with the development and maintenance of green, pleasant and safe pedestrian and cycle routes.

Priority should be given to ecologically sound means of transport.

Principle 11

Contribute to the provision of high quality neighbourhood environments with sufficient accessible open spaces, protect and enhance bio diversity and create a more ecologically diverse ‘natural’ environment that is pleasant and safe for all.

We will encourage development that both respects the historic fabric, character and local distinctiveness of the area and provides opportunities for excellence in new design.

Principle 12

Encourage management in the use of renewable resources such as water, soil, timber etc in ways that protect the health of ecosystems.

Wherever possible we will manage our use of non-renewable resources, such as minerals and fossil fuels, in ways that minimise depletion and cause no serious environmental damage.

Principle 13

Seek assessment of environmental impacts before starting any new activity, decommissioning a facility or leaving a site.

We will encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies and techniques.

Principle 14

Apply the hierarchy of reduce, reuse, recycle, recover and disposal to waste and ensure the provision of facilities to maximise reuse and recycling.

We will develop and provide products or services that are efficient in their consumption of energy and natural resources, and that can be reused, recycled, or disposed of safely.

Principle 15

Undertake every effort to prevent pollution, including noise, at source and improve the quality of our land, air and water.

Principle 16

Recognise that the only sustainable alternatives (to fossil fuels) are renewable energy sources.