A new five-year Environmental Action Plan setting out how Staffordshire County Council will respond to growing environmental challenges will be discussed by cabinet next week.
The draft plan outlines practical steps the council will take to protect and enhance the environment while supporting economic growth and healthier communities across the county.
It also includes measures to adapt to flooding, boost energy efficiency across its property portfolio, improve cost savings, and work with partners to create a more resilient Staffordshire.
The Environmental Action Plan delivers the county council’s recently adopted Environmental Strategy and replaces the previous Climate Change Action Plan.
It focuses on eight key priorities:
- Reducing the council’s overall environmental impact
Improving energy efficiency across council buildings and services, while expanding opportunities for clean energy generation. - Ensuring services and communities can adapt to impactful weather
Strengthening resilience to flooding, heat and other environmental pressures affecting communities and infrastructure. - Supporting economic growth
Developing green skills, helping businesses improve efficiency and supporting innovation in emerging industries. - Local nature recovery
Protecting and restoring habitats, supporting biodiversity and enhancing Staffordshire’s natural landscapes. - Waste minimisation
Helping residents and businesses reduce waste, increase recycling and make more efficient use of resources. - Supporting access to affordable, reliable energy
Promoting energy-saving measures and working with partners to improve local energy infrastructure and generation. - Delivering a multi-modal transport system
Supporting integrated transport options including walking, cycling, buses and rail to improve connectivity and reduce environmental impact. - Working with partners to deliver innovative solutions
Collaborating with public, private and community organisations to deliver new approaches across areas such as energy, transport, buildings and waste.
Andrew Mynors, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Connectivity, said:
“Our environment shapes the way we live, work and enjoy life in Staffordshire. This Environmental Action Plan turns our Environmental Strategy into action. It focuses on practical steps to protect nature, improve energy efficiency and create healthier communities and a stronger economy.
“By adapting to impactful weather and using resources wisely, we can unlock new opportunities, attract investment, create high-quality jobs and drive innovation. At the same time, we’re protecting community health and helping residents and businesses keep more money in their pockets.
“Our goal is long-term economic growth that works hand in hand with nature, delivering cleaner air, greener spaces and a resilient, prosperous Staffordshire for generations to come.”
The Environmental Action Plan was put together after cabinet approved the Environmental Strategy in December.
The action plan will now go before cabinet on Wednesday 18 March.
