More than £1m in savings have been made by the county council through projects to reduce environmental impact, lower energy use and improve resource efficiency.
A progress report on the county council’s Environmental Action Plan so far this financial year highlights how innovation and smarter ways of working are helping the council to protect the environment while reducing costs and improving services.
Home-to-school transport transformation has seen measures introduced to reduce single-occupancy taxi journeys, increase shared transport and making greater use of bus services. This has achieved savings of around £1 million compared to the previous years, despite supporting around 500 more pupils to get to school every day. The target to reduce single-occupancy taxi journeys has already been exceeded this year.
Energy cost reduction has continued through investment in modern infrastructure. Upgrades to street lighting and traffic signals cutting energy bills by almost £300,000 in the last financial year. Solar energy schemes are also being expanded, with new installations at Perton and Wombourne libraries and further projects planned across council buildings and maintained schools.
A new highways adaptation modelling project uses data to identify parts of the road network most vulnerable to flooding, heat and severe weather, supporting more effective future investment decisions. At the same time, a new countywide heat risk mapping project will help councils and partners better understand where rising temperatures could have the greatest impact on communities and public services.
Waste minimisation initiatives are also making a difference. Through the Rescue Me reuse scheme, more than 500 tonnes of household items have been reused, saving the council £83,000 in waste costs while generating wider benefits for charities and local residents. Additional DEFRA funding has also been secured to improve monitoring of reuse activity at household waste recycling centres.
The report highlights a range of other achievements including flood resilience projects working with local communities, support for businesses to improve resource efficiency, and initiatives helping schools and colleges develop the skills needed for future growth.
Andrew Mynors, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Connectivity, said:
Staffordshire’s environment plays a vital role in supporting the health, wellbeing and prosperity of our residents, communities and businesses.
This report shows what an extensive amount of work our teams are doing to improve efficiencies and cut energy costs.
By embracing innovation and finding smarter ways of working, we can protect and enhance our county. From cleaner energy and more efficient transport to resilience projects and waste reduction initiatives, we are delivering real benefits for taxpayers in Staffordshire.”
The Environmental Action Plan progress will be considered at a scrutiny meeting on 22 October.
