Falkirk Council

In order for Falkirk Council to lead on sustainability, we must first get our own house in order. In 1998 the Council produced its first environmental strategy and environmental policy, These have been significantly revised to reflect the amount of progress made. The recently revised environmental policy demonstrates the council’s commitment to improving its own performance.

Sustainability across the services

Traditionally, sustainable development has been seen as an issue that affected only some parts of the council that had an environmental remit. In 2005 the council ran sustainability training for senior management, challenging them to set sustainability targets for each service. The results are reflected in the Sustainable Falkirk Action Plan 2006 and include some of the following:

Energy

• Reduce the amount of energy used in leisure centres and other Community Services buildings by 20% by 2010.
• Nearly all services have set voluntary targets to reduce energy use.

Wise use of resources

• Nearly all services have set targets to reduce paper use.
• Recycled paper policy currently in development.
• A recycling infrastructure is being installed in all council premises with challenging recycling targets being set.
• Use of vegetable based printing processes and recycled paper in production of all internal and external printing jobs.

Greener transport

• Pool bike pilot scheme at Abbotsford House to reduce staff car travel.
• Pool car pilot scheme at Abbotsford House to reduce staff commuting.
• Home working and condensed working hours are being promoted to staff to reduce commuting.

Protect and enhance the natural and man made environment

• Increase levels of wildlife in council care home grounds through series of mini biodiversity projects.
• Look at installing dual flush toilets in council owned housing.

Education and awareness

• Run inhouse training on sustainability across the for staff and local members.
• Ensure that 100% of schools are participating in Eco Schools.

Integrating sustainable development principles into other areas of policy

• Develop a procedure to check that sustainability is check for in all committee papers.
• Produce a good practice sustainability guide for council and partners.

Creating and sustaining thriving communities

• Become a Fairtrade Council, serving Fairtrade tea and coffee in canteens and the members’ lounge.
• Identify sustainable funeral opportunities in Falkirk area.

Service Sustainability Teams

Each service has established a service sustainability team, tasked with delivering the actions signed up to. The teams report to the Sustainable Falkirk Corporate Working Group which, in turn, reports quarterly to the Corporate Management Team and Best Value Audit Forum.

If you would like more details on anything contained within these pages please contact the Sustainable Development Officer.