University of Salford

School of Environment & Life Sciences Phone: 0161 295 7085 Peel Building Email: a.p.clark@salford.ac.uk Salford Crescent Internet: http://www.els.salford.ac.uk M5 4WT

Feasibility Study of the Development of a National

Qualification in Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas

Emissions Management

Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP)

Authors

Andrew Clark, Nalika Rajapaksha & Nimi Dan-Jumbo

January 2010

II | P A G E

Contents

PAGE

Glossary of Acronyms iii

Executive Summary iv

1 Introduction 1

2 Scope and Objectives 6

3 Methodology 8

4 Training Needs Assessment 14

5 Climate Change Measures 50

6 Accreditation and Funding 68

7 Conclusions and Recommendations 72

8 References 79

APPENDICES

I FINAL VERSION OF THE SURVEY 82

II FHEQ DESCRIPTORS FOR LEVEL 6 AND LEVEL 7 93

III COMMENTS FROM SURVEY RESPONDENTS 96

IV MAPPING OF FORMAL ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS 100

V MAPPING OF EXISITNG TRAINING 112

VI MAPPING OF EXISTING TRAINING AGAINST TRAINING NEEDS 120

III | P A G E

Glossary of Acronyms

ACRONYM FULL TITLE

APD Assessment of Professional Development

AQ Air Quality

AQM Air Quality Management

AQM PO Air Quality Management Principal Officer

AQM SO Air Quality Management Scientific Officer

AQM TO Air Quality Management Technical Officer

AQMA Air Quality Management Area

AQMRC Air Quality Management Resource Centre

CC Climate Change

CERC Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants

CIEH Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

CIWEM Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management

CLASP Climate Change Local Area Support Programme

CPD Continuing Professional Development

DCLG Department of Communities & Local Government

DECC Department of Energy & Climate Change

Defra Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

EHO Environmental Health Officer

EHP Environmental Health Practitioner

EHRB Environmental Health Registration Board

EMAQ+ Emission Monitoring, Air Quality and Contaminated Land Training Package

EPUK Environmental Protection UK

ERG Environmental Research Group (King’s College, London)

ES3 Benchmark Statement for Earth Studies, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies

EST Energy Saving Trust

FHEQ Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

FTE Full-time Equivalent

GAINS The Greenhouse Gas – Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies Model

GHG Greenhouse Gas/Greenhouse Gases

IAPSC Investigation of Air Pollution Standing Conference

IDeA Improvement & Development Agency

IEMA Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment

LAQM Local Air Quality Management

LDF Local Development Framework

LESDP Low Emissions Strategy Development Programme

LGA Local Government Association

LTP Local Transport Plan

MJAC Midlands Joint Advisory Council for Environmental Protection

NERC Natural Environment Research Council

NI National Indicator

PA Planning Applications

PP Planning Policy

QAA Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education

RMS Royal Metrological Society

RSC Royal Society of Chemistry

RSH Royal Society of Health

SWCCIP South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership

UKCIP UK Climate Impacts Programme

UK-DMUG UK Dispersion Model Users Group

IV | P A G E

. . . . . . . . .

Executive Summary

This report examines the training and updating needs of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

management specialists working in local authorities in England and Wales with a view to assessing the

feasibility and desirability of developing a nationally recognised, accredited qualification and associated

training package to meet these needs. The report aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review of

current training opportunities in conjunction with analysis of formal academic qualifications that support air

quality and climate change functions of local authorities.

Local authorities have a duty to carry out local air quality management (LAQM) functions under the

provisions of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 including cyclical, two-stage Review and Assessment of

air quality and the formulation, implementation and evaluation of Air Quality Actions Plans where air

quality objectives are exceeded or likely to be exceeded during the relevant review period. While local

authorities have significant experience of regulating emissions arising from stationary, point sources the

effective management of air quality requires a broader partnership approach based on the integration of

development and economic planning, transport planning and business change. Recently local authorities

have been challenged to take leadership on greenhouse gas emissions management at a sub-regional

level, in part driven by the recently revised performance framework, which includes a number of new

performance indicators related to climate change. While carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are

not subject to control within the LAQM framework the National Air Quality Strategy advises local

authorities of the „synergies between air quality and climate change‟ (HM Government, 2007). Although

there are potentially significant environmental and economic benefits resulting from an integrated

approach to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management more progressive forms of

integration may need to be supported by training to ensure that carbon reduction measures do not unduly

impact upon local air quality.

The research strategy consisted of an initial desk-based study together with consultation with selected air

quality officers to characterise local governance structures for air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

management with the aim of determining the current extent of policy integration. A review of current

training provision was conducted through a desk-based study and discussion with selected providers.

This permitted the mapping of formal academic qualifications, accredited short courses and events,

seminars and conferences. During the initial desk-based phase of the research a questionnaire was

prepared along with a database of local authority air quality officers. The questionnaire design allowed for

standardised collection of data relating to policy integration, the current use of guidance and training for

updating knowledge and skills, and the support for provision of further structured and accredited training

for key officers. The questionnaire was piloted with selected local authority officers and minor

modifications made prior to the survey period, during which the questionnaire was sent to 300 local

authorities in England and Wales.

In total 78 questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 26 per cent. All local authority regions

were represented except for the North East of England. While officers currently utilise the available

training events and seminars (principally EMAQ and IAPSC) relatively frequently three-quarters of survey

respondents felt that training provision did not sufficiently meet their needs. Moreover the majority of

respondents stated their support for the development of a nationally recognised, accredited qualification

(83% of respondents) or for a series of tailored short courses covering relevant topics (90% of

respondents). A detailed analysis of proposed curriculum content and preferred modes of study is

presented. The core syllabus is expected to address: the LAQM framework; pollution sources,

composition and dispersal; interpretation of technical guidance for assessment and review; the links

between LAQM and climate change; and action planning. Advanced options for further training provision

V | P A G E

. . . . . . . . .

would address: data collection and analysis; developing low emissions strategies; and key aspects of

climate change policy and integration.

Comparative and gap analysis was performed to determine whether current provision sufficiently

addresses the principal areas of training identified as essential. Gap analysis revealed that whilst many

areas of assumed importance are addressed by current training provision the absence of a clearly

identified and accredited training route reduces the positive impact of provision. The content of the new

training package offered by the Air Quality Management Resource Centre is comparable with the

priorities identified by survey respondents and, as such, it is possible that this will address the shortfall.

The report presents a number of case studies based on documentary review together with discussions

with air quality and climate change officers from three English local authorities. The case studies are

demonstrative of actions developed in response to both internal and external drivers of more effective

integration of climate change policy, air quality management, and transport, economic and development

planning.

The study findings and analysis of data have informed the recommendations to the Low Emissions

Strategy Partnership.

Recommendation 1: Consider designing a guide to current training opportunities and networks to allow officers to make informed choices.

Recommendation 2: Work in partnership with principal training providers (AQMRC, EMAQ and EPUK)

to formulate plans for making accredited training available and accessible to relevant staff.

Recommendation 3: Consider developing a training package based on the IEMA carbon accounting

and management syllabus to be offered at accredited centres.

Recommendation 4: Continue to support projects designed to assist more thorough analysis of air quality data.

Recommendation 5: Consider the need for market intelligence to determine future training needs of

young professionals entering the workforce.

Recommendation 6: Consider strengthening links with accredited environmental health practitioner programmes to raise the profile of environmental protection generally and low emissions strategy work.

Recommendation 7: Continue to promote the work of the LESDP through fostering links with professional bodies.

Recommendation 8: Enter into discussion with relevant bodies in preparation for a bid to secure

European funding for development of structured training to be made available through blended learning.

P A G E | 1

1 Introduction

Feasibility Study Report

Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP)

Background

Local authorities have a duty to carry out local air quality management (LAQM) functions

under the provisions of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995. These duties include cyclical

Review and Assessment of air quality to determine whether specified air quality objectives

are being exceeded or likely to be exceeded during the relevant review period. Air quality

objectives are derived from relevant European Directives on ambient air quality. The

original Air Quality Framework Directive and associated Daughter Directives have

recently been consolidated under a new ambient air quality directive (2008/50/EC), which includes, inter alia, new controls for PM2.5 (fine particles).

Where the authority determines that air quality objectives are not likely to be achieved

during the relevant assessment period they are required to designate an air quality

management area (AQMA) and develop an Action Plan to secure the improvements

necessary to achieve relevant objectives. For a designated AQMA the authority is

required to undertake a Detailed Assessment to inform the design and implementation of

the Action Plan. Design of an air quality Action Plan should take account of source

contributions, their relative significance and feasibility of securing improvements. An

effective Action Plan is dependent upon both the precision of data analysis and the extent

of co-operation between the lead authority and other stakeholders. A range of possible

measures should be considered including traditional means of regulating industrial

emissions through permit reviews and more recent innovations including the design and

delivery of low emissions zones using local planning and associated controls. Where

Action Plans include measures that could inform future development consent or

potentially affect protected habitats (Special Areas of Conservation) it may be necessary

to conduct Strategic Environmental Assessment in accordance with the SEA Directive

(2001/42/EC) and the associated UK Regulations (SI 2004/1633). Even where SEA is not

formally conducted the feasibility and acceptability of Action Plans can be judged using

allied assessment tools such as cost benefit analysis and life cycle assessment to

compare alternative actions against economic and environmental criteria.

Policy and technical guidance to inform LAQM is published by Defra; the guidance was

updated in February 2009 following a period of consultation. Additionally a number of

practice guidance documents have been published that provide guidance on a number of

technical and policy measures such as the establishment of low emissions zones to

secure air quality improvements. Such developments will need to be underpinned by skills

and capabilities that support successful implementation.

P A G E | 2

While carbon dioxide and other principal greenhouse gases are not subject to control

within the LAQM framework the National Air Quality Strategy advises local authorities of the „synergies between air quality and climate change‟ (HM Government, 2007). There

are potentially significant environmental and economic benefits resulting from an

integrated approach to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management. Principal

greenhouse gases derive from similar sources to pollutants affecting local and regional air

quality and, as such, consideration of the wider benefits of air quality management

options can enhance decision-making. Moreover meteorological and climatic conditions

influence air quality patterns in space and time while pollutants of local or regional

importance influence climate change processes (Kinney, 2008). A number of

contemporary studies have attempted to model co-dependent climate change scenarios

and local air quality characteristics demonstrating potential increases in ground level

ozone at mid-latitudes, and increases in nitrogen oxides and biogenic volatile organic compounds (Vautard and Hauglustaine, 2007; Collins et al, 2006) along with possible but

uncertain local sensitivities to PM10 increases due to reduced circulation (Jacob and

Winner, 2009). Increased formation of tropospheric ozone during periods of warming and

related solar activity are important from both a public health perspective and because

ozone also acts as a powerful greenhouse gas (AQEG, 2007). Emissions of aerosols

(e.g. sulphate aerosols) produce a global cooling effect; the main sources of aerosols are

associated with the combustion of fuels (AQEG, 2007).

Given the variety of sources of air pollutants local authorities are challenged to adopt

integrative approaches to air quality management involving collaboration with other public

sector agencies in the fields of development planning, transport, climate change and

economic planning. Additionally private and third sector organisations need to be

consulted and involved in review, assessment and action planning. Several major studies

have been conducted to quantify and assess the effectiveness of arrangements for integration. Survey results reported by Beattie et al (2001) demonstrated integration and

collaboration was less well developed than the technical aspects of local air quality

management and that difficulties arise as a result of the different perspectives of public bodies. Beattie et al (2004) present a series of case studies examining integration of

related areas of work to inform good practice. While policy alignment and integration is a

significant driver for improved integration the identification and implementation of practical

synergies between functions at an officer level are equally significant; for example linking

the sampling regime for traffic counts with air quality monitoring locations. Regional

networks and partnerships assist collaboration and integration together with co-ordination

of activities that assist all participants in the review, assessment and action planning

process (for example modelling conducted across the group of authorities can make

better use of available resources). Beattie & Longhurst (2000) examined joint and

collaborative working on air quality management issues both through intra-departmental

groups and within sub-regional groups of authorities. They concluded that transport

planners are much more involved in the LAQM process than either development planners or economic planners. Longhurst et al (2006) in a review of the evolution of LAQM note

that one of the risks with a new process is the availability of suitably trained staff to carry

out review, assessment and action planning activities. These risks have been managed

by the introduction and evaluation of policy and technical guidance along with access to

technical tools and provision for support through the Defra Helpdesks. Organisations such

as Environmental Protection UK (EPUK) have made provision for training events and

additional guidance on specific matters (e.g. the recent guidance on biomass).

The Stern Review (Stern, 2006) argued that while air quality and climate change policies

are not always compatible significant cost savings can be realised where both are

pursued in tandem. Given that certain measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,

such as fuel switching, can increase local air pollution a systematic understanding of the

P A G E | 3

relationships between climate change policy and local air quality management is needed

to inform judgements on policy measures.

Both central government departments and local authorities are challenged to deliver

efficient and effective services that focus on outcomes. While central government

departments emphasise strategic policies that inform local priorities, local authorities are

required to deliver services based on locally specific strategic policy frameworks (Figure

1.1). Recent radical changes to the local performance framework allow for greater

flexibility in determining local priorities and reporting progress against performance

indicators. The revised performance framework for local authorities and local authority partnerships establishes national indicators for; inter alia, CO2 reduction from local

authority operations (NI 185), per capita CO2 emissions in the LA area (NI 186) and levels

of air quality (NI 194) together with progressive planning for climate change adaptation (NI

188). The indicators can be linked through climate change, local air quality and

sustainable community strategies again opening opportunities for systematic and

complementary measures for securing environmental benefits. Over 340 local authorities

have signed the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change committing them to

developing action plans to address the impacts of climate change in partnership with local

communities. This presents an opportunity for air quality and climate change specialists to

develop new procedures and processes for engaging relevant stakeholders. Additionally

around 50 UK local authorities are participants in the Cities for Climate Protection

Campaign; the campaign aims to promote climate protection policies at a local level while

acting to foster international co-operation between participants.

Defra, through the Air Quality and Industrial Pollution Programme (AQIP), together with

the Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly and the Department of the Environment in

Northern Ireland, has commissioned a review of arrangements for local air quality

management with a view to making improvements in air quality outcomes through more

effective use of resources with legislative changes to be brought about early in 2010 if

necessary. If a national qualification is to be brought forward then it will need to account

for any modifications resulting from this review.

Air quality professionals charged with implementing local air quality management need to

be suitably qualified and provided with opportunities to enhance their skills and

capabilities. Skills and capabilities that are likely to be relevant include:

Disciplinary knowledge including an understanding of the application of legal

standards and the implications of environmental policy;

Understanding of and ability to apply air quality assessment tools (e.g. monitoring,

modelling and emissions inventories);

Understanding of and ability to apply policy assessment tools (e.g. life cycle

assessment, cost benefit analysis, multi criteria attribute analysis);

Project and stakeholder management skills;

Business skills (report writing, negotiation, presentation and interpretation of factual

information);

Facilitation, communication, dissemination, education and conflict resolution skills;

Collaboration and team working skills;

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Leadership skills together with a willingness to learn, reflect on learning and take

action to improve learning.

(Adapted from: Elsom, 2004; Beattie & Longhurst, 1999; Longhurst et al, 2007)

The proposed methodology seeks to determine the need, desirability and practicality of

developing a nationally recognised and accepted qualification in air quality and

greenhouse gas emissions management taking account of the factors outlined above.

It should be noted that the work overlaps with similar research and development studies being undertaken in the UK. For example, Leksmono et al (c2008) are developing training

materials in air quality and carbon management assisted by funding from the Association

of Higher Education Institutions in the South West. The programme is based on a

structured range of „mini-modules‟ delivered through a virtual learning environment and

short courses with the award of postgraduate qualifications (PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc)

through CPD certification and appropriate assessment. The intention is to test this out

with air quality professionals in the South West during 2009 prior to a national roll-out at a

later date. A new training package has recently been introduced by the team although this

has not yet been made available online.

Similarly the EMAQ+ integrated training and technical guidance package developed by

AEA Energy & Environment in combination with the Chartered Institute of Environmental

Health provides access to technical guidance material on air quality, emissions monitoring

and contaminated land along with opportunities to attend training seminars at strategic

locations across England.

The need for structured training was highlighted in the evaluation of support provided by

Defra and the devolved administrations (DAs) for local air quality management (AQMRC

& AQCL, 2007). Recommendation 8 of the resulting report urged central government to

consider supporting an LAQM training package. The response considered that this was a

good idea in principle but noted that no funding resources were available to develop

programmes of training (Defra, 2007b); the response suggests that support provided

through the relevant Helpdesks together with updated guidance was sufficient to meet the

general needs of local authorities.

P A G E | 5

Figure 1.1: N

ational, R

egional and Local P

erform

ance Fram

ew

ork

National

Regional

Local

1 RSS to be combined with RES to create a single Regional Strategy by 2010 2 RES to be combined with RSS to create a single Regional Strategy by 2010

Local Area Agreement (Strategic Priorities –

up to 35 NI)

Local Development

Framework (Local Planning

Authority)

Sustainable Community

Strategy

LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

National

Indicators Framework

Public Service Agreements

2008-11

Departmental

Strategic Objectives

Service Transformation

Agreement

National Improvement and Efficiency Strategy

Regional Improvement and Efficiency Strategy

Regional Spatial

Strategy1

Regional Economic

Strategy2

P A G E | 6

2 Scope and Objectives

Feasibility Study Report

Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP)

Scope

The study focuses on the training and updating needs of professionals employed within

the field of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management and a determination of

the feasibility of establishing a nationally recognised qualification to support continuing

professional development of local authority officers. The scope encompasses four inter-

related phases of data collection and analysis as follows:

Phase 1

A critical analysis of current provision to determine the extent to which this meets professional needs (Stage 1);

A needs analysis to identify training and updating requirements to inform the structure, content and delivery of a nationally accredited qualification (Stage 2);

Phase 2

A comparative analysis of current provision and identified training needs to determine

gaps in current provision;

Phase 3

An examination of potential sources of funding to support development and delivery of

a professional qualification;

Phase 4

Comparative analysis of data collected in the previous phases (Stage 1); drafting,

editing, ratification and delivery of the final report (Stage 2).

Objectives

The study objectives are to:

1. Characterise local authority governance structures for the provision of services allied

to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management;

P A G E | 7

2. Identify and characterise existing provision for professional development according to

level and mode of study, location, intended learning outcomes, and costs;

3. Determine current use and assess the sufficiency and quality of existing provision for

professional development and accreditation of learning;

4. Assess the training and updating needs of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

management specialists;

5. Compare current provision with training and updating needs of air quality and

greenhouse gas emissions management specialists;

6. Identify gaps in current provision and prioritise training opportunities;

7. Explore sources of funding to support development and delivery of the qualification;

8. Outline approaches to structuring a recognised qualification;

9. Test the willingness of employers to recognise a nationally recognised qualification.

Research Framework

The four components and nine objectives are inter-related with each phase of the study

informing subsequent stages. The proposed framework along with an outline of the

proposed methodology is summarised in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1: Methodological Framework

Research Phase

1 2 3 4 Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4 5, 6 7 8, 9

Method (for objectives)

Desk-based study of existing provision (1, 2) Postal survey of local authorities (2, 3, 4) Selective consultation with stakeholders (1) (2, 3, 4)

Analysis of data collected in Phase 1 (5, 6)

Desk-based study (7)

Selective consultation with stakeholders (8) Comparative analysis of data collected in Phases 2 and 3 (8, 9)

P A G E | 8

3 Methodology

Feasibility Study Report

Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP)

Introduction

The methodology was designed to achieve the requirements specified in the original brief.

A pragmatic, controlled and staged approach was utilised to enable validation of the

objectives, the research team‟s progress and feedback to the LESDP board.

The purpose of the research is to understand the skill needs of both employers and air

quality specialists in the short and longer term. Furthermore the research aims to assess

the feasibility and desirability of developing a nationally recognised qualification in air

quality and greenhouse gas emissions management.

While a phased approach is proposed the approach to data collection and analysis was

iterative to allow for the testing of the validity of conclusions. Several phases occurred in

parallel; for example Phases 1 and 3 had common themes and associated data collection

techniques. As such, evidence gathered to accomplish Phase 1 objectives assisted in the

completion of Phase 3.

Methods

Phase 1: Market Analysis and Skills Needs Assessment

The objectives of Phase 1 were to:

1. Characterise local authority governance structures for the provision of services allied

to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management;

2. Identify and characterise existing provision for professional development according to

level and mode of study, location, intended learning outcomes, and costs;

3. Determine current use and assess the sufficiency and quality of existing provision for

professional development and accreditation of learning;

4. Assess the training and updating needs of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

management specialists;

Phase 1 of the study was designed to characterise the current and planned availability of sector training (Stage 1) alongside an assessment of the professional skills and training

needs (Stage 2) of specialists within the field. The defined stages in Phase 1 are intended

to ensure transparency in planning the research. However given that the market analysis

P A G E | 9

and skills needs assessment are intimately related the methods were developed

concurrently.

Methods

This phase of the research consisted of:

Preliminary characterisation of local authority governance structures through desk-

based research and selective consultation with air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

management specialists;

A desk-based study to characterise existing provision;

Selective consultation with providers and professional users training courses;

A postal survey of local authorities and other relevant stakeholders to assess the use,

sufficiency and quality of existing provision along with an assessment of training and

updating needs of air quality specialists.

Initial discussion with selected air quality specialists suggested that local governance

structures related to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management vary across

different local authorities. While air quality management is traditionally allied to the

pollution control functions of environmental health departments responsibility for local

climate change policy is less predictable. Moreover different divisions within any single

local authority may take the lead on principal climate change management functions e.g.

climate change assessment, adaptation and mitigation. The implications of these

governance structures on the sampling regime employed for the postal survey needed to

be determined at the outset of the research. Further discussion with air quality and

greenhouse gas emissions management specialists along with desk-based analysis of a

sample of local authorities was undertaken in parallel with the desk-based study of

existing provision. The information gathered during this work was intended to examine the

breadth of local governance structures.

Research into progress in developing climate change policy was undertaken through a

more detailed analysis of selected local authorities in England. This research adopted a

case study framework to characterise local governance structures through the critical

examination of technical, social, political, economic, environmental and legal factors

influencing the adopted approach. The sample for this research only included local

authorities that have elected to prioritise at least one of the national indicators related to

climate change (i.e. NI185, NI186, or NI188) within their Local Area Agreement.

The initial stages of this phase was therefore exploratory entailing a review of existing

provision to characterise training opportunities available. The desk-based study utilised

proprietary search engines to identify formal academic programmes covering broad areas

of interest to professionals engaged in local air quality management. Professional and

accreditation bodies were identified and an assessment made of qualifications available

along with an examination of membership status frameworks involving assessment of

learning and professional experience. The desk-based study was augmented by direct

consultation with training providers to establish details of programme length, level, mode

of study, location, learning outcomes and costs. A review of short course provision was

also be conducted as part of the desk-based study to identify main training providers and

to catalogue structured training programmes and stand alone events. Given that short

course providers are able to respond more rapidly to new innovations in the field any

P A G E | 10

analysis of short course provision was limited to the time within which the research was

conducted. However analysis allowed for the identification of principal providers and

areas of expertise.

Consultation with providers was conducted through email correspondence and direct

contact largely by telephone. Consultees from higher education institutions (e.g.

Universities) was selected following the initial desk-based research and focused on those

institutions offering named qualifications relevant to air quality and/or climate change with

consultation also taking place with those institutions offering relevant modules. Regional

agencies were consulted as a means of characterising regional governance structures

and gathering market intelligence related to training provision. Training consultancies

were consulted to identify current provision for training for air quality and climate change

professionals.

The survey was informed by the desk-based study and designed to assess the use,

sufficiency and quality of existing training for professional development (see Appendix I

for the final version of the survey instrument). All local authorities in England and Wales

were targeted. The initial survey consisted of grouped, prompted questions to ensure

consistency of response allowing for a quantitative analysis of results, which could be

further tested qualitatively. The intended coverage of the survey is illustrated in Box 1.1.

Box 1.1: Issues Addressed in the Survey

a) Organisational arrangements for local air quality management and/or greenhouse gas emissions management;

b) Resources allocated to air quality and/or greenhouse gas emissions management;

c) Current arrangements for training and updating the professional skills of air quality specialists;

d) The use, sufficiency and quality of existing provision for training and updating the skills of air quality specialists;

e) Priority areas for training and updating of the professional skills of air quality specialists;

f) Support for a nationally recognised qualification in air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management;

g) Views on the content and delivery of such a qualification.

A staged approach to the design and administration of the survey instrument was

adopted as illustrated in Box 1.2. A database of all local authorities in England and Wales

was constructed recording details of address, telephone and email contact details. This

took account of recent organisational changes that resulted in the creation of new unitary

authorities. The questionnaire was designed in tandem with the consultations and the final

draft pre-tested across a sample of around 20 authorities whereby officers were contacted

and agreed to examine and comment on the draft questionnaire. Not all officers

commented. Minor modifications were made as a result of the pre-testing. Questionnaires

P A G E | 11

were sent in two batches by mail to each local authority with a covering letter. A follow-up

was sent via email two weeks after posting. The principal researcher acted as

correspondent and dealt with queries relating to the questionnaire.

Box 1.2: Sampling Approach Used for the Survey

Phase 2: Comparative and Gap Analysis

The objectives of Phase 2 were to:

5. Compare current provision with training and updating needs of air quality specialists;

6. Identify gaps in current provision and prioritise training opportunities.

Phase 2 involved the analysis of the data collected in Phase 1 to allow initial conclusions

to be drawn. The outcome of this phase informed the development of qualification models

that tested during Phase 4.

Methods

This phase of the research consisted of:

Mapping of training and updating needs against current provision according to, inter

alia, level, mode of study, intended learning outcomes, quality of provision and costs;

Gap analysis to determine current and future skills for which training provision is not

presently available in a suitable format.

A structured approach to data analysis was utilised based on common techniques

employed in market analysis for higher education provision. Data from the desk-based

survey conducted in Phase 1 was summarised and classified according to specified

descriptors (e.g. level, mode of study). This assisted a mapping of provision against

identified training and updating needs. Data from the postal survey was quantitatively

analysed by grouping responses to the prompted questions, which were then be analysed

a) Initial design developed in tandem with the desk-based study of existing provision together with the exploratory investigation into local authority governance structures;

b) Database construction for targeting the sample group;

c) Pre-testing of the survey and covering letter with a sample of recipients to judge the validity of survey questions;

d) Initial mailing taking account of factors likely to influence response rates;

e) Follow-up letter to emphasise the importance of the study;

f) Consideration of further follow-ups depending on initial response rates.

P A G E | 12

according to respondent descriptors (e.g. authority classification). The mapping exercise

allowed comparison of the survey results relating to questions of current and future training

needs with the results of the desk-based survey. The outcome of this exercise enabled

gap analysis to determine current and future training needs for which training provision is

not currently available.

Data derived from the questionnaire was coded for quantitative variables in the Statistical

Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). This allowed for outputs of the frequency of

response to both individual and grouped questions. Following data entry the data was

explored to identify and correct gaps in the data set. The data was initially explored via

cross-tabulations of dependent and independent variables to determine relationships.

These cross-tabulations suggested that responses from the range of authority types (e.g.

MDC, DC, LB and Unitary) were not statistically significant. The mapping of the data is

therefore presented as frequencies across the whole sample. Qualitative responses were

grouped according to the question and the response to the closed question (see Appendix

III).

Phase 3: Qualification Delivery Mechanisms

The objectives of Phase 3 were to:

7. Explore sources of funding to support development and delivery of a qualification.

Phase 3 involved an examination of potential sources of funding to support further

development and delivery of a recognised qualification.

Methods

This phase of the research consisted of:

An exploratory desk-based study to identify sources of funding;

Elements of Phase 3 of the research were conducted in tandem with the desk-based

study conducted in Phase 1 of the research. Sources of funding to support the

development of a qualification framework and the potential for ongoing funding to support

training were examined.

Phase 4: Outline of Qualification Models

The objectives of Phase 4 are to:

8. Outline approaches to structuring a recognised qualification;

9. Test the willingness of employers to recognise a nationally recognised qualification.

Phase 4 involves the initial design of qualification models based on comparative analysis

and mapping of information generated primarily within Phases 2 and 3. This element of

the study was less detailed than originally envisaged but it is recognised that outline

qualification structures based on analysis of data collected in the earlier phases of

research will be helpful in informing a partnership view on the way forwards.

P A G E | 13

Methods

This phase of the research will consist of:

Comparative analysis of data collected in Phases 2 and 3;

Selective consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Comparative analysis allows for both triangulation of data and a structured approach to

developing qualification outlines. Consultation with selected stakeholders primarily serves

as a means of validating claims and seeking clarification on outstanding issues. Phases 1

and 2 were designed to ensure that existing provision was examined such that the relative

merits of different modes of study could be systematically assessed (Box 1.3).

Box 1.3: Qualification Models

Consideration will need to be given to the levels of academic and practical support to

assist successful delivery of the qualification.

The outcome of this process is:

A final report detailing the study framework and findings;

Identified generic qualification outlines.

a) A structured modular programme delivered by accredited centres on a day-release

basis;

b) A structured modular programme delivered by accredited centres via a virtual learning environment and/or short courses;

c) A structured work-based learning programme for which credit is given for successful

completion of structured work-based activities; d) A structured modular programme based on existing provision delivered either as day-

release or distance learning; e) A combined approach based on a mix of e-learning, work-based learning and short

courses.

P A G E | 14

4 Training Needs Assessment

Feasibility Study Report

Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP)

Preamble and Background

This chapter presents and analyses the main findings of Phases 1 and 2 of the study.

Findings from the desk-based study, the consultations with representative local authorities

and the headline survey results are analysed using an integrated approach rather than

presenting the findings of each stage of the study separately. This allows for comparative

and gap analysis to be conducted in tandem with the presentation of results.

Initial consultations with local authority officers provided context for the design of the

survey instrument. The survey instrument was developed by the research team with

reference to the initial desk-based study findings and consultations. The survey instrument

was piloted through consultations with representative local authorities and minor

modifications made prior to the survey period. A database containing mailing details of all

environmental protection divisions of the sample authorities was constructed to ensure

that relevant officers were efficiently targeted. The final survey was sent by standard mail

to all local authorities in England and Wales together with a covering letter explaining the

background to and purpose of the research. The initial mailing of the survey was followed

up by email. Responses were received via both standard post and email.

The database of contacts contained 300 local authorities across England and Wales.

Initially it was decided to restrict the survey to England and Wales given the different

administrative arrangements in Scotland and Northern Ireland. However one response

was received from a Scottish authority and, as such, this has been included in the data.

Of the 300 surveys sent to local authority officers 76 were returned during the consultation

period representing a 25% response rate; following the initial data analysis a further two

completed surveys were returned. The additional responses are incorporated into the data

set where feasible. This represents a response rate of 26%. The response rate represents

an adequate sample of local authorities across England and Wales given the wealth of

data derived from the survey responses.

Characteristics of the Survey Group

The regional distribution of local authority respondents is summarised in Figure 4.1 and

the distribution of local authority type is presented in Figure 4.2. Additionally respondents

recorded their geographical setting as: 42% mixed, 34% urban and 24% rural. The

majority of local authorities returning the survey had declared at least one air quality

management area (Figure 4.3). The training needs of officers working in a location where

an AQMA has been declared are likely to be different to those whose responsibilities

P A G E | 15

extend only to conducting Updating and Screening Assessments together with annual

reporting. Given that the majority of respondents have responsibilities for developing and

implementing air quality action plans for declared AQMAs the sample is indicative of the

range of training needs for local authorities of different types and sizes.

Figure 4.1: Regional Distribution of Survey Respondents

Figure 4.2: Local Authority Type of Survey Respondents

11

9

8

12

18

6

5

53 1

East of England

East Midlands

London

North West

South East

South West

West Midlands

Yorkshire & Humber

Wales

Scotland

14%

14%

10%

62%

Metropolitan District

Unitary Authority

London Borough

District

P A G E | 16

Figure 4.3: Survey Local Authorities Air Quality Management Areas

Strategic Considerations

Local authorities have a long history of managing environmental quality in their

administrative boundaries and assume responsibility for a range of environmental

protection duties. From 1990 with the introduction of the Environmental Protection Act

local authority environmental protection duties have become more diverse encompassing

environmental permitting, contaminated land regulation, and local air quality assessment

and management in addition to traditional forms of environmental control through statutory

nuisance procedures and provisions of the Clean Air Act.

Contemporary environmental protection measures are driven by both external and internal

factors including European Union legislation, central government environmental policy,

technology development and innovation, and performance frameworks including the

establishment of environmental policy objectives and targets. In recent years there has

been a move towards consolidation of legislation, an increasing emphasis on appraising

the technical and economic feasibility of environmental protection measures and greater

institutional coherence together with greater emphasis on a planned approach to policy

making at different spatial scales i.e. European, national, regional and local levels.

Additionally the focus on strategic decision-making over longer timeframes in areas of

complex environmental problems such as air quality management has motivated

innovative partnership working at an interdepartmental level and between a range of

public, private and third sector organisations.

Pollution control duties and responsibilities are traditionally allied to the broader

environmental health functions of local authorities, the genesis of which is rooted in the

public health movement of the 19th century. The period since has seen significant

structural changes in the environmental health profession. The organisation of local

government services has undergone significant structural changes resulting from new

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Metropolitan District

Unitary Authority

London Borough

District Total

Nu

mb

er o

f Lo

cal A

uth

ori

ties

AQMA currently in place AQMA declared in the past but now withdrawn No

P A G E | 17

constitutional arrangements introduced by, inter alia, the Local Government Acts of 1999

and 2000 and more recently the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 together with the

Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. Services and functions are

typically organised into broad-based Directorates, which act as groupings of similar

services under which more specialised divisions or teams are constituted. Respondents to

the survey supplied details of the organisational structure for their authority (Table 4.1).

Typically within the larger urban authorities environmental protection functions were allied

to a broader strategic theme such as neighbourhood, community or regeneration whereas

smaller rural authorities adopted a more traditional structure with pollution control allied

directly to environmental health. Restructuring and modernisation of local government

services across very different strategic themes potentially undermines the strategic

direction of environmental health, particularly where the chief officer providing leadership is from a background not associated with public health (Burke et al, 2002).

The strategic position of environmental protection and more specifically air quality

management is crucial to the success of long-term planning for sustainable communities

given the links to local environmental quality, climate change, spatial planning and local transport planning. This is recognised in the Environmental Protection UK Air Quality and

Climate Change Programme (EPUK, 2009a). In a key note speech at the Defra Air Quality

Summit in November 2009 Jim Fitzpatrick, the Environment Minister, called on local

authorities to initiate joint action on climate change, air quality, land use and transport strategies. This research has sought to establish, inter alia, the extent to which surveyed

local authority air quality are working in tandem with interdepartmental groups.

Table 4.1: Organisational Structure and Governance of Local Authorities

Directorate Division/Team

Neighbourhood, Community, Customer Services (People, Environment, Public Health Protection, Cleaner & Greener)

28 Environmental Protection, Pollution Control (Public Protection, Scientific, Air Quality)

44

Environmental (Health) Services 21 Environmental Health (Services, Quality)

30

Planning, Development, Environment (Built Environment, Housing, Strategy)

10 Strategy & Policy 2

Legal, Regulatory, Licensing Services

7

Regeneration (Environment)

5

Environmental Protection

3

Economy (Environment)

2

Note 1: Brackets denote a theme connected with headline title of the Directorate or Division Note 2: Sample of 78 survey responses

The new performance framework for local authorities and local authority partnerships establishes national indicators for; inter alia, CO2 reduction from local authority operations

(NI 185), per capita CO2 emissions in the LA area (NI 186) and levels of air quality linked

to local authority operations (NI 194). Additionally NI 188 is concerned with the extent to

which the authority has planned for climate change adaptation. The indicators can be

linked through climate change, local air quality, land use and sustainable community

P A G E | 18

strategies together with local development documents comprising the local development

framework. New style local area agreements up to 35 priorities selected from the National

Indicator framework together with local indicators agreed with partners. Figure 4.3

illustrates the number and proportion of authorities in England selecting one or more of the

four headline indicators studied in this research.

Figure 4.3: Number of Local Authorities Selecting Relevant National Indicators (All

England)

Analysis of the data reveals that approximately half of the local authorities with a local area

agreement have selected at least of the relevant National Indicators as a priority. Regional

distribution of local priorities for the relevant indicators is illustrated in Figure 4.4.

Figure 4.5 illustrates the number of authorities in the survey sample selecting one or more

of the National Indicators examined. Comparison of this data with data presented in Figure

4.3 suggests that between 40-60% of the possible authorities that have prioritised the

indicators have responded to the survey. Only one authority, City of London, has selected

NI 194 as a priority indicator. A proportion of respondents did not know which indicators

had been selected as priority indicators and, as such, the researchers checked these

against the Local Priorities database (DCLG, 2009). This revealed that some respondents

had mistakenly identified priorities; around 38% of the sample had incorrectly identified

one or more of the national indicators. This included 15 authorities mistakenly identifying

NI 194 as a priority indicator although this could have resulted from misunderstanding of

the question. It is also notable that it is rare for the relevant specialist team to have direct

responsibility for the adopted indicators. This observation derives from examination of

responses to Question 6 of the survey and initial consultation with selected local authority

air quality officers.

Source: Data taken from the Local Priorities Website (DCLG, 2009)

34 (18%)

101 (52%)

57 (30%)

1 (0.5%)

NI 185

NI 186

NI 188

NI 194

P A G E | 19

Figure 4.4: Regional Distribution of Local Authorities Selecting Relevant National

Indicators (All England)

Figure 4.5: Number Surveyed Local Authorities Selecting Relevant National

Indicators

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

NI 185 NI 186 NI 188 NI194 Correct Identification of Priorities

Correct Identification

of NI 194

Nu

mb

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f Lo

cal A

uth

ori

ties

Yes

No

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

East Midlands

East of England

London North East North West

South East South West

West Midlands

Yorkshire and The Humber

NI 185

NI 186

NI 188

NI 194

Source: Data taken from the Local Priorities Website (DCLG, 2009)

P A G E | 20

Strategic measures adopted by the surveyed local authorities are summarised in Table

4.2. Most of the respondent authorities have signed the Nottingham Declaration on

Climate Change or an equivalent national strategy. Almost two thirds have developed an

authority-wide climate change strategy but the progress on integrating air quality and

climate change measures into the strategic planning framework is currently ongoing.

Those authorities with supplementary planning guidance on air quality matters predate

the current restructuring of strategic planning through the Local Development Framework.

This apparent lack of progress is in part a reflection of the current position of many local

planning authorities, a significant proportion of which have used the transitional powers to

save existing policies up to 2011. The question also referred to Supplementary Planning

Guidance rather than the incorporation of air quality and climate change provisions at the

Issues and Options stage or within the Core Strategy and related site allocations. An

example of a local planning authority that has completed the LDF process is Sheffield City

Council wherein the LDF includes the Core Strategy, Site Allocations and Supplementary

Planning Guidance. The Core Strategy contains policies that respond to the global

environmental agenda in a local context; progressive policies favouring development that

includes provision for climate change mitigation through building design, promotion of

sustainable modes of transport and waste minimisation are central to the plan. Policy CS

66 makes provision for consideration of the air quality impact of development proposals

although the Planning Inspector in her report suggested that the policy could be

strengthened by specifying more precise actions that the council would propose to

achieve the objective of air quality protection (e.g. low emission zones). The

implementation of the LDF is supported by a Sustainability Toolkit that provides guidance

on the incorporation of sustainability values in the design of operational development.

Guidance for developers is provided across five sustainability themes along with

supplementary planning guidance comprising guidance on the preparation of transport

assessments and travel plans together with conditions that trigger transport assessment

taking account of the impact on the compliance with relevant air quality objectives.

Through these provisions the LDF seeks to integrate air quality, climate change, waste

and planning functions of the local authority.

The survey sought to explore the links between the climate change agenda, air quality

management functions, spatial planning and development control, and local transport

planning. Section 2 of the survey presented a series of statements together with a forced-

choice response variant of the Likert Scale. The responses are presented in Figure 4.6.

The air quality policy guidance, LAQM.PG (09) (Defra, 2009) states that air quality officers

should take a „joined up approach towards air quality management‟ and, as such, it might

be expected that the air quality team will have forged working partnerships with planning,

climate change and transport planning teams as well as other public sector organisations,

local business and third sector organisations through the Local Strategic Partnership

(LSP) where relevant. Similarly connections with climate change policy are important

given that alternative technologies such as biomass combustion, which potentially

contribute to an erosion of local air quality, may become more widespread as a means of

meeting greenhouse gas emissions reductions (EPUK, 2009b).

P A G E | 21

Figure 4.6: Officer Perceptions of Strategic Linkages Between Air Quality,

Planning, Climate Change and Transport Planning

The central tendency across the responses suggests that air quality staff have developed

working relationships with planners in respect of consultation on planning applications and

the degree of influence over planning decisions. During the initial consultations with air

quality officers it was noted that even with large developments significance of air quality

impacts are often likely to be relatively minor; however there are examples of planning

permission being refused on air quality grounds (Woodfield et al, 2006). The involvement

of air quality staff in the formulation of planning policy is mixed with a similar distribution of

responses across the scale although almost half of the respondents (47%) were of the

opinion that they were not sufficiently involved in developing planning policies related to

air quality. Links between climate change and air quality functions tend to be less explicit.

Approximately 60 per cent of the surveyed officers disagree or strongly disagree with

statements concerning the linkages between air quality management and climate change

duties, the integration of strategies and the involvement of air quality staff in climate

change policy development1. During the piloting of the survey instrument one officer

commented „I was a little confused by the linking of air quality and climate change – whilst

working in both areas I believe it’s a relevant one but only if you include CO2 as an air

quality issue, which in my experience most people don’t.‟ A number of additional

comments on returned surveys confirmed that this observation is not untypical, while

some respondents stated that a national qualification could aid further integration of air

quality and climate change (see Appendix III).

1 See Questions 18, 19 and 20 of the survey (Appendix I).

0 10 20 30 40 50

AQ staff involvment in PP

AQ staff consulted on PA with AQ impacts

AQ staff influence in planning decisions

AQ staff influence in AQ mitigation design

CC staff influence in design of CC mitigation

CC policy linked to AQM duties

Integrated approach to AQ and GHG emissions management

AQ staff actively involved in CC policy

AQ measures integrated with LTP

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Agree

Strongly Agree

P A G E | 22

Table 4.2: Strategic Measures Adopted by Local Authority Survey Respondents

Nottingham Declaration Cities for Climate Change LA Climate Change Strategy

Supplementary PG on AQ Supplementary PG on CC

Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent

Yes 66 85.0 2 2.0 46 59.0 13 16.6 8 10.0

No 10 13.0 76 98.0 23 29.5 59 76.0 69 89.0

Declaration on Climate Change for Wales 1 1.0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Scottish Climate Change Declaration 1 1.0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

In progress N/A N/A N/A N/A 7 9.0 5 6.4 1 1.0

Signed a collective strategy N/A N/A N/A N/A 2 2.5 1 1.0 N/A N/A

Total 78 100.0 78 100.0 78 100.0 78 100 76 100.0

P A G E | 23

Higher Education Provision in the UK

Higher Education provision in the United Kingdom is governed by the Quality Assurance

Agency for Higher Education (QAA). The current framework was established in 2001 and

was most recently reviewed in 2008 resulting in the reorganisation of academic levels of

study in England and Wales. Separate frameworks operate in Scotland and Northern

Ireland but the standards applied are consistent across the nations of the United Kingdom.

The framework governing the design and delivery of academic programmes together with

the award of degrees consists of standardised benchmarks to ensure consistency of

academic standards across higher education institutions (Table 4.3). Level descriptors are

specified in the FHEQ framework for higher education thus establishing the basis for

standardisation of learning outcomes across all academic disciplines (Table 4.4). Additionally Subject Benchmark Statements establish criteria for groups of programmes

within a given discipline. The Subject Benchmark Statement relevant to environmental subjects is Earth studies, environmental sciences and environmental studies (2007). The

subject benchmark statement establishes descriptors for intended learning outcomes for

relevant undergraduate degrees; programme development teams will need to provide

evidence that the subject descriptors and the FHEQ level descriptors are incorporated into

programme design, delivery and assessment of competencies. While some subject

benchmark statements have been developed for postgraduate study these are restricted

to areas of professional study (e.g. MBA). Programme teams will also be guided by the

requirements of professional bodies where external accreditation of the qualification is

sought. It may be necessary to seek exemption from institutional academic regulations

where professional body requirements differ from institutional academic regulations. This

is the case for the BSc (Honours) Environmental Health degree offered by the University

of Salford where the CIEH professional accreditation competency framework is more

stringent than University Regulations governing the award of degrees.

Table 4.3: Quality Assurance Framework for Higher Education

Document Purpose Comments

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)

Statements in the form of descriptors establishing expectations of qualification holders learning outcomes based on knowledge, cognitive ability, practical and transferrable skills.

Different descriptors for each level of study. FHEQ descriptors are not discipline specific but describe generic outcomes of learning.

Subject Benchmark Statements Subject specific statements of intended learning outcomes and related descriptors for degrees bearing a particular title or group of titles. Learning outcomes relate to knowledge, cognitive ability, practical and transferrable skills relevant to the field and career pathways for graduates.

Descriptors complement the FHEQ descriptors. Subject benchmarks are primarily applicable to undergraduate degrees but a small number of subject benchmarks relate to professional postgraduate degrees.

Code of Practice for Assurance of Academic Standards and Quality of Provision

Establishes the quality assurance framework.

Higher Education Institutions are required to develop quality assurance systems consistent with the Code of Practice.

Programme Specifications Each validated programme has an associated Programme Specification.

The PS sets out the programme details including academic aims, intended learning outcomes, teaching and learning, and assessment strategies.

P A G E | 24

Table 4.4: Levels of Academic Study and Awards

Academic Level

Year of Study Award

Level 4 First year undergraduate (120 credits).

Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits at Level 4).

Level 5 Second year undergraduate (120 credits).

Diploma of Higher Education, Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5 i.e. 240 credits).

Level 6 Third year undergraduate (120 credits).

BSc/BA with Honours (120 credits at Level 4; 120 credits at Level 5; 120 credits at Level 6 i.e. 360 credits). Ordinary Degree (120 credits at Level 4; 120 credits at Level 5; 60 credits at Level 6 i.e. 300 credits).

Level 7 Postgraduate Taught (180 credits)

MSc/MA (120 taught credits at Level 7; 60 credits of research i.e. 180 credits at Level 7) PGDip (120 taught credits at Level 7) PGCert (60 taught credits at Level 7)

Level 8 Postgraduate Research (Not typically credit rated)

PhD/MPhil MRes/MSc/MA Research

Mapping Environmental Health Education

Structured education and training for environmental health officers (now termed

environmental health practitioners) has developed considerably since the first Bachelor‟s

degrees were offered at UK universities in the late 1960s. Prior to this environmental

health officers usually completed an accredited Diploma course. Diploma courses

continued to be offered after the introduction of Bachelor‟s degrees and were finally

withdrawn towards the end of the 1980s. The current route to environmental health

practitioner status (EHP) entails:

Successful completion of a degree in environmental health at a university

accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH);

Successful completion of an Experiential Learning Portfolio in combination with

work-based learning;

Successful completion of the CIEH Professional Examinations.

Accredited Environmental Health degrees are currently offered at 11 universities across

the United Kingdom (Table 4.5). The content of accredited degrees is influenced by the

CIEH Core Curriculum, which is periodically revised and updated to reflect current

practice and policy direction. The most recent iteration of the Core Curriculum was

P A G E | 25

published in 2007 and is significantly influenced by the emergence of competency

frameworks across the sector; this allows Higher Education institutions to design

Programmes of study that permit students to specialise in an area of environmental health

(e.g. environmental protection) and thus for the student to be assessed as competent in

that field on graduation. Higher Education Institutions are subject to reaccreditation of

existing degrees against the 2007 core curriculum and may elect to offer the generalist

route, providing structured learning across all environmental health core subjects or to

develop specialist routes. Those institutions that have completed the reaccreditation

process have all elected to continue to offer degrees consistent with the generalist route.

A number of survey respondents noted that specialisation in air quality management is

not always appropriate or practicable and one commented that this was unnecessary as there are „not enough jobs for specialist graduates‟ (see comments in Appendix III). Given

the continued emphasis on generalist environmental health degrees the place of

environmental protection generally and, more specifically air quality management, in the

environmental health practitioner‟s training is of prime importance. A review of the

curriculum for undergraduate degrees offered across the sector indicates that

environmental protection comprises between 40 and 60 credits of a 360 credit degree

course or approximately 10-15%; additionally a student will study between 40 and 60

credits of environmental science usually at Level 4 (i.e. year one of a three year degree

programme). This is then supplemented by the work-based learning programme

undertaken either as part of a four-year integrated programme or as „end on‟ training

following graduation.

Environmental Health Practitioners gain chartered status through the Assessment of

Professional Development (APD) scheme operated by the Chartered Institute of

Environmental Health. The APD includes demonstration of competence over a sustained

period of 5 years together with at least 60 hours of validated Continuing Professional

Development (CPD) activities. EHPs may undertake further study at postgraduate level

within a field relevant to environmental health practice (e.g. occupational safety and

health, environmental protection, food safety, housing or public health). Members of CIEH

are required to undertake CPD activities in order to retain membership; for chartered

members an annual CPD declaration demonstrating 30 hours of CPD activities. For

members without Chartered status annual CPD activities amounting to 20 hours is

required.

Table 4.5: Accredited Environmental Health Degrees in the United Kingdom

BSc Environmental Health MSc Environmental Health

Coventry University FT/PT University of the West of England (Bristol) FT/PT University of the West of England (Bristol) FT/PT Leeds Metropolitan University FT/PT Leeds Metropolitan University FT/PT University of Birmingham FT Liverpool John Moores University FT/PT University of Derby FT/DL Middlesex University FT/PT King’s College London PT University of Salford FT/PT University of Wolverhampton FT/PT University of Wales Institute Cardiff FT Manchester Metropolitan University FT Northumbria University FT University of Ulster FT FT = Full-time PT = Part-time DL = Distance Learning

P A G E | 26

CIEH accredit degrees either at undergraduate (Bachelors) or postgraduate (Masters)

level based on the route to EHP status. The degree aims, intended learning outcomes,

core competencies and syllabus must be consistent with the Core Curriculum but there is

flexibility to deliver either a generalist or specialist degree. CIEH are currently developing

a curriculum for accredited Foundation Degrees, which would primarily be designed to

train technical officers.

The development of specialist routes may present opportunities for accredited air quality

qualifications as part of a broader based environmental protection qualification. This

raises issues about the function of the qualification i.e. whether it is a route to

environmental health practitioner status or a broader based qualification. CIEH through the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) can also endorse particular

specialist courses including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees; this endorsement

recognises the qualities of a particular programme of study and would apply to more

specialised areas of environmental health training. A distinction can be made between

accreditation of qualifying degrees in environmental health that support the progression of

an individual to Chartered status and programmes of study that provide staff for functions

that support environmental health.

Local Authority Provisions for Air Quality Management

Local authority provision of environmental protection services is influenced by local circumstances, geographical location and budget. Given the technical nature of environmental protection duties officers are recruited from both the pool of qualified environmental health practitioners and from disciplines and professions related to pollution control. A number of correspondent local government officers suggested that around half of the officers working in pollution control are not qualified environmental health practitioners; rather, they are typically science graduates employed as scientific officers (or the equivalent) or non-graduate technical officers (or the equivalent).

The survey sample provides an illustration of the staffing arrangements for conducting air quality work. Initial consultations with local authority officers indicated that urban and metropolitan districts are more likely to employ air quality specialists undertaking air quality management duties for up to 80% of their working time while staff in smaller rural authorities may spend a little as 20% of their annualised time on air quality management, typically writing reports. Figure 4.5 illustrates staffing arrangements across the original 76 local authorities responding to the survey. The sample authorities‟ resource air quality management duties through the deployment of Principal Officers, Scientific Officers and Technical Officers typically between less than 1 and 1 member of staff although this could include several officers working in tandem. For instance Manchester City Council employs an air quality specialist who spends up to 80% of his allocated work time on air quality management duties but is assisted by technical and scientific officers in managing the diffusion tube network. Table 4.6 illustrates qualifications held by staff in respondent authorities.

P A G E | 27

Figure 4.7: Arrangements for Staffing Local Air Quality Management

Table 4.6: Staff Qualifications of Survey Respondents

Qualification

PhD MSc BSc Diploma Other Total

Environmental Health

- 12 34 14 1 61

Air Quality

1 2 4 7 3 17

Environmental Science

- 29 40 0 1 70

Pollution Control

- 9 6 13 1 29

Climate Change

- - 4 1 - 5

Other

- 2 9 4 - 15

Total

1 52 97 39 5 196

Note 1: Sample of 78 survey responses but maps all qualifications held (individuals may possess more than one qualification)

The data presented in Table 4.6 is indicative of the academic capability of environmental

protection staff in general and air quality staff in particular. Around 75% of those surveyed

have a BSc or MSc qualification and the numbers with an Environmental Science

qualification are greater than those with an Environmental Health qualification. It is

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

FTE Staff Involved in AQM Duties

Nu

mb

er

of

Lo

ca

l A

uth

ori

tie

s

No. FTE staff in AQM PO 33 28 13 0 0

No. FTE in AQM SO 43 12 15 4 0

No. FTE in AQM TO 37 22 11 3 1

Other 60 12 2 0 0

0 <1 1 1-2 2-3

P A G E | 28

important to note the nature of the question is likely to have resulted in double counting of

qualifications. For example one of the respondents commented that “I have completed a

number of degrees (just recently finished an MSc)”. Moreover the term Diploma has

different meanings in different contexts and can equate to a Higher National Diploma

(study to Level 5 FHEQ), a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip involving 120 credits of study

at Level 7 FHEQ) or a qualification obtained before the 2001 FHEQ Framework. As

previously noted the Environmental Health professional qualification was initially a

Diploma prior to the introduction of BSc degrees in the late 1960s; the Diploma continued

to be offered as a route to qualification up to the late 1980s. Throughout the period from

the early 1970s to the early 1990s the Royal Society of Health (RSH) Air Pollution Control

Diploma was the principal form of CPD training for pollution control officers working in

local authorities at which point it was replaced by the RSH Diploma in Environmental

Protection. Anecdotal evidence gathered both during the initial consultations and the

principal researcher‟s experience of delivering environmental protection programmes

suggests that a significant proportion of environmental protection officers are not

chartered environmental health practitioners and that, moreover, this is a source of

contention in some authorities. It was noted that a sound environmental chemistry or

science background prepares graduates for the work associated with air quality

management, contaminated land and noise pollution control. A number also noted that as

the national air quality framework was developing it was often a case of acquiring skills

through undertaking the work rather than through the provision of structured training.

Similar comments were made by some of the survey respondents (see Appendix III).

Table 4.7: Regional Distribution of Specialist MSc Programmes

The initial desk-based study mapped the current postgraduate provision of specialist

qualifications regionally in England and Wales (see Appendix IV). The greatest numbers

of programmes adopt a broad-based approach to environmental science and

management of which approximately 50% include modules that are directly relevant to

either air quality management or climate change. Only 4 degrees are specifically air

quality management focused with 17 directly focusing on climate change (Table 4.7). It

should be noted that single institutions will offer a number of named programmes that

utilise modules drawn from a pool of core and optional modules to meet institutionally set

staff/student ratios.

Region Air Quality MSc Climate Change MSc Environmental MSc

East Midlands 0 1 9 East of England 1 2 5 Greater London 0 2 9 North East 0 0 5 North West 0 3 13 South East 0 0 9 South West 0 6 1 Wales 0 1 3 West Midlands 1 1 4 Yorkshire & Humber 2 1 4 Total 4 17 62

P A G E | 29

The review of postgraduate programmes provides an indication of the principal centres of

research and teaching expertise on air quality and climate change matters.

Pollution control and air quality teams have developed co-ordinated networks at regional

or sub-regional levels that promote enhanced opportunities for shared responsibility,

greater public presence, co-ordinated action planning and prospects for experiential

learning and training across the authority group. Table 4.8 summarises a selection of local

authority air quality and pollution control groups.

Approximately two thirds of the local authority respondents belonged to a group with both

of the additional respondents also belonging to a group (Figure 4.8). For all authority

types, except for Unitary Authorities, the number belonging to a group is greater than the

number not belonging to a group. It should be noted that a proportion of the Unitary

Authorities responding to the survey are newly created authorities that comprise a

number of former district authorities (e.g. East Cheshire). Operating within a group also

allows for sharing the resourcing of air quality management duties such as modelling

work outsourced to consultancies. This is of particular relevance in cases where an Air

Quality Management Area (AQMA) extends across local administrative boundaries

(Figure 4.9 shows the number of authorities that share an AQMA with at least one other

authority).

Figure 4.8: Local Authority Respondents Belonging to Air Quality and Pollution

Control Groups

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Metropolitan District

Unitary Authority

London Borough

District Total

Nu

mb

er o

f R

esp

on

ses

Type of Local Authority

Yes

No

P A G E | 30

Table 4.8: Examples of Local Authority Air Quality and Pollution Control Groups

GROUP

COMPOSITION

Buckinghamshire Air Quality Group BucksAirQuality.Net

Bucks CC, Wycombe, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern and South Bucks DC.

South Yorkshire Clean Air Campaign Care4Air

Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, Sheffield and South Yorks.

Cornwall Air Quality Forum CAQF

Cornwall County Council (New Unitary Authority); formerly comprising 6 districts across Cornwall.

Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire Air Quality Network HBAPMN

14 local authorities across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Operated by the Environmental Research Group at King's College London.

Kent and Medway Air Quality Monitoring Network KMAQMN

13 district authorities together with Kent County Council.

London Air Quality Network LAQN

Operated by the Environmental Research Group at King's College London. Provides access to data for all London Boroughs. Supported by the Mayor of London and the Environment Agency.

The Manchester Area Pollution Advisory Council MAPAC

Regional environmental protection group representing 12 local authorities in the North West of England. The public presence of the group is also represented by the GreatAir Manchester website.

The Sussex Air Quality Partnership Sussex Air

City, Borough and District Councils in East and West Sussex, East and West Sussex County Councils, the Sussex Health Protection Agency, Sussex Primary Care Trusts, the Environment Agency, the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton.

Tyne and Wear Authorities Tyne & Wear Air Quality Information (TWAQI)

Gateshead MBC, Newcastle City Council, City of Sunderland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside.

Welsh Air Quality Forum Air Quality in Wales

Members include the 10 County Borough authorities, the National Assembly for Wales and the Environment Agency Wales.

West London Air Quality Group WLAQG

London Boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Richmond.

West Yorkshire Transport & Emissions Group WYTEG

Leeds, Kirklees, Bradford, Wakefield and Calderdale.

Yorkshire & Humberside Pollution Advisory Council YHPAC

Authorities across Yorkshire and Humberside.

P A G E | 31

Figure 4.9: AQMA Extends Over Two or More Local Authority Boundaries

Guidance to Support Air Quality Management Duties

Air quality management is a rapidly evolving field requiring officers to respond to technical

challenges associated with data collection, review and assessment duties and the

application of software packages for analysing very large data sets. Moreover the

successful development, implementation and evaluation of air quality action plans will

involve a shared responsibility between local partners both within the local authority and

the local community. As previously noted local authorities make use of formal and

informal networks that support joint implementation of air quality measures across local

authority boundaries whilst providing opportunities for sharing of knowledge, skills and

expertise.

Local authorities are provided with support through the publication of guidance on air

quality management. The survey examined the use and sufficiency of guidance available

to air quality managers. Formal policy, technical and practice guidance is published by

Defra, most recently updated in February 2009. Local authorities are also supported in

their air quality management duties through the Defra helpdesks managed by AEA

Energy & Environment, NETCEN and Air Quality Consultants Ltd. The Air Quality Review

& Assessment website provides access to materials and guidance on air quality matters.

Environmental Protection UK recently launched Pollution Control Online with

bookmarking facility and downloadable chapters. Figure 4.10 illustrates the frequency of

use of the available guidance and indicates that air quality officers make the greatest use

of the formal guidance issued by Defra but that the Defra helpdesks and guidance issued

by EPUK are also used relatively frequently. The majority of survey respondents indicated

that the guidance is sufficient to meet their needs (Figure 4.11). The number stating that

guidance did not entirely meet their needs was 11 (or 15% of those responding to the

question) of which 8 provided areas where further guidance would be valuable (see Table

4.9).

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Metropolitan District

Unitary Authority

London Borough

District Total

Nu

mb

er

of

Loca

l A

uth

ori

tie

s

Yes No Not Applicable

P A G E | 32

Figure 4.10: Use of Guidance for Updating Knowledge and Skills

Figure 4.11: Sufficiency of Guidance

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70N

um

be

r o

f R

esp

on

ses

Frequently

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

85%

15%

Yes

No

P A G E | 33

Table 4.9: Further Guidance on Air Quality Management

Action Plans

Effective action plan delivery Air Quality Action Plan measures Mitigation options and assessment Best mitigation options Implementation of a successful management plan Emission reductions related to implementing action plans

Land Use Planning

Guidance on mitigation measures for climate change and air quality through development control National guidance for planners on air quality and climate change Planning - mitigation measures More definitive guidance on assessing planning applications for both air quality and climate change Links to Local Transport Plan and Planning

USA and DA

Dispersion modelling Modelling uncertainties Monitoring uncertainties Source apportionment Modelling work Quantification of climate change and air quality impacts/benefits More straightforward DMRB Guidance Impact assessment and cost-benefit analysis Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in air quality work

Climate Change

Determination of carbon footprint Cost-benefit analysis of low emissions technologies

Note 1: Comments generated from returned surveys and initial consultations conducted during Stage 1 of Phase 1.

The principal aspects where further guidance is considered to be needed, albeit by a

small number of respondents, fall into four areas: effective action planning; the

incorporation of air quality and climate change in spatial planning and development

control; technical measures applied in review and assessment and; climate change

assessment. It is notable that several officers highlighted the need for further guidance on

effective action planning, which was similarly emphasised by consultees participating in

Defra‟s previous review of the action planning process (Defra, 2007a). Planning

authorities are required to take account of national statutory guidance primarily in the form

of Planning Policy Statements along with previous planning guidance (as Planning Policy

Guidance Notes) issued by the Secretary of State. A Supplement to Planning Policy

Statement 1 (PPS 1) on Planning and Climate Change was issued by DCLG in 2007

although this makes no mention of potential air quality impacts of carbon mitigation

schemes. Planning Policy Statement 23 addresses the interface between planning and

pollution control including a separate Annex, which addresses links with local air quality

measures and action plans. Thus, in theory, this guidance currently exists although the

extent to which planning authorities take these matters into account will vary. Indeed the

review of support to local authorities conducted by AQMRC & AQCL (2007) emphasised

the need for further support to assist integration of planning and air quality

(Recommendation 3 of the report).

P A G E | 34

Current Training Provision

Air quality and allied environmental protection officers are highly qualified (Table 4.6) but

due to both the technical nature of the work and the need for policy integration may

require additional training to update their knowledge and skills. Evolution of strategic and

project-based mechanisms for securing air quality improvements involving partnership

with internal and external stakeholders stimulates the need for techniques for quantifying

air quality improvement schemes; assessing health impacts; integrating air quality and

climate change measures, and; determining the economic viability of measures included

in low emissions strategies or similar strategic policies.

Providing access to training for officers is motivated by a range of factors (Figure 4.12). All

factors are considered to be of some important but those that are most significant are

national drivers, costs relative to budget, policy developments and demonstration of

competence. National drivers will include strategic framework modifications such as the

relatively recent review and updating of the national air quality strategy. The current

review of local air quality management may result in changes to the legal framework,

which could result in the need to provide further training or guidance.

Depending on the size and type of authority budgets may be considerably constrained.

One consultee, an officer at a rural district, stated that the training budget for a Principal

Officer was £320 per annum while the budget for a Technical Officer is £200 per annum.

This compares with larger Metropolitan Authorities with training budgets to allow officers

to undertake extended study for formal qualifications with standard fees of £1,500 to

£2,000 per annum over a two to three year period.

Training needs vary depending on the experience and qualifications of the officer. Newly

qualified environmental health practitioners will have addressed environmental protection

in an environmental health context within their degree (either undergraduate or

postgraduate) together with completing training in a local authority or related professional

field. Newly qualified scientific officers will usually have completed relevant studies in a

related field (e.g. environmental science) with or without additional professional

experience (e.g. environmental monitoring) or training. A number of survey respondents

(see Appendix III) stated that a national air quality qualification would be valuable for new

officers rather than for staff currently undertaking air quality duties. In this respect it would

be useful to identify the replacement rate of skilled staff, over say a 5 to10 year period, to

gauge training requirements for new staff. As noted by a number of respondents

(Appendix III) some officers are near to retirement and, as such, the experience gained

during their career will need to be replaced and the competency of replacement officers

assured.

P A G E | 35

Figure 4.12: Factors Motivating Access to Training

Training needs are also influenced by:

The relative significance of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

management measures within the authority;

The adoption of policy measures for linking air quality, greenhouse gas

emissions management, planning and transport strategies;

The declaration of air quality management areas within the authority boundary;

The declaration of air quality management areas that extend across local

authority boundaries;

The use of consultants to undertake air quality management duties.

As such, an authority wherein integration of measures is limited and within which there are

no declared air quality management areas (AQMAs) will have less perceived need for

training to update officers.

The use of consultants to undertake air quality duties was initially explored during the

consultations conducted in Stage 1 but a decision was taken not to include questions

relating to the use of consultants in the survey. However some survey respondents made

reference to the use of consultants in their returned questionnaires. The pattern that

emerged from the consultations is that consultants tend to be used to undertake modelling

exercises with the results incorporated into reports written by the air quality officers. Data

validation is also conducted by external parties consistent with quality assurance

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

National Drivers

Cost/budget

Policy developments

Need to demonstrate competence

Improving performance

Improving service provision

Staff appraisal

Developments in technology

Number of Responses

Not important

Less important

Important

Very important

P A G E | 36

procedures. For some authorities that belong to a group (e.g. the Greater Manchester

authorities) modelling is undertaken on behalf of the group.

Current training provision was mapped during the desk-based study by reviewing

databases of training and consultants available through the Chartered Institute of

Environmental Health (CIEH), the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental

Management (CIWEM) and the ENDS Directory of Environmental Consultants

(Environmental Data Services Ltd). The mapping of training provision was also informed

by discussion with local authority air quality officers and data retrieved from the survey

responses where respondents listed additional training undertaken. The results of the

mapping of training opportunities are presented in Appendix V. All regional development

agencies were contacted to determine regional training provision within the field; the

majority do not actively promote training opportunities although some (e.g. NWDA) run

regular climate change events and seminars under the CLASP programme.

The surveyed local authority officers indicated the frequency of use of the principal training

events (Figure 4.13). The survey purposely presented a reduced list of training events

generated from initial consultation with representative authorities during the pre-survey

stage (Stage 1 of Phase 1); this was intended to gauge the frequency of use of the most

common national and regional training events and then to determine whether additional

training was locally organised. The resulting data confirms the initial hypothesis that

EMAQ and IAPSC training events are most frequently used to update knowledge and

skills. Local events are important in specific regions (e.g. West Midlands) although there

was no discernible pattern to the availability and use of such training. A number of written

comments suggested that officer experience and the sharing of knowledge within sub-

regional air quality groups are as important as formal training events. However three

quarters of officers responding to the survey stated that current training was insufficient to

meet their needs (Figure 4.14).

Figure 4.13: Frequency of Use of Training

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Nu

mb

er o

f R

esp

on

ses

Frequently

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

P A G E | 37

A range of potential training opportunities are available (see Appendix V) although only a

small number of respondents indicated that they have attended these events with the

majority making use of the principal training provision identified during the initial

consultation stage. There may be potential to develop a CPD based qualification that

makes use of current provision within the field. This option will be explored in the following

section.

Figure 4.14: Sufficiency of Existing Provision to Meet Training Needs

Training Needs Assessment

During the initial desk-based study and subsequent consultations the researchers

explored the perceived training needs of representative local authorities. The survey has

established that only a quarter local authority officers responding to the survey are of the

opinion that training needs are entirely met by current provision (Figure 4.14). When

asked whether they would support a nationally recognised qualification the proportion

confirming their support was greater than the number indicating that training needs are

not satisfactorily met by current provision although a small number indicated that support

was conditional on the availability of funding and the mode of study. Most officers feel that

there is a need for a series of short courses to satisfy current training needs (Figure 4.15

and Appendix III). While some respondents interpreted these questions as being specific

to their individual needs the majority took account of the broader context of need for

training provision across the sector. Additional comments supplied by respondents

completing the survey confirm this interpretation (see Appendix III). The small proportion

that they did not support the development of a national qualification and provided

comments suggested that, particularly for smaller authorities, officers work as generalists

and thus the value of a specialist qualification is limited. During the latter stages of the

survey an officer who is a member of the Technical Air Panel of the Chartered Institute of

Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) stated that consultant members of the group are also „bemoaning the lack of suitable courses to train fresh graduates on air

quality matters‟. This would suggest the need to consult more fully with consultants if

formalised training were to be developed.

26%

64%

10%

Training needs are entirely met by existing provision

Training needs are only partially met by existing provision

Training needs are not effectively met by existing provision

P A G E | 38

Figure 4.15: Support for a National Qualification

The survey presented respondents with a choice of academic levels for any developed

formal programme or allied training provision. The selected levels correspond with FHEQ

levels and associated descriptors (Table 4.10). An additional level was added to account

for officers either explicitly stating that different levels are required to meet the needs of a

variety of officers or for those respondents that ticked more than one option; this was

simply described as „different levels‟.

Table 4.10: Academic Level of Proposed Programme of Study

Level Corresponding FHEQ Level

MSc, PGDip Level 7

BSc Level 6

Diploma Level 5

CPD Various including Levels 5, 6, 7

Different Levels Various including Levels 5, 6, 7

The majority of respondents indicated that any programme or related training developed

should be delivered at either different levels or at a diploma level (Figure 4.16). It is

notable that a large proportion suggested that the programme should be designed as a

Diploma given that the previous qualification considered to be a standard for pollution

control officers was the RSH Diploma in Air Pollution Control, which was a Postgraduate

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Yes No Possibly

Support for a national qualification Need for a series of short courses

P A G E | 39

Diploma, usually undertaken by qualified Environmental Health Officers or scientific

officers.

Figure 4.16: Academic Level of Study

Optimum modes of study were examined by presenting respondents with a range of

possible options. Many respondents indicated that several options would be viable and,

as such, the analysis determines the frequency response for each individual option

together with an additional option described as „a combination of flexible delivery

mechanisms‟ (Table 4.11).

Table 4.11: Proposed Modes of Study

The preferred modes of study are illustrated in Figure 4.17. The data confirms the

view that current provision is insufficient to meet the needs of the sector since Mode 1

is the least favoured option. The most favoured option is that which combines a

number of approaches (i.e. Mode 6) with Modes 3, 4 and 5 having the greatest

Modes of Study

Mode 1 A structured modular programme based on exisiting provision delivered on a day release basis

Mode 2 A structured modular programme delivered on a block release basis

Mode 3 A structured work-based learning programme

Mode 4 A structured modular programme delivered by accredited centres via web-based learning

Mode 5 A structured modular programme delivered by accredited centres on a day release basis

Mode 6 A combination of flexible delivery mechanisms

25

9

29

30

Number of respondents

BSc

MSc

CPD

Different levels

Diploma

P A G E | 40

frequency from the options specified on the survey. This would suggest a programme

that utilises elements of:

Work-based learning;

Web-based learning;

Day release study at accredited centres.

Figure 4.17: Preferred Mode of Study

Such study is typically referred to as blended learning given that it seeks to integrate (or

bland) different forms and modes of study in order to meet the diverse needs of the

intended audience. Many institutions of higher education provide facilities for blended

learning through the provision of web-based materials, traditional face-to-face teaching

and work-based placements or projects. As such, the potential to support blended

learning programmes has developed considerably.

Curriculum Content

A list of curriculum topics was initially generated from a review of literature, the

consultations with selected authorities and the principal researcher‟s experience of

teaching undergraduate and postgraduate environmental health and management

programmes. This was tested during the piloting stage of the questionnaire and modified

slightly. A further list of principal skills needed to successfully carry out air quality and

greenhouse gas emissions management was generated from a review of technical and

policy guidance together with consultation with local authority officers. Survey

respondents were requested to classify topics and skills on the basis of criteria

summarised in Table 4.12. It was intended that the classification would allow the

researchers to clearly identify the needs of the sector and to further distinguish essential

training needs from aspects already adequately addressed by current provision.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 Mode 4 Mode 5 Mode 6

Nu

mb

er

of

Re

spo

nse

s

Mode of Study

P A G E | 41

The subsequent analysis of the data groups the topics into five main themes derived from

both a review of relevant guidance and the initial exploratory review of the data (see Table

4.13).

Table 4.12: Classification of Curriculum Content

Score Curriculum Topic Classification

1 Essential

2 Relevant but not essential

3 Relevant but adequately addressed by current provision

4 Not relevant

Table 4.13: Curriculum Content Organised as Themes

Curriculum Theme

1 Fundamentals of Air Quality Management Figure 4.18

2 Advanced Air Quality Management Figure 4.19

3 Integration of Air Quality, Climate Change and Planning Figure 4.20

4 Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management Figure 4.21

5 Professional Skills for Successful Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management

Figure 4.22

Note 1: Questions 30 and 31 of the survey

The proportion of respondents classifying topics under the first heading (see Table 4.13)

according to the criteria (Table 4.12) is illustrated in Figure 4.18. The majority of

respondents were of the opinion that an overview of the LAQM Framework was essential

to any developed training along with a review of air pollution, interpretation of technical

guidance and implementation of action plans. Opinion was divided on the need to include

industrial pollution control and environmental permitting. These aspects are covered

reasonably extensively by existing training (see Appendix V) and will be examined in

more detail in the following section.

The proportion of respondents classifying topics under the second heading (see Table

4.13) according to the criteria (Table 4.12) is illustrated in Figure 4.19. More than half of

the respondents felt that data analysis and emissions inventories were essential to any

training to be developed. A greater proportion of respondents indicated that each topic in

this group is not relevant compared to the proportion indicating fundamental topics are not

relevant. This is particularly apparent in respect of data acquisition for the performance

P A G E | 42

framework; many respondents noted that reporting of NIs is undertaken outside of the

division normally responsible for that field of expertise (e.g. NI 194 is not typically reported

by AQ officers).

Figure 4.18: Fundamentals of AQM

Figure 4.19: Advanced Air Quality Management

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

LAQM Framework Pollution sources, composition and

dispersal

Techniques for industrial

emissions control

Environmental permitting

Interpretation of technical guidance

Implementation of action plans

Essential Relevant but not essential Adequately addressed by current provision Not relevant

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Analysis of large data sets for

LAQM assessment

Application of software for data

manipulation

Transport assessment

Modelling of point and road

sources

Compiling and using emissions

inventories

Use of GIS for spatial mapping

and data manipulation

Data acquisition and reporting for

performance framework

Essential Relevant but not essential Adequately addressed by current provision Not relevant

P A G E | 43

The proportion of respondents classifying topics under the third heading (see Table 4.13)

according to the criteria (Table 4.12) is illustrated in Figure 4.20. The most important

topics are considered to be measures that seek to link and subsequently quantify the

positive and negative impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and air quality management

techniques.

Figure 4.20: Integration of Air Quality, Climate Change and Planning

Figure 4.21: Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Quantification of air quality improvement

schemes

Links between LAQM and

climate change

Developing and implementing low emissions

strategies

Adaptation measures and

AQ impact

Sustainable fuels and AQ

impact

Policy assessment

tools

Impact assessment

tools

Good practice examples

Essential Relevant but not essential Adequately addressed by current provision Not relevant

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Science of climate change

Climate change policy

Energy and carbon

management

Analysis of GHG

emissions

Building design codes

for carbon management

Carbon mitigation schemes

Carbon reduction

commitment impact

Spatial planning

Sustainable procurement

Essential Relevant but not essential Adequately addressed by current provision Not relevant

P A G E | 44

The proportion of respondents classifying topics under the fourth heading (see Table

4.13) according to the criteria (Table 4.12) is illustrated in Figure 4.21. For each of these

topics fewer than 50% of the respondents classified them as essential. This is likely to be

the result of the dominance of air quality staff in the sample group. The topics also

generated the greatest number of 3-4 scores according to the classification used (see

Table 4.12). The mapping of both formal academic qualifications (Appendix IV) and

training provision (Appendix V) also bears this out to some extent.

The proportion of respondents classifying topics under the fifth and final heading (see

Table 4.13) according to the criteria (Table 4.12) is illustrated in Figure 4.22. The data

characterises the skills to be deployed in successful management of air quality and

greenhouse gas emissions. Some respondents remarked that such skills should be

developed in undergraduate environmental health or related degree programmes. Those

skills deemed most important relate to project management, presentation and stakeholder

engagement, which could be incorporated into the curriculum of any proposed training

through exercises and assessment.

Figure 4.22: Professional Skills for Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Management

Figure 4.23 maps the relative importance of topics included in Themes 1-4 (Table 4.13).

The median value of the scores awarded is calculated and the topics placed into quartiles.

This analysis provides an opportunity to construct an initial curriculum based on the

ranking of relative importance of each topic. This analysis forms the core of the gap

analysis within the next section.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Project management

skills

Stakeholder engagement

skills

Methods for influencing

stakeholders

Collaboration and team

working skills

Presentation and

interpretation of factual

information

Using appraisal checklists

Facilitation skills

Report writing Conflict resolution

skills

Leadership skills

Business change

Essential Relevant but not essential Adequately addressed by current provision Not relevant

P A G E | 45

Figure 4.23: Mapping the Relative Importance of Key Themes

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Building design codes for carbon management

Spatial planning

Sustainable procurement

Analysis of GHG emissions

Policy assessment tools

Data acquisition and reporting for performance framework

Environmental permitting

Carbon reduction commitment impact

Techniques for industrial emissions control

Impact assessment tools

Application of software for data manipulation

Transport assessment

Science of climate change

Carbon mitigation schemes

Use of GIS for spatial mapping and data manipulation

Median

Energy and carbon management

Modelling of point and road sources

Sustainable fuels and AQ impact

Climate change policy

Compiling and using emissions inventories

Analysis of large data sets for LAQM assessment

Developing and implementing low emissions strategies

Good practice examples

Links between LAQM and climate change

Adaptation measures and AQ impact

Interpretation of technical guidance

Quantification of air quality improvement schemes

Pollution sources, composition and dispersal

Implementation of action plans

LAQM Framework

Proportion Identifying Aspect as Essential

Q1 (Lower Quartile) Median Q3 (Upper Quartile)

P A G E | 46

Gap Analysis

Using the data presented in the previous section together with the information relating to

current provision within the sector (Appendix IV and Appendix V) an analysis of overall

training needs can be conducted. There is considerable support amongst the surveyed

authorities for both a nationally recognised, professionally accredited qualification together

with a series of short courses addressing areas of relevance to air quality and greenhouse

gas emissions management (Figure 4.15). The least favoured option for delivery of training was that based on existing provision (i.e. Mode 1), which also suggests that

current training does not sufficiently meets the needs of the majority of respondents

(Figure 4.17); this hypothesis is also confirmed by the survey respondents (Figure 4.14).

The data presented in Figure 4.23 provides the basis for establishing a prioritised list of

topics for inclusion in any training to be developed. However it is important to recognise

that the topics are not mutually exclusive and, as such, there is inevitable overlap

between the topics identified. For example, the examination of links between air quality

and climate change would involve a review of the scientific basis for climate change in

order to contextualise the links. For the purpose of this review those topics which are above the median score (see Figure 4.23) are considered to be of most relevance at

present. The topics making up the upper quartile (Q3) are considered to be core to any

training to be provided while those within the next quartile are considered to represent

advanced training (Table 4.14).

Table 4.14: Prospective Curriculum Content

Core Topics Advanced Options

1. LAQM Framework 2. Pollution sources, composition and dispersal 3. Interpretation of technical guidance for

assessment and review 4. Links between LAQM and climate change 5. Action planning

a. Mitigation options and assessment b. Quantification of air quality

improvement schemes c. Adaptation measures and AQ impact d. Effective action plan delivery e. Stakeholder engagement methods and

skills f. Good Practice examples

1. Data collection and analysis a. Analysis of large data sets b. Data analysis tools (e.g. AQA Tools,

OpenAir software) c. Compiling emissions inventories d. Modelling point and road sources e. Presentation of factual information f. Good practice examples

2. Developing and implementing low emissions strategies

3. Climate change policy a. Drivers b. Energy and carbon management c. Alternative fuels and AQ impact d. Good practice examples

The Air Quality Management Resource Centre (University of the West of England) has

recently launched their Air Quality and Carbon Management CPD Training package. This

is currently available for delivery either at UWE or at a location specified by the

organisation requesting training. The modules are accredited by the Institute of Air Quality

Management and the Institution of Environmental Science. Table 4.15 summarises the

modules and the content.

P A G E | 47

Table 4.15: AQMRC Training Package

Module Topics

Air Pollution History, effects, sources, meteorology, chemistry LAQM Policy and Technical Guidance, R&A Reports, Air Quality Action

Plans, LEZs Policy EU Legislation, Consultation, Risk Wider Applications of Air Quality Policy

Case studies from Indonesia, New Zealand and Nigeria

Industry Environmental Permitting Regulations Planning Urban Design Carbon Management Climate change science, Climate change policy, Carbon

Management LAQM Tools Monitoring, Dispersion modelling, Diffusion tubes, GIS

This covers much the same ground as the identified training needs illustrated in Table 4.14. However only 35% of survey respondents stated that environmental permitting was

essential with the remaining stating that this was relevant but not essential or adequately

addressed by current provision. Indeed an environmental permitting training package has

been developed by Martin Cranfield Associates in conjunction with EPUK, which is

accredited by CIEH through the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB). Table

4.16 summarises the details of the certificate.

Table 4.16: Certificate in Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control

(Environmental Permitting)

Module

Details Costs

Introduction to the Environmental Permitting Regulations

Covers all the main areas of the legislation such as inspection and permit drafting skills. The course, as an introduction, will focus on the “B” installations.

3 days £450

Monitoring for EP Designed to enable Local Authority staff to competently inspect, audit and regulate the monitoring of stack emissions and process parameters in accordance with the relevant guidance notes and national, European and international monitoring standards.

1 day £140

Advanced EP, including A2, WID and SED Installations

Designed for staff experienced in The Environmental Permitting Regulations (formerly the PPC Regulations 2000). The day will focus on developing the techniques and processes covered in Part I, specialising in A2, WID and SED installations.

1 day £140

Registration with the EHRB for certification

Registration is subject to minimum requirements with regards to qualifications and/or experience.

£100

Assignment and Examination Assigned tasks are designed to be carried out remotely, and which will demonstrate a full understanding of all aspects of the course. The examination will be assessed using independent assessors, and will consist of a brief presentation by the delegate followed by a Q&A session.

£290

Additional non-certificated CPD training on more advanced aspects of environmental

permitting is also available from Martin Cranfield Associates (Table 4.17). EMAQ also

P A G E | 48

offers modules on the Essentials of PPC, which was recently accredited by the Institute of

Air Quality Management (IAQM).

Table 4.17: Advanced Environmental Permitting Training

Module

Details Costs

Verification of Data from Continuous & Periodic Regulatory Stack Emission Monitoring (Full)

This course is designed to provide guidance on the verification of data from Continuous & Periodic Regulatory Stack Emission Monitoring. It mirrors the course designed for the Environment Agency and is recommended for experienced offices with good knowledge of their Part A installations and the necessary monitoring.

2 days £210

Verification of Data from Continuous & Periodic Regulatory Stack Emission Monitoring (Condensed)

This course is designed to provide guidance on the verification of data from Continuous & Periodic Regulatory Stack Emission Monitoring. It mirrors the course designed for the Environment Agency and has been tailored to Local Authority requirements. It is designed for those regulating the monitoring of Part B installations, but includes some A2 installations.

1 day £120

Writing better permits The course is designed to assist Regulators in drafting better A2 and B Permits and its aim is to enable better, more enforceable and clearer Permits to be produced.

1 day £120

Working with the solvent notes The course is designed to help local authority staff interpret and apply the new solvent guidance notes. The course will cover all the main areas of the note and will include practical sessions and examples. Some prior knowledge of the SED is recommended as this course is designed to advance practitioners comprehension and interpretation of the new solvent guidance notes.

1 day £120

Inspecting Dry Cleaning Installations This course has been designed in association with Parrisianne Ltd. who are approved trainers to the Guild of Cleaners and Launderers. It is designed to enable local authority staff to competently inspect dry cleaning establishments with regard to all aspects of PG 6/46 (04) Dry Cleaning.

1 day £150

Inspection Techniques for LAPPC The course is designed to train local authority staff in the principles of inspection of the basic part B installations including inspecting, monitoring, reviewing monitoring data and undertaking risk assessments according to the DEFRA guidelines.

1 day £120

National training provision for environmental monitoring is available through MCERTS

although this is primarily directed at site operators and tends to be costly (e.g. around

£2,000 for a four day course). Additionally a variety of training packages on software and

modelling applications are offered across the regions (see Appendix V). Two linked

projects (OpenAir and AirTrack) make use of „open source‟ software providing free air

pollution analysis software for the air quality community. The projects are funded by the

P A G E | 49

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and include dissemination and training

events to support enhanced capability of utilisation.

In order to complete the gap analysis comparative mapping of topics was conducted

against current provision (see Appendix VI). The analysis compares available training

against principal topics identified during the study. The analysis focuses on those training

options commonly utilised by the survey participants and widely available across the

regions. The analysis is largely qualitative and based on the collection and review of

information during the period of study. This broad-based analysis suggests that training

opportunities are available across the range of topic areas as formal study (e.g. MSc

provision), as structured CPD opportunities or through seminars, events and workshops.

Access to training opportunities does however differ across the regions and is partly

dependent on the development of regional networks.

P A G E | 50

5 Climate Change Measures

Feasibility Study Report

Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP)

Preamble and Background

This chapter examines current practice and experience of integrating climate change, air

quality and planning matters across local authorities. A case study approach is used to

describe and characterise measures adopted to date. The case study authorities have

been selected to illustrate measures at different stages of integration. The evidence base

is derived from documentary analysis together with discussions held with officers. The

case studies are preceded by a brief recapitulation of data presented in the previous

chapter in order to establish the context for review.

Local Authority Arrangements for Climate Change Policies

Local authorities in the UK have been at the forefront of taking formulating proactive and

innovative action on sustainability issues for the last two decades from the earliest sub-

regional environmental audits conducted in the late 1980s. Climate change strategies are

a more recent development and their formulation has been influenced by a number of

important international, national and local drivers (Table 5.1).

Climate change is a global concern. Nonetheless, it is at a local level where many of the

mitigation and adaptation methods may be implemented. This makes the integration of

climate change into local environmental management policy a desirable objective. A local

governance approach places citizens and local communities as an element for the

transformative agenda of their environment.

The majority of respondent local authorities to the survey had made a formal commitment

to climate change mitigation and adaption. Most authorities (87%) had signed the

Nottingham declaration or an equivalent national declaration (for Scotland or Wales) while

more than two thirds (70.5%) of authorities had developed a local climate change strategy

or equivalent (see Table 4.2). The majority of authorities had adopted one or more of the

relevant national indicators within the Local Area Agreement (see Figures 4.4 and 4.5).

A local authority‟s sphere of influence encompasses a number of domains i.e. providing

strategic vision for the authority and stakeholders; managing the authority‟s greenhouse

gas emissions; promoting greenhouse gas emissions reductions through the planning

system and; working with local strategic partners to assist emissions reductions from

domestic, commercial and transport sources (Table 5.2).

P A G E | 51

Table 5.1: Drivers for Action on Climate Change

Driver Details

Climate Change Act 2008 National long-range target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. Provision for rolling

carbon budgets with a 34% reduction target by 2020/22. Carbon Reduction Commitment

for large organisations.

Carbon Reduction

Commitment

Cap and trade emissions scheme applying to organisations with an energy consumption

of 6,000 MWh covering both electricity and fuel consumption.

Display Energy Certificates Public sector buildings with a useful floor space of 1,000 m2 to show DEC in a prominent

place.

Local Area Agreements and

National Indicators

NIs relating to carbon reduction and climate change i.e. NI 185 (LA Operational

Emissions), NI 186 (LA Area Emissions), NI 187 (Fuel Poverty), NI 188 (Planning to Adapt to

Climate Change).

Local Development

Frameworks

Replacement of existing strategic plans with a suite of Local Development Documents

and Management Aids. Revised Planning Policy Statements emphasising Climate Change

and Renewable Energy.

Energy Prices and Carbon

Costs

Rising energy prices and energy security issues influence the need to reduce energy

consumption.

Building Regulations Design standards for buildings are updated over time. Current regulations include

requirements relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency along with step changes

to achieve the standards.

Code for Sustainable Homes The Code is the national standard for the sustainable design and construction of new

homes. The Code aims to reduce our carbon emissions and create homes that are more

sustainable. Current consultation on modifications to the Code (Sustainable New Homes:

The Road to Zero Carbon).

Renewable Energy Policy Directive 2009/28/EC sets an EC wide target of 20% gross energy consumption from

eligible renewable by 2020. The target for the UK is 15% of gross consumption from

renewable by 2020, which includes electricity, primary fuels and transport fuels. UK

Renewable Energy Strategy published in July 2009.

Climate change is potentially a cross-cutting theme with measures to assist greenhouse

gas emissions reductions positioned within, inter alia, strategic planning documents, the

sustainable community strategy and local area agreements. Survey respondents were

asked to specify the directorate and division (or team) responsible for climate change

strategy, climate change adaptation and the authority‟s carbon reduction commitment.

Initial analysis of the data revealed that in general one division (or team) were responsible

all three areas and, as such, the data relating to responsibility for climate change strategy

only is presented here (Figure 5.1). The data suggests that the principal divisions given

responsibility for climate change matters are: Policy & Strategy (usually linked to Chief

Executive Functions); Environmental Health (or Environmental Protection as a function of

Environmental Health); Sustainability and; Environmental Strategy (usually linked to

P A G E | 52

Sustainability but separate from Environmental Health functions). Policy & Strategy,

Sustainability and Environmental Strategy divisions are generally strategically aligned and

thus can be considered together and thus comprising 48% of the survey sample. Those

authorities where responsibility for climate change is allocated to Environmental Health (or

Environmental Protection as a function of Environmental Health) tend to be smaller, rural

or mixed authorities within which officers operate as generalists. As responsibility for

climate change policy development and implementation is less predictable than the

responsibility for air quality management the survey was less successful at capturing

relevant information although as previously noted many of the surveys were completed

with reference to relevant climate change staff.

Table 5.2: Local Authority Climate Change Measures

Providing Strategic Vision and Leadership

Developing locally specific strategies, policies and plans Monitoring and reporting Sustainable procurement practices Stakeholder engagement and community involvement Carbon reduction commitment Partnership working with neighbouring authorities

Managing the Authority’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Local authority estate and fleet Management Sourcing electricity Buildings energy management Fleet management Street lighting Staff commuting and business travel Public transport management

Strategic Planning and Development Control

Incorporation of greenhouse gas emissions management policies into local development documents Adoption of supplementary planning guidance on building design, emissions reductions and sustainable transport Application of relevant standards (e.g. BREEAM, Code for Sustainable Homes) Low Emissions Zones Renewable energy policies related to new developments

Working with Local Strategic Partners

Provision of recycling services Waste prevention campaigns Energy improvements to existing private sector housing stock Renewable energy developments Promotion of new ‘green’ business opportunities – innovative technologies Business change – seminars to disseminate good practice, energy efficiency measures, carbon management programmes Education and awareness raising – schools, businesses, third sector, research Skills development e.g. ‘skills for climate change’ programme (ESF funded)

Adapted from Worcestershire Partnership (2009), Warrington Borough Council (c2009), east Devon District Council (2008), Manchester City Council (2008)

Advice, guidance and assistance on carbon reduction is available from a range of sources

including the Carbon Trust, the Energy Saving Trust, the Nottingham Declaration, the

Beacon Authorities scheme and the Low Carbon Cities programme. The Low Carbon

P A G E | 53

Cities programme permits access to the LCCP Toolkit that provides a wealth of resources

including mapping tools for developing systematic approaches to carbon reduction2.

Figure 5.1: Responsibility for Climate Change Strategy by Division

Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies

The Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS)-Model was

developed by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) to provide a

consistent framework for the analysis of mutually beneficial emission reduction strategies

from air pollution and greenhouse gas sources (Nguyen et al., 2008). IIASA had initially

established the Regional Air Pollution Information and Simulation (RAINS) model which

served as a tool to assess emission control strategies for classical air pollutants (SO2,

NOx, VOCs, NH3 and PM), addressing health impacts, acidification and eutrophication

(Thambiran et al, 2007). The RAINS model was subsequently extended in 2005 to

include GHGs (CO2, CH4, N2O, CFC, HFC, SF6) in the Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution

Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model which encapsulates the interactions between

the control of classical air pollutants and GHGs (Amann, 2008). Previous research has

shown that the GAINS model takes into consideration the selection of emission control

2 LCCP Toolkit - http://www.lowcarboncities.co.uk/cms/lccp-toolkit/

1% 1% 1%1%3%

3%

5%

6%

6%

6%

14%16%

17%

18% Mixed

Regeneration

County

Business

Community

None

Climate Change

Property/Building

Planning

Not Known

Environmental Strategy

Sustainability

EH/EP

Strategy & Policy

P A G E | 54

measures that are cost-effective for more than one pollutant simultaneously (Amann,

2008). GAINS can be applied as a database by providing activity data and control

strategies for future developments through estimates of emissions and costs of current or

future air quality policies. It is also employed in calculations involving reductions in

environmental impacts as a consequence of changed air pollution policies (Amann,

2008). The methodology has been used by the European Union for the analysis of

mutually beneficial emissions reduction strategies from air pollution and greenhouse gas

sources under the CAFE programme (Clean Air for Europe) and might serve local

authorities in impact assessments. The framework is illustrated in Figure 5.2.

Figure 5.2: The GAINS Model Framework (Source: Amann, 2008)

Case Studies

This section examines the division of responsibilities and progress to date on forging links

between air quality management, climate change and planning within selected local

authorities. The review is intended to be indicative rather than definitive.

Manchester City Council

Manchester City Council‟s vision is for Manchester to be transformed to a Low Carbon

City by 2020 through reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the adaptation of

infrastructure to cope with the impacts of climate change and the formation of a low

carbon economy providing opportunities for market penetration of new technologies,

services and employment. Total annual carbon dioxide emissions (2006 figures) arising

P A G E | 55

from the city are approximately 3.36 million tonnes representing a 3.8% increase over

2005 (GVA Grimley, 2009). Industry and commerce accounts for 49% of emissions,

domestic emissions account for 30% and transport accounts for 20% of emissions (AEA

Energy & Environment, 2008) with per capita emissions of 7.43 tonnes. The council

initially committed to reduce emissions by 1 million tonnes by 2020. Progress on

achieving the overarching provision was set out early in 2008 in a committee report to the

Communities and Neighbourhoods Overview and Scrutiny Committee (see Figure 5.3).

Figure 5.3: Reported Climate Change Actions (Manchester City Council)

The council has recently launched the Climate Change Action Plan for the city along with

an associated website designed to assist principal sectors to take action to reduce

emissions. The strategy consists of three principal elements: practical action as an estate

manager and employer; direct influence as a service supplier and; working with partners

to secure emission reductions (Table 5.3). The plan sets a target of reducing carbon

dioxide emissions by 41% by 2020 equivalent to a cut of 1.4 million tonnes.

The Manchester is My Planet initiative has acted as a conduit for co-ordinating

environmental action across the city and linking with initiatives within the Greater

Manchester area. Figure 5.4 illustrates examples of initiatives undertaken to date. This

work will continue with the AGMA (Association of Greater Manchester Authorities) formed

Climate Change Agency leading new initiatives.

Emissions of carbon dioxide across Greater Manchester were over 19 million tonnes a

year in 2007. The Minister for Climate Change Joan Ruddock in 2007 appointed

Manchester as one of three UK cities selected by the government to develop a tailored

action plan to cut CO2 emissions under the Low Carbon Cities programme. The initial pilot

Manchester City Council Provisions for Action on Climate Change

Transport Innovation Fund proposals incorporating carbon reduction impacts

Environmental standards incorporated into the planning framework

Modifications to household and commercial waste management services

Green City Programme and associated Environmental Business Pledge

Ecoschools programme

Action for Sustainable Living

Manchester is My Planet incorporating personal environmental pledges

Mini-Stern Report

Formation of Climate Change Agency (AGMA)

Launch of A Certain Future website (and Manchester‟s Climate

Change Action Plan, 2009)

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involving Manchester, Bristol and Leeds together with the Carbon Trust and the Energy

Saving Trust in order to develop best practice examples of carbon management.

Table 5.3: Climate Change Action Plan (Manchester City Council)

Policy Domain Examples of Action

Estate Management Organisation-wide emissions reduction targets, Organisation-wide energy performance

assessments, Sustainable procurement standards (e.g. ICT), Biofuel purchase for fleet vehicles,

Demonstration project for electric vehicle use supported by PV solar cells

Influence as a Service

Provider

Educational Provision, Strategic Planning and Development Control, Housing Provision,

Manchester Energy Strategy, Climate Change Clinics

Working with Partners Regeneration Partnership, Local Strategic Partnership, Multi-Area Agreements (through

AGMA), Challenge Manchester – Annual 100 Days Campaign, Manchester Energy Strategy,

compilation of a Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP) as part of the Eco-cities project

Figure 5.4: Manchester is My Planet Initiatives

The project ran from the beginning to the summer of 2008. The state of play audit3

conducted independently using the Carbon Trust‟s Carbon Management matrix resulted

in a rating of 1.9 out of a maximum rating of 5.0; this compared unfavourably with both

Leeds (3.9/5.0) and Bristol (3.1/5.0). It is interesting to note that while Leeds achieved the

highest scoring based on this assessment the officer returning the survey for this research

stated that “policy” and “linking” give me concerns but AQ and CC officers work

reasonably well together (comment related to links between air quality, carbon reduction

and spatial planning).

3 Audit based on four interviews across Greater Manchester and included one local authority (Stockport Council

not Manchester City Council)

Manchester is My Planet

Over 21,000 individual climate change pledges

Personal carbon trading

„Switched on to climate change‟ – Greater Manchester district targets to enhance climate change pledge to reach 50,000 pledges

„Circle of wind‟ – demonstration of urban and industrial wind power

Green Badge Parking Scheme

Low energy business park – Trafford Park low carbon industrial estate

Greening town halls initiative

P A G E | 57

The council commissioned a „mini-Stern‟ report for Manchester in 2008; the report

identified potential risks for the City Region linked to a lack of capacity to respond to

climate change because of a lack of awareness and skills but that business opportunities

exist that could capture £21 billion if businesses develop and sustain innovative solutions.

Similarly a partnership project with Manchester University and Bruntwood (property

developer) entitled Eco-cities is designed to produce an adaptation blueprint for Greater

Manchester by 2011. Initial work undertaken within the project has resulted in a Local

Climate Impacts Profile, which has assisted the authority to reach level 1 of NI 188.

Management of public sector housing stock has secured improvements in energy

efficiency together with the commissioning of three district heating schemes serving

several thousand properties; these measures have improved energy efficiency by around

15% on a 1995 baseline (Manchester City Council, 2005). All street lighting and electricity

used in the council‟s 800 operational buildings is produced from renewable sources

generated outside the City‟s boundaries.

As a local planning authority the council is responsible for strategic planning and

development control within the district. The Development Plan Documents comprising the

Local Development Framework are currently being prepared. Consultation on the

proposed option for the Core Strategy ends on 4th January 2010. The strategy includes

climate change related policies including carbon reduction targets, renewable energy

developments, energy infrastructure and measures for adaptation to climate change. The

carbon reduction target is stated as 34% reduction by 2020 suggesting that the decision

to set a 41% reduction target was taken after the core strategy policies were formulated.

A general policy to counteract the effects of development on air quality is included but the

policy does not explicitly support the use of low emissions zones for specified types of

development. The principal officer responsible for local air quality management felt that air

quality staff had not been actively engaged in the policy making process although staff are

consulted on major planning applications that have potentially significant air quality

impacts. Supplementary Planning Guidance was adopted in 2007 in the form of the

Guide to Development in Manchester. The guidance includes a section dedicated to

Environmental Standards – it is expected that developers will submit a statement with

their planning application outlining how the proposal will achieve the relevant

environmental standards. The authority also promotes the use of the Northwest

Sustainability Checklist, an online project appraisal tool that links to the Regional Spatial

Strategy and associated policies.

The AGMA operates a collective emissions inventory; EMIGMA is the Greater

Manchester Emissions Inventory. It contains data on the emissions of pollutants identified

in the UK's Air Quality Strategy from all identifiable sources in the area. The EMIGMA

database allows the magnitude and spatial distribution of emissions across Greater

Manchester to be examined. This is currently operated by the Greater Manchester

Transportation Unit.

Sheffield City Council

Sheffield City Council publicly committed to reducing the effects and causes of climate

change by signing the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change in 2006. The council is

a participant in the Local Authority Carbon Management Programme (Carbon Trust),

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which commits participants to reduce their carbon footprint by 30% between 2005 and

2012 across buildings, transport, the estate and schools. Total annual carbon dioxide

emissions (2006 figures) arising from the city are approximately 3.83 million tonnes

representing a decrease of 0.6% over 2005 (AEA Energy & Environment, 2008). Industry

and commerce accounts for 48% of emissions, domestic emissions account for 33% and

transport accounts for 19% of emissions (AEA Energy & Environment, 2008) with per

capita emissions of 7.28 tonnes; and, as such, the relative proportions are similar to

Manchester. Since 1990 Sheffield has been actively taking steps to reduce carbon

dioxide emissions across the city with emission reductions of approximately 0.5 million

tonnes between 1990 and 2006. The figures presented by AEA Energy & Environment

(2008) differ from those presented by the council in their Carbon Reduction Framework,

which suggest per capita emissions of 7.02 tonnes in 2006 with an increase of 0.1 million

tonnes between 2005 and 2006.

Sheffield‟s ambition is to become „an attractive, sustainable low carbon city‟, to mitigate

climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which is integral to the city‟s social,

economic and environmental well-being and its regard to environmental excellence. The

Sheffield is My Planet campaign acts as the public conduit with climate change action

across the city (Figure 5.5).

Figure 5.5: Sheffield is My Planet Initiatives

The Sheffield Carbon Reduction Framework (CRF) sets out obligations on how the City

can accomplish their carbon reduction targets that has been set in the local area

agreement and in the City Strategy. This can be realised through direct action and

involving partners to make their contribution in tackling climate change. The CRF was

approved by the Council‟s Cabinet on May 27th 2009 and the Framework was referred to

Council on June 3rd 2009. The CRF sets out the three critical areas where the City needs

to focus attention: housing, transport and business (Figure 5.6).

Between 2009 and 2011 the homes programme is supported by £10.6 million of funding

from both central government funding and local capital grants. The business support

Sheffield is My Planet

Sheffield Eco-schools comprising 65 out of 200 schools

Sheffield Eco-schools conference held in October 2009

Sheffield Eco business programme based on BS8555

Support for the 10:10 programme (carbon reduction of 10% by the end of 2010)

Heeley City Farm initiative

BTCV Carbon Army

Student switch off campaign

Journey planning subscription service to support moves to public transport

P A G E | 59

programme is funded through local grant schemes to a total of £335,000 while transport

measures are supported by £433,000.

Figure 5.6: Sheffield Carbon Reduction Framework

The Sheffield Low Carbon Pledge is based on good practice of the nationally recognised

Nottingham Declaration. It is shaped by the Sheffield First Environment Partnership and

focuses only on carbon reduction. Partners are committed to reporting their progress and

the carbon emissions saved and are asked to publicly declare their commitment and

targets when they sign up. Staff are also encouraged to adopt low carbon habits and

practices by taking a leadership role to reduce carbon emissions amongst their networks,

peers and the local community. In return for this commitment, partners have access to the

Sheffield Eco Business Programme, supplementary support through the First Point for

Business service and are invited to take part in the City‟s carbon reduction clubs thereby

providing sharing of experience, skills and knowledge. The city has also been involved in

the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Change Adaptation Study (Yorkshire Futures, Royal

Haskoning and UKCIP) that entailed examination of the potential impacts of climate

change and required adaptation measures.

The Sheffield First Environment Partnership is the Local Strategic Partnership for

Sheffield within the Sheffield First Partnership (the Local Strategic Partnership structure

within Sheffield) that brings together key organisations and individuals from the voluntary,

Vision

“...by 2020 we want Sheffield to be renowned as a thriving, low carbon city where residents and businesses can and will take actions to reduce their own carbon emissions

and are involved in combating harmful climate change in the city and beyond”

LAA Target 2009 -2%

LAA Target 2010 -5%

LAA Target 2011 -10%

CS Target 2020 -30%

LAA Target 2050 -60%

Actions

Homes – Transport - Business

Homes Heating homes more

efficiently Improving insulation

Personal action to reduce energy consumption Waste reduction and

recycling Low carbon homes (design

standards and planning) Locally generated low

carbon renewable energy

Transport Improve vehicles and

highways network Encourage and enable

sustainable transport choice

Business Business support for energy

efficiency Low carbon and renewable

forms of energy Waste prevention, reduction

and recycling

P A G E | 60

the public and private sector to work in unison to achieve environmental excellence in

Sheffield with the low carbon working group forming one of four key teams. The

Environment Partnership has 23 seats with members from Sheffield City Council; NHS

Sheffield; South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive; Natural England and the

Environment Agency. Other public bodies include the two Sheffield universities. There

are five private sector places on the board, one co-opted member (Groundwork Sheffield)

and five places for the community, voluntary and faith sector partners. The Partnership

adopted an environmental strategy in 2007 informed by agreed principles to achieve

environmental excellence across the city (Figure 5.7).

Figure 5.7: Sheffield First Environmental Partnership Principles

The second South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan (LTP2) is the Transport Strategy and

Action Plan for South Yorkshire in the current 5 year period (2006/07 – 2010/11). It has

been prepared as a joint plan by the four Councils in South Yorkshire (Barnsley,

Doncaster and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Councils and Sheffield City Council)

and the Passenger Transport Executive. Sheffield City Council is tasked with delivering

the Sheffield aspects of this South Yorkshire wide transport strategy. South Yorkshire‟s

clean air campaign launched the Care4Air website which is used to raise awareness of air

quality issues and highlight what is happening within the local authorities in order to

reduce emissions. The campaign is funded by South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan and

the website provides ways in which residents can travel to reduce their carbon footprint.

The South Yorkshire Eco-Stars scheme was launched in 2009 to promote best practice

fleet management by recognising the commitments and achievements of businesses

across the sub-region.

The council has worked in partnership with local stakeholders to improve energy and

environmental management in organisations. One example is the University of Sheffield

that utilised assistance available through the Carbon Management Programme (Carbon

Trust). An initial baseline survey was conducted based on energy usage during 2005/06,

which revealed non-residential energy accounted for 74% of CO2 emissions while

residential energy (e.g. halls of residence) accounted 24% of emissions and fleet

vehicles, water and waste accounted for the remaining 2% of emissions. Calculated

emissions were 33,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum. Key performance indicators were

“An attractive and sustainable low carbon city”

Lead by example

Influence the strategic framework

Promote Sheffield‟s strengths

Adopt an agreed carbon footprinting methodology for monitoring carbon reduction

Develop a city-wide communications strategy based on the Sheffield is My Planet model

P A G E | 61

developed to normalise emissions statistics to account for growth in student numbers and

space allocations (i.e. emissions per student, emissions per £ income and emissions per

M2). The University has set a performance target of 20% reduction in emissions by

2015/16 based on the 2005/06 baseline and is currently working with partners to develop

suitable cost-effective approaches to meeting this target.

As a local planning authority the council is responsible for strategic planning and

development control within the district. The council has completed the LDF process

including the Core Strategy, Site Allocations and Supplementary Planning Guidance. The

Core Strategy contains policies that respond to the global environmental agenda in a local

context; the strategy incorporates progressive policies favouring development that

includes provision for climate change mitigation through building design, promotion of

sustainable modes of transport and waste minimisation. Policy CS 66 makes provision for

consideration of the air quality impact of development proposals although the Planning

Inspector in her report suggested that the policy could be strengthened by specifying

more precise actions that the council would propose to achieve the objective of air quality

protection (e.g. low emission zones). The implementation of the LDF is supported by a

Sustainability Toolkit that provides guidance on the incorporation of sustainability values

in the design of operational development. Guidance for developers is provided across five

sustainability themes along with supplementary planning guidance including guidance on

the preparation of transport assessments and travel plans with conditions that trigger

transport assessment including impact on the compliance with relevant air quality

objectives. Through these provisions the LDF seeks to integrate air quality, climate

change, waste and planning functions of the local authority.

Bath & North East Somerset Council

Bath & North East Somerset Council adopted a Carbon Management Plan in 2009 for the

period 2009-2014 the by-line of which is “Taking positive steps to tackle the causes and

effects of climate change”. Tackling climate change is a key priority of the current

Corporate Plan 2008-11. The council aims to reduce CO2 emissions from the council‟s

operations by 30% by April 2014 based on a baseline of 2007/08. This is ambitious given

that authorities previously examined aim for similar reductions by 2020 albeit these are

whole area targets and therefore not directly comparable. Total annual carbon dioxide

emissions (2006 figures) arising from the district are approximately 1.07 million tonnes

representing a decrease of 2% over 2005 (AEA Energy & Environment, 2008). Industry

and commerce accounts for 36% of emissions, domestic emissions account for 41% and

transport accounts for 22% of emissions (AEA Energy & Environment, 2008) with per

capita emissions of 6.11 tonnes. Land use, land use change and forestry account for 3%

of emissions; the figure is higher than either Manchester of Sheffield due to the different

environmental setting comprising a greater proportion of rural land. Emissions from

council operations in the baseline year were 26,000 tonnes, which suggests around 2.5%

of total district emissions arise from council operations. The management plan has

identified 27 projects over the 5-year period focusing primarily on schools and council

offices, which account respectively for 43% and 21% of emissions. Total committed

investment is £5 million over the 5-year period. The council has utilised the Carbon Trust’s

Carbon Management Matrix to guide development of key services and skills.

P A G E | 62

The council‟s climate change work programme is overseen by the Climate Change

Advisory Group and links are made with the Local Area Agreement, wherein NI 1854 is

selected as a key priority indicator. Whilst the Core Strategy of the Local Development

Framework is yet to be adopted climate change is a headline issue identified at the Issues

and Options stage of LDF planning. Examples of carbon management projects are

illustrated in Table 5.4.

Table 5.4: Active Carbon Management Projects (Bath & North East Somerset)

Project Details

Our Big Energy Challenge Energy efficiency in public buildings delivering saving of 10% by April 2009 through

deployment of technology and behavioural change (LSP).

Heritage Services Energy efficiency and water services improvements in key Heritage buildings.

Street Lighting Upgrades to 3,000 lamps – replacement with LEDs and Lux Cells.

Fleet 5% bio-diesel mix along with fuel additive that reduces consumption by 3-5%. Trials

using pure plant oil to fuel two ‘ring and ride’ vehicles. Fleet vehicles are leased to

allow upgrading to current Euro Standards more frequently. Route planning with

annual reviews.

IT Provision (Mouchel) Rationalisation of printer services leading to a reduction of over 100 stand alone

units. Reduction of over 50 server units via a 3-year rolling review programme.

Flexible Working

Programme

Revised working styles programme designed to reduce the need for office space.

Survey of occupancy rates indicated that office space is occupied for less than 80%

of available time.

New projects currently being implemented include several biomass energy schemes,

smart metering for optimised control of energy systems and PV solar cells. A key focus of

future plans will be schools given the relative significance in the carbon emissions

mapping. Again measures for upgrading energy systems and lighting along with a

number of proposed biomass schemes are planned.

Some significant progress has been achieved to date but the council admits weaknesses

in the areas of: allocating responsibility at a divisional level given the cross-cutting nature

of projects although Energy Champions are in place across the authority; data

management presents some difficulties as, while certain types of data are accurate,

(Council Buildings energy billing data) others are not (Business Mileage); stakeholder

management, training and communication. Top level policies are currently aligned as

stated above but the council admits the need to ensure more rigorous alignment of

divisional policies and projects with the Carbon Management Plan.

Broader-based projects also contribute to climate change action as illustrate in Figure 5.8.

4 Carbon Dioxide Reduction from LA Operations

P A G E | 63

Figure 5.8: Bath & North East Somerset Sustainability Projects

Addressing the effects and tackling the causes of climate change is one of three cross-

cutting themes in the Local Area Agreement for the period 2009-2011, which sets targets

for reducing emissions by 4% in 2009/10 and a further 6% in 2010/11 against the

baseline year (2008/09). The Sustainable Community Strategy also includes greenhouse

gas emissions reduction as a headline aspiration aimed at leading “B&NES to an

environmentally sustainable, low carbon future that is resilient to the expected changes to

our climate” (Bath & North East Somerset Local Strategic Partnership, 2009). The B&NS

Environmental Sustainability Partnership through the Climate Change Initiative is

responsible for delivering this aspiration although the composition of this group is yet to be

decided. The council has also entered into a Multi-Area Agreement through the West of

England Partnership5 that aims to take significant action to reduce carbon emissions

through the integration of climate considerations across the arrangements for delivering

principal outcomes of the agreement. Four MAA objectives are stated including

sustainable economic growth and competitiveness although the national PSA 27 target

(Lead the global effort to avoid dangerous climate change) is not mentioned here nor are

potentially relevant national indicators. However projected growth is said to be conditional

on effective cutting of carbon emissions. Climate change mitigation is central to the

Sustainable Transport Strategy proposed with the MAA and reference is made to PSA

27.

As a local planning authority the council is responsible for strategic planning and

development control within the district. The Local planning Authority has not completed

the LDF process and, as such, has made use of transitional arrangements to save Local

Plan policies to 2011. Consultation is currently ongoing to 14th January 2010 on the

spatial options and core policies. Tackling the causes and effects of climate change is

considered to be the central challenge and thus the main priority. Proposed core policies

will take account of relevant Planning Policy Statements (e.g. PPS 1, PPS 10, PPS 22

and PPS 23), associated Regional Spatial Strategy targets and policies along with council

strategic framework policies (see Figure 5.9).

5 B&NES, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire

Council Activities Tackling Climate Change

Eco-schools – 64 schools registered, 44 schools bronze, 16 schools silver, 2 schools Green Flag

Local Food – support for farmers markets and links to local suppliers through public sector procurement

Recycling – 43% of HHW recycled or composted

Warm Streets Scheme – advice and grants available to all local residents reducing emissions by 164,000 tonnes in 12 years

Previous Warm and Well scheme

P A G E | 64

Figure 5.9: Bath & North East Somerset Strategic Planning Framework

Two proposed options are outlined, which focus development on the urban areas of Bath

and South East Bristol (Option 1) or more dispersed development with Bath and South

East Bristol along with additional development in the principal market towns (Option 2).

While the first option has the potential to reduce the need to travel there is concern that

proposed development may be affected by flood risk.

Camco, on behalf of the council, conducted a major research study into renewable

energy prospects for the district in 2009. This is set against a background of targets for

increased deployment of renewable within the South West resulting from revised targets

adopted within the Regional Spatial Strategy. The report provides an effective evidence

base from which to develop renewable energy technologies as both centralised and

decentralised capacity to contribute to carbon reduction targets.

Headline Objective – Tackle the causes and effects of Climate Change

National Policy

PPS 1 PPS 10 PPS 22 PPS 23 PPG 24 PPS 25

RSS Policies

SD4 CSS RE5 SD1 RTS2 SD3 RE6 RE9 W4 RE3 RE5 SD2 F1

Local Strategies

Locational Strategy (B&NES)

Place-based Policy Framework

Strategic Site Allocations Joint Local Transport Plan

Building Control Strategic Flood Risk

Assessment Joint Waste Core Strategy

B&NES Waste Strategy Green Infrastructure Strategy

Proposed Core Policies

Renewable

Energy Targets for

Electricity and Heat

Sustainable

Construction and Energy

Efficiency

Infrastructure

Provision

Green

Infrastructure

P A G E | 65

Training Opportunities

Training events comprising workshops, seminars, conferences and certified carbon

management training courses are available at various locations across the UK (see

Appendix V). The Institute of Environmental Assessment & Management (IEMA) offers a

portfolio of certified courses for CPD purposes. The courses are run by accredited centres

and are primarily directed at professional environmental managers and associated

personnel (Table 5.5).

Table 5.5: Carbon Management Courses (IEMA)

Course Details

Carbon (GHG) Accounting

& Management

2 day course covering climate science, policy drivers, quantification of GHG

emissions, energy and GHG emissions reduction, strategies and management.

Practical Carbon

Footprinting

1 day course providing an introduction to carbon footprinting in organisations.

Carbon Footprint

Management

1 day course introducing carbon footprinting methods and standards along with

practical examples of carbon reduction in organisations.

Carbon & Energy

Management

1 day course providing information and guidance on monitoring and management

GHG emissions.

Carbon Reduction

Commitment

1 day course that provides a background to CRC along with practical examples of

improving performance in organisations.

Carbon, GHGs,

Footprinting, Accounting

& Management (Carbon

Management)

IEMA recently approved the syllabus and approval criteria for this course, which is

not yet offered by accredited centres but which guides course content for the

individual training courses above. The course syllabus consists of 6 modules: 1.

Understanding Climate Change; 2. Climate Change Drivers; 3. Measurement; 4.

Methodologies; 5. Application; 6. Performance Management.

Most of these courses are preliminary introductions to relevant methods, standards and

technologies for carbon assessment and management. However the recently approved

Carbon Management syllabus is intended to guide providers of CPD training as to the

content of approved courses. The syllabus consists of 6 modules (see Table 5.5) with

detailed learning outcomes and an associated description of content. The syllabus

provides an opportunity to develop structured carbon management training accredited by

IEMA addressing some of the important gaps in current provision. It may also be possible

to combine this with structured assessment similar to the model adopted in the EHRB

accredited Certificate in Pollution Prevention & Control. Moreover it may be feasible to

consider a structure that combines this programme of learning with other CPD activities.

P A G E | 66

Summary and Conclusions

This review aimed to characterise governance structures for greenhouse gas emissions

management and related climate change policy in local authorities. The case studies

provide a snapshot of current actions being undertaken by a limited number of authorities.

Each authority has sought to utilise existing networks and sources of funding, and to build

upon current projects in developing frameworks for action on climate change. Each

authority has incorporated action on greenhouse gas emissions reductions into Local

Area Agreements and begun to develop projects through the relevant Local Strategic

Partnership. The relevant national indicators are selected as performance indicators as

follows: Manchester (NI 186), Sheffield (NI 186 and NI 188) and Bath & North East

Somerset (NI 185). While Manchester and Sheffield are focusing on authority-wide

emissions Bath & North East Somerset has opted to focus on local authority operational

emissions and thus leading by example.

Both Manchester and Sheffield6 are part of the UK Core Cities Group, which recently

signed a partnership with the Clinton Climate Initiative7 and the Greater London Authority.

This will entail commitments from each authority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

through a range of projects starting with improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The

core cities will initially establish a working group to determine the most effective means of

rolling out a programme of retrofitting buildings across the partner cities. Manchester

together with Bristol and Leeds were also part of the Low Carbon Cities initiative8.

Climate change functions of local authorities are less explicitly defined than those relating

to Local Air Quality Management and, as such, training needs are more difficult to

characterise. Training events and seminars are climate change matters are organised at

both a national and regional levels. Training opportunities seem to be more abundant

than those relating to air quality management (Appendix V) and assistance is available

through national programmes (e.g. UKCIP, Carbon Saving Trust and the Energy Saving

Trust). The Regional Development Agencies offer support and guidance, and in some

cases training events (e.g. Northwest CLASP). At a sub-regional level authorities have

developed groups to allow officers to network and share ideas, experience and good

practice. A number of correspondents noted that climate change responsibilities have

been given to energy managers who have a good understanding of the principles of

building energy management but less awareness of the wider implications (e.g. transport

and point source pollutants). This can have implications for formalisation of climate

change strategies, which should be developed across a range of functional divisions.

Technical and research capacity is rapidly developing both nationally and across the

regions. The UK Climate Projections (UKCP09) project offers a user interface that can be

utilised by local authorities to construct a Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP). Training

is provided across the regions through the Projections in Practice workshops that aim to

develop capacity to use the UKCP09 tools.

6 Together with Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Nottingham

7 The Clinton Climate Initiative aims to support and provide advanced solutions to global climate change and

supports projects in under a number of initiatives (cities, clean energy and forestry).

http://www.clintonfoundation.org/what-we-do/clinton-climate-initiative/ 8 Low Carbon Cities - http://www.lowcarboncities.co.uk/cms/

P A G E | 67

In most cases climate change and air quality management functions are not explicitly

linked. Around 60 per cent of the survey respondents stated that their authority has not

yet actively sought to integrate the two functions (Table 5.5). One interviewee stated that

while climate change and air quality management are separate policy spheres in the

authority “we do share ideas and work together so it is not a bunker mentally. Polices are

still emerging and still need to be built. One of the [climate change officers] has taken on

AQ in, for example, biomass.”

Table 5.5: Links between Climate Change and Air Quality Management

Statement Strongly Agree Agree

Disagree Strongly Disagree

Climate Change policy linked to AQM duties 41% 59%

Integrated approach to AQ and GHG emissions management 37% 63%

AQ staff actively involved in CC policy 43% 57%

CC staff influence in design of CC mitigation 53% 47%

AQ (Air Quality) CC (Climate Change) AQM (Air Quality Management) GHG (Greenhouse Gas)

Given the assumed importance of Local Strategic Partnerships (LSP) in carbon reduction

plans and actions on climate change it is important to note that skills and expertise

needed will depend upon the partnerships formed. It is also important to recognise that

climate change action is typically a cross-cutting theme that will involve a number of

different teams distributed within the local authority governance structure (e.g. planning,

sustainability, environmental protection, building control, wildlife, estates management),

wherein members possess a range of different capabilities. Training and improved

communication may be needed at lower levels to encourage staff throughout the authority

to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Enhanced communication

networks to engage a range of service managers is important for mainstreaming climate

change adaptation measures.

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6 Accreditation and Funding

Feasibility Study Report

Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP)

Accreditation Bodies

Potential accreditation bodies were initially researched but a full review was not

conducted. This section identifies the relevant accreditation bodies and provides

information relating to their membership along with details of course accreditation

schemes. The principal accreditation bodies identified are summarised in Table 6.1. The

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health through the EHRB accredits Environmental

Health Practitioner courses but also certifies training programmes for CPD purposes.

Given that a significant proportion of environmental protection staff are not Chartered

Environmental Health Practitioners (or working towards Chartered status) many officers

will not be members of CIEH; as such, this may not be the most desirable route for

accreditation. The Institute of Air Quality Management (in tandem with the Institution of

Environmental Science) has recently entered into a scheme for formally accrediting

training and short courses consistent their CPD scheme. Given the focus on air quality

management this may be a more appropriate route to consider. The Chartered Institution

of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) operate through technical panels,

one of which is the Air Technical Panel comprising CIWEM members and including local

authority representatives.

Funding

Funding for the development of a national qualification would support the engagement of

the air quality and climate change professional, technical and academic communities in

the design of a syllabus and training materials. Two broad types of funding mechanism:

Structured funding conditional on meeting specified aims of the funding mechanism

and subject to response to a timetable of calls for proposals;

Open door funding usually conditional on contributing to the broad ideals of the

funding body‟s mission but allowing for proposals to be made outside of the normal

timetable of calls for proposals.

Sources of funding were initially examined by researching available databases with follow

up interviews to determine the accuracy of information. Funding sources reviewed can be

classified by geographical location i.e. European, national and regional sources.

P A G E | 69

Table 6.1: Accreditation Bodies and Professional Institutions

Accreditation Body Membership CPD Scheme Accreditation

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) & Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB)

Environmental Health Practitioners with various levels of membership. Does not include officers without an accredited EH degree.

Operates a CPD scheme for chartered members. All members are required to undertake CPD activities and make an annual return to CIEH.

CIEH accredits Environmental Health Practitioner academic programmes through the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB). Academic programmes must meet the requirements of the 2007 core curriculum. Certificated training such as short courses is also accredited by EHRB.

Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM)

Three levels of membership: Associate, Member and Fellow. Prospective members are also required to apply for membership of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).

Operates an annual CPD scheme, which involves a self-declaration of training, publications and self-learning activities.

IAQM has accredited an MSc in Air Pollution Management & Control (Birmingham University). A scheme for the accreditation of short courses and conferences is ongoing. The EMAQ Essentials of PPC has recently been accredited.

Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)

Represents environmental professionals across a broad spectrum. Levels of membership: Affiliate (Non-Professional), Associate, Member, Fellow (Professional).

Operates a mandatory CPD scheme; 30 hours of recognised CPD per year. Constituted to award the Chartered Environmentalist qualification (Society for the Environment).

Currently accredits formal qualifications at Masters or Bachelors level for programmes that fall within the remit of the relevant QAA benchmark statement (ES3).

The Committee of Heads of Environmental Science (CHES)

UK group representing the environmental science academic community. Single tier of membership – usually a department with a named representative.

No but linked to the Institution of Environmental Science.

Currently accredits formal qualifications at Masters or Bachelors level for programmes that fall within the remit of the relevant QAA benchmark statement (ES3). Fast-track for members.

Society for the Environment (SOCENV) UK body incorporated by Royal Charter and responsible for the award of Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv). Membership is for organisations. Members are either Associate members (not for profit organisations) or Corporate members (commercial organisations).

CPD scheme for CEnv. Does not currently accredit programmes of study.

Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)

Represents scientists, engineers and environmental professionals. Levels of membership: Fellow, Member, Associate, Graduate, Student.

CPD scheme based on a flexible three year rolling assessment. Includes provision for reflective analysis.

Accreditation of academic programmes consistent with the aims of CIWEM, its core membership and constitution. CIWEM operates seven Technical Panels including the Air Panel.

Institute for Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)

Represents environmental professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Competent Body in the United Kingdom for EMAS. Levels of membership: Fellow, Full, Associate, Affiliate, Graduate, Student.

Associate membership is based on following an approved programme of study and the IEMA open-book examination. CPD scheme depends on the level of membership.

IEMA has developed a range of accredited training courses related to environmental management. IEMA also accredits Masters and Bachelors degree programmes.

P A G E | 70

Targeted funding for skills development through training at European, national and

regional spatial scales is focused primarily on enhancing opportunities for 16-19 year olds

and the development of competency frameworks through the work of the Sector Skills

Councils. The recently published national skills strategy (Skills for Growth) recognises that

growth in the uptake of low carbon technologies will need to be supported by an evolving

skills base. The Higher Ambitions report on the future of universities in a knowledge

economy similarly recognises the need to build capacity in disciplines related to

environmental sustainability and promises future funding to support innovative course

development with a greater emphasis on partnership working with employers.

Principal European funding mechanisms with an environmental sustainability dimension

are summarised in Table 6.2.

Table 6.2: European Funding Measures

Programme Constituent Components Potential

LIFE+ 2007-2013 LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity (N&B)

LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance (EP&G)

LIFE+ Information and Communication (I&C)

LIFE+ I&C offers some potential to develop innovative training as it includes provision for disseminating information and support for measures including training. Demonstration of wider community benefits through the involvement of a range of stakeholders would add value to any proposal submitted. Call for proposals issued annually with a closing date in the autumn of each year.

Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)

Co-operation – Collaborative Research (Thematic: Environment/Climate Change)

People – Human Potential

Capacities – Research Capacities

Nuclear Research and Training

Focuses on building research capacity and technological development. Little opportunity to use funding to support the enhancement of professional skills.

Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EIP)

Information Communication Technologies Policy Support Programme (ICTPSP)

Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE)

Primarily provides support for SMEs to develop innovation capacity but includes targeted funding for eco-innovation. Specified calls are issued every 3 months through the annual cycle.

Thematic Programme for Environment and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Including Energy (ENRTP)

Energy

International Environmental Governance

Coherence of EU policies that have an effect on the environment

Support for projects that highlight sustainable resource management and lasting poverty reduction. Concerned primarily with support for EU action to assist achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals.

European Regional Development Fund 2007-2013

Regional Competitiveness and employment including: (a) innovation and knowledge economy (b) environment and risk prevention

Managed at national, regional and sub-regional levels within Member States.

P A G E | 71

The most potential for funding further development of training capacity is offered by the

LIFE+ programme. A bid would need to include a range of partners across the sector and

would benefit from the inclusion of partners from other European member states. The

current round of bidding has closed but funding is available annually with submission

dates for final proposals typically in the autumn of the accounting year9.

National funding for capacity building currently focuses the development of competency

frameworks at Level 2 (e.g. „skills for climate change‟ funded by ESF grants). Funding

may be available through regional Universities Associations; partnerships between higher

education institutions, the Higher education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and

the Regional Development Agencies (RDA). The Associations provide initiative funding to

support employer engagement activity, which could include innovative models for training

provision based on partnerships between higher education and employers. Currently

three Higher Level Skills Partnership (HLSP) projects operate in the North West, South

West and North East of England. The remaining funding has now been allocated to the

Redundancy Response Fund.

A North West regional fund, the CLASP Local Partnerships Small Projects Fund, is

available through the Northwest Regional Development Agency. Grants typically range

from £5,000 to £10,000 but awards in excess of £15,000 may be made in exceptional

circumstances. The funding is aimed primarily at local authorities and their partners to

tackle barriers to improving NI 185, NI 186 and NI 188 and developing sub-regional and

local leadership on climate change. There is potential to develop initial training using this

funding as a pilot within the North West prior to rolling this out in other areas of the UK.

Funding of capacity building and training initiatives proved difficult to identify. Significant

capital funding is available for the deployment of low carbon technologies (e.g. Carbon

Trust funding) but the capacity to utilise this funding for supporting measures appears

limited.

9 Closing date for 2009 was 15 September

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Feasibility Study Report

Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP)

Introduction

This chapter summarises the principal conclusions drawn from the study. The approach

adopted is allied to the primary objectives established at the outset of the study. Each

objective is taken in turn with the conclusions drawn from the foregoing data analysis and

discussion. Observations are used to formulate recommendations for consideration by

the Low Emissions Partnership Board and other stakeholders.

Conclusions

Information on governance structures was collected through the desk-based study,

selective consultation with local authority staff and the compilation of data collected via the

survey. This information illustrates that while air quality management duties are typically

undertaken by environmental protection staff operating within the sphere of environmental

health, governance structures for climate change functions are more diverse and not

always directly linked to pollution control. This is partly because greenhouse gas

emissions management encompasses a broader array of sources, including domestic

emissions which, while individually small, are significant due to cumulative effects arising

in space and time. While some progress has been made in developing links between the

air quality and climate change agendas (e.g. biomass energy generation) these links are

not always explicit. Approximately two-thirds of survey respondents felt that the authority

had not yet developed an integrated approach to air quality and greenhouse gas

emissions management. The survey data also revealed that while larger, more densely

populated urban authorities tended to ally climate change policy to central, high profile

strategic directorates (e.g. Policy & Strategy, Sustainability or Chief Executive) the rural

authorities with more dispersed populations are more likely to ally climate change to

environmental health and protection divisions. Many authorities examined had not yet

completed the final adoption of Local Development Documents; as such, it is difficult to

assess the extent to which authorities have incorporated progressive policies for air

quality and greenhouse gas emissions management into the strategic planning

framework (e.g. promoting positive steps towards Low Emissions Strategies). Both

7 Conclusions and Recommendations

Characterise local governance structures for the provision of services allied to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management.

P A G E | 73

consultees and survey respondents commented that training for air quality or greenhouse

gas emissions management should target different staff because of these divisions.

The survey data revealed that staff working in air quality management are highly qualified

with the majority qualified to first degree level (i.e. Level 6 FHEQ) and many also

possessing a relevant postgraduate qualification (i.e. Level 7 FHEQ). A number of

consultees stated that around 50% of officers working in environmental protection are

scientific officers rather than qualified (or chartered) environmental health practitioners.

This may have implications for any chosen accreditation route for a national qualification.

Qualified environmental health practitioners are given grounding in the principles of

pollution control within the formal degree programme, supplemented by practice training

within the structured period of professional experience recorded in the CIEH/EHRB

professional training log book. The experience of the principal researcher is that the

academic programme is insufficient to provide a thorough understanding of the

complexities of environmental protection within the available credit weighting associated

with the relevant topics. It is likely that qualified environmental health practitioners will

need further training to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform

their pollution control duties effectively.

The desk-based study illustrated the regional distribution of postgraduate qualifications

with an air quality or climate change emphasis. Only four postgraduate degrees are

exclusively air quality focused while a greater number of climate change Masters

Programmes (mostly MSc but some MA) were identified. The desk-based study excluded

those Masters Programmes adopting a broader environmental science curriculum and, as

such, the number of Masters Programmes is much greater than this data suggests. The

Masters programmes examined tend to focus on topics of an academic interest but all

include elements of good practice in the relevant field of enquiry.

Air quality training opportunities are available in the form of a number of nationally

recognised training schemes such as EMAQ or through regular regional events, seminars

and conferences organised by groups such as EPUK, AQMRC and IAPSC. Analysis of

the survey data revealed that respondents use written guidance produced by Defra with

the greatest frequency but also use EPUK guidance together with AQMRC materials. The

majority of respondents make use of EMAQ training events but use the EMAQ written

materials less frequently than other guidance available. The survey deliberately limited the

prompted options for the frequency of use of current training to test the extent to which

other, locally available training is utilised. Very few respondents identified other training

events, implying that the principal training events are limited to EMAQ seminars, AQMRC

seminars and the bi-annual IAPSC conference.

Three quarters of survey respondents stated that training needs were not sufficiently met

by current provision. Of the officers consulted during stage 1 of phase 1 of the research

approximately half were of the opinion that a nationally recognised, accredited

Identify and characterise existing provision for professional development according to level and mode of study, location, intended learning outcomes and costs.

Determine the current use and assess the sufficiency and quality of existing provision for professional development and accreditation of learning.

P A G E | 74

qualification was needed to support air quality management functions of local authorities.

This might suggest that respondents that perceived a gap in training provision were more

motivated to respond to the questionnaire.

Provision of training in the form of locally organised events, seminars and conferences on

climate change tended to be more widespread. The research team examined the

frequency of events during the research period and concluded that the frequency of

relevant climate change seminars was approximately twice that of air quality seminars.

Climate change has a greater political emphasis than air quality management and, as

such, generates more interest. It should also be noted that the latter half of the study

period coincided with preparations for the Copenhagen round of the UN Climate Change

negotiations.

Officer training needs are influenced by the nature of statutory duties, the experience and

qualifications of individual officers and the extent to which authorities work in partnership

through sub-regional groups thus providing opportunities for sharing local intelligence and

information. The majority of authorities consulted during stage 1 of phase 1 had made use

of specialist consultants to conduct modelling work for Updating and Screening

Assessments or the Detailed Assessment stage of Air Quality Review and Assessment

where applicable. In some cases modelling was commissioned by a group of authorities

(e.g. the Greater Manchester authorities) due to the spatial scale of the existing AQMA.

Partnership working has also allowed authorities to draw on expertise within the

partnership; for example the Greater Manchester authorities have developed a working

arrangement with the Greater Manchester Transport Unit to conduct modelling using

specially designed software. The current extensive use of consultants to conduct

modelling suggests the need to develop officer capacity and skills to undertake this work

in-house although the commissioning of large scale modelling is often seen as more cost-

effective since capacity building may require expenditure of officer training, purchase of

software and ongoing systems maintenance and support. The increasing availability of

„open source‟ modelling capability provides opportunities for air quality officers to conduct

more extensive in-house analysis of monitoring data to supplement existing assessment

exercises.

While approximately three quarters of survey respondents felt that training provision was

not entirely sufficient to meet their needs a greater proportion of respondents (80-90%)

support the development of a nationally recognised qualification and a series of short

courses based on a competency framework. Examination of core competencies indicates

that knowledge, understanding and skills related to air quality Review and Assessment

together with capacity to link air quality and climate change policy are of greatest priority.

More specialised technical skills such as the use of software packages (e.g. modelling

and GIS) are considered to be relevant but of less significance. This is partly a reflection

Assess the training and updating needs of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management specialists.

Compare current provision with training and updating needs of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management specialists.

Identify gaps in current provision and prioritise training opportunities.

Test the willingness of employers to support a nationally recognised qualification.

P A G E | 75

of the different needs of authorities, some of which were only required to undertake

Screening and Updating assessment due to the absence of a determined AQMA.

Gap analysis revealed that whilst many areas of assumed importance are addressed by

current training provision the absence of a clearly identified and accredited training route

reduces the positive impact of provision. The content of the new training package offered

by the Air Quality Management Resource Centre is comparable with the priorities

identified by survey respondents. The team at the University of the West of England did

not provide further information to assist a more detailed examination of curriculum

content. The training package has been advertised online and local authorities have

received information via post and email. It could be argued that this training package

represents a nationally recognised programme of training consistent with perceived

training needs. The training package is not yet available online, which would satisfy the

requirements of many local authority officers responding to the survey. EMAQ+ continues

to be used by many local authorities as a principal means of enhancing knowledge of

current issues and the seminars offer an opportunity to share experience with peers.

Training events related to climate change matters are more widespread than those

relating to air quality management. Whilst air quality management training is organised by

a small number of nationally recognised groups (i.e. EPUK, AQMRC and EMAQ+),

running the same events at strategically selected regional locations, climate change

events and seminars are organised at regional and sub-regional levels in some cases by

the regional government offices together with regional development agencies and

regional assemblies. This is consistent with the demarcation of national, regional and local

responsibilities for carbon reduction and the promotion of a partnership approach to

climate change matters. Formal, accredited training on greenhouse gas emissions

management is available, primarily through IEMA, which has recently agreed a modular

CPD scheme on greenhouse gas emissions accounting and management.

Whilst some survey respondents felt that a national qualification could be structured

around existing provision a greater proportion of respondents felt that new training

provision was needed to fill the perceived gaps. An examination of the data suggests that

a qualification delivered using a blended learning approach consisting of a combination of

structured day-release, e-learning and work-based learning would meet the needs of the

majority of local authorities. Access to e-learning together with work-based would

minimise the time spent offsite but could be supported by strategically arranged day

seminars to allow for networking and tutor support of the learning cycle. The greatest

number of respondents opted for a combined approach to organising training with

provision made for learning to be undertaken at different academic levels to satisfy the

needs of different officers. An agreed syllabus based on consultation with specialist teams

(EPUK, IEMA, AQMRC, CERC, ERG, IAQM) would allow for formalisation of a structured

qualification that can then be offered by accredited centres regionally and sub-regionally.

Outline approaches to structuring a recognised qualification.

P A G E | 76

Funding for further development of a national qualification proved to be difficult to identify.

The majority of funding streams are either provided for technology deployment (e.g. for

carbon reduction technologies) or subject to calls for proposals. A number of European

funding streams offer some potential, particularly LIFE+, which includes provision for

developing innovative training and the dissemination of good practice and allied

information. It could be argued that training provision enhances the implementation of

regulatory activities associated with relevant European Directives, a position supported

through IMPEL10

. A proposal for funding would be enhanced through partnership working

across Europe; this might be assisted through partnerships with European member states

pioneering low emissions zones such as the Netherlands (currently 19 LEZs) and

Germany (currently 43 LEZs).

Recommendations

This section draws on the foregoing data analysis and discussion in order to make

recommendations to the Board on the way forward.

Of the range of current training events identified a significant proportion are underutilised

by local authority respondents. A central guide to training opportunities advertised through

current networks may allow officers to access a wider range of available events.

The recently launched training package developed by the AQMRC is broadly consistent

with the findings of this research. While the training package has recently been advertised

to local authority air quality officers the Low Emissions Partnership could further support

provision and stimulate demand. Consideration should be given to flexible study options

including online training and e-learning. It remains to be seen whether local authorities will

utilise the expanded portfolio of training offered.

10

Committee on the Implementation of Environmental Law

Explore sources of funding to support development and delivery of the qualification.

Recommendation 1: Consider designing a guide to current training opportunities and networks to allow officers to make informed choices.

Recommendation 2: Work in partnership with principal training providers (AQMRC, EMAQ and EPUK) to formulate plans for making accredited training available and accessible to relevant staff.

P A G E | 77

Formalisation of training on climate change matters to be offered to both air quality and

greenhouse gas emissions management staff would aid more effective partnership

working between teams.

Open source software such as OpenAir provides access to powerful analytical tools that

can be utilised in both air quality management and greenhouse gas emissions

accounting. Given that the project is partly supported by the Low Emissions Strategy

Partnership would benefit from wider dissemination.

A number of respondents made the point that experience and skills built up over a

working life with key personnel now approaching retirement. Training young professionals

together effective mentoring may be necessary to ensure that experience and skills are

retained over time.

Low emissions strategies provide an effective means of strengthening links between air

quality management, climate change strategies, planning policy and local transport

planning. While accredited environmental health practitioner programmes address these

topics the profile of environmental protection could be further raised by promoting and

strengthening links between accredited programmes and Beacon authorities through the

Low Emissions Strategy Partnership. Practical project work that promotes engagement

between academics, students and environmental practitioners would allow students to

gain a better understanding of the complexities of environmental protection in a realistic

setting.

While the LESDP has developed strong links with local authorities and their partners a

number of additional professional bodies could be included to assist further dissemination

of principles and best practice. For example, one of the consultees was a member of the

Air Technical Panel of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management

(CIWEM) but was not aware of the Low Emissions Partnership. This research prompted

the consultee to request further information so that this could be disseminated to the

Recommendation 3: Consider developing a training package based on the IEMA

carbon accounting and management syllabus to be offered at accredited centres.

Recommendation 4: Continue to support projects designed to assist more thorough

analysis of air quality data.

Recommendation 5: Consider the need for market intelligence to determine future

training needs of young professionals entering the workforce.

Recommendation 6: Consider strengthening links with accredited environmental health practitioner programmes to raise the profile of environmental protection generally and low emissions strategy work.

Recommendation 7: Continue to promote the work of the LESDP through fostering links with professional bodies.

P A G E | 78

group. The Air Technical Panel includes representation from both local authorities and

consultancies and, as such, includes a valuable cross-section of technical specialists.

As an initial pilot it is suggested that a bid made to the CLASP Local Partnerships Small

Projects Fund would allow training materials to assist training provision for North West

local authorities. Further funding may be secured through the European funding

mechanisms outlined in the previous chapter.

Recommendation 8: Enter into discussion with relevant bodies in preparation for a bid to secure European funding for development of structured training to be made available through blended learning.

P A G E | 79

8 References

Feasibility Study Report

Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP)

Reference Sources

AEA Energy & Environment. 2008. Local & Regional CO2 Emissions Estimates 2005-2006 [online],

London: Defra. Available Internet:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/evidence/statistics/environment/globatmos/galocalghg.htm

Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG). 2007. Air Quality and Climate Change: A UK Perspective, London:

Defra Publications.

Air Quality Management Resource Centre (University of the West of England) and Air Quality Consultants Ltd (AQMRC & AQCL). 2007. Evaluation of support provided by Defra and the Devolved

Administrations to Local Authorities for air quality reviews and assessments (2004-2007), London:

Defra Publications.

Amann, M. 2008. The Greenhouse Gas – Air Pollution Interactions Synergies Model (GAINS),

EC4MACS, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis.

Bath & North East Somerset Local Strategic Partnership. 2009. Sustainable Community Strategy 2009-

2026, Bath: B&NES LSP.

Beattie, C and Longhurst, J. 1999. Local Air Quality Management – A Best Practice Guide, Bristol:

University of the West of England.

Beattie, C I, and Longhurst, J W S. 2000. Joint working within local government: air quality as a case study. Local Environment, 5 (4), 401–414.

Beattie, C I, Longhurst, J W S and Woodfield, N K. 2001. Air quality management: evolution of policy and practice in the UK as exemplified by the experience of English local government, Atmospheric

Environment, 35 (8), 1479-1490.

Beattie, C I, Longhurst, J W S and Elsom, D M. 2004. Evidence of integration of air quality management in the decision making processes and procedures of English local government, Local

Environment, 9 (3), 255–270.

Burke, S, Gray, I, Paterson, K and Meyrick, J. 2002. Environmental Health 2012: A key partner in

delivering the public health agenda, London: Health Development Agency.

Collins, W J, Sanderson, M G, Manning, A J, Redington, A L and Derwent, R G. 2006. Global

Modelling of Transboundary Air Pollution, DEFRA CONTRACT No. CPEA7, London: Defra/Met Office.

P A G E | 80

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 2009. Local Air Quality Management – Policy

Guidance (PG09), London: Defra Publications.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 2007a. Evaluation of support provided by Defra

and the Devolved Administrations to Local Authorities for air quality action planning through local air

quality management, London: Defra Publications.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 2007b. Evaluation of support provided by Defra

and the Devolved Administrations to Local Authorities for air quality reviews and assessments, Defra

Response, London: Defra.

Department of Communities & Local Government. 2009. Local Priorities [online]. Available Internet:

http://www.localpriorities.communities.gov.uk/

East Devon District Council. 2008. Draft Climate Change Strategy, Executive Board Agenda Item 28

March 2008.

Elsom, D M. 2004. Air quality management – highlighting good practice, Clean Air and Environmental

Quality, 38 (1), 36-44.

Environmental Protection UK. 2009a. Air Quality and Climate Change Programme, Brighton: EPUK.

Environmental Protection UK. 2009b. Biomass and Air Quality Guidance for Local Authorities, Brighton:

EPUK & LACORS.

GVA Grimley. 2009. Cities, Commerce & Carbon, London: GVA Grimley.

HM Government. 2007. The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland,

London: The Stationery Office.

Jacob, D J and Winner, D A. 2009. Effect of climate change on air quality, Atmospheric Environment,

43, 51-63.

Leksmono, N S., Longhurst, J W S, Barnes, J H, Chatterton, T J and Hayes, E T. c2008. Innovative

learning opportunities to build capacity and capability in air quality and carbon management, AQMRC,

University of the West of England.

Longhurst, J W S, Beattie, C I, Chatterton, T J, Hayes, E T, Leksmono, N S and Woodfield, N K. 2006.

Local air quality management as a risk assessment process: Assessing, managing and remediating the risk of exceeding an air quality objective in Great Britain, Environment International, 32, 934-947.

Longhurst, J W S, Dorman, P, Leksmono, N S, Burnet, F, Weitkamp, E, Gibbs, D C and Beattie, C I. 2007. Steps to Better Practice. Guidance for Local Authorities on Local Air Quality Management

Consultation. University of the West of England, Bristol and University of Hull.

Manchester City Council. 2008. Manchester’s Local Area Agreement 2008/09 – 2010/11, Manchester

City Council.

Manchester City Council. 2005. Manchester Energy Strategy 2005-2010, Manchester City Council.

Nguyen, TB, Schoepp, W & Wagner, F. 2008. GAINS-BI: Business Intelligent Approach to Greenhouse

Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies Information System, Proceedings of the 10th

International Conference on Information Integration and Web-based Applications & Services, Session

iiWAS – Applications and Beyond.

P A G E | 81

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. 2008. The framework for higher education

qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Gloucester: QAAHE.

Stern, N. 2006. The economics of climate change (The Stern Review), London: HM Treasury.

Thambiran, T, Diab, R & Zunckel, M. 2007. Integration of climate change considerations into local air

quality management plans in South Africa [online], Available Internet:

http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/bitstream/10204/1735/1/Thambiran_2007.pdf

Vautard, R and Hauglustaine, D. 2007. Impact of global climate change on regional air quality, C.R. Geoscience, 339, 703-708. Warrington Borough Council. c2009. Climate Change Strategy for Warrington, Warrington Borough Council. Woodfield, N, Beattie, C, Laxen, D & Pilling, R. 2006. Development Control: Planning for Air Quality, Brighton: NSCA. Worcestershire Partnership. 2009. Climate Change Strategy 2005-2011: 2009 Review, Worcestershire Partnership.

P A G E | 82

APPENDIX I – FINAL VERSION OF THE SURVEY

P A G E | 83

School of Environment and Life Sciences

Feasibility study - Low Emissions Strategies Development Programme (LESDP) Questionnaire to identify training and updating requirements of local authority professionals employed within the field of air quality and climate change.

Please place an „X‟ in the relevant box or provide details requested.

SECTION 1: About the Local Authority 1. Name of your Local Authority ………………………………………………. 2. Which Directorate or equivalent and team are responsible for the Air Quality Review and Assessment duties

of the authority?

Directorate

Division/Team

3. Which Directorate or equivalent and team are responsible for the climate change policy development and

implementation in the authority?

Climate Change Strategy

Directorate

Division/Team

Climate Change Adaptation

Directorate

Division/Team

Carbon Reduction Commitment

Directorate

Division/Team

4. Government Office Region

East of England East Midlands London

North East North West South East

South West West Midlands Yorkshire & Humber

Wales

5. Type of local authority

Metropolitan District Unitary Authority London Borough

District

Urban Rural Mixed

6. Number of full-time equivalent staff undertaking air quality assessment and management

<1 1 1-2 2-3 >3

Principal Officer

Scientific Officer

Technical Officer

Other

P A G E | 84

7. Has the local authority included any of the following national indicators as priorities within the Local Area Agreement?

NI 185 NI 186 NI 188

NI 194

If any of these indicators have been adopted please continue at Question 8

No If „No‟ please continue at Question 9

8. Which Directorate or equivalent and team are responsible for the adopted indicators in the authority?

NI 185 (CO2 Reduction from LA Operations)

Directorate

Division/Team

NI 186 (Reduction in CO2 in the LA Area)

Directorate

Division/Team

NI 188 (Planning to Adapt to Climate Change)

Directorate

Division/Team

NI 194 (% Reduction in NOx and PM10 through LA’s estate)

Directorate

Division/Team

9. Has the local authority declared an Air Quality Management Area?

AQMA currently in place Please continue at Question 10

AQMA declared in the past but now withdrawn Please continue at Question 11

No Please continue at Question 11

10. For each AQMA please state the Air Quality Objective for which the AQMA is declared

PM

10

NO

2

SO

2

AQMA extends over two or

more LA boundaries

Daily

Ann

ua

l

Hourly

Ann

ua

l

Yes

No

AQMA 1

AQMA 2

AQMA 3

AQMA 4

AQMA 5

AQMA 6

P A G E | 85

11. Is the authority a member of a group comprising two or more authorities for the purpose of Air Quality Management?

Yes

No

12. Has the authority:

Yes No

Signed the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change

Participated in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign

Adopted an authority wide climate change strategy

Developed a sustainable procurement strategy

Adopted supplementary planning guidance on air quality impacts and mitigation

Adopted supplementary planning guidance on climate change impacts and mitigation

Continues on the next page

P A G E | 86

SECTION 2: Links between air quality, carbon reduction commitment and spatial planning Below each of the following statements please indicate where on the scale between 'Strongly Agree' and 'Strongly Disagree' most reflects your experience 13. Air quality staff are actively involved in developing planning policy related to their area of expertise

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

14. Air quality staff are consulted on all planning applications that have potentially significant air quality impacts

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

15. Air quality staff are able to influence planning decisions where evidence indicates that the application should

be refused on air quality grounds

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

16. Air quality staff have sufficient influence in the design of mitigation measures for developments that have

potentially significant air quality impacts

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

17. Climate change staff have sufficient influence in the design of mitigation measures for developments that

have potentially significant climate impacts

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

18. Climate change policy in the authority is linked to air quality management duties

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

19. The authority is adopting an integrated approach to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

20. Air quality staff are actively involved in climate change policy development and implementation

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

21. The authority has fully integrated air quality measures within the Local Transport Plan

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree

P A G E | 87

SECTION 3: Training needs assessment 22. What sources of guidance and information are currently used by air quality staff for updating knowledge and

skills?

Fre

qu

ently

Som

etim

es

Rare

ly

Never

EPUK Guidance

EMAQ Online Materials

IAPSC Materials

AQ Bulletin

Journals (e.g. ENDS Report)

CIEH Guidance

Defra Technical Guidance

Defra Policy Guidance

Defra Practice Guidance

UK Air Quality Archive Materials

Air Quality Review & Assessment Website Materials

Action Planning Help Desk

Review & Assessment Help Desk

Local Authority Support Help Desk

Planning Policy Statements

Guidance on Transport Assessment

CLASP Guidance

UKCIP Guidance

Other (please indicate up to five below)

23. Are the guidance and information materials sufficient to meet your needs for undertaking LAQM Review and

Assessment duties?

No Please continue at Question 24

Yes Please continue at Question 25

24. If current guidance and information is insufficient to meet your needs for undertaking LAQM Review and

Assessment duties please indicate up to five aspects of air quality management or greenhouse gas emissions management for which further guidance is needed?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

P A G E | 88

25. Please indicate the number of air quality staff with a specialist or related qualification

MS

c

BS

c

Dip

lom

a

Oth

er

Environmental Health Qualification

Air Quality Qualification

Environmental Science Qualification

Pollution Control Qualification

Climate Change Qualification

Other

26. What additional training has been undertaken by air quality or climate change staff?

Fre

qu

ently

Som

etim

es

Rare

ly

Never

IAPSC Conference

EMAQ Seminar Series

Air Quality Management Resource Centre Training Events

Local Events

CLASP Regional Events

UKCIP Events

Internal Training

Other (please indicate up to five below)

27. How effectively does existing provision meet your training needs?

Training needs are entirely met by existing provision

Training needs are only partially met by existing provision

Training needs are not effectively met by existing provision

P A G E | 89

28. Would you support the development of a national qualification in air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management to meet the training and updating requirements of local authority staff?

Yes

No

Any comments?

29. Do you consider that there is a need for a series of short courses to update existing staff on new

developments within air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management?

Yes

No

Any comments?

Continues on the next page

P A G E | 90

30. If a nationally recognised qualification were to be developed which of the following aspects of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management should be included?

Essentia

l

Rele

van

t but n

ot e

ssentia

l

Ade

qu

ate

ly a

ddre

sse

d b

y c

urre

nt p

rovis

ion

Not re

levan

t

Local air quality management framework

Pollution sources, composition and dispersal

Techniques for industrial emissions control

Environmental permitting

Interpretation of policy and technical guidance

Analysis of large data sets for LAQM Assessment

Application of software for data manipulation

Transport assessment

Modelling of point and road sources

Compiling and using emissions inventories

Use of GIS for spatial mapping and data manipulation

Implementation of actions plans

Quantification of air quality improvement schemes

Science of climate change

Links between LAQM and climate change

Climate change policy

Energy and carbon management

Analysis of greenhouse gas emissions

Developing and implementing low emissions strategies

Building design codes for carbon management

Data acquisition and reporting for performance framework

Adaptation measures and air quality impact

Sustainable fuels and air quality impact

Carbon mitigation schemes

Carbon reduction commitment impact

Spatial planning

Policy assessment tools (e.g. economic assessment)

Impact assessment tools

Sustainable procurement

Good practice examples

Other (specify up to five)

P A G E | 91

31. If a nationally recognised qualification were to be developed which of the following skills for successful of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management should be included?

Essentia

l

Rele

van

t but n

ot e

ssentia

l

Ade

qu

ate

ly a

ddre

sse

d b

y c

urre

nt p

rovis

ion

Not re

levan

t

Project management skills

Stakeholder engagement skills

Methods for influencing stakeholders

Collaboration and team work skills

Presentation and interpretation of factual information

Using appraisal checklists

Facilitation skills

Report writing

Conflict resolution skills

Leadership skills

Business change

Other (please specify up to five)

32. What are the principal drivers determining staff training on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

management? (1=Very Important 4=Not Important)

1 2 3 4

National drivers

Staff Appraisals

Developments in technology

Policy developments

Need to demonstrate competence

Improving service provision

Cost/budget

Improving performance

Other (please specify up to five)

P A G E | 92

33. If a nationally recognised qualification were to be developed which of the following qualification models would best meet the needs of your authority?

Yes

No

A structured modular programme delivered by accredited centres on a day release basis

A structured modular programme delivered by accredited centres via virtual learning environment (web-based)

A structured modular programme delivered on a block release basis (i.e. a series of short courses)

A structured work-based learning programme for which credit is given for successful completion of structured work based activities

A structured modular programme based on existing provision delivered on a day release basis

Other (please specify)

Any comments?

34. If a nationally recognised qualification were to be developed what academic level would best meet the

training needs of your local authority?

MSc

BSc

Diploma CPD

Any comments?

35. Please state your position in the local authority

Thank you for completing this questionnaire. Email to A.P.Clark@salford.ac.uk

P A G E | 93

APPENDIX II – FHEQ DESCRIPTORS FOR LEVEL 6 AND LEVEL 7

Level descriptors establish standardised benchmarks to guide the formulation of programme and module learning outcomes for higher education qualifications. The descriptors set out academic expectations of qualification holders learning outcomes based on knowledge, cognitive ability, practical and transferrable skills. These are complemented by subject specific benchmarks at undergraduate level.

P A G E | 94

Quality Assurance Agency

for Higher Education (2008)

P A G E | 95

Quality Assurance Agency

for Higher Education (2008)

P A G E | 96

APPENDIX III – COMMENTS FROM SURVEY RESPONDENTS

Comments were collected against a number of questions posed in the questionnaire. This appendix summarises these comments. Comments are discussed further in the body of the report.

P A G E | 97

QUESTIONNAIRE COMMENTS Would you support the development of a national qualification in air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management to meet training and updating requirements of

local authority staff?

No Small authority so EHOs are ‘generalists’ – AQ occupies about 40% of my annualised time; therefore 2 days per week average although the majority is used for report writing in conjunction with two AQMAs.

No There are competent officers without having to have a qualification. However it could be useful for those who want to undertake a qualification.

No Not appropriate for my needs at this moment in time. No Unnecessary – the ‘training’ is met by short courses which are effective by tailoring to the latest guidance.

Knowledge of the topic/subject area to be achieved by more wide ranging qualification – environmental science. Not enough jobs for ‘specialist’ graduates.

No I work in a small authority – officers need generalist skills with some specialist qualification; often work is split between two teams and keeping two highly specialised officers would not be sustainable.

Yes Whilst this would be good, provision of air quality and climate change is under review [in the authority]; climate change functions may be moved to the policy section. Also budgetary constraints are restricting current training.

Yes Dependent on what the course covered; type of course, duration, funding etc… Yes Depends hugely on organisational structure of authority. If responsibilities are clearly divided between separate

teams, integration of air quality and greenhouse gas emission functions difficult to integrate despite willingness and ability.

Yes Rural authorities often have one person with all AQ responsibilities and limited contact with regional or County Groups. This can make it difficult if having to run two or more disciplines as there is little time and scope for developing knowledge.

Yes The amalgamation of work on air quality and climate change is a very logical step to prevent duplication. Officers involved in these areas include a range of officers from varying backgrounds – e.g. very technical, scientific or policy. All these officers will have particular areas of strength but also areas of limited knowledge – e.g. Energy Officer often become the main climate change officers at council and will be very knowledgeable on buildings but will have little knowledge on transport and air quality. Training could help to fill the gaps in officers’ existing knowledge.

Yes I believe there is a need for a Diploma level qualification covering the basic science of air pollution, legal review and assessment requirements and integration with agencies/industry to work towards better air quality in the future. I think there is a distinct lack of understanding about the importance of air quality (and our impact on it) within local authorities.

Yes For NEW staff.

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Yes Would help to standardise level of knowledge across local authorities. Also useful for staff development purposes and increasing the quality of provision.

Yes Within Norfolk I am not at all involved in climate change policy as this is managed by the sustainability team. They look at air pollution from council buildings and vehicle fleet but not general air quality.

Yes With the caveat that it should be understood that in my experience there are few Las who have a joint working arrangement with climate change and AQ staff.

Yes Would be good if it helped to integrate these two areas as they are managed and worked on entirely separately.

Yes Provided this was reasonably priced and accessible. Yes If training is local and accessible. Yes Keep it simple, focused, effective, practical, local, cheap. Yes Especially if it could be a correspondence course. Yes I would extend the training into environmental management systems. I would also like to see a broader climate

change adaptation module. Yes Would suggest it more as a module within an MSc course with a strong environmental chemistry background. Yes Any training should be designed so that already busy staff can fit development into working day. Yes But Wales currently has an air quality forum and any issues are currently addressed through that. Yes Funding is always an issue and so any qualification needs to be: a) cheap b) subsidised c) free d) a requirement. Yes Air quality and climate change staff do not necessarily require the same training. Yes I am nearing retirement – the remaining/existing staff have had, as yet, little training. I learnt on the job having

had many years of experience in the water industry. Staff are expected to generalise in all pollution fields. Yes As I work primarily in AQM I have less interest in greenhouse gas emissions management – I would look to a

qualification that was flexible in its emphasis to meet m requirements. Yes Although current staff [in the authority] have been involved in AQM since the 1990s (and AQ before that) the

learning process has had to be “on the job”, developing the knowledge and skills required. A national qualification would help to identify prospective new staff with a measure of knowledge although they may not have the experience.

Yes (in principle) For current staff in the economic climate experienced by all local authorities training away from the office for a long term course is difficult but there is a need to train replacements for the team when retirement comes around.

Yes (in principle) Considering that I have completed a number of degrees (just recently finished an MSc) I would not wish to complete further training BUT it is a way forward for training purposes, if it is fully recognised and accredited. Good if it was by distance learning.

P A G E | 99

Do you consider that there is a need for a series of short courses to update existing staff on new developments within air quality and greenhouse gas emissions management?

No Short courses already available e.g. EMAQ, EPUK. No Probably not – as specific aspects are generally covered by EPUK, IAPSC – but this doesn’t take climate change

aspects into account. Yes Needs to be aimed at specialist areas i.e. planners, estates, ecology staff. Yes Again dependent on what is covered – has to be new, clear information Yes Only a need if it doesn’t repeat info already available through other routes – it must disseminate NEW

approaches that are very specific to the integration of the two subject areas and can be accommodated in varying local authority team structures.

Yes Should be local/Regional (no more that about 50 miles really – takes a .lot of time to travel to London etc. Cost of training is often prohibitive we can usually fund around £100 per person max

Yes But you need the right people involved. The whole approach to AQ is very disjointed with this authority. However this is partly due to the fact that we don’t have either a senior pollution officer or a Principal EHO in pollution control.

Yes Present day courses are adequate – perhaps two per year. Yes Cost is very prohibitive. I am an EHO and allowed £350 per year. Technical Officers are allowed £200 a year. Yes Regional venues would be most useful. Yes If anything to integrate these two areas of work. Yes Although EMAQ courses fill this role partly could be more frequent. Yes Online would be extremely useful due to costs and time involved. Yes EMAQ attempts to do this at present. Yes Often a requirement to address new subject areas, such as climate change, falls to existing staff; therefore a

series of short courses that provide the necessary training would be useful. Yes Staff who work in this area on a day to day basis probably no. But would be beneficial to keep planning officers

up to date who do not normally work with this material on a day to day basis. Also useful for staff who have been out of the field for 2-3 years.

Yes This should be delivered regionally and at low cost. Local government East Midlands Improvement through collaboration would be appropriate.

Yes This seems more appropriate for small authorities. Yes However these training opportunities already exist! Yes The technical aspects of AQM are adequately covered by the available guidance and helpdesk services. Training

provision relating to links between AQM and climate change (technical and policy issues) could be further developed.

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APPENDIX IV – MAPPING OF FORMAL ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

P A G E | 101

EP/AQM/CC Related MSc/PGDip/PGC by Region East Midlands

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct

Indirect Supporting

University of Derby, Derby

Environmental Management

MSc 12FT 24-36 PT

Undergraduate degree (minimum second class award)

£420 per single module £780 for Independent Study

Climate Change and Human Response

Waste Management Environmental Policy and Law,

Environmental Management and Audit, EIA

Administrator 01332 591 703 fehs@derby.ac.uk

Environmental Health

MSc 24 FT 48 PT 48 DL Honours degree £195-£420 per single module £780 for Independent Study

Waste Management Environmental Policy and Law, Environmental Management

Environmental Health

Administrator 01332 591 703 fehs@derby.ac.uk

De Montfort University, Leicester

Environmental Protection, plus Professional Environmental Protection Diploma

PGDip16 DL PGCert 8 DL Professional Diploma 16 DL

Professionals with relevant experience or An Honours degree in Science

Part-time £4,140 Water and Air Quality Waste Management Pollution control Admissions 0116 257 7700 hls@dmu.ac.uk

Environmental Quality Management F85172

MSc 12-18 DL PGDip 36-48 DL PGCert 36-48 DL

Honours degree in Science

Part-time £345 per 15 credit module and £1,380 for a 60 credit dissertation

Air Quality Water & Waste Management IPPC, Environmental Management Systems and Health & Safety

Admissions 0116 257 7700 hls@dmu.ac.uk

De Montfort University, Leicester

Environmental Technology and Management

MSc 12 FT First degree in an appropriate

£4,140 Air Quality Water & Waste Environmental Management, Environmental Policy

Admissions 0116 257 7700 hls@dmu.ac.uk

Climate Change and Sustainable Development

MSc 12 FT 24 PT 36 DL PGDip 32 DL PGCert 16 DL

A good degree in a relevant subject or five years' work experience in an appropriate field

Society and Climate Change Energy Pollution, Resource Use, Sustainable Development

Jane Berry +44 (0)116 207 8698 jberry01@dmu.ac.uk

University of Northampton, Northampton

Environmental Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT A first or second-class Honours degree, or equivalent

£4,500FT Climate Change Energy, Waste, Water Management Environmental Management Admissions 01604 735500 admissions@northampton.ac.uk

Loughborough University, Loughborough

Environmental Studies

MSc 12 FT 24-96 PT PGDip 12 FT 24-60 PT PGCert 12-36 PT

Honours or an equivalent professional qualification

Not specified Energy, Waste Environmental Management Dr Lois Child 01509 222558 chemistry@lboro.ac.uk

University of Nottingham, Nottingham

Environmental Engineering

MSc 12 FT Diploma 9 FT

Various £4,370FT

Air pollution Waste Management Environmental Management Dr John Andresen 0115 951 4640 john.andresen@nottingham.ac.uk

Environmental Management

MA 12 FT 24 PT MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 9FT 8 PT PGCert 9 FT 18 PT

2:1 or equivalent for Masters

£4,370FT

Waste Management Environmental Management Sustainability, Ecology, Conservation

Postgraduate Admissions 0115 951 5575 pgadmissions@geography.nottingham.ac.uk

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East of England

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct Indirect Supporting

University of East Anglia, Norwich

Climate Change MSc 11 FT 2(i) honours degree £4 ,450FT Climate history, Present-day climate variation and climate prediction, and the impacts of climate change on human welfare

Faculty of Science Admissions 01603 593503 env.msc.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Atmospheric Sciences

MSc 11 FT 2(i) honours degree £4 ,450FT Modelling in the study of the atmosphere and climatic change

Meteorology, chemistry Marine and Terrestrial Environments Faculty of Science Admissions 01603 593503 env.msc.admiss@uea.ac.uk

MSc Environmental Sciences

MSc 11 FT 2(i) honours degree £4 ,450FT Climate change Waste Management Environmental Management

Faculty of Science Admissions 01603 593503 env.msc.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Climate Change and International Development

MSc 12 FT Good academic background or significant professional experience

£4 ,450FT Climate Change Policy for Development

Environmental Management Tools and Skills in Environment and Development

Daniel Lightening +44 1603 591393 pgdev.admiss@uea.ac.uk

University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Environmental Management for Business

MSc 12-15 FT 24-60 PT PGDip 12 FT 18-48 PT PGCert 12 FT 18-48 PT

Second class honours degree in environmental sciences

£3,145FT Transport and Energy Planning Environmental Management, Corporate Social Responsibility

Admissions 01707 284800 admissions@herts.ac.uk

Environmental Management

MSc 12-15 FT 24-60PT PGDip 12 FT 18-48 PT PGCert 12 FT 18-48 PT

Second class honours degree in environmental sciences

Not specified Environmental Management Biodiversity and Conservation

Admissions 01707 284800 admissions@herts.ac.uk

Cranfield University, Cranfield

Environmental Diagnostics and Management

MSc 12 FT 24-36 PT PGDip 12 FT 24-36 PT

1st or 2nd class UK honours degree, or the equivalent

£3,950 FT

£1,070 PT pa

Detection and monitoring of pollutants and other environmental markers in air, water and soil

Environmental Management

Enquiries Office +44 (0)1234 754 086 appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk

Environmental Management for Business

MSc 12 FT 24-36 PT PGDip 12 FT 24-36 PT PGCert 12 FT 24-36 PT

2nd class UK honours degree or equivalent

Not specified Globalisation and Environmental Change

Sustainability; Environmental Regulation & Policy; Environment and Society.

Enquiries Office +44 (0)1234 754 086 appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk

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Greater London

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct Indirect Supporting

Brunel University, Middlesex

Environmental Science: Legislation and Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT A good honours degree

FT £3,800 PT £1,900

Global Climate Change Waste Mgt EM, Law, Sustainable Development Margaret Wescott 01895 266105 margaret.wescott@brunel.ac.uk

Climate Change Impacts and Sustainability

MSc 12 FT 2 4PT honours degree

FT £3,800 PT £1,900

Global Climate Change, Climate and Health

Ecosystem Function; International Policy Analysis

Sustainable Development; Research and Critical Skills; Environmental Hazards and Risks,;

Margaret Wescott 01895 266105 margaret.wescott@brunel.ac.uk

Environmental Science: Pollution and Monitoring

MSc 12 FT 24 PT A relevant science based degree. Relevant work experience

FT £3,800 PT £1,900

Environmental Monitoring Environmental Pollution Sustainable Development, Environmental Hazard and Risk.

Margaret Wescott 01895 266105 margaret.wescott@brunel.ac.uk

University College London, London

Environment, Science and Society

MSc 12 FT Minimum lower 2nd-class degree

£5,260 FT The emergence of a scientific consensus on climate change and the national and international political response to this threat

Environmental Management, Sustainable Development

Study Information Centre 020 7679 3000 study@ucl.ac.uk

King's College London

Environmental Monitoring, Modelling & Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT 2:1 degree £3,450 FT Environmental, climatic and land use change; Environmental Modelling and Monitoring

Environmental Consultancy Dr Mark Pelling, Master's Admissions Tutor +44 (0)20 7848 2462 lindsey.mcbrayne@kcl.ac.uk

Global Environmental Change MSc

MSc 12 FT 24 PT 2:1 degree £5100 FT

Carbon Trading Waste Management and Energy Industries

Environmental Research, Management and Policy

Dr Mark Pelling, Master's Admissions Tutor +44 (0)20 7848 2462 lindsey.mcbrayne@kcl.ac.uk

Carbon: Science, Society & Change MSc

MSc 12 FT 24 PT 2:1 degree £5100 FT

Carbon cycle function, natural and human influences on the global carbon cycle

Environmental Management, Dr Mark Pelling, Master's Admissions Tutor +44 (0)20 7848 2462 lindsey.mcbrayne@kcl.ac.uk

Imperial Collage, London

MSc in Environmental Technology

MSc 12 FT A good Honours degree

Not specified Global Environmental Change and Policy; Pollution Management; Environmental Law; Environmental Pollution & Control

Energy Policy Environmental Policy and Management, Environmental Economics, Environmental Analysis and Assessment

Postgraduate Teaching Assistant Anna Lisowska + 44 207 594 9347 a.lisowska@imperial.ac.uk

Middlesex University, Middlesex

Environmental Pollution Control

MSc 12 FT 24 PT Good honours degree (2:2 or above

£4,800 FT Health, Ecological and Climatic Impact of a wide range of pollutants; Air pollution Control

Waste Management Environmental Management, Law & Governance

Admissions Office 020 8411 5898 admissions@mdx.ac.uk

Royal Holloway, University of London

Environmental Analysis and Assessment

MSc 12 FT 24 PT A good Honours degree (First or Second Class

£3,240 FT Quantitative Environmental Risk Assessment

Environmental Law, Impact Assessment and Audit

Ms Julie Brown 01784 443582 j.brown@gl.rhul.ac.uk

Practising Sustainable Development

MSc 12 FT 24 PT Diploma 6 FT 12 PT

A good academic background/ professional experience

£3,240 FT Environmental Monitoring Environmental Management; Sustainable Development

Liz Hamilton \ Karen Oliver +44 (0)1784 443563 liz.hamilton@rhul.ac.uk/karen.oliver@rhul.ac.uk

P A G E | 104

North East

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct Indirect

Supporting

Teesside University Middlesbrough

Environmental Technology

MSc 12 FT 24 PT Honours degree (at least 2:2

£4,050 FT Integrated Pollution Management Resource and Energy Management Environmental Management S. Joyce 01642 342499 sst-courses@tees.ac.uk

University of Sunderland, Sunderland

Environmental Management

MSc 12 FT 24-48 PT PGDip 12 FT 24-48 PT PGCert 12 FT 24-48 PT

First degree/relevant experience

£3,995 FT Resource use Environmental Policy; Environmental Management

Student Helpline 0191 515 3000 student-helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

Newcastle University, Newcastle

Environmental Consultancy MSc

MSc 12 FT An upper-second-class Honours degree in a related discipline

£4,195 FT Environmental Systems Modelling Sustainable Development and Environmental Change; Environmental Assessment & Resources; Environmental Law & Policy

Miss Sarah Tait +44 (0) 191 222 6889 biology.tso@ncl.ac.uk

Newcastle University, Newcastle

Clean Technology MSc 12 FT

PGDip 7 PT

A second-class Honours degree, or equivalent

£4,195 FT Pollution Monitoring; Air Pollution; Environmental Law & Policy

Waste Technology; Renewable Energy

Occupational & Environmental Monitoring

Debra Gray +44 (0) 191 222 6362 debra.gray@ncl.ac.uk

P A G E | 105

North West

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct Indirect Supporting

The University of Manchester, Manchester

Environmental Management

MSc FT 12 months, PT up to 60 months

At least a 2(i) honours degree or equivalent

£14,100 FT Waste, Sustainability, Resource Use

Environmental Management; Environmental Policy; Environmental Impact Assessment

Postgraduate Programmes Administrator 0161 306 4837 pgt-ceas@manchester.ac.uk

Environmental Technology

MSc 12 FT 60 PT PGDip 9 FT 24 PT PGCert 6 FT 12 PT

2(i) honours degree or equivalent

£14,100 FT Aerial Emissions Avoidance & Abatement

Waste, Sustainability Resource Use

Eco-Design & Green Chemistry Environmental Management; Environmental Impact Assessment

Postgraduate Programmes Administrator 0161 306 4837 pgt-ceas@manchester.ac.uk

Pollution and Environmental Control

MSc 12 FT Good first degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent)

Not specified Waste, Environmental Change; Programme Admin 0161 275 0776 pg-earthsci@manchester.ac.uk

University of Salford, Salford

Environmental Assessment and Management

MSc 12 FT 36 PT PGDip 9 FT 24 PT

honours degree (2.2) or equivalent

£3,800 FT £1,900 PT pa for 2 years

Air Quality Management, Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptation & Mitigation

Waste Risk; GIS; Sustainability; Environmental Management; Environmental Impact Assessment

Admissions Secretary 0161 295 5525 info-els@salford.ac.uk

Safety, Health & Environment

MSc 12 FT 36 PT PGDip 9 FT 24 PT

An honours degree or equivalent

£3,800 FT £1,900 PT pa for 2 years

Air Quality Management Occupational Safety & Health; Environmental Management; Environmental Policy

Environmental & Public Health

MSc 12 FT 36 PT PGDip 9 FT 24 PT

An honours degree or equivalent

£3,800 FT £1,900 PT pa for 2 years

Air Quality Management Environmental Health Issues; Epidemiology; Tackling Health Inequalities; Risk Assessment

Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester

Environment, Management and Sustainable Development

MSc 12 FT 36 PT PGDip 9 FT 24 PT PGCert 6 FT 12 PT

A relevant degree/professional experience

£4,025 FT Environmental Resources Monitoring

Environmental & Geographical Research; Sustainable Development

Departmental Administrator 0161 247 1600 pgegs@mmu.ac.uk

MSc Environmental and Climate Change: Specialism

MSc 12FT 12-36 PT PGDip 12 FT 12-36 PT PGCert 12FT 12-36 PT

A 2:1 Honours degree or above in a relevant subject

£4,025 FT Environment & Climate Change Environmental & Geographical Research; Environmental Change

Departmental Administrator 0161 247 1600 pgegs@mmu.ac.uk

Lancaster University, Lancaster

Energy and the Environment

MSc 12 FT 24 PT A second class honours degree or equivalent

£3,530 FT Energy Environmental Management Postgraduate Coordinator +44 (0)1524 593478 lec.pg@lancaster.ac.uk

Environmental Performance Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 12 FT 24 PT

An upper second class honours degree in a relevant discipline

£3,530 FT Energy, Waste Environmental Tools and Techniques; Public Communication; Environmental Performance Management

Andy Harrod 01524 593478 lec.pg@lancaster.ac.uk

Ecology and the Environment

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 12FT 24 PT

2nd-class Honours degree in an appropriate subject

£3,530 FT Environmental Pollution Waste, Water Environmental Management; Ecology Andy Harrod 01524 593478 lec.pg@lancaster.ac.uk

Resource and Environmental Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 12 FT 24 PT

An upper second class honours degree

£3,530 FT Energy, Waste, Resource Management

Environmental Management Andy Harrod 01524 593478 lec.pg@lancaster.ac.uk

Environmental Pollution and Protection

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 12 FT 24 PT

Second class Honours degree

£3,530 FT Science of Pollution; Pollutant Behaviour

Assessment Management & Remediation Strategies

Andy Harrod 01524 593478 lec.pg@lancaster.ac.uk

Lancaster University, Lancaster

Low-Carbon Energy

MSc 24 PT PGDip 18 PT

A first degree in a scientific, technical or management

£3,530 FT Energy Strategy or Managing Energy Use

Postgraduate Admissions Secretary 01524 594058 eng-gradadm@lancaster.ac.uk

University of Liverpool, Liverpool

Environment and Climate Change

MSc 12 FT PGDip 12 FT

Bachelors degree (with Honours) at 2:2

£3,390 FT Climate Processes & Variability

Sedimentary Records of Human Impacts

Environmental Change; Data Analysis & Modelling

Dr Fabienne Marrett 0151 794 2881 F.marrett@liv.ac.uk

P A G E | 106

Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool,

Environmental Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 9 FT 18 PT PGCert 6F T 12 PT

Good Honours degree in Environmental Science or equivalent

£3,445 FT £1,723 PT

Environmental Management, Nature Conservation Management, Interpreting Urban Change and Coastal Management

Postgraduate Administrator 0151 291 3389 postgraduate@hope.ac.uk

P A G E | 107

South East

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees

Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct Indirect Supporting

Oxford Brookes University, Oxford

Environmental Assessment and Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 9FT 21 PT

Upper second class honours degree, or equivalent

£5,450FT £2,910PT pa

Ecosystem Degradation & Management

Environmental Assessment & Management; Environmental Impact Assessment

Senior Postgraduate Administrator +44 (0)1865 483684 pgadmin.be@brookes.ac.uk

Health, Safety & Environmental Management

MSc 36 PT PGDip 24 PT PGCert 24 PT

Oxford Brookes / Woodland Grange Diploma or NEBOSH National Diploma in Health and Safety or equivalent

Not specified Applied Behavioural Management, Organisational Sustainability, Risk Management, Environmental Management, Environmental Technologies

Woodland Grange +44 (0)1926 336621 info@wgrange.com

Environmental Management and Technology

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 9 FT 18 PT

Upper second class honours degree or equivalent

Not specified Pollution Measurement and Analysis; Environmental Law & Decision Making

Management of Waste and Contaminated Land

GIS and Environmental Modelling; Environmental Management Systems

Postgraduate Administrator +44 (0)1865 483932 emt@brookes.ac.uk

University of Southampton, Southampton

Integrated Environmental Studies

MSc 12 FT 27 PT 2.1 honours degree or equivalent

£3,225 FT Environmental Law Global Environmental Issues Research Project Development, Techniques for Environmental Researchers.

Mrs Amanda Fielder 023 8059 3728 masters@civil.soton.ac.uk

Environmental Pollution Control

MSc 12FT 27PT 2.1 honours degree or equivalent

£3,225 FT Environmental Pollution, Air Quality& Pollution Control

Marine Environmental Pollution; Techniques for Environmental Researchers

Mrs Amanda Fielder 023 8059 3728 masters@civil.soton.ac.uk

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

MSc 12FT 27PT 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in relevant

£3,225 FT Environmental Audit and Risk Assessment; Environmental Management Systems.

Mrs Amanda Fielder 023 8059 3728 masters@civil.soton.ac.uk

University of Surrey, Surrey

Environmental Strategy

MSc 12 FT 12-60 PT PGDip 7 FT 7-48 PT PGCert 3 FT 3-36 PT

2:2 or equivalent Environmental Law Environmental Decision-making Tools Life-cycle Assessment; Environmental Auditing & Management Systems; Environmental Values; Sustainable Development

Mrs Penny Savill 01483 689047 ces-pgt@surrey.ac.uk

University of Brighton, Brighton

Environmental Assessment and Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 12 FT 24 PT PGCert 12FT 24 PT

Honours degree or equivalent

£3,780 FT Air Quality Management Environmental Law and Policy

Energy EIA; Systems for Environmental Management; Environmental Assessment in Practice

Enquiry Team 01273 600900 admission@bton.ac.uk

P A G E | 108

South West

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees

Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct Indirect Supporting

University of Exeter, Exeter

Sustainable Development (Climate Change and Environment)

MSc 12 FT 24 PT 12-60 DL

A 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent

£4,500 FT Statistics & Modelling for Climate Change, Recent & Contemporary Environmental Change

Sustainable Development; Environment, Governance & Policy

Dr Stewart Barr 01392 263 832 s.w.barr@exeter.ac.uk

Climate Change MA 12 FT 24 PT

A Second Class Honours degree or equivalent

£4,500FT Themes in Climate Change Cultures of Climate Change Research Methods in Climate Change Climate Futures

Historical Geographies of Environmental Change

Sustainable Development; Environment, Governance & Policy

Dr Kathryn Yusoff +44 (0) 1326 253 253787 k.yusoff@exeter.ac.uk

University of Exeter, Cornwall campus

Climate Change & Risk Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT A Second Class Honours degree or equivalent

£4,500 FT Themes in Climate Change Cultures of Climate Change Research Methods in Climate Change; Climate Futures; Climate Hazards and Risk Assessment; Statistics and Modelling for Climate Change Science

Understanding & Communicating Climate Change Science

Dr Stephan Harrison +44 (0) 1326 371871 Stephan.harrison@exeter.ac.uk

University of Exeter, Cornwall campus

Energy Policy & Sustainability

MSc 12 FT 24 PT A Second Class Honours degree in Geography or a related environmental discipline

£6,500 FT Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Policy Making for a Low Carbon Future,

Energy Policy & Sustainability; Understanding & Communicating Climate Change Science

Josie Turner, Administrator +44 (0) 1326 254229 j.turner@exeter.ac.uk

Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester , Gloucestershire

Climate Change & Development

MSc 12 FT 24 PT BSc Hons degree at upper second level or HND award with a Distinction profile, plus a minimum of two years work experience

Not specified Climate Change & Development; Mitigation & Adaptation Strategies

Sustainable Development Admissions 01285 652531 admissions@rac.ac.uk

University of Plymouth, Plymouth

Global Environmental Change

MSc 12FT 24 PT PGDip 9 FT

A good degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject

Not specified Fundamentals of Meteorology & Climatology; Global Environmental Variability, Science & Policies

Environmental Management Faculty of Science 01752 584584 science@plymouth.ac.uk

Sustainable Environmental Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 9 FT

A good degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject

Not specified Environmental Assessment, Audit & Policy-making; Scientific Basis of Environmental Systems; Ethical & Legal Aspects of Environmental Management

Postgraduate Admissions 01752 585500 ssb.graduateoffice@plymouth.ac.uk

P A G E | 109

Wales

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct Indirect Supporting

Cardiff University, Cardiff

Sustainable Energy & Environment

MSc 12 FT 24-36 PT An upper second class Honours degree (or equivalent

£3,300 FT Airborne Pollution Waste Management; Energy Management; Fuel & Energy Systems

Sustainable Development Lifecycle Analysis

The Admissions Office +44 (0)29 2087 4656 engineering-pg@cardiff.ac.uk

Swansea University, Swansea

Environmental Dynamics and Climatic Change

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 9 FT

A good second class degree.

£3,390 FT Environmental Dynamics and Climatic Change, Measuring and Monitoring Environmental Dynamics and Climatic Change

Materials Recycling Techniques: Environmental Management; Sustainable Development

Mrs Sandra Kramcha 01792 295333 s.kramcha@swansea.ac.uk

University of Glamorgan, Cardiff

Environmental Management

MSc 12 FT 36 PT Good Honours degree

£3,390 FT Corporate Management Systems; Carbon Management & Environmental Control

Environmental Management Enquiries & admissions Unit, 0800 716925 enquiries@glam.ac.uk

Environmental Conservation Management

MSc 12 FT 24 PT A good Honours degree in an environmentally-related subject

£3,390 FT Global Climate Change; Sea-Level Rise

Environmental Management; Sustainable Development

Enquiries & admissions Unit, 0800 716925 enquiries@glam.ac.uk

P A G E | 110

West Midlands

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct

Indirect Supporting

Coventry University, Coventry

Environmental Management

MSc 12 FT 24-36 PT A good 2nd class Honours degree in Science or Engineering or equivalent

£3,600 FT IPPC; Environmental Law Environmental Management; Environmental Policy; Environmental Auditing; Environmental Impact Assessment

Postgraduate Admissions Ns 024 7688 7667 postgraduate@coventry.ac.uk

Climate & Environmental Change

MSc 12 FT 24 PT Good 2nd class Honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline

£3,600 FT Energy & Carbon Management Environmental Reconstruction; Geographical Information Systems

Graduate & CPD Centre Admissions 02476 88 7091 postgraduate@coventry.ac.uk

University of Warwick, Warwick

Environmental Bioscience in a Changing Climate

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 12 FT 24 PT

Second class honours degree, or an equivalent

£4,070 FT Impacts of Climate Change; Environmental Law; Environmental Regulation

Environmental Bioscience in the Carbon Economy

MSc Teaching Co-ordinator +44 (0)24 7657 4995 whri.msc@warwick.ac.uk

University of Birmingham, Birmingham

Air Pollution Management and Control

MSc 12 FT 24 PT PGDip 12 FT

Second Class Honours degree

£4,750 Atmospheric Physics and Thermodynamics; Air Pollution Meteorology; Air Pollution Chemistry; Air Quality Management; Causes & Effects of Air Pollution; Industrial Gas Discharge Control

Dr Jacob Baker 0121 414 2680 j.baker@bham.ac.uk

Applied Meteorology and Climatology

MSc 12 FT Second Class Honours degree

£4,750 Atmospheric composition and physics; Atmospheric dynamics; Atmospheric data processing and statistics; Air pollution chemistry; Causes and effects of air pollutants

Weather forecasting and climate modelling; Meteorological applications and services;

University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton

Environmental Management

MSc 12 FT 24-48 PT A 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent

Cost per credit - £20.89 Environmental Planning Advanced Methods in Environmental Management; Environmental Problem Solving

School of Applied Sciences Office 01902 322667 sas-enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Environmental Technology

MSc 12 FT 24-48 PT A 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent

Cost per credit - £20.89 Water & Air Pollution Control Environmental Biotechnology Environmental Problem Solving Environmental Research Methods

School of Applied Sciences Office 01902 322667 sas-enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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Yorkshire and Humber

Institution/ Location

Course Title Qualification/Length/ Mode (FT/PT/DL)

Entry Qualification Fees

Subjects Covered Contact Details

Direct

Indirect Supporting

University of Leeds, Leeds

Sustainability (Climate Change)

MSc 12 FT 24 PT

A good first degree, an upper second classification or above, or equivalent

£4,300 Climate Change: Physical Science Basis; Climate Change: Impacts & Adaptation; Climate Change: Governance & Policy

Sustainability School of Earth & Environment 0113 3438109

Energy and Environment

MSc 12 FT PGDip 9 FT

Second Class Honours degree (2.2) or equivalent

£3,390 Atmospheric Processes; Control of Air Pollution; Industrial Air Pollution Monitoring; Greenhouse Gases-Policies & Technologies for Control; Engine Emissions Measurement; Diesel Particulates and NOx Emissions; Environmental Legislation

Waste Treatment & Disposal; Energy Management; Renewable Energy

Pollution Sampling & Analysis Postgraduate Admissions Team +44 (0)113 343 2343 tpgspemeadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

Transport Engine Emissions

MSc 12 FT 24-60 PT PGDip 12FT 24-60 PT

A good honours degree in a relevant Engineering or Science discipline

£3,390 Transport Emissions Modelling; Emission Measurements; Engine Emissions Reduction Techniques; Regulatory Standards

Student Support Team tpgspemeadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

University of York, York

Corporate Social Responsibility with Environmental Management

MSc 12 FT 2 (i) or equivalent degree in any relevant subject or a 2(ii) degree or equivalent in any relevant subject supplemented by relevant work experience

£3,390 FT £1,695 PT pa

Climate Change & Carbon Management; Environment, Law and Policy; Pollution Control

Waste Management CSR, Environmental Assessment; Quantitative Methods and Data Analysis

Dr. Beth Kewell, Programme Director, 01904 432702 bk503@york.ac.uk

Environmental Science and Management

MSc 12 FT PGDip 9 FT

An upper second class undergraduate degree, or equivalent

Climate Change: Science & Management Air Quality

Environmental Management; Tools for Environmental Assessment

Professor Mike Ashmore 01904 434070 ma512@york.ac.uk

Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield

Environmental Management for Business

MSc 12 FT A good first degree in a relevant area

Environmental Law Energy & Water Management, Transport Systems

Environmental Policy & Planning; Environmental Management Systems & Audit; Environmental Impact Assessment

Faculty of Development & Society 0114 225 4267

University of Hull, Hull

Environmental Technology

MSc 12 FT 24 PT 2:2 : any discipline £3390 FT Numerical Environmental Modelling

Waste Management; Renewable Energy

Environmental Assessment; GIS & Remote Sensing

Department of Geography 01482 465948 p.deutz@hull.ac.uk

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APPENDIX V – MAPPING OF EXISITNG TRAINING

P A G E | 113

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Certified Air Quality Training

Name of Training

Programme

Course

Provider

Location of

Course

Details Link

Use and application of

CERC software

(ADMS)

Cambridge

Environmental Research

Consultants (CERC)

Cambridge Training on the use and application of CERC software including ADMS-4, ADMS-Roads, ADMS-Urban,

EMIT (each 2 days) and Emissions Inventories (1 day). Costs are £475 for a 1 day course and £950 for

a 2 day course. Discounts available for groups e.g. for 4 delegates participating in a 2-day course the

cost per delegate is £550.

http://www.cerc.co.uk/

MCERTS &

Environmental

Source Testing

Association (STA)

Environment Agency

Various UK Air & Emissions Monitoring. Primarily directed at operators. Costs vary depending on the type of

training and whether the participant is a STA member. 1-day training typically £480 for non-members.

http://www.mcerts.uk.com/

http://www.s-t-a.org/training/?page=dates

Certificate in Pollution

Prevention and Control

Martin Cranfield

Associates & EPUK

Various UK Certified training on the principles of environmental permitting. Accredited by EHRB (CIEH). Fees are

approximately £150 per day of training. The accredited course consists of 5 classroom days - 3 days

Introduction to EPR, 1 day Advanced EPR and 1 day Monitoring for EPR.

http://www.cranfieldassociates.co.uk/Training.html

EMAQ+ AEA Technology &

Environment

Various UK EMAQ+ provides participants with both structured training and access to materials. Training addresses

three principal areas: Air Quality, Emissions Monitoring (Environmental Permitting) and Contaminated

Land. Essentials of PPC course has recently been added to the profile. Seminars in the AQ domain

relate to a range of topics and are responsive to updates.

http://emaq.aeat.com/index.php

Workshops OpenAir (University of

Leeds) and AirTrack

(Lancaster University)

Various UK The OpenAir project provides access to open-source tools for analysing air pollution data. Users are

required to register but registration is free of charge. The first workshop, "Towards Smarter Air-Quality

Analysis" was held in London in October 2009. Whilst not formally certified the nature of the event is

such that it will be repeated.

http://www.airtrack.lancs.ac.uk/

http://www.openair-project.org/index.php

Environmental

Training Courses

Enviro Technology

Services Plc

All UK

Air quality specialists. Training includes ambient air quality monitoring and stack emission testing.

Costs are approximately £500-£1000 per delegate. Latest information is for 2007 courses. Training link

contacted but researchers not provided with further information.

http://www.et.co.uk/cgi-

bin/services.cgi?section=1003&service=1002

Air Quality & Carbon

Management Training

AQMRC (Bristol) Various UK Training developed and delivered by the Air Quality Management Resource Centre (University of West

of England). Modules covering air pollution, LAQM, carbon management, LAQM tools, planning and

environmental permitting. Delivered at UWE or at a venue of choice.

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/aqm/training.html

P A G E | 114

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Air Quality Training Conferences and Events

Name of Training

Programme

Course

Provider

Location of

Course

Details Link

Air Quality

Conferences

IAPSC – Investigation of

Air Pollution Standing

Conference

Various UK Twice yearly conference examining air quality assessment and management in practice. The IAPSC

subscription fee allows a local authority member to send two delegates to each conference i.e. four

places per year.

http://www.iapsc.org.uk/index.php

Conference Care4Air South Yorkshire Clean

Air Campaign

Annual conference highlighting developments in the field of air quality management. Provides a forum

for sharing knowledge of best practice and links between air quality management, action on climate

change, planning and transport.

http://www.care4air.org/clearer_future.html

Meetings and events UK Dispersion Model

Users Group (UK-

DMUG)

Various UK Seminars and workshops. Costs dependent on membership to EPUK. http://www.environmental-protection.org.uk/events/

Seminars Welsh Air Quality Forum Various Wales Seminars organised on a regular basis for Welsh authorities. Recent seminar on links between air

quality and climate change.

http://www.welshairquality.co.uk/news_reports.php?n_acti

on=seminar&t=3

Seminar series and

workshops

Air Quality Management

Resource Centre

Various – South West

of England

South West England but events also arranged across the UK. Schedule of seminars and workshops on

air quality management.

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/aqm/training.html

Regional Group Air Quality Events

Events and meetings Midlands Joint Advisory

Council for

Environmental

Protection (MJAC)

Various West Midlands Supports joint working between councils in the Midlands and includes 34 local authorities. Has

developed Essentials of PPC with AEA Energy & Environment.

Currently undergoing reconstruction of website.

Events and training Sussex Air Quality

Partnership

Various Sussex The partnership provides assistance to members and information to the public via this web-site with

recent air quality data, news updates, educational resources, links and other services such as Air Alert.

http://www.sussex-air.net/

Guest speakers Essex Air Quality

Consortium

Various Essex The Essex Air Quality Consortium comprises each of the Borough, District and Unitary Councils, Essex

County Council, BAA Stansted Airport, the University of Essex and the Environment Agency.

http://www.essexair.org/

P A G E | 115

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Air Quality Training, Research and Practitioner Conferences

Name of Training

Programme

Course

Provider

Location of

Course

Details Link

Meetings and events Royal Metrological

Society

National (London) and

Local (Various

locations)

Whilst primarily of academic interest meetings and events include provision for climate change policy

considerations. Meetings and events are typically free or low cost.

http://www.rmets.org/events/meeting/

Seminar series Centre for Atmospheric

Science (University of

Cambridge)

Cambridge Whilst primarily of academic interest meetings and events include provision for practical examination of

air quality and climate change issues. A recent seminar examined characterisation and transportation

of atmospheric aerosols: the urban and rural environment and the burning of biomass.

http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/cas/seminars.html

Conference Institute of Environment

& Health (Cranfield

University)

Cranfield University Annual UK Review Meeting on Outdoor & Indoor Air Pollution Research. Principally a meeting for

researchers but including papers of direct relevance to practical air quality management.

http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/health/researchareas/environm

enthealth/ieh/page28010.jsp

Meetings and

Conferences

Automation and

Analytical Management

Group (Royal Society of

Chemistry)

Various UK and

Europe

Research focused meetings and conferences with presentations from leading researchers. Speakers

include both academic researchers and air quality practitioners.

http://www.rsc-aamg.org/Pages/Meetings.html

Seminars Environmental Research

Group (ERG) King’s

College London

London Research group specialising in emissions, monitoring and modelling including work with local

authorities. Seminars and workshops offered on an occasional basis.

http://www.erg.kcl.ac.uk/Default.aspx?DeptID=Home

Events and meetings Environmental

Protection UK

Various UK Seminars and workshops addressing policy and technical aspects of air quality management and other

environmental protection topics. A spring workshop on Air Quality and Climate Change is currently

being advertised.

http://www.environmental-protection.org.uk/events/

Air Pollution and

Monitoring Methods

Environmental &

Diagnostics

Management (Cranfield

University)

Cranfield University 4 day training course covering sampling, methods of analysis and microbiological monitoring

techniques. Aimed more at industrial hygiene rather than ambient air quality monitoring. Costs £1380

for the 4-day course.

http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/postgraduatestudy/taughtcou

rses/environmentaldiagnostics/shortcoursescpd/page12347

.jsp?id=edie

P A G E | 116

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Certified Climate Change and Carbon Management Training

Name of Training

Programme

Course

Provider

Location of

Course

Details Link

Carbon (GHG)

Management &

Accounting (IEMA)

Conestoga-

Rovers &

Associates

(Europe) Ltd

Various UK

2 day course aimed at individuals managing organisational carbon emissions. Includes: Background to

climate change; Developing a carbon accounting system; Managing greenhouse gas emissions;

Options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cost: £750 + VAT

http://www.cra.co.uk/

training@cra.co.uk

Practical

Carbon

Footprinting (IEMA)

Carbon &

Environment

Solutions (CES)

Various UK

1 day workshop limited to 12 places. http://www.carbonenvironmentsolutions.co.uk/9.html

Carbon Footprint

Management (IEMA)

Aspects International Various UK 1 day workshop £275 + VAT per delegate. CPD Certificate. http://www.aspexint.com/content.php?_p_=12&course=86

Carbon and Energy

Management (IEMA)

Olive Consulting Southampton 1 day course providing training on the identification, monitoring and management of carbon and energy

usage within organisations. £200 + VAT.

www.consultolive.com

Carbon Reduction

Commitment (IEMA)

Olive Consulting Southampton 1 day course providing training on the carbon reduction commitment for large organisations. £200 +

VAT.

www.consultolive.com

Carbon, GHGs, Foot

Printing, Accounting

and Management

(IEMA)

New N/A A new CPD training package addressing the climate change agenda. 6 modules covering: background

to climate change, drivers, measurement, methodologies, application and performance management.

http://www.iema.net/training/delegates/cpdcourses#crc

Various energy,

climate change and

environmental

management

South West Energy &

Environmental

Management Groups

Avon & Somerset

Cotswold

Devon & Cornwall

Wessex

4 groups within the South West of England comprising around 1,000 members. The groups have

operated since 1976. Events and seminars are organised on a regular basis for members. The EEMGs

provide continuing professional development, information exchange, specialist training and networking.

Organises the ENVEC annual conference on climate change.

http://www.oursouthwest.com/eemg/#info

P A G E | 117

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Climate Change and Carbon Management Seminars and Events

Name of Training

Programme

Course

Provider

Location of

Course

Details Link

UKCIP Tools Portfolio

Training

UKCIP Various UK UK Climate Projections – Projections in Practice Programme; Risk Workshop; BACLIAT – Business Area Climate Impacts Assessment Tool; e-learning available through registration

http://www.ukcip.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task

=view&id=205&Itemid=320

Carbon Reduction

Events

Environ UK Ltd Various UK Monthly schedule of local seminar events and online seminars. http://www.environcorp.com/locations/index.php?country=

United%20Kingdom

Annual Climate

Change Conference &

Exhibition

LGA, IDeA and Energy

Saving Trust

Various UK An annual conference on climate change issues of relevance to local authorities. This year’s

conference will be held in Liverpool at the end of January 2010.

http://www.local.gov.uk/lgv2/events/display-

event.do?id=116353

Events and Seminars Environmental

Resources Management

(ERM)

Various UK

Monthly schedule of local seminar events including carbon management. http://www.erm.com/

Events Climate Change Local

Area Support

Programme (CLASP)

Various – North West

of England

North West support network for local authorities. Events and seminars are held throughout the year to

assist local authorities in formulating strategies and actions plans for carbon reduction.

http://www.climatechangenorthwest.co.uk/web-portal.html

Climate Change

Seminars

Worcestershire County

Council and Partners

West Midlands

Seminars and events on climate change. Climate change conference held in June 2008. http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/community-and-

living/sustainability/what-is-wcc-doing/tackling-climate-

change/seminars-and-events-archive.aspx

Events, workshops

and webinars

Carbon Trust Various UK Energy management, carbon reduction and technical measures for carbon management. http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/events/Pages/default.aspx

Events South West Climate

Change Impacts

Partnership

Various South West

England but also UK-

wide

Climate change and sustainability workshops and seminars taking place monthly throughout the year.

An example of a coming workshop is ‘Train the trainer’ directed at local authority officers aiming to

support businesses in adapting to climate change.

http://www.oursouthwest.com/climate/events.htm

Events London Climate Change

Partnership

Various London Events relating to the work of the partnership aimed primarily at businesses. http://www.london.gov.uk/lccp/events/seminars/index.jsp

Events Climate North East Various NE England Events and workshops including Projections in Practice. http://www.climatenortheast.com/manageContent.aspx?obje

ct.id=10307

P A G E | 118

Events Yorkshire & Humber

Environment Hub

Various Y & H Events and workshops including Projections in Practice. http://www.yourclimate.org/

P A G E | 119

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING General Environmental Training, Seminars and Events

Name of Training

Programme

Course

Provider

Location of

Course

Details Link

Environmental

Management Training

seminars and

workshops

Merlin Events and

Marketing

Primarily London but

also other UK venues

Merlin Events & Marketing organises and promotes conferences, seminars, and training courses for the

buildings, construction and environmental industries. Forthcoming events include carbon footprinting

and energy audit workshops.

http://www.merlin-events.co.uk/eventlist.html

Events and seminars Gifford Various UK

Schedule of seminars and events. Mainly focused on civil engineering but does include events that

may be of relevance to local authority staff albeit marginal rather than core business.

http://www.gifford.uk.com/

Events and seminars Lancaster Environment

Centre

North West England Seminars, events and conferences on environmental topics relevant to the environmental technologies

sector.

http://www.lec.lancs.ac.uk/news_and_events/events/

http://www.lec.lancs.ac.uk/news_and_events/seminars/

Events and workshops Association for Public

Service Excellence

(APSE)

Various UK Seminars and workshops include a wide range of topics relevant to the public sector including

environmental management and protection.

http://www.apse.org.uk/seminars.html

Events LACORS Various UK Conferences and events covering aspects of local government service provision. http://www.lacors.gov.uk/lacors/home.aspx

CIEH Environmental

Management

Certificate

Various UK – 20

providers

Various UK Certified training accredited by CIEH covering aspects of environmental management and auditing. 40

hours of study and associated training. Aimed at managers the syllabus raises awareness of

environmental issues relevant to a range of services.

http://www.cieh.org/training/training3.aspx?id=500#

CIEH Level 2 Award in

Environmental

Principles and Best

Practice

Various UK Various UK Replaces the environmental awareness certificate. A one-day training course. http://www.cieh.org/training/training3.aspx?id=501

IEMA Certified

Training

Various UK Various UK Provides structured training for environmental managers including environmental auditing,

environmental management, sustainable procure, resource efficiency and carbon management.

http://www.iema.net/training/delegates/cpdcourses

Various Improvement &

Development Agency

and Local Government

Association

Various UK IDeA and the LGA run conferences throughout the year. Conferences are generally aims at Lead

Members and Chief Officers and focus on strategic matters. Conferences attendance may be free of

charge.

http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=170038

3

P A G E | 120

APPENDIX VI – MAPPING OF EXISTING TRAINING AGAINST TRAINING NEEDS

KEY

Comprehensive coverage of the topic

Topic covered in less detail

No evidence that the topic is addressed

* Knowledge and skills comprehensively developed that are related to the topic but in a different context

* Knowledge and skills partially developed that are related to the topic but in a different context

? Comprehensive coverage of the topic – assessment based on examination of the syllabus only

P A G E | 121

STR

UC

TUR

ED T

RA

ININ

G –

AIR

QU

ALI

TY

Air

Qu

alit

y &

car

bo

n M

an

agem

ent

Trai

nin

g (A

QM

RC

)

Cer

tifi

cate

in P

ollu

tio

n P

reve

nti

on

& C

on

tro

l (E

nvi

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me

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mit

tin

g)

Ad

van

ced

En

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nm

en

tal P

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Trai

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EMA

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(AE

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MC

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Ag

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)

Use

& A

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of

CER

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oft

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DM

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CER

C

Op

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ir &

Air

Trac

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sho

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(Un

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of

Leed

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La

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Me

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Sem

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AQ

MR

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Foru

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IAP

SC A

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An

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ST)

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E

Car

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Ma

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A)

Pra

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Fo

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Car

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En

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Ma

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Car

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Co

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Car

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UK

CIP

To

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Po

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rain

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(UK

CIP

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REG

ULA

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VEN

TS &

SEM

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Car

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Eve

nts

(En

viro

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Envi

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(ER

M)

Even

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Sem

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Clim

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SP)

Car

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REG

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Me

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Eve

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Atm

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sem

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Inst

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f E

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& H

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Cra

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Un

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sity

) C

on

fere

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Ro

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of

Ch

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try

(AA

MG

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Envi

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Gro

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(K

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Se

min

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MA

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GR

AM

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Ener

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En

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t (U

niv

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Sust

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ab

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ha

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Envi

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tal S

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an

d M

anag

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nt

(Un

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sity

of

York

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Air

Po

lluti

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Ma

nag

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nt

and

Co

ntr

ol (

Un

iver

sity

of

Bir

min

gha

m)

Atm

osp

her

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cie

nce

s (U

niv

ers

ity

of

East

An

glia

)

Clim

ate

Ch

an

ge (

Un

iver

sity

of

East

An

glia

)

Clim

ate

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an

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Su

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(De

Mo

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ort

Un

iver

sity

)

Local air quality management framework Pollution sources, composition and dispersal

Techniques for industrial emissions control Environmental permitting

Interpretation of policy and technical guidance Analysis of large data sets for LAQM Assessment * *

Application of software for data manipulation Transport assessment ?

Air Pollution Monitoring Techniques Modelling of point and road sources

Compiling and using emissions inventories Use of GIS for spatial mapping and data manipulation

Implementation of actions plans Quantification of air quality improvement schemes

Science of climate change ? Links between LAQM and climate change

Climate change policy ? Energy and carbon management ?

Analysis of greenhouse gas emissions ? Developing and implementing low emissions strategies

Building design codes for carbon management ? Data acquisition and reporting for performance framework ?

Adaptation measures and air quality impact * * Sustainable fuels and air quality impact

Carbon mitigation schemes ? * Carbon reduction commitment impact ?

Spatial planning ? Policy assessment tools (e.g. economic assessment) ?

Impact assessment tools ? Sustainable procurement ?

Good practice examples ?

P A G E | 122

University of Salford

School of Environment & Life Sciences Phone: 0161 295 7085 Peel Building Email: a.p.clark@salford.ac.uk Salford Crescent Internet: http://www.els.salford.ac.uk M5 4WT