Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy: Action Plan 2020 0… · facilities, County wide emergency...

Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy: Action Plan 2020

Appendix A

2

Contents

Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy: Action Plan 2020 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Priority Actions .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Actions relating to Carbon ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Quick Wins ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Actions relating to Carbon ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Works Programme Actions ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Actions relating to Carbon ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Future Work Programme Actions ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 29

Actions for Biodiversity and Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32

Quick Wins ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

Actions relating to Biodiversity and Wildlife ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32

Works Programme Actions ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

Actions relating to Biodiversity and Wildlife ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 36

Future Works Programme Actions ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36

Appendix A – Business As Usual ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 39

Carbon Actions ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 39

Biodiversity/Wildlife Actions ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40

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Introduction This document identifies the actions that can be implemented relatively quickly to deliver change (Quick Wins), the actions that will need to form priority Work Programmes and the actions that will need further

investigation to form Future Works Programmes if we are to achieve the ambitions within the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy. For completeness, actions that the County Council is already doing, which

contribute to the ambitions and therefore should continue to be delivered as ‘business as usual’ (subject to any necessary adaptation) are set out in Appendix 1.

Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy Ambitions

Key to using the document

The Key Actions are set out in a series of tables showing the following information.

Ambition: Each action is linked to one of the nine ambitions within the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy:

Leading in our own operations

1. Carbon neutral for our own operations by 2030

2. All operations and services to be ready for future climates

3. Improve biodiversity on our own land by 20% by 2030

4. Reduce what we throw away. Send nothing to landfill by 2030.

Enabling and Inspiring a sustainable county

5. Net zero greenhouse gas county before 2050

6. Our communities are ready for future climates

7. Improve wildlife on land and water by 20% by 2050

8. Clean air for all by 2030

9. Increase resource efficiency threshold in the County by 2050

10. All Ambitions – these actions will help to meet all of the nine ambitions above

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Proposed Action: This column details the proposed actions.

Proposed Lead Portfolio: This document has been prepared for presentation to the County Council, Cabinet Panels and so attributes actions relevant to portfolio areas. The column identifies the proposed lead

portfolio area to be accountable for the delivery of the action (it should be noted that actions will often be delivered via multiple service areas).

Impact (For Key Actions - Carbon): This specifies what the potential impact on reducing carbon emissions will be against the following thresholds:

• Low = It is estimated that implementing this action has the potential impact of reducing carbon emissions by Less than 100,000 kg of CO2

• Medium = It is estimated that implementing this action has the potential impact of reducing carbon emissions by Less than 250,000 kg of CO2

• High= It is estimated that implementing this action has the potential impact of reducing carbon emissions by more than 250,000 kg of CO2

Impact (For Key Actions - Biodiversity): This specifies what the potential positive contribution this action will have in helping to deliver this ambition. This is measured against the following thresholds:

• Low = Areas of green space that are either small, of high existing value or with significant site constraints to its enhancement

• Medium = Areas of green space of lower value and some site constraints to its enhancement

• High = large area of green space of predominantly low value with no constraints to its enhancement

Estimated/Potential Cost: An estimate of the potential cost for implementing these actions is measured against the following thresholds:

• Low = Cost to implement action is estimated to cost under £20,000

• Medium = Cost to implement action is estimated to cost under £100,000

• High = Cost to implement action is estimated to cost over £100,000

Timeframe: When the action is expected to be delivered.

Deliverability: Ranking actions in terms of their deliverability:

• Green = Action is understood to be highly achievable, implemented before 2025

• Yellow = Action is understood to be achievable and may require additional resourcing. These actions are expected to be implemented post 2025.

• Red = Action may have significant implications for implementation, either from a costing, resourcing or technological viewpoint. The delivery date is not understood and will require full scoping to determine follow up actions

Estimated/potential Cost: Where provided, an estimated cost of the proposed action is given and is based on the best available information at the time. It is recognised that for some actions, further work will

need to be undertaken to fully understand the potential cost implications.

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Priority Actions The actions set out in this document apply to all service areas and have been identify as necessary to meeting the challenging ambitions that the county council has set out in the Sustainable Hertfordshire

Strategy. Within these tables are certain actions that are priorities due to the impact that they will have, the speed of that impact and/or the need to establish a suitable evidence base from which to start other

actions (i.e. they are key to enabling the other actions). These particular actions are highlighted in bold within the main tables and are duplicated here for ease of reference.

Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy Ambition Priority Action

Carbon neutral for our own operations by 2030 Gather data to provide a baseline for all HCC owned and leased property. For leased properties, ensure that the provision of sustainability data forms part of the contract renewal. This action is defined as a quick win (QWCN6).

Carbon neutral for our own operations by 2030 Optimise the purchasing of energy from renewable sources. This action is defined as a quick win (QWCN7).

Carbon neutral for our own operations by 2030 Ensure costs associated with new infrastructure which is designed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and be future ready, feed into funding bids, including Section 106, the Community Infrastructure Levy and DfE funding. This action is defined as a quick win (QWCN10).

Net zero greenhouse gas county before 2050 Work with District and Borough Councils to develop a County wide EV charging strategy and ensure a suitable network is in place, with a range of charge points to cater for differing user groups, including rapid charging hubs and destination chargers. Where appropriate, support planning requirements for EV chargers in new developments. This action is defined as a quick win (QWNZ1).

Our communities are ready for future climates Develop a comprehensive communications strategy to engage all stakeholders (including households) with key sustainability initiatives, including water and energy efficiency. This action is defined as a quick win (QWFCR5).

All Ambitions Raise awareness, understanding of sustainable behaviours and future climate impacts within the wider County (for example educating children and helping to raise climate skills amongst residents, communities and the workforce). This action is defined as a quick win (QWAA12).

Carbon neutral for our own operations by 2030 Develop an approach for effective delivery of heating electrification projects across the Hertfordshire school and non-school estate. Progress a pilot scheme adopting a holistic, fabric first approach in order to accurately identify and measure the benefits in terms of delivery costs, whole life costs and ongoing operational savings when implementing across the wider school estate. This action is defined as a work programme (WPCN1).

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All operations and services to be ready for future climates Undertake a Climate Change risk assessment and workshop to review HCC assets and operations to implement climate resilient actions. Detailed outputs from the risk assessment and workshop need to include: - resilience of our services - resilience of our infrastructure - the need to update the document entitled ‘The Impact of Climate Change on Hertfordshire’s Health and Adult Care Services’ with Public Health, Children Services and the NHS This action is defined as a work programme (WPFC5).

Net zero greenhouse gas county before 2050 Deliver a countywide behavioural change and mobility management programme to promote home working, sustainable travel, electric vehicles and car sharing - seek to lock in some of the positive behaviour changes brought about by COVID-19 lockdown measures. This action is defined as a key work programme (WPNZ9).

Net zero greenhouse gas county before 2050 Work, via HCCSP, with the largest energy users and energy companies to develop and implement a countywide net zero energy strategy. This action is defined as a key work programme (WPNZ12).

Our communities are ready for future climates Work with external, countywide stakeholders (e.g. District and Borough Councils, water companies, public authorities such as NHS, police) to update the County wide climate risk assessment and adaptation plan. Key outputs should include identification of the most critical infrastructure and adequacy of existing facilities, County wide emergency flood procedures, opportunities for flexible working to reduce demand, maintenance schedules and procedures and water and resource availability. This action is defined as a key work programme (WPFCR7).

Clean air for all by 2030 Work together with Districts and Borough Councils (via HCCSP) to develop and deliver a countywide air quality strategy to reduce pollution hotspots and exposure and deliver Air Quality action plans to ensure improved local and regional air quality. This action is defined as a key work programme (WPCA8).

All Ambitions Introduce and implement a council-wide Sustainable Procurement Strategy to ensure purchasing and procurement processes consider the amount of carbon in key products and services that we buy. Set standards which align with the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy and incorporate sustainability requirements in contracts (for example; local/sustainable sources and material specifications). This action is defined as a key work programme (WPAA12).

All Ambitions Work with HCC&SP (and Herts Growth Board) to establish Hertfordshire as a leading "Sustainable County" with a view to attract inward investment and businesses. This action is defined as a key work programme (WPAA17).

All Ambitions Implement the Shaping our Future vision (including a review of COVID changes to working operations and behavioural change to support strategy ambitions i.e. potential changes to working operations / working from home). Measures may include: A work stream on IT and tools to troubleshoot digital professionalism in staff. Tools to allow people to work remotely. Procurement - In light of COVID-19 -Redesigning processes so that they can be delivered flexibly and remotely to our clients.

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This action is defined as a key future work programme (FWAA19).

Improve biodiversity on our own land by 20% by 2030 Develop a consistent baseline for biodiversity using the assessment method set out by Natural England (Biodiversity Metric 2.0) for Council land. This action is defined as a work programme (WPBD3).

Improve biodiversity on our own land by 20% by 2030 and Improve wildlife on land and water by 20% by 2050

Develop an overarching biodiversity strategy, this would set overarching objectives/targets and allow all departments to understand how they can contribute to this overarching strategy. This action is defined as a work programme (WPBD4).

Improve biodiversity on our own land by 20% by 2030 and Improve wildlife on land and water by 20% by 2050

Work with partners across the County to establish a countywide Biodiversity baseline in order to measure improvements in wildlife and biodiversity. Defining a clear approach for measuring this across the County. This action is defined as a work programme (WPWL4).

Clean air for all by 2030 Continue the implementation of Hertfordshire County Council's Air Quality Strategy with a focus on behavioural change, education and use of data. This action is already in progress and is defined as a continuation of ‘business as usual’.

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Actions relating to Carbon

Quick Wins

Carbon Actions considered as ‘quick wins’, to be delivered before 2025 – there are no additional costs associated with undertaking these actions,

they fall within existing resource allocations within service areas.

Sustainable Hertfordshire Ambition

Action Reference

Proposed Action Proposed Lead Portfolio Action or Priority Action to Lead, Enable or Inspire

1. Carbon Neutral QWCN1 Investigate the feasibility of alternative fuelled larger response vehicles in line with renewal schedule.

Community Safety & Waste Lead

1. Carbon Neutral QWCN2 Review and develop a business travel policy. Including introducing a travel hierarchy scheme for staff business travel, promoting meetings via video conferencing or teleconferencing, or travelling by walking, cycling and public transport wherever possible. Detailed measures could include combining site visits, car-sharing and encouraging the use of SMART / remote working facilities / contractors providing evidence through SMART devices. Encouraging staff to walk and cycle using HCC pool bikes.

Resources and Performance Lead

1. Carbon Neutral QWCN3 Develop options to optimise works scheduling on a route-based option to improve efficiency and reduce wasted journeys.

Highways & Environment Lead

1. Carbon Neutral QWCN4 Develop and implement HCC commuter travel plans for HCC main sites. Resources and Performance Lead

1. Carbon Neutral QWCN5 Continuation of the cycle to work scheme for staff, with regular staff surveys to invite employee feedback on facilities (i.e. showers, lockers) and secure parking requirements, and upgrade these where required.


1. Carbon Neutral QWCN6 Gather data to provide a baseline for all HCC owned and leased property. For leased properties, ensure that the provision of sustainability data forms part of the contract renewal.

Resources & Performance Lead Priority Action

1. Carbon Neutral QWCN7 Optimise the purchasing of energy from renewable sources. Resources & Performance Lead Priority Action

1. Carbon Neutral QWCN8 Include sustainability criteria in new school sponsorship competitions. Education, Libraries & Localism Lead

1. Carbon Neutral QWCN9 Develop an equipment plan which identifies more sustainable options for operational equipment (including battery operated electric tools and replacement of diesel operated tools, plant and machinery) to facilitate replacement of equipment (within our fire services and highways provisions).

Community Safety & Waste And Highways & Environment

Lead

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Action Reference


1. Carbon Neutral QWCN10 Ensure costs associated with new infrastructure which is designed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and be future ready, feed into funding bids, including Section 106, the Community Infrastructure Levy and DfE funding.

Growth, Infrastructure, Planning and Economy

Lead Priority Action

2. Future Climates QWFC1 Develop the emerging Guide for Developer Contributions to ensure that appropriate costs for each service are up to date and reflect the ambitions in the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy.


Lead

2. Future Climates QWFC2 Develop and implement the Future Depot Strategy to further improve sustainability elements of depot management.

Highways & Environment Lead

2. Future Climates QWFC3 Ensure all specifications incorporate the requirement for sustainability (depending on cost) in the contractor’s delivery solution, wherever possible.

Resources & Performance Lead

2. Future Climates QWFC4 Incorporate sustainability aspirations into Master Developer OJEU requirements. Resources & Performance Lead

4. Reduce Waste QWRW1 Establish material and specification options which will help to minimise our environmental impact and improve longevity of our projects across the service and our materials use.

Resources & Performance And Highways & Environment (relating to road materials).

Lead

4. Reduce Waste QWRW2 Ensure waste disposal from all service areas follows the reduce, reuse, recycle principles including all office waste.

Resources & Performance Lead

4. Reduce Waste QWRW3 Reduce the purchase/issue of non-recyclable promotional items, such as pens, stress toys etc. and ban helium balloons at HCC events.


5. Net Zero GHG QWNZ1 Work with District and Borough Councils to develop a County wide EV charging strategy and ensure a suitable network is in place, with a range of charge points to cater for differing user groups, including rapid charging hubs and destination chargers. Where appropriate, support planning requirements for EV chargers in new developments.

Growth, Infrastructure, Planning and Economy And Highways & Environment

Lead Priority Action

5. Net Zero GHG QWNZ2 Implement initiatives to support delivery of sustainable transport programme to support residents and businesses including cycling and walking. To capture the public's perception of barriers to walking or cycling.

Growth, Infrastructure, Planning and Economy And Highways & Environment

Enable & Inspire

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Action Reference


6. Future Climate Ready

QWFCR1 Develop a county infrastructure pipeline project, outlining the variety of different infrastructure projects required to mitigate the impact of good growth.


Enable & Inspire


QWFCR2 Ensure sustainability is embedded into the Roads in Hertfordshire Design Guide to improve design and build schemes on our network.

Highways & Environment Enable & Inspire


QWFCR3 Ensure planning applications incorporate flood risk assessments and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems in order to ensure new developments address future climate scenarios.


Enable & Inspire


QWFCR4 Implement sustainability advice in all that we do in future for example advice to the public, partners and businesses through Trading Standards.

Community Safety & Waste Enable & Inspire


QWFCR5 Develop a comprehensive communications strategy to engage all stakeholders (including households) with key sustainability initiatives, including water and energy efficiency.

Highways & Environment Enable & Inspire Priority Action


QWFCR6 Hold Climate Resilience discussions with District and Borough Councils and neighbouring authorities to identify ways to share best practice, support planning, encourage networking and joint initiatives through Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership.


8. Clean Air QWCA1 Incorporate the use of webcams, live capacity information and anti-idling at Recycling Centres (RCs) so people can assess how busy they are in order to reduce queuing and vehicle emissions.

Community Safety & Waste Enable & Inspire

8. Clean Air QWCA2 Promote the use of alternative, sustainable forms of travel, promote use of public transport, cycling and hybrid/electric vehicles both within the county and wider.

Resources and Performance (for HCC staff) And Highways & Environment

Enable & Inspire

8. Clean Air QWCA3 Support the inclusion of policies within emerging Local Plans to ensure protection of health and wellbeing which require proposals to demonstrate how potential health impacts relating to climate change have been addressed.


Enable & Inspire

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Action Reference


8. Clean Air QWCA4 Implement targeted Anti-idling campaigns (including around schools and RCs). Growth, Infrastructure, Planning and Economy And Highways & Environment

Enable & Inspire

8. Clean Air QWCA5 Provide input to the review of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy to ensure alignment with the Air Quality strategy and, wider Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy. Review the Health and Wellbeing Strategy to reflect the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy with Public Health.

Highways & Environment And Public Health & Prevention

Enable & Inspire

8. Clean Air QWCA6 Work with Adult Care Services and Public Health (and other services) to explore opportunities from lessons learnt from the COVID pandemic, in particular around positive changes in behaviours.


8. Clean Air QWCA7 Develop a spatial planning informative note for new developments which covers air quality. Public Health & Prevention Enable & Inspire

9. Resource Efficiency QWRE1 In line with the emerging Waste Local Plan, ensure waste management facilities are developed close to origins of waste in order to reduce transport movements of waste.


Enable & Inspire

9. Resource Efficiency QWRE2 Produce a Circular Economy Framework (to sit on the HCC webpages) to guide Minerals and Waste and District and Borough planning applications in driving waste up the waste hierarchy, reducing waste generation and increasing reuse. Push Circular Economy concepts and Circular Economy statements as key considerations in the planning process.


Enable & Inspire

9. Resource Efficiency QWRE3 Include a policy within the emerging Minerals Local Plan which supports the use of secondary and recycled materials to contribute to improved resource efficiency.


Enable & Inspire

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Action Reference


9. Resource Efficiency QWRE4 Work with key stakeholders (such as Herts Waste Partnership and HCCSP) to promote greater resource efficiency and develop a 'route map' outlining how Hertfordshire's resource efficiency target will be met and set performance measures to benchmark success.


Enable & Inspire

9. Resource Efficiency QWRE5 Promote the implementation of the waste hierarchy within County and District/Borough local plans and via consultations on planning applications.


Enable & Inspire

9. Resource Efficiency QWRE6 Implement the Waste Management Prevention agenda and related projects. Community Protection & Waste Enable & Inspire

9. Resource Efficiency QWRE7 Increase segregation and recycling of bulky waste at RCs. Community Protection & Waste Enable & Inspire

10. All Ambitions (Leader in Our Operations)

QWAA1 Establish a working group to lead ideas on behaviour change, campaigns and incentives. Highways & Environment Enable & Inspire


QWAA2 Raise awareness, understanding of sustainable behaviours and future climate impacts within HCC (for example via driver training).

All Enable & Inspire


QWAA3 Review the content, modules and delivery mechanism of Building Futures to replace current approach with a signposting service.


Enable & Inspire


QWAA4 Incorporate sustainability questions and criteria for Design and Capital Delivery and Facilities Management tenders.

Resources and Performance Enable & Inspire


QWAA5 Establish a cross service-area sustainability working group to oversee the delivery of the Sustainable Hertfordshire ambitions, co-ordinate actions, approaches and realise synergies between investment strategies.



QWAA6 Incorporate Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy priorities on the agenda at all future team meetings and appoint a sustainability champion to promote best practice within each Service Area.

All Enable & Inspire


QWAA7 Convene an expert Climate Change/Sustainability Commission to advise Hertfordshire on fast action and be an impartial counsel on HCC progress.


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Action Reference


10. All Ambitions (Enable & Inspire Others)

QWAA8 Develop briefs for Consultants to advise HCC on sustainability aspirations/design principles for new developments.

Resources and Performance Enable & Inspire


QWAA9 Establish communication channels for engaging with and obtaining young people's views to tackle climate change and other sustainability issues. Incorporate data collected to inform our Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy actions. Recruit young people for social action volunteering and youth work with a focus on sustainability



QWAA10 Engage with all relevant school stakeholders to promote the green agenda including school buildings, curriculum and student/parent behaviours.

Children, Young People & Families Enable & Inspire


QWAA11 Identify further opportunities to inspire County residents and businesses to adopt better sustainability practices.



QWAA12 Raise awareness, understanding of sustainable behaviours and future climate impacts within the wider County (for example educating children and helping to raise climate skills amongst residents, communities and the workforce).

All Enable & Inspire Priority Action

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Works Programme Actions

Works Programme Actions relating to Carbon – Actions subject to further investigation as they may require significant investment over the next

five to 10 years.

Ambition Action Reference

Proposed Action

Proposed Lead Portfolio

Impact Cost Timeframe

Deliver-ability

Potential/ Estimated Cost

Additional Comments

1. Carbon Neutral WPCN11 Deliver a pilot scheme to design and construct a new two form entry First school, working toward a Net Zero Carbon specification with clear measurables to monitor success.

Resources & Performance

Low High Pre 2025

In progress Cabinet Approved

1. Carbon Neutral WPCN12 Deliver a pilot scheme which identifies 100 council-maintained schools where carbon performance could be improved through efficiency measures to lighting and heating systems.


Med High Pre 2025

Currently in Operation

1. Carbon Neutral WPCN13 Reconcile the energy reduction plan for schools into one target for all schools; formulating an investment strategy of targeted


Med High Pre 2025

Scoping Required

Target a 40% reduction in total energy use by schools in Hertfordshire. Potential for use of future Capital R&M Funding, External Funding and IP Bids.

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

improvement measures across the maintained school estate.

1. Carbon Neutral WPCN14 Develop an approach for effective delivery of heating electrification projects across the Hertfordshire school and non-school estate. Progress a pilot scheme adopting a holistic, fabric first approach in order to accurately identify and measure the benefits in terms of delivery costs, whole life costs and ongoing operational savings when implementing across the wider school estate.


High High Pre 2025

£1,450,000 Priority Action The proposed action has been reviewed by HCC key officers and independent consultants to provide an appropriate estimate, based on local knowledge and experience in this area of expertise.

1. Carbon Neutral WPCN15 Undertake a feasibility review through the vehicle replacement programme for replacement of HCC fleet

Community Safety & Waste

High Low Pre 2025

£30-40k Consultancy support to assess current and future requirements and offer options.

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

with low carbon (including electric, hybrid and hydrogen) vehicles going forward, including special educational needs transport. Develop and implement a fleet renewal strategy will be developed to cover all actions relating to converting fleet vehicles to alternative fuels, including support to help and assist small transport providers.

1. Carbon Neutral WPCN16 Ensure a comprehensive EV charging network is in place, with a range of charge points to cater for differing user groups, including rapid charging hubs, and destination chargers in HCC's own car parks.


Evidence Gathering

High

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

1. Carbon Neutral WPCN17 Develop asset management plans across all directorates to better understand the carbon impact (including energy usage) of services used by Hertfordshire residents.


Med Med TBC Scoping Required

1. Carbon Neutral WPCN18 Identify opportunities for rationalised larger estate to host solar panels or other energy generating equipment. Identify opportunities for renewable energy investments.


Med Med TBC Scoping Required

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

2. Future Climates

WPFC5 Undertake a Climate Change risk assessment and workshop to review HCC assets and operations to implement climate resilient actions. Detailed outputs from the risk assessment and workshop need to include: - resilience of our services - resilience of our infrastructure - the need to update the document entitled ‘The Impact of Climate Change on Hertfordshire’s Health and Adult Care Services’ with Public Health, Children Services and the NHS (Via the STP).

Highways & Environment

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Low TBC Est: £30,000 - £40,000

Priority Action Estimated funding based on consultancy support to assess climate projections, undertake a risk assessment and deliver a workshop.

2. Future Climates WPFC6 Undertake a risk assessment to inform how to specify all new investments


Evidence Gathering Required

High TBC Scoping Required

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

are ready, or easily adaptable for future climates.

2. Future Climates WPFC7 Explore the feasibility of bringing Schools water 'onto contract', establish water baseline data for all HCC properties and then investigate methods for water demand reduction, including undertaking pilot water audits to inform best practise, supply and efficiency decisions.

Resources and Performance


Medium

TBC Est: £35,000 To cover the cost of additional staff to deliver the action.

4. Reduce Waste WPRW4 Understand what we waste by undertaking a review of waste generated from our properties to identify opportunities for improvements including opportunities with the waste contractors. Develop an action plan to reduce material use,



Medium

TBC Est: £40,000 Estimated cost for the initial audit for this works programme.

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

based on our spend and our waste audit.

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ3 Facilitate electric vehicles (or low carbon options) for our all of our care workers through access to corporate schemes.

Adult Care & Health Evidence Gathering Required

High Post 2030

Scoping Required

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ4 Establish and implement a suitable scheme carbon calculator tool for highways (and other) projects.



Med Pre 2025

£60,000 Estimated cost of scoping, design and implementation of a Hertfordshire Specific tool.

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ5 Investigate the potential of adapting existing services or introducing a Park + Ride scheme sites to cater for incoming demand to discourage car travel into the town/city centres.



Med Pre 2025

Scoping Required

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ6 Investigate / trial the provision of Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) to replace rural services were demand

Growth, Infrastructure, Planning & Economy And Highways & Environment


Medium

Pre 2025

Scoping Required

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

is low / sporadic. Develop rural mobility plans for the boroughs villages and rural areas, investigating the scope for promoting the concept of 220-minuteneighbourhoods in larger settlements, and digital demand responsive transport (DDRT) as an evolution of dial-a-ride and promoting lower car ownership levels. rural bike share schemes from mobility hubs. Share knowledge with Intalink Enhanced Partnership.

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ7 Support, via HCCSP, the consideration of differential parking charges with higher rates for more polluting vehicles by 2022, and discounted (though not free) charges for EVs - the

Growth, Infrastructure, Planning & Economy And Highways & Environment


Low Pre 2025

Scoping Required

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

polluter pays principle.

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ8 Investigate, via HCCSP, the opportunity for all new taxis and private hire vehicles, registering from 2023, to be zero emission capable, and ensure taxi only rapid charging hubs are introduced at several key taxi ranks across the county.



Low Pre 2025

Scoping Required

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ9 Deliver a countywide behavioural change and mobility management programme to promote home working, sustainable travel, electric vehicles and car sharing - seek to lock in some of the positive behaviour changes brought about by COVID-19 lockdown measures.

Resources & Performance And Highways & Environment


Low Post 2025

Scoping Required

Priority Action

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ10 Review and assess options to decarbonise contracted fleet and equipment including, but not limited to vehicles, plant, accessible vehicles and waste management vehicles.



High Post 2025

Scoping Required

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ11 Continue to develop a Future Mobility Strategy and to look ahead and determine future travel trends and ways to encourage smart and sustainable transport (ahead of LTP5 and LTP6) across the County and trials of future approaches and technologies are undertaken in Hertfordshire.



Medium

TBC Scoping Required

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ12 Work, via HCCSP, with the largest energy users and energy companies to develop and implement a



Medium

Pre2025 Scoping Required

Priority Action

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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

countywide net zero energy strategy.

5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ13 Review third party bus and coach transport services to ensure the inclusion of low carbon vehicles, such as Electric Vehicles and / or Euro 6 standard vehicles during the tender process.



Medium


5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ14 Investigate and develop a business plan for a Hertfordshire green bank to mobilise private investment to deliver the private and public finance.



Medium


5. Net Zero GHG WPNZ15 Investigate the use of local landfill gas electricity supply for the Ware supersite and the proposed Eastern Transfer Station.


Low Medium


25


Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments


WPFCR7 Work with external, countywide stakeholders (e.g. District and Borough Councils, water companies, public authorities such as NHS, police) to update the County wide climate risk assessment and adaptation plan. Key outputs should include identification of the most critical infrastructure and adequacy of existing facilities, County wide emergency flood procedures, opportunities for flexible working to reduce demand, maintenance schedules and procedures and water and resource availability.



Low TBC Scoping Required

Priority Action

26


Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

8. Clean Air WPCA8 Work together with Districts and Borough Councils (via HCCSP) to develop and deliver a countywide air quality strategy to reduce pollution hotspots and exposure and deliver Air Quality action plans to ensure improved local and regional air quality.




Priority Action

8. Clean Air WPCA9 Undertake a series of air quality audits to identify priorities for action near schools, in partnership with Hertfordshire's Local Authorities.



Medium



WPAA13 Review existing data and where required undertake a detailed baseline study to assess current environmental impacts and to help identify areas for improvement to achieve




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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

wider council objectives.


WPAA14 Introduce and implement a council-wide Sustainable Procurement Strategy to ensure purchasing and procurement processes consider the amount of carbon in key products and services that we buy. Set standards which align with the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy and incorporate sustainability requirements in contracts (for example; local/sustainable sources and material specifications).



Low Pre 2025

Scoping Required

Priority Action


WPAA15 Introduce 'sustainable requirements' into leases and tenancy renewal granted by HCC in line with the Sustainable Hertfordshire




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Proposed Action



Deliver-ability


Additional Comments

Strategy.


WPAA16 Review and advise on Building Futures principles for sustainable design, for example, advocate sustainable school, fire station, archive buildings design and construction.

Growth, Infrastructure, Planning & Economy




WPAA17 Work with HCCSP (and Herts Growth Board) to establish Hertfordshire as a leading "Sustainable County" with a view to attract inward investment and businesses.

Growth, Infrastructure, Planning & Economy



Priority Action


WPAA18 Maximise joint-working opportunities with respective organisations to share best sustainability practises including to reduce travel (for example with the NHS and care providers).

Adult Care & Health, All


Low Ongoing Scoping Required

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Future Work Programme Actions

Carbon Actions for Future Work Programmes - further scoping is needed to fully understand the cost and potential carbon impact of these actions

Ambition Action Reference Proposed Action Proposed Lead Portfolio Impact Cost Deliverability

1. Carbon Neutral FWCN19 Include a carbon cost assessment as part of the validation checklist and highlight the need for carbon neutrality to be considered at pre-application stage (including for Reg 3. applications).


Evidence gathering

Low

1. Carbon Neutral FWCN20 Investigate renewable energy incentive scheme for HCC staff working at home.

Resources & Performance Evidence Gathering Required

Low

2. Future Climates FWFC8 Specify all new investments to be ready, or easily adaptable for future climates.


Low

5. Net Zero GHG FWNZ16 Develop new school designs in line with LTP4 and the Sustainable modes of travel to school strategy, including consideration of vehicle free zones and enhanced pedestrian and cycle access.


Low

5. Net Zero GHG FWNZ17 Explore the feasibility for a 22MW solar farm in Hertfordshire.


Medium

5. Net Zero GHG FWNZ18 Ensure school and Reg 3 applications are supported by sustainable transport networks, have secure cycle and scooter storage facilities, with shower facilities for users.

Growth, Infrastructure, Planning & Economy And Highways and Environment


Low

5. Net Zero GHG FWNZ19 Monitor and investigate the potential to enable carbon capture technologies to take place at the point of production for all of Highway's main materials as the market develops.

Highways & Environment Evidence Gathering Required

High

5. Net Zero GHG FWNZ20 Track countywide greenhouse gas emissions and report progress on a regular basis through Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership

Highways & Environment Evidence Gathering Required

Low

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6. Future Climate Ready FWFCR8 Engage directly with HCC farm tenants to provide advice on environmental land management opportunities, in support of the climate adaptation plan and, to develop scheme applications.


Low

9. Resource Efficiency FWRE8 Implement initiatives to increase reuse at RCs including establishing 'repair cafes' and 'upcycling workshops' at certain RCs to increase reuse of items and resource efficiency.

Community Protection & Waste Evidence Gathering Required

Low

9. Resource Efficiency FWRE9 Investigate new markets and opportunities for additional materials to be recycled via RCs, such as carpets and mattresses.


Low

9. Resource Efficiency FWRE10 Research the potential for 'scrap stores' for schools and community groups in order to reuse local business surplus/waste.


Low

9. Resource Efficiency FWRE11 Establish 'bulk purchasing' waste recycling options for Children Services (including schools) and Adult Care Services properties including care homes to improve waste management and increase resource efficiency.


Medium

9. Resource Efficiency FWRE12 Provide training and guidance to District and Borough officers as well as developers on the principles and best practices of a Circular Economy. This will outline clearly what is required of applicants when preparing a Circular Economy Statement.



Medium

9. Resource Efficiency FWRE13 Work with Local Enterprise Partnership to use the circular economy as a business growth opportunity for business.



Medium

9. Resource Efficiency FWRE14 Work with the HCCSP to enhance Hertfordshire food security by making land available for community / social enterprise food-growing and small holding initiatives.

Highways & Environment And Public Health & Prevention


Medium

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FWAA19 Implement the Shaping our Future vision (including a review of COVID changes to working operations and behavioural change to support strategy ambitions i.e. potential changes to working operations / working from home). Measures may include: A work stream on IT and tools to troubleshoot digital professionalism in staff. Tools to allow people to work remotely. Procurement - In light of COVID-19 -Redesigning processes so that they can be delivered flexibly and remotely to our clients.

Resources and Performance Evidence Gathering Required

High Priority Action


FWAA20 Influence and educate others, including contractors on sustainable design, construction and best practices.

Resources and Performance Evidence Gathering Required

Medium

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Actions for Biodiversity and Wildlife

Quick Wins

Biodiversity and Wildlife Actions considered as ‘Quick Wins’, to be delivered before 2025 - there are no additional costs associated with

undertaking these actions, they fall within existing resource allocations within service areas.


Proposed Action Proposed Lead Portfolio Impact

3. Biodiversity QWBD1 Ensure that the delivery of HCC funded routine grounds maintenance services (timing and mechanism), safeguards and enhances existing biodiversity, where this does not impact on other key deliverables.

Resources and Performance Moderate

3. Biodiversity QWBD2 Engage directly with all tenants to provide advice on pollinator friendly land management. Resources and Performance High

7. Wildlife QWWL1 Ensure programmes of work increase tree and woodland resilience, improve habitats and maximise delivery of associated public goods.

Highways & Environment and Resources & Performance

High

7. Wildlife QWWL2 Develop a Natural Capital Investment Strategy for Hertfordshire, via the HCCSP, including the Local Enterprise Partnership, creating a link between Hertfordshire’s environment and its economic and social prosperity.

Highways & Environment High

7. Wildlife QWWL3 Improve knowledge and awareness of the sustainability and biodiversity agenda among young people. Education, Libraries & Localism

Low

Actions relating to Biodiversity and Wildlife

Works Programme Actions

Works Programme Actions relating to Biodiversity and Wildlife – Actions subject to further investigation as they may require significant

investment over the next five to 10 years.

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Ambition Action

Reference

Proposed

Action

Proposed Lead

Portfolio

Impact Cost Timefram

e

Deliver-

ability

Estimated/

Potential

Cost

Additional

Comments

3. Biodiversity WPBD3 Develop a consistent baseline for biodiversity using the assessment method set out by Natural England (Biodiversity Metric 2.0) for Council land.

Highways and Environment

Ev

ide

nce

Ga

the

rin

g

Req

uir

ed

Med TBC Est: £40,000 -£50, 000

Priority Action Estimated funding for the delivery of this action across the county.

3. Biodiversity WPBD4 Develop an overarching biodiversity strategy, this would set overarching objectives/targets and allow all departments to understand how they can contribute to this overarching strategy.


Ev

ide

nce

Ga

the

rin

g R

eq

uir

ed

Low TBC Est: £25,000 Priority Action Estimated cost for the development of the strategy.

3. Biodiversity WPBD5 Ensure suitable management and investment for tree and woodland management on council owned landscapes. Measure gains in biodiversity using national metrics and establish as habitat banks to compensate for developments, reviewing options for carbon capture.

Resources & Performance Moderate Medium Scoping Required £100-£150K

Estimated cost for establishing the works programme.

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Ambition Action

Reference

Proposed

Action

Proposed Lead

Portfolio


e

Deliver-

ability

Estimated/

Potential

Cost

Additional

Comments

3. Biodiversity WPBD6 Investigate opportunities and support investment to enhance biodiversity, particularly for pollinators; including beehives/hotels where appropriate.

Resources & Performance Low £5,000 Cost associated with implementing the pollinator strategy.

3. Biodiversity WPBD7 Develop a Natural Capital Investment Plan to unlock investment in natural capital assets.


Evid

en

ce

Ga

the

rin

g

Req

uire

d

Med TBC Est: £30,000 Estimated cost to establish works programme.

3. Biodiversity WPBD8 Consider options for future management of individual holdings or working with tenants to explore whether they would be able to change their management practices to enhance biodiversity (while still farming).


Evid

en

ce

Gath

ering

Re

qu

ire

d Low TBC Scoping Required

3. Biodiversity WPBD9 Develop a sustainable funding strategy to deliver new projects/programmes for improvements to wildlife that meet the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy ambitions.


Evid

en

ce

Gath

ering

Req

uire

d

TBC Pre2025 No Expected Additional Cost

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Ambition Action

Reference

Proposed

Action

Proposed Lead

Portfolio


e

Deliver-

ability

Estimated/

Potential

Cost

Additional

Comments

3. Biodiversity WPBD10 Review options to enhance biodiversity and potential for carbon offsetting for new and existing properties owned or maintained by HCC's Service Areas.


Evid

en

ce

Gath

ering

Req

uire

d


7. Wildlife WPWL4 Work with partners across the County to establish a countywide Biodiversity baseline in order to measure improvements in wildlife and biodiversity. Defining a clear approach for measuring this across the County.

Highways & Environment And Resources & Performance

Ev

ide

nce

Ga

the

rin

g R

eq

uir

ed

TBC TBC Scoping Required Priority Action

7. Wildlife WPWL5 Extend comprehensive green space opportunity “wilding” audit to all District and Borough Council partners’ greenspace portfolios and establish part of a Nature Recovery Network.

Highways & Environment High £25,000 Estimated cost for additional staff to extend the service

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Ambition Action

Reference

Proposed

Action

Proposed Lead

Portfolio


e

Deliver-

ability

Estimated/

Potential

Cost

Additional

Comments

7. Wildlife WPWL6 Work collaboratively with our district and borough councils, major landowners, water companies, Natural England, the Environment Agency to develop a refreshed biodiversity strategy which will deliver 20% increase based upon DEFRA's biodiversity metric.


Evid

en

ce

Gath

ering

Re

qu

ire

d

TBC TBC Scoping Required

7. Wildlife WPWL7 Develop an overarching tree strategy for the whole of Hertfordshire, addressing both planting of new and management of existing woodland and trees.


Medium Low Pre2025 Scoping required

7. Wildlife WPWL8 Work with Public Health to carry out a “Natural Health Strategy” review – identifying and recommending how access to nature and open spaces can play a key role in county health and in delivering HCC’s services.

Public Health Medium Low

Actions relating to Biodiversity and Wildlife

Future Works Programme Actions

Biodiversity and Wildlife Future Works Programme – further scoping is needed to fully understand the cost and potential impact of these actions.

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Ambition Action Reference Proposed Action Proposed Lead Portfolio Impact Cost Deliverability WSP Estimated Cost

3. Biodiversity FWBD11 Review the Rural Estate Improvement Plan to create a new Rural Estate Strategic Management Plan. At the core of this review will be the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy with the development of the Management Plan also taking into account the Hertfordshire Growth Strategy and Rights of Way Improvement Plan.


Medium Scoping Required

3. Biodiversity FWBD12 Undertake an opportunity audit and deliver subsequent actions plans for in hand/ council owned land as part of the Rural Estate Improvement plan


Medium Scoping Required

3. Biodiversity FWBD13 Review options to enhance biodiversity and potential for carbon offsetting for new and existing properties owned or maintained by HCC's Service Areas.



Scoping Required

7. Wildlife FWWL9 Work with Hertfordshire Climate Change & Sustainability Partnership to create 'green high-streets' to maximise biodiversity opportunities and encourage active travel.

Highways & Environment Moderate Low Scoping Required

7. Wildlife FWWL10 Establish a network of habitat banks on our land to provide biodiversity compensation alongside other ecosystem services and potential carbon capture schemes in support of the county’s growth aspirations. Integrate this facility with a collaborative Planning Approach to biodiversity net gain policy delivery through development, evaluation and financial and monitoring systems.

Highways & Environment High Medium Scoping Required

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Ambition Action Reference Proposed Action Proposed Lead Portfolio Impact Cost Deliverability WSP Estimated Cost

7. Wildlife FWWL11 Explore opportunities for biodiversity net gain, biodiversity offsets, and potential carbon capture schemes through collaboration with District and Borough Councils, Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership and other organisations.

Highways & Environment High High Scoping Required

7. Wildlife FWWL12 Consider a Hertfordshire information and advice scheme to work with key partners to facilitate/incentivise positive environmental land management at a local scale (e.g. SME's).

Highways & Environment High Medium Scoping required

7. Wildlife FWWL13 Incorporate biodiversity net gain into county, district and borough local plans and policies in a coordinated way. This could take the form of a Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) shared across each district.


7. Wildlife FWWL14 Work in partnership with institutions, schools, businesses and community groups, to raise awareness and encourage wider biodiversity action across the County


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Appendix A – Business As Usual

Carbon Actions

Actions which should continue as ‘business as usual’ – these actions may be subject to adaptation to ensure that they continue to be appropriately and effectively

delivered – changes may be needed to ensure resilience and/or provide mitigation.

Ambition Proposed Action Proposed Lead Portfolio

1. Carbon Neutral Explore opportunities to further develop / improve the Street Lighting service, including looking at dimming options. Growth, Infrastructure, Planning and Economy

1. Carbon Neutral Encourage development proposals, with regards to planning applications, from other HCC departments which support the ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 and incorporate biodiversity enhancement to demonstrate net biodiversity gain (in accordance with NPPF/Regulation 3 developments).


1. Carbon Neutral In line with the Shaping our Future vision and Future Workplaces to provide flexible and strategically located workplaces in accordance with our Smart Working Principles. Implementation of tools & technology to support HCC staff in working from home reducing unnecessary travel to offices.

Resources

1. Carbon Neutral Implementation of the HCC Energy Strategy including demand reduction, renewable energy procurement, energy generation, community and infrastructure development.

Resources

1. Carbon Neutral Support internal services to ensure policy ambitions for carbon neutrality are incorporated within emerging masterplans and other town planning processes.


4. Reduce Waste Continue to play an effective role in the Leading by Example campaign to encourage sustainable waste behaviours among employees.


4. Reduce Waste Encourage new technologies for waste recovery and reuse in order to avoid disposal to landfill and limit residual wastes through emerging policy.


4. Reduce Waste Review District and Borough Planning applications to encourage reuse and recycling of materials on site. Use the national recycling and landfill diversion targets for planning applications where significant quantities of waste/material are proposed to be moved.


4. Reduce Waste Ensuring that HCC continues to have an active role in ensuring sustainable design and construction of HS2, including waste management.


4. Reduce Waste Implement progressive adaptation to materials with higher resource efficiency (such as reclaimed asphalt and low-tempered warm asphalt). Undertake innovative material trials to understand first-hand their effectiveness and resilience and build this understanding into our future Asset Management Strategies.


5. Net Zero GHG Continue to support well located site allocations with supporting policies for new service provision through engagement with district / borough local plans.


5. Net Zero GHG Ensure planning policy in the new Local Plans seek best practice in sustainable transport accessibility with high quality walking, cycling and public transport links, with minimised parking provision and the inclusion of home zones, filtered permeability/ modal filters to ensure estates are readily accessible by sustainable modes and facilitate wider movements as part of the fabric of a town or village.

Growth, Infrastructure, Planning and Economy & Highways and Environment

5. Net Zero GHG Review arrangements for transporting children to school to identify opportunities to make the service more sustainable. Continue to plan for mainstream school place provision as close as possible to where pupils live to encourage sustainable travel to school and develop Special Educational Needs strategy to reduce out of county school placements.

Children, Young People & Families

5. Net Zero GHG Continue to engage residents in opportunities for walking in Hertfordshire (e.g. Hertfordshire Health Walks) and promote benefits of active travel.


6. Comm Future Climate Continue to actively work with the EA, other organisations and communities to implement the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and review emergency flood procedures.


6. Comm Future Climate Continue to actively engage with District/Borough Councils and developers regarding Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes via Local Plan and Planning Application consultations. Continue to support D/BCs to improve flood risk knowledge and understanding and ensure that information is uniformly shared within and between authorities.


6. Comm Future Climate Influence local planning authorities to develop policies relating to sustainable infrastructure delivery. Growth, Infrastructure, Planning and Economy

6. Comm Future Climate Revisit the Local Engagement Document with all District and Borough Councils to ensure Local Plans are aligned to the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy and incorporate a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.


6. Comm Future Climate Implement planning policies to ensure consideration of climate resilience strategies for new developments. Growth, Infrastructure, Planning and Economy

8. Clean Air Continue the implementation of Hertfordshire County Council's Air Quality Strategy with a focus on behavioural change, education and use of data.


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Ambition Proposed Action Proposed Lead Portfolio

9. Resource Efficiency Continue to secure external funding and support wider district and borough councils and private landowners, to maximise delivery of positive outcomes for access, land management and community engagement.


9. Resource Efficiency Continue to work with the WasteAware campaign to engage with and to discourage waste generation among residents and continue to assist schools to manage their waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy.

Community Protection & Waste

9. Resource Efficiency Ensure that HCC continues to have an active role in ensuring sustainable design and construction of HS2, including waste management.


10. All Ambitions (Leader in Our Operations

Continue to promote our sustainability efforts and achievements through our social media platforms and review and update all online content to promote the work of the service.


10. All Ambitions (Enable & Inspire Others

Lobby to affect positive changes to public policy and government spending priorities which reflect ambitions of the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy.


Biodiversity/Wildlife Actions

Actions which should continue as ‘business as usual’ – these actions may be subject to adaptation to ensure that they continue to be appropriately and effectively

delivered – changes may be needed to ensure resilience and/or provide mitigation.

Ambition Proposed Action Proposed Lead Portfolio 3. Biodiversity Continue to implement our pollinator friendly vegetation management regime, protecting the quality and quantity of pollinator habitat and including bee

hotels where appropriate. Highways & Environment

3. Biodiversity Continue to manage HCC owned portion of the National Nature Reserve as a demonstration site and model of best practice for nature conservation. Highways & Environment

7. Wildlife Continue provision of free land management advisory service to promote positive land management for biodiversity, access and community engagement to landowners across the county, including advice on tree health and invasive species.


7. Wildlife Work with other regulatory bodies and water companies to achieve Water Framework Directive 'good' condition by 2030 for Hertfordshire chalk rivers and streams.


7. Wildlife Promote the importance of historical and archaeological assets and their contribution to biodiversity in local plans and planning applications. Highways & Environment

7. Wildlife Ensure opportunities to implement the Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy are incorporated through emerging local plans. Including through adoption of the National Green Infrastructure Standards, biodiversity net gain targets and to conserve and enhance biodiversity and the quality of the natural environment, and potential carbon capture schemes.

Highways & Environment/ Resources and Performance

7. Wildlife Ensure continued implementation of the countywide Pollinator Strategy Resources and Performance

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