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At Kent County Council, we recognise that a quality
environment is key to enhancing and sustaining our quality of
life.
Social, economic and environmental issues are interwoven in the
strategy, and are all of equal importance.
Why do we need an environmental strategy?
We realise that our own activities impact on the environment and
that we have a responsibility to monitor, manage and minimise these
impacts.
There have been steady improvements in many aspects of Kent's
environment over the past twenty years or so. Nevertheless, there
remain some causes for concern.
The impact of climate change, the changing rural economy,
effects of globalisation, transport and traffic, development
pressures and environmental pollution all continue to affect our
environment.
Despite these challenges we are determined to pass on to
succeeding generations an environment in better shape than the one
we inherited.
The
Kent
environment strategy has been produced to bring together, for
the first time, a co-ordinated strategy to ensure this happens.
We have been informed and influenced by a wide range of
organisations and partnerships, driven by the recognition that the
environment is not the sole responsibility of one organisation.
Collaborative partnership and a shared commitment to Kent's
environment is key to securing its future.
What does our strategy involve?
Our environmental strategy can be subdivided into the areas
which they will affect, and our key commitments are:
Our community
- Research the environmental priorities of the people of Kent and
take them into account in decision making.
- Be accountable to our staff, partners and the public for the
environmental impact made by the county council.
- Provide information on our environmental performance and
communicate openly with all interested parties.
- Commit to the prevention of pollution and continual improvement
in all aspects of environmental performance.
- Influence environmental legislation and promote improved
environmental performance to local businesses and the people of
Kent.
Our organisation
- Create a culture where environmental considerations are
included in all policy decisions and business activities across the
council.
- Work towards minimising the impact of our own activities and
services on the environment by means of an
environmental management system externally accredited to
ISO 14001.
- Meet or exceed environmental legislation, regulations and other
adopted policies and strategies.
Waste
- Implement a waste minimisation programme across all county
council directorates.
- Ensure the responsible and effective disposal of the county
council's own waste.
- Expand recycling initiatives where it is economical and
practical to do so.
Land and property
- Use sustainable management and design principles in all
property construction and maintenance.
- Promote energy and water conservation and introduce technology
to reduce consumption.
Resources
- Work to minimise our impact on the natural environment and its
resources.
- Adopt an environmentally responsible procurement strategy.
- Ensure that, wherever practical and compatible with the
principles of best value, timber and wood products are acquired
from sources holding a recognised independent certification for
good forest management.
- Encourage continuous improvement in the environmental
performance of our suppliers, contractors and
consultants.
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