Contact: Heidi Hack, ext 7732

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the allocation of £25,000 to the Sustainable Development Strategy, to be used for pump priming departmental action on implementing sustainable development initiatives, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 To show commitment to the Sustainable Development Strategy and make funding available as an incentive to integrate sustainability principles into the work of each department. Funding earmarked by the Cabinet this year would enable this work to continue and increase.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 None.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ....................................... Date: .................................

Councillor T K Thornber

7. Following the approval of the Sustainable Development Strategy, £25,000 was allocated in the 2001/02 budget to support the implementation of the strategy. Departments applied for funding via the Sustainable Development Steering Group and successful bids won funding for projects which actively contribute to sustainable development principles. The funds were used to add sustainability elements into existing or planned projects that would have a visible impact and would reflect the twelve themes of the Sustainable Development Strategy.

8. Examples of successful projects from last year are the addition of an electric/petrol hybrid Toyota Prius to the staff car pool (Property, Business and Regulatory Services); a GIS system for Social Services technicians to plan their delivery routes and reduce mileage; the addition of photo-voltaic cells and a reed bed system (match funded with other grants) to a new toilet block in Queen Elizabeth Country Park (Arts, Countryside and Community); the addition of thermostatic valves and refurbishment of space for secure cycle parking at the Chilcomb Lane site, Bar End (Museums); new recycling facilities in Ashburton Court West (Environment Grouping) and retro fitting duplex printer units (Finance).

9. Funding earmarked by the Cabinet on 22 July, from savings on the closure of the 2001/02 accounts, would enable this work to continue and increase. Work is currently under way in each department to identify 2002/03 projects.

7291/HH