Hampshire County Council Cabinet 24 July 2006 Annual Sustainability Report Report of the Director of Environment

Item 7

Contact: Mike Bridgeman, ext 5832 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This is the annual report on corporate sustainability performance. It sets out achievements during 2005/06 and recommends a new approach to sustainability target setting for 2006/07.

1.2 During 2005/06, a significant change has been the development of the County Council's Baseline Review under the Aalborg Commitments. This audits the County Council's current sustainability performance across a suite of 50 Commitments, which are set out under ten themes covering economic, social and governance dimensions as well as environmental impacts. Using a Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) style scoring system, it concludes that the County Council currently has an overall sustainability score of 1.96 out of 4.

1.3 The annual report also sets out performance against the 2005/06 key internal environmental indicators, and recommends a new approach to target setting for 2006/07 in line with the more comprehensive and sophisticated approach offered by the Aalborg Commitments.

2. Introduction/Context

2.1 This report continues the journey started in June 2004 when Cabinet decided to sign up to the Aalborg Commitments, which provide a framework for embedding sustainability throughout all the County Council's activities. It provides the next step in updating the corporate approach to sustainability, ensuring the direction of travel reflects the requirements of CPA by providing a foundation and methodology from which to assess and improve performance.

2.2 This chimes with the lessons learnt from the Audit Commission's recent corporate assessment of West Sussex County Council, which assesses sustainability performance for the first time. Regarding sustainability, the assessment noted that whilst a number of initiatives had been undertaken, a holistic and strategic approach was lacking. It also pointed out the absence of support of long-term resources and an outcome focussed delivery plan.

3. 2005/06 Sustainability Achievements/Performance

The Aalborg Commitments - Baseline Review

3.1 The County Council has completed its Baseline Review (summary version set out in Appendix 1), the first requirement after signing up to the Aalborg Commitments, auditing its current sustainability performance against each of the 50 Commitments. In doing so, it has started the process of moving towards a broader and more sophisticated approach to corporate sustainability reporting.

3.2 There is no template for how to prepare an Aalborg baseline review. The County Council has developed a comprehensive approach to both data collection and subsequent assessment of its performance, which makes maximum use of existing data (eg Best Value Performance Indicators) and builds value on current reporting mechanisms which vary widely in coverage and approach.

3.3 The outputs from the data collection process were whittled down to about 300 pieces of evidence of the County Council's sustainability performance. The full evidence list is substantial, and therefore not included in this report but is available on request.

3.4 To assess how well the County Council is performing, each commitment was assessed against the a CPA-style scoring system. This pragmatic methodology was developed over recent months and is simple to apply. It is designed to avoid getting drowned in data and to ensure the results feed into clear targets and actions. It takes into account guidance from the Corporate Performance Team, and chimes with the principles of the EFQM model (an organisational framework based on the principle of self-assessment) already used within the County Council.

3.5 The scores for each Commitment are listed in Appendix 1. These are then averaged to give a score for each theme and an overall sustainability score. The following spread of scores was obtained:

· Comprehensive evidence (score of 4) - 0 Commitments

· Strong evidence (3) - 11 Commitments

· Some evidence (2) - 27 Commitments

· Limited evidence (1) - 11 Commitments

· No evidence (0) - 1 Commitment.

3.6 This gives the County Council an overall sustainability score of 1.96. With a maximum score of 4, this could alternatively be represented as a 49% rating. This indicates an acceptable corporate sustainability performance, punctuated by areas of excellence but with room for incremental year-on-year improvement.

3.7 To test the robustness of the approach, internal consultations were carried out including an item at Policy and Resources Scrutiny and Select Committee in April 2006. The Committee recommended priority should be given to improving performance under Commitment 2.4 - `To ensure that sustainability issues are central to decision-making processes and that resource allocation is based on strong and broad sustainability criteria'. This was followed by engaging the Audit Commission for its views. The Audit Commission concluded the methodology to be sound and pragmatic, the scoring system simple and effective, and the evidence identified appropriate. It also put forward recommendations to strengthen the process.

Embedding Sustainability

3.8 The Corporate Sustainable Development Steering Group (SDSG) continues to make progress in cross-cutting working, but progress would be enhanced if departmental arrangements helped drive forward the priorities more consistently, for example through Departmental Sustainability Action Teams (DSATs) which operate in Property, Business and Regulatory Services, Human Resources, Adult Services and Environment. Work is underway to ensure that DSATs are established as soon as possible in Chief Executive's, County Treasurer's, IT Services, Recreation and Heritage, and Children's Services Departments. Further guidance and assistance is being given to ensure all departments work in unison towards the targets set and monitoring required under the Aalborg Commitments.

3.9 A staff sustainability survey in January 2006 revealed that awareness of sustainability issues amongst staff is mixed. In response, a sustainability communications action plan for 2006/07 has been developed.

3.10 An approach, Integrated Sustainability Appraisal, has been developed internally to help embed sustainability into County Council decision-making processes. This is currently being used in parts of the Environment Department, with the aim of rolling it out more widely to all Departments.

3.11 Following the successful Heads, Teachers and Governors Conference held in January this year, a Sustainable Schools Action Plan is currently being developed.

Headline Performance Data

3.12 During 2005/06, the County Council continued to monitor its performance against a series of environmental consumption targets. 2.5% reduction targets were set for the year, and progress against these is set out in Appendix 2.

3.13 These figures show a mixed set of results, with many targets being achieved and some being missed. However the figures should continue to be treated with some caution, as data indicators and collection methods vary in their robustness.

3.14 Summary annual reports on the four action areas, which underpin these targets, are attached as Appendix 3. The `expert' thematic groups will need to evolve to ensure they encompass the approach to sustainability targets and monitoring driven by the Aalborg Commitments and the priorities for improvement established, utilising where possible existing working groups.

4. 2006/07 Sustainability Targets

4.1 The comprehensive approach offered by Aalborg requires sustainability performance to be measured across all 50 Commitments, with the key indicator being the overall score (currently 1.96 out of 4). The aim is to ensure incremental annual improvements to this score, and this will take a significant amount of activity at both corporate and departmental levels. Rapid improvements in the score of any of the individual 50 Commitments' scores are unlikely in the short-term.

4.2 It is therefore recommended that the interim target should be for the County Council to achieve a score of 2 out of 4 by the end of 2008/09. This should be achieved by focussing on two foundation-building areas - embedding sustainability into each department's major initiatives (see Appendix 4 for 2006/07 initiatives), and developing the suite of corporate sustainability actions and networks outlined in paragraphs 3.8-3.11. This combination is most likely to positively impact, in due course, on those Aalborg Commitments listed in the final column of Appendix 4.

4.3 As corporate and departmental buy-in increases over this period, it should be possible for improvements to the overall score to accelerate in the medium-term. A more ambitious target could then be set.

4.4 As they help provide evidence of performance on resource use, it is recommended that the 2.5% reduction targets for the headline environmental consumption indicators continue for 2006/07.

5. Impact Assessments

5.1 Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in this report but no adverse impact has been identified in terms of race, creed or gender.

Recommendations

1. That a target is set to improve the County Council's overall Aalborg Commitments score from 1.96 to 2.0 out of 4 by the end of 2008/09, based on the actions set out in Appendix 4.

2. That the priorities for improvement are those Aalborg Commitments listed in Appendix 4, with the highest priority being Commitment number 2.4.

3. That the 2.5% reduction targets for the headline environmental consumption indicators continue for 2006-07.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers
The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.
NB the list excludes:
1.	Published works.
2.	Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE	LOCATION
None.

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APPENDIX 1

Hampshire County Council's Aalborg Commitments Baseline Review Results

Scoring Criteria
	4	Comprehensive evidence that Commitment is being achieved
	3	Strong evidence of progress towards achieving the Commitment.
	2	Some evidence of progress towards achieving the Commitment.
	1	Limited evidence of progress towards achieving the Commitment
	0	No evidence at all of any progress towards achieving the Commitment.
											Commitment Score	Theme Score
1. Governance												2.2
We are committed to energising our decision-making processes through increased participatory democracy
1. Further develop a commonly shared long-term vision for a sustainable county											2
2. Build participation and sustainable development capacity in the local community and municipal administration											2
3. Invite all sectors of local society to participate effectively in decision-making											2
4. Make our decisions open, accountable and transparent											2
5. Cooperate effectively and in partnership with adjoining municipalities, other cities and towns, and other spheres of government											3
2.Local Management towards Sustainability												1.6
We are committed to implementing effective management cycles, from formulation through implementation to evaluation
1. Strengthen local sustainability processes and mainstream them into the heart of local government.											2
2. Deliver integrated management towards sustainability based on the precautionary principle											1
3. Set targets and time schemes in the framework of the Aalborg Commitments and create and follow the Aalborg Commitments monitoring review											2
4. Ensure that sustainability issues are central to decision-making processes and that resource allocation is based on strong and broad sustainability criteria											1
5. Cooperate with the Aalborg Signatories and its networks to monitor and evaluate our progress towards meeting our sustainability targets											2
3. Natural Common Goods												2.0
We are committed to fully assuming our responsibility to protect, to preserve, and to ensure equitable access to natural common goods.
1. Reduce primary energy consumption, and increase the share of renewable energies											2
2. Improve water quality, save water, and use water more efficiently											2
3. Promote and increase biodiversity, and extend and care for designated nature areas and green spaces											3
4. Improve soil quality, preserve ecologically productive land and promote sustainable agriculture and forestry											2
5. Improve air quality											1
4. Responsible Consumption and Lifestyle Choices												2.2
We are committed to adopting and facilitating the prudent and efficient use of resources and to encouraging sustainable consumption and production
1. Avoid and reduce waste, and increase re-use and recycling											3
2. Manage and treat waste in accordance with the best practice standards											3
3. Avoid unnecessary energy consumption, and improve end-use energy efficiency											2
4. Undertake sustainable procurement											2
5. Actively promote sustainable production and consumption, in particular of eco-labelled, organic, ethical and fair trade products											1
5. Planning and Design												2.4
We are committed to a strategic role of urban planning and design in addressing environmental, social, economic, health and cultural issues for the benefit of all
1. Re-use and regenerate derelict or disadvantaged areas											2
2. Avoid urban sprawl by achieving appropriate urban densities and prioritising Brownfield site over Greenfield site development											3
3. Ensure the mixed use of buildings and developments with a good balance of jobs, housing and services, giving priority to residential use in city centres											2
4. Ensure appropriate conservation, renovation and use/re-use of our urban cultural heritage											3
5. Apply requirements for sustainable design and construction and promote high quality architecture and building technologies											2
6. Better Mobility, Less Traffic												1.6
We recognise the interdependence of transport, health and environment and are committed to strongly promoting sustainable mobility choices
1. Reduce the necessity for private motorised transport and promote attractive alternatives accessible to all											2
2. Increase the share of journeys made by public transport, on foot and by bicycle											1
3. Encourage transition to low-emission vehicles											1
4. Develop an integrated and sustainable mobility plan											2
5. Reduce the impact of transport on the environment and public health											2
7. Local Action for Health												1.4
We are committed to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of our citizens
1. Raise awareness and take action on the wider determinants of health, most of which lie outside the health sector											3
2. Promote health development planning, which provides our county with a means to build and maintain strategic partnerships for health											2
3. Reduce inequalities in health and address poverty, which will require regular reporting on progress towards reducing the gaps											1
4. Promote health impact assessment as a means for all sectors to focus their work on health and the quality of life											0
5. Mobilise planners to integrate health considerations in their planning strategies and initiatives											1
8. Vibrant and Sustainable Local Economy												2.4
We are committed to creating and ensuring a vibrant local economy that gives access to employment without damaging the environment
1. Adopt measures that stimulate local employment and business start-ups											2
2. Cooperate with local businesses to promote and implement good corporate practice											3
3. Develop and implement sustainable principles for the location of businesses											2
4. Encourage markets for high quality local and regional production											3
5 Sustainable local tourism											2
9.Social Equity and Justice												2.4
We are committed to securing inclusive and supportive communities
1. Develop and implement programmes to prevent and alleviate poverty											2
2. Ensure equitable access to public services, education, employment opportunities, training, information, and cultural activities											3
3. Foster social inclusion and equality											2
4. Improve community safety and security											3
5. Secure good quality and socially integrated housing and living conditions											2
10. Local to Global												1.4
We are committed to assuming our global responsibility for peace, justice, equity, sustainable development and climate protection
1. Develop and follow a strategic and integrated approach to mitigate climate change, and work towards a sustainable level of greenhouse gas emissions											2
2. Mainstream climate protection policy into our policies in the areas of energy, transport, procurement, waste, agriculture, forestry and biodiversity											1
3. Raise awareness of the causes and probable impacts of climate change, and integrate preventive actions into our climate change policy											1
4. Reduce our impact on the global environment and promote the principle of environmental justice											1
5. Strengthen the international cooperation of towns and cities and develop local responses to global problems in partnership with local governments, communities and relevant stakeholders											2
								Overall Score				1.96

APPENDIX 2

2005/06 Environmental Performance Against 2.5% Targets

Measure	2004/05 use	2005/06 % target	2005/06 use	2005/06 use (corrected³)	Target achieved? (corrected where applicable)	Notes
1. Total energy use - GWh	305 ¹	2.5% reduction from 04/05	315	291	4% reduction _
Energy used in buildings (excl. schools) - GWh	73 ¹	2.5% reduction from 04/05	71	77	5% increase _
Energy use - schools - GWh	232 ¹	2.5% reduction from 04/05	245	215	7% reduction _
2. Purchase of `green' electricity GWh	29.5 inc. CCL exempt	2.5% increase from 04/05	28.75 inc. CCL exempt	n/a	2.5% reduction _	Renewables often limited availability and more cost.
3. CO2 from buildings' energy use - tonnes	81,600	2.5% reduction from 04/05	81,400	79,100	3% reduction _
4. Total water Consumption - m³	944,000 ¹	2.5% reduction from 04/05	936,000	951,000 (see notes)	1% increase _
Water consumption (excl. schools) - m³	250,000 ¹	2.5% reduction from 04/05	226,000	261,000	4% increase _
Water consumption - schools - m³	694,000 ¹	2.5% reduction from 04/05	710,000	690,000	0.5% reduction _
5. Business mileage (car)	17.94m ²	2.5% reduction from 04/05	17.52m	n/a	2.5% reduction - _
6. CO2 from business mileage (car) - tonnes	4,771 ²	2.5% reduction from 04/05	4,659	n/a	2.5% reduction - _	No data on carbon rating of cars - estimate derived from business mileage
7. Residual waste generated from HCC HQ Buildings - tonnes	175.9	2.5% reduction from 04/05	168	n/a	4.5% reduction - _ (see notes)	New contractor appointed during 2005/06
8. Amount of paper sent for recycling from HQ - tonnes	121.2	2.5% increase from 04/05	145.6	n/a	20.1% increase - _	Caution - 04/05 figure an estimate
Env Dept 05/06 recycling pilot	n/a	n/a (included here for info)	n/a	n/a	22% increase over 13 week trial _	Pilot on 2 floors of Ash Ct West - mixed paper, plastic bottles, cans, cardboard
9. No net loss in biodiversity	n/a	No net loss	n/a	n/a	Target fully met _	Planning decisions and HCC development resulted in no net loss

Footnotes

¹ These confirmed figures are different from those listed in last year's Annual Sustainability Report. 04/05 and 05/06 figures are now compatible.

² These two figures listed in last year's report were not comparable with previous years. The figures now listed have been taken from SAP and are processed identically to be compatible with 05/06.

³ Corrected for weather (energy only - based on data from the Carbon Trust) and changes in floor area (energy and water) of our built estate give a more useful measure of progress.

APPENDIX 3

Indicator and Action Groups (IAGs) 2005/06 Reports

Biodiversity

Significant progress has been made during 2005/06. In organisational terms:

· In July 2005 a corporate plan of action for biodiversity Conserving Nature for the Community was published and launched.

· The Corporate Biodiversity Group was established in October 2005 to guide action for biodiversity across County Council services.

· During March/April 2006 a biodiversity database was developed to enable efficient monitoring of biodiversity targets established in the Action Plan. Recent analysis of the database shows that 82% of 05/06 biodiversity targets were reached or made good progress, 9% showed no progress, and no data yet received for 9% of targets.

More specific achievements include:

· Hampshire School Nature Watch - 885 Hampshire schoolchildren took part in a wildlife survey of their school grounds during the June 2005 pilot project. This has been developed further for year two due to take place in June 2006, when 15,000 children across 190 schools are signed up to take part.

· A `good practice guide' has been produced for County Architects.

· The Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC) has secured a Heritage Lottery Fund project planning grant, to increase access to data and information on biodiversity to schools and the public.

· Recreation & Heritage and PBRS have commenced work with the Environment Department on auditing the management of the 200 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) owned by the County Council.

Carbon Management and Climate Change

Key achievements during 2005/06:

· The buildings with low environmental credentials initiative has carried out detailed monitoring of three selected schools during 2005. This showed high night- and holiday-time energy use. Recommendations have been made by PBRS management team to implement a number of local energy management actions at low or no cost to improve energy efficiency in schools. A further option is to invest in zone controls which allow partial heating and lighting of buildings to accommodate out of hours use.

· Progress to reduce energy used in street lighting has been made and since 1 April 2005, 50 bollards and 246 signs have been de-illuminated saving 3.8Kw of energy. £250,000 has been allocated for sign/bollard de-illumination for 06/07. A contract has also been agreed with EON UK to supply 100% green electricity for street lighting from April 2006.

· There have been a number of communications to staff about energy efficiency and the actions that individuals can take. Feedback was generally positive and comments on the overheating of buildings has resulted in action to reduce heating requirements. A further proposal by staff to identify sources of inefficient energy use at night is to be implemented by Property Services.

Two barriers identified were:

· that the unspecific nature of billing data makes it difficult to assess where improvements could be made in future.

· that uncertainty about the maturity of some technology such as solar hinders its implementation.

Forward planning for 2006/07:

· The action group will continue and be strengthened with new members to encompass other areas of the authority which impact on energy use and CO2. Current initiatives will be supported by the development of new areas.

Material Resources

The group has had three main areas of work focus during 2005/06:

· Assisting with the implementation of the corporate Waste and Recycling contract, which was eventually rolled out beyond schools to other parts of the public sector from April 2005.

· Investigating and recommending a way forward to reduce paper consumption across HCC. Ongoing work on this project includes determining implementation timescales and a communication strategy.

· The use of the sustainability checklist for Highway works, and its associated advice (contained on the material use sheets), has resulted in significant savings. The checklist was employed on the A3 Highways project and during the year 05/06 has resulted in savings of £157,000 on avoided landfill charges and virgin aggregate costs.

Current projects include data gathering on material use, peer review verification of improvements achieved, and then promotion of these to a wider audience to influence best practice.

Travel and Transport

A notable action for the year 2005/06 was the completion and analysis of the 2005 staff travel survey. There is a considerable difference between the Winchester results and those relating to the rest of Hampshire, with the Winchester results showing some modest moves towards greater transport sustainability.

Other progress includes a report into the viability of providing bespoke travel solutions such as minibuses or taxi share schemes for staff. It concluded that the greatest impact may be gained through better promotion of car sharing and using existing public transport. Following negotiations with South West Trains a 25% discount on annual rail season tickets for Winchester staff has been secured and the pilot is currently running with good success.

The MATISSE project has also now been launched, looking at alternative/smarter working practices, and approximately 50 HCC staff are involved with this project. A number of other pilots looking at home-working and mobile working have been carried out in the last financial year. The results of these pilots are in the process of being produced.

A revised Corporate Travel Strategy (Green Travel Plan) is in the process of being drafted based on the staff survey results and other information available. Actions from the Travel and Transport IAG which were not achievable last financial year will also be included. During the development of the Corporate Travel Strategy, the group will continue to promote and increase the staff discounts and benefits available to travel by public transport, continue with increased promotion of the in-house car share scheme and try to seek suitable bus, rail and cycle discounts elsewhere.

APPENDIX 4

Major Dept Initiatives for 2006/07 - Links with the Aalborg Commitments

Department	Major 06-07 Initiatives	Strongest Linked Aalborg Commitment
Corporate	Implementation of Hampshire Local Area Agreements (*see headline areas at end of this Appendix) and Local Public Service Agreement LPSA2	1.5 - Cooperate effectively and in partnership with adjoining municipalities, other cities and towns, and other spheres of government.
Adult Services	Subject to building/phasing by April 2007 there will be 500 nursing beds in operation.	5.5 - Apply requirements for sustainable design and construction and promote high quality architecture and building technologies.
Adult Services	The modernisation of day services for adults with learning disabilities, particularly Basingstoke and Bishopstoke day services	9.3 - Foster social inclusion and equality.
Adult Services	The modernisation of home care, e.g., use of telecare service	9.3 - Foster social inclusion and equality.
Chief Executives	Establish Hampshire Action Teams (HATs) to develop the role of Members as community leaders by improving their knowledge and expertise on issues affecting specific areas	1.4 - Make our decisions open, accountable and transparent.
Chief Executives	Corporate Strategy and development of a business plan	1.1 - Further develop a commonly shared long-term vision for a sustainable county.
Chief Executives	Further development of the performance management process	2.3 - Set targets and time schemes in the framework of the Aalborg Commitments and create and follow the monitoring review.
Children's Servs	DfES initiative working with schools	2.1 - Strengthen local sustainability processes and mainstream them into the heart of local government.
Children's Servs & Environment	School Travel initiatives / safer routes to schools	6.2 - Increase the share of journeys made by public transport, on foot and by bicycle.
Children's Servs	53 new children centres to be in place by 2008	5.5 - Apply requirements for sustainable design and construction and promote high quality architecture and building technologies.
Environment	Reduction of Carbon Emissions - toolkit or set of options to encourage staff to reduce carbon emissions	10.1 - Develop and follow a strategic and integrated approach to mitigate climate change, and work towards a sustainable level of greenhouse gas emissions.
Environment	Getting Our House In Order Recycling Pilot - identify opportunities to enhance internal waste minimisation and recycling	4.1 - Avoid and reduce waste, and increase re-use and recycling.
Human Res	Pay and Benefits	2.1 - Strengthen local sustainability processes and mainstream them into the heart of local government.
Human Res	Absence Management Project	7.1 - Raise awareness and take action on the wider determinants of health, most of which lie outside the health sector.
Human Res	Succession Planning	2.1 - Strengthen local sustainability processes and mainstream them into the heart of local government.
IT Services	Procure, manage and provide guidance to all IT users on how to minimise energy consumption and other consumables	4.3 - Avoid unnecessary energy consumption, and improve end-use energy efficiency.
IT Services	Mobile and flexible working within IT Services	6.1 - Reduce the necessity for private motorised transport and promote attractive alternatives accessible to all.
IT Services	Customer and citizen focus - the contact centre strategy, digital inclusion, increasing the take up of e-services in Hantsweb, self-service, etc.	9.2 - Ensure equitable access to public services, education, employment opportunities, training, information, and cultural activities.
IT Services	Community engagement such as Hantsweb awards, Silver Surfers, take-up of e-services, e-consultation, IT support for community associations, community TV, Digital Challenge (if Phase 1 bid successful).	1.4 - Make our decisions open, accountable and transparent.
PB&R Services	HC3S - adoption of government nutritional standards and running 'cook and eat' programme classes for children and parents	7.1 - Raise awareness and take action on the wider determinants of health, most of which lie outside the health sector.
PB&R Services	Development of Community Safety Services now dealing with 1,000 incidents per month	9.4 - Improve community safety and security.
PB&R Services	Redevelopment proposals for Ashburton Court	5.5 - Apply requirements for sustainable design and construction and promote high quality architecture and building technologies.
PB&R Services	Collaborative working with South East Centre of Excellence and framework contractors to produce best value construction procurement.	4.4 - Undertake sustainable procurement.
Recreation and Heritage	Continued rollout of Discovery Centres across the county.	5.5 - Apply requirements for sustainable design and construction and promote high quality architecture and building technologies.
Recreation and Heritage	Various initiatives around the Local Area Agreement for Hampshire to promote healthy lifestyles, improve quality of life for older people and provide positive leisure and recreational activities for young people	7.1 - Raise awareness and take action on the wider determinants of health, most of which lie outside the health sector.
Recreation and Heritage	Use of R&H sites and facilities to promote messages to the public about sustainability issues (build on Queen Elizabeth Country Park success)	1.2 - Build participation and sustainable development capacity in the local community and municipal administration.
Treasurers	Promote the active consideration in decision making of sustainability opportunities through our work with outside organisations, e.g., in selection criteria for contractors and suppliers	2.4 - Ensure that sustainability issues are central to decision-making processes and that resource allocation is based on strong and broad sustainability criteria.
Treasurers	Target energy reductions specifically within the future Gershon efficiency Plans	4.3 - Avoid unnecessary energy consumption, and improve end-use energy efficiency.
Treasurers	Build on recent trials to use video conferencing facilities within the department	6.1 - Reduce the necessity for private motorised transport and promote attractive alternatives accessible to all.

* The eight Hampshire LAA priorities are:

· Improve the life chances for children and young people

· Deliver first class support for business, promote skills and workforce development and address barriers to improvement

· Improve the co-ordination of transport and access to services across the county

· Improve access to housing and accommodation

· Tackle crime and anti-social behaviour recognising the harm of drug and alcohol misuse

· Promote and improve the health and well-being of people in Hampshire

· Use material resources more efficiently

· Empower local people to have a greater voice and influence over decision making and the delivery of services