Archived decisions
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Decision Report
Decision Maker: |
Cabinet | ||||
Date of Decision: |
29 June 2009 | ||||
Decision Title: |
Hampshire County Council's Sustainability Performance - revised Aalborg scores | ||||
Decision Reference: |
805 | ||||
Report From: |
Director of Environment | ||||
Contact name: |
Mike Bridgeman | ||||
Tel: |
01962 845832 |
Email: |
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1. Executive Summary
1.1. The purpose of this paper is to summarise the latest assessment of the Council's sustainability performance using the Aalborg Commitments. It asks Cabinet to ratify the new scores, re-confirm the forward targets, and agree the improvement priorities for 2009/10.
1.2. This paper seeks to:
(i) set out brief contextual information about the Aalborg Commitments;
(ii) summarise the baseline scores agreed by Cabinet 2006;
(iii) present the full new set of draft scores; and
(iv) highlight key issues arising, including the need for particular focus on the areas of decision-making, carbon and sustainable procurement.
2. Contextual information
2.1. In September 2006 Hampshire County Council became one of the first local authorities in the UK to assess its sustainability performance, when it finalised its baseline review using the Aalborg Commitments framework. This work has since received national recognition via the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), the Sustainable Development Commission, and the Council winning the sustainability category at the Government Business Awards 2009.
2.2. There are 50 Aalborg Commitments spread equally across ten themes, covering economic, social, environmental and governance issues. The Council is one of over 600 authorities across Europe signed up to the Aalborg Commitments.
3. Finance
3.1. There are no financial implications from this report.
4. Performance
4.1. This paper concerns the Council's sustainability performance, which sits within the wider corporate performance framework.
5. Other key issues
5.1. Decision-making (see section 8).
5.2. Carbon (see section 8).
5.3. Sustainable procurement (see section 8).
6. Previous Assessment (2006)
6.1. The Council's Aalborg baseline review included evidence up to 31 March 2006, and the scores were ratified by Cabinet in September 2006. Each of the 50 Aalborg Commitments were given a score on a scale of 0-4, which can be converted to give a total average score, or a total cumulative score, as a measure of the Council's overall sustainability performance. The overall score in 2006 was an average of 2.02 out of 4, or a cumulative score of 101 out of 200. The following improvement targets were also set by Cabinet in September 2006:
- 2.1 out of 4 (or 105 out of 200) by end 2008/09
- 2.2 out of 4 (or 110 out of 200) by end 2009/10
- 2.4 out of 4 (or 120 out of 200) by end 2010/11
- 2.6 out of 4 (or 130 out of 200) by end 2011/12
- 3.0 out of 4 (or 150 out of 200) by end 2015/16 (this is the measure for meeting the Council's long term goal - Within a decade Hampshire will prosper without risking our environment
7. Latest Assessment (2009)
7.1. An evidence gathering exercise has been undertaken to assess what has, and has not, changed since the baseline up to 31 March 2009. In total over 500 pieces of evidence were collected and allocated to the most relevant Aalborg Commitment.
7.2. The evidence has been assessed by the Corporate Sustainable Development Steering Group. This produced the draft scores summarised in the appendix, which gives the baseline and new scores for each of the 50 Aalborg Commitments, along with a single sentence summary providing the reasoning for the new score.
7.3. In total, the draft scores show eight of the 50 Commitments moving up by one point over the three years, including the first one to reach 4 out of 4 (ie #4.1 - `Avoid and reduce waste, and increase re-use and recycling'). The changes result in the overall score moving from 101 out of 200 to 109 out of 200, exceeding the Council's 2008/09 target of 105 out of 200.
8. Issues
8.1. Whilst exceeding the first interim target is good news, there is no room for complacency. Future targets (see paragraph 6.1) get tougher as scores will now be measured each year, become more ambitious year-on-year, and some of the quicker wins have been achieved.
8.2. There also needs to be increased emphasis on outcomes embedded throughout Council business, not least due to the increased emphasis put on sustainability by the Joint Inspectorates under the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA). In particular, the Audit Commission is expecting to see clear evidence of outcomes under the Use of Resources part of the CAA's Organisational Assessment. Three areas for the Council to particularly focus on are:
(i) Decision-making - When agreeing the Aalborg Baseline Review in September 2006, Members agreed this to be the number one Aalborg improvement priority. Whilst some progress has been made, more needs to be done to ensure sustainability considerations are embedded into all major decisions.
(ii) Carbon - The Council needs to be able to demonstrate clear reductions in its carbon footprint. The Council's Climate Change Centre of Excellence is managing this process at a strategic level.
(iii) Sustainable Procurement - The Council has assessed its sustainable procurement performance against the national Flexible Framework (currently 1 out of 5), and has an action plan in place designed to improve performance. This now needs to be translated into clear outcomes across the major areas of procurement spend.
8.3. These improvements are also required to play a major part in meeting the corporate targets set out in paragraph 6.1, which in turn are reflected in the Corporate Improvement Plan (CIP). To achieve these targets, ten new improvement priorities have been selected for 2009/10 and these are highlighted in the appendix. The priorities have been considered by the Corporate Sustainable Development Steering Group and the Corporate Performance and Efficiencies Group (CPEG) and reflect the CIP, the Local Area Agreement (LAA) and the CAA.
9. Future direction
9.1. The Council's performance against the Aalborg Commitments will be reported on an annual basis, with the aim of demonstrating year on year improvements towards a stretching long-term goal. Annual improvement priorities will be continue to be selected to focus efforts on key areas.
9.2. It is recommended that Cabinet ratify the scores in the appendix. The Council can then submit the scores to the Aalborg Secretariat in Denmark, being one of the first authorities in Europe to reach this stage.
10. Recommendations
10.1. That the revised Aalborg scores summarised in the appendix be ratified.
10.2. That the overall improvement targets to 2015/16 set out in paragraph 6.1 of the main report be re-confirmed.
10.3. That the 10 Aalborg improvement priorities for 2009/10 shown in the appendix be agreed.
CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:
Links to the Corporate Strategy
Hampshire safer and more secure for all: |
yes |
Corporate Business plan link number (if appropriate): | |
Maximising well-being: |
yes |
Corporate Business plan link number (if appropriate): | |
Enhancing our quality of place: |
yes |
Corporate Business plan link number (if appropriate): | |
Other Significant Links
Links to previous Member decisions: |
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Title |
Reference |
Date | |
Annual Sustainability Report (including Aalborg Baseline Review) |
Item 10 |
25 September 2006 | |
Direct links to specific legislation or Government Directives |
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Title |
Date | ||
Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background documents | |
The following documents discuss facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and have been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report. (NB: the list excludes published works and any documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.) | |
Document |
Location |
IMPACT ASSESSMENTS:
1. Equalities Impact Assessment:
1.1. Equalities and diversity issues are core to sustainability, as reflected in Aalborg Commitments 7.3 and 9.3, both of which have been selected as improvement priorities for 2009/10.
2. Impact on Crime and Disorder:
2.1. Crime and disorder issues are core to sustainability, as reflected in Aalborg Commitment 9.4, which has been selected as an improvement priority for 2009/10.
3. Climate Change:
a) How does what is being proposed impact on our carbon footprint / energy consumption?
· Carbon and energy issues are core to sustainability, as reflected in Aalborg Commitments 3.1, 4.1 and 10.1. Aalborg Commitment 3.1 ("reduce primary energy consumption and increase the share of renewable energies") has been selected as an improvement priority for 2009/10.
b) How does what is being proposed consider the need to adapt to climate change, and be resilient to its longer term impacts?
· Adapting to climate change is core to sustainability, as reflected in Aalborg Commitment 10.2, which has been selected as an improvement priority for 2009/10.
Appendix
DRAFT - Hampshire County Council - Aalborg Scoring 2009 | ||||||
The 10 Aalborg Commitments prioritised for improvement from 2009/10 | ||||||
The 12 Aalborg Commitments prioritised for improvement for 2008/09 |
||||||
Key Shaded items prioritised 2009/10 Boxed items prioritised 2008/09 Shaded and Boxed items prioritised both 2008/09 and 2009/10 Scoring Criteria | ||||||
4 3 2 1 0 |
Comprehensive evidence that Commitment is being achieved Strong evidence of progress towards achieving the Commitment Some evidence of progress towards achieving the Commitment Limited evidence of progress towards achieving the Commitment No evidence at all of any progress towards achieving the Commitment |
|||||
2006 Baseline Score |
2009 Draft Score | |||||
1. GOVERNANCE | ||||||
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 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence including adoption of Hampshire County Council's long term vision. This also heavily influenced the vision of the new Hampshire Sustainable Communities Strategy. Although the vision is well embedded within some departments further improvement will require stronger evidence that the sustainability vision is corporately owned. | ||||||
2. Build participation and sustainable development capacity in the local community and municipal administration |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. No step-change in approach which might provide strong evidence of progress. | ||||||
3. Invite all sectors of local society to participate effectively in decision-making |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. Work being done with partners to identify areas where strengthening is needed - with a view to action planning for improved outcomes. | ||||||
4. Make our decisions open, accountable and transparent |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence consistent with the baseline review. Continuing improvements promise to provide strong evidence of progress for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
5. Cooperate effectively and in partnership with adjoining municipalities, other cities and towns, and other spheres of government |
3 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. Evidence including the LAA 2008-11 and the Hampshire Senate indicates that comprehensive evidence of progress may be achieved for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
Theme Score |
11 |
12 | ||||
2. LOCAL MANAGEMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY | ||||||
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 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence of progress beyond the baseline review as a result of processes having been put in place, including strengthened SDSG and DSATs, establishing experts network and substantial communications work. Further improvement of SDSG, DSATs and experts working seamlessly may provide comprehensive evidence of achievement for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
2. Deliver integrated management towards sustainability based on the precautionary principle |
1 |
1 | ||||
Limited evidence of progress beyond the baseline review. | ||||||
3. Set targets and time schemes in the framework of the Aalborg Commitments and create and follow the Aalborg Commitments monitoring review |
2 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence of progress beyond the baseline review as a result of further targets being set and embedded into the Corporate Business Plan process. Fully embedding targets in the new Corporate Improvement Plan and service plans may provide comprehensive evidence of a achievement for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
4. Ensure that sustainability issues are central to decision-making processes and that resource allocation is based on strong and broad sustainability criteria |
1 |
2 | ||||
Some progress beyond the baseline review as indicated by the development and piloting of CIA. Wider corporate action would provide strong evidence of progress for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
5. Cooperate with the European Sustainable Cities & Towns Campaign and its networks to monitor and evaluate our progress towards meeting our sustainability targets |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. Further improvements could provide strong evidence of progress for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
Theme Score |
8 |
11 | ||||
3. NATURAL COMMON GOODS | ||||||
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 | ||||
Some evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. No step-change in approach which would provide strong evidence of progress. | ||||||
2. Improve water quality, save water, and use water more efficiently |
2 |
2 | ||||
Slight increase in corporate water consumption and a reduced role within the Hampshire Water Partnership suggests progress slightly declining from the baseline review. | ||||||
3. Promote and increase biodiversity, and extend and care for designated nature areas and green spaces |
3 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. Activities underway could provide comprehensive evidence of achievement for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
4. Improve soil quality, preserve ecologically productive land and promote sustainable agriculture and forestry |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of achieving this commitment. Progress has fallen as a result of a decline in soils work such as the soil initiative and suggests evidence slightly falling short of the baseline review. | ||||||
5. Improve air quality |
1 |
1 | ||||
Limited evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. | ||||||
Theme Score |
10 |
10 | ||||
4. RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES | ||||||
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 |
4 | ||||
As a nationally leading local authority for this commitment, there is comprehensive evidence of achievement beyond the baseline review, particularly due to corporate improvement lacking at the baseline review. Further improvement to internal process may yield yet more progress. | ||||||
2. Manage and treat waste in accordance with the best practice standards |
3 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence of progress against the baseline review. Possible further improvements could provide comprehensive evidence of achievement for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
3. Avoid unnecessary energy consumption, and improve end-use energy efficiency |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review, although no step change in approach which would provide strong evidence of progress. | ||||||
4. Undertake sustainable procurement |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some minimal evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. Wider examples of sustainable procurement being undertaken would provide stronger evidence of progress for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
5. Actively promote sustainable production and consumption, in particular of eco-labelled, organic, ethical and fair trade products |
1 |
1 | ||||
Limited evidence of progress beyond the baseline review. There is scope for quick improvement in subsequent reviews. | ||||||
Theme Score |
11 |
12 | ||||
5. PLANNING AND DESIGN | ||||||
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 | ||||
Some evidence of progress beyond the baseline review. Further developments would provide strong evidence of progress for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
2. Avoid urban sprawl by achieving appropriate urban densities and prioritising Brownfield site over Greenfield site development |
3 |
3 | ||||
Continued strong evidence of avoiding urban sprawl consistent with the baseline review.. | ||||||
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 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of progress beyond the baseline review. No step change in approach which would provide strong evidence of progress.. | ||||||
4.Ensure appropriate conservation, renovation and use/re-use of our urban cultural heritage |
3 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. No step change in approach which would provide comprehensive evidence of progress.. | ||||||
5. Apply requirements for sustainable design and construction and promote high quality architecture and building technologies |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of progress beyond the baseline review. No step-change in approach which would provide strong evidence of progress. | ||||||
Theme Score |
12 |
12 | ||||
6. BETTER MOBILITY, LESS TRAFFIC | ||||||
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 | ||||
Some evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. | ||||||
2. Increase the share of journeys made by public transport, on foot and by bicycle |
1 |
2 | ||||
Some significant evidence of progress beyond the baseline review demonstrated through Corporate Travel Survey 2008 which demonstrates a shift from car to alternative modes of transport. | ||||||
3. Encourage transition to low-emission vehicles |
1 |
1 | ||||
Limited evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. No step-change in approach which would provide some evidence of progress beyond the baseline.
| ||||||
4. Develop an integrated and sustainable mobility plan |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of progress beyond the baseline review. As plans become embedded, stronger evidence of progress may be available for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
5. Reduce the impact of transport on the environment and public health |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of progress for consistent with the baseline review. If trends continue, strong evidence of progress may be available for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
Theme Score |
8 |
9 | ||||
7. LOCAL ACTION FOR HEALTH | ||||||
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 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence of progress beyond the baseline review. There are a vast number of excellent examples of both internal action such as workplace activities and action within the local community. Further improvement could provide comprehensive evidence of achievement for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
2. Promote county health development planning, which provides our county with a means to build and maintain strategic partnerships for health |
3 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence of progress beyond the baseline review, such as the establishment of the `Health and Wellbeing Board'. Further improvement could provide comprehensive evidence of achievement for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
3. Reduce inequalities in health and address poverty, which will require regular reporting on progress towards reducing the gaps |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review is mitigated by the results of the CAA pilot which indicated inequality is widening with a `red flag'. | ||||||
4. Promote health impact assessment as a means for all sectors to focus their work on health and the quality of life |
1 |
1 | ||||
Limited evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. Further work underway with CIA may provide some evidence of progress for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
5. Mobilise urban planners to integrate health considerations in their planning strategies and initiatives |
1 |
1 | ||||
Continuing limited evidence of progress. | ||||||
Theme Score |
10 |
10 | ||||
8. VIBRANT AND SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMY | ||||||
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 | ||||
Some evidence of improving progress beyond the baseline review. The implementation of the Employment Strategy and our response to the recession may provide evidence of progress for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
2. Cooperate with local businesses to promote and implement good corporate practice |
3 |
3 | ||||
Continuing strong evidence of progress consistent with baseline review. | ||||||
3. Develop and implement sustainable principles for the location of businesses |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some continuing evidence of progress consistent with baseline review. | ||||||
4. Encourage markets for high quality local and regional production |
3 |
3 | ||||
Continuing strong evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. Increased evidence of progress for subsequent reviews would require other sectors beyond food to be supported. | ||||||
5. Promote sustainable tourism |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some continuing evidence of progress consistent with the baseline review. Increased evidence of progress for subsequent reviews would result from improved focus on local distinctiveness. | ||||||
Theme Score |
12 |
12 | ||||
9. SOCIAL EQUALITY AND JUSTICE | ||||||
We are committed to securing inclusive and supportive communities | ||||||
1. Develop and implement programmes to prevent and alleviate poverty |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of improving progress beyond the baseline review such as the Hampshire Children and Young People's Plan. Continuing improvement should yield strong evidence for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
2. Ensure equitable access to public services, education, employment opportunities, training, information, and cultural activities |
3 |
3 | ||||
Strong evidence of improving progress beyond the baseline review. Further improvement will require stronger evidence of further progress in respect of equitable access. | ||||||
3. Foster social inclusion and equality |
2 |
2 | ||||
Strong evidence of improving progress beyond the baseline review. Particularly strong evidence in respect of corporate equalities with securing of level 3 on the equalities standard. | ||||||
4. Improve community safety and security |
3 |
3 | ||||
Continuing strong evidence consistent with the baseline review. Improvement will require stronger evidence of progress. | ||||||
5. Secure good quality and socially integrated housing and living conditions |
2 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of improvement beyond the baseline review. | ||||||
Theme Score |
12 |
12 | ||||
10. LOCAL TO GLOBAL | ||||||
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 | ||||
Some evidence of improvement beyond the baseline. The Climate Change Centre of Excellence Panel indicates the direction that could lead to strong evidence of progress for subsequent reviews. | ||||||
2. Mainstream climate protection policy into our policies in the areas of energy, transport, procurement, waste, agriculture and forestry |
1 |
2 | ||||
Some significant evidence of improvement beyond the baseline review. The Climate Change Commission of Inquiry indicates a the direction that could lead to strong evidence. For subsequent reviews to register continuing improvement evidence of progress of integrating climate change into all areas listed within commitment | ||||||
3. Raise awareness of the causes and probable impacts of climate change, and integrate preventive actions into our climate change policy |
1 |
2 | ||||
Some significant evidence of improvement beyond the baseline review. | ||||||
4. Reduce our impact on the global environment and promote the principle of environmental justice |
1 |
1 | ||||
Limited evidence consistent with the baseline review. There is limited evidence unique for this commitment that is not already captured under other commitments. | ||||||
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 |
2 | ||||
Some evidence of improvement beyond the baseline review. Increased evidence of progress for subsequent reviews would result from outcomes from these partnerships | ||||||
Theme Score |
7 |
9 | ||||
Overall Score |
101 |
109 | ||||
Target |
Performance | |||||
Baseline |
n/a |
101 | ||||
2008/09 |
105 |
109 | ||||
2009/10 |
110 |
|||||
2010/11 |
120 |
|||||
2011/12 |
130 |
|||||
2015/16 |
150 |
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