These action plans implement the Environmental policy. See how we are doing.
Carbon
The Authority is committed to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions in its carbon footprint to net-zero by 2030. Devon County Council’s Carbon Reduction Strategy and Plan 2024-2027 explains how this will be achieved. This is available in a PDF format and webpage formats. We also produce an annual Carbon Footprint of the authority’s operations. We are working to improve our data and to tackle sources of emissions not in our annual footprint. For example, our Low Carbon Supply Chain Strategy sets out how we will tackle emissions associated with the procurement of goods and services.
Waste, resources and plastics
Devon County Council’s updated Waste Strategy and Plan 2024 sets out the Council’s proposed actions to further reduce waste at source and increase re-use, recycling and composting. It also outlines actions to tackle issues around plastic use. Plastic is an incredibly useful material because of its versatility, but it comes with issues that need addressing. One issue is litter in the environment which ultimately ends up in the oceans. The updated plan builds on a previous plan and review and to identify how the Council can further reduce plastic use and reduce marine plastic litter.
Procurement
Devon County Council buys a huge number of things from vehicles to laptops and services for highways maintenance to social care. These all have an impact on the environment and contribute to carbon emissions. The Procurement Strategy sets an overall framework for addressing environmental issues within our purchasing activity. In addition, we have set out a more detailed approach to reduce carbon emissions from the supply chain in the Low Carbon Supply Chain Strategy.
Countryside, coast and heritage
The Countryside, Coast and Heritage Strategy 2024 identifies opportunities to ensure that the Authority’s programmes, projects and services eliminate or at least mitigate adverse impacts on key environmental issues (such as wildlife, landscape and historic assets), reduce legislative and reputational risk for the authority and demonstrate community leadership on issues such as tree planting.
The Authority’s Pollinators Action Plan also contributed to this workstream.
Environmental risk
The Environmental Risk Strategy and Action Plan aims to: Identify, understand and implement all relevant environmental legislation fully; encourage a culture of reporting near-misses and sharing learning to improve processes; ensure planning for severe weather events is included in business continuity plans for business-critical services; and encourage all services to undertake an assessment of the risks presented by climate change.
Water
The Draft Water Strategy and Action Plan looks to make further improvements to DCC’s management of water and take additional steps to minimise water consumption. We are working to improve data collection to inform the final policy and ensure activity is focussed on the right priorities.