Climate Change and Sustainability

Acting on Climate Change remains is a key priority for Redditch Borough Council in 2011/12 following key successes with projects such as the Crematorium Energy Recovery project - and we look forward to introducing more exiting projects over time.

Climate Change Strategy 2010-13

A joint Climate Change Strategy for Bromsgrove and Redditch has now been published, following an update in June 2011 to respond to changing legislation. The climate change strategy can be accessed here:

Planning permission - Solar PV

*Important information Dec 2010 - *still relevant September 2011*

We are receiving increasing numbers of enquiries about planning requirements for installing Solar PV panels on domestic homes:

From April 2008, the following renewable installations for domestic properties became permitted development (no need to apply for planning permission):

• Solar Electricity Photovoltaic systems (PV)
• Solar Thermal Hot Water System
• Stand alone solar equipment
• Ground source heat pump systems

There are some certain conditions and restrictions in particular circumstances, for example, on listed buildings, which are detailed in the Permitted Development Order Document available on the planning pages. For specific enquiries and for other types of renewable installations, please contact the Planning Team.

Further Update September 2011.

From 1st October 2011, electric vehicle charging points will also become permitted development.

From 1st December 2011, micro-wind turbines and air source heat pumps will also become permitted development.

More information is available here:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/letterplanningregulations

While we are committed to reducing our own carbon footprint as a result of running the organisation and providing services to residents and businesses in the area; we also need everyone else to take part and reduce their own carbon footprint.

This website is designed to provide you with information on what we are doing and what you can do yourself – together we can tackle climate change and ensure the long term sustainability of the Borough.

A good place to get started is to visit the energy savings trust website...

...or calculate your own carbon footprint by clicking on the logo below:

 

You can also search the different sections  of this webpage for further information.

It is now widely accepted that climate change is happening – and that human activity is accelerating the process. For more information on the science of climate change – download the MET Office Guide to Climate Change.

Climate Change is a very broad subject – please click on the following links depending on what is of interest to you:

Warmer Worcestershire Project - how efficient is YOUR home? Find out by clicking the orange house

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies - including information on grants

Recycling and Waste- information on how to reduce, reuse and recycle

Biodiversity, Countryside and Allotments - including information on growing your own

Water Efficiency - key information to help you reduce your water footprint

Transport - information to help you travel sustainably

Our Local Strategy for Climate Change - what is the Council doing?

Go Local! - Worcestershire Green Directory - everything you need to know locally

Green businesses - information to help you improve the sustainability of your business

Planning Issues and Climate Change - information on new developments and how we are supporting you to install micro-generation technology at home, such as solar panels.