How can we work together to protect our environment?

Transcription

1 How can we work together to protect our environment? Creating a better place Our corporate strategy

2 The environment in England and Wales faces many challenges, among them are: The challenges are big Even if all emissions stopped today, climate change would still be happening. The impacts are being seen and felt by everyone. Winters are getting warmer and wetter, summers are hotter and drier and sea levels are rising. More extreme weather will lead to floods, heatwaves, droughts and intense rainfall. Lives, homes, businesses and essential services such as transport, hospitals, water and energy will all be affected. The impacts will be felt financially too. And there is more to do to reduce the strain on resources and protect the environment against pollution and the pressures of a growing population. Creating a better place, the Environment Agency s strategy for the next five years, sets out how we working with others will bring pace and ingenuity to the challenge of a changing environment. Now is the time to act 560, ,000 significant risk from flooding from rivers and the sea More than 5.5 million homes and businesses are at risk from flooding from all sources in England and Wales. For over half a million the risk of flooding from the rivers and the sea is high and this number could increase by over 60% by 2035, due to the effects of climate change m m 2035 less water in rivers % of river catchments already have too much water taken from them by 2050 there could be 80% less water in some rivers in the summer, due to climate change. population increase The population in England and Wales is now 55 million by 2050 it could be around 15 million higher. 2 Creating a better place

3 The big picture Chris Smith Chairman Paul Leinster Chief Executive A changing climate, a fast-growing population, a global economic downturn, the urgent need to secure future supplies of energy and food: these forces put enormous pressure on the environment and threaten people s ability to enjoy and be sustained by the world. That s why this strategy is the Environment Agency s most important yet. It sets out our aims for the period to 2015 and describes the role we will play in being part of the solution to the environmental challenges society faces. We can only meet these challenges by working with others. Taken as a whole this strategy is our contribution to sustainable development. The country faces real economic uncertainty and great pressure on public finances. We will continue to review our priorities and ways of working to ensure we maximise the value for money we deliver in creating a better place for people and the environment. Our work helps economic recovery, for example, through capital projects, by promoting regeneration in our flood risk management work, through improving the quality of water, land and air, and by reducing the costs of regulation to businesses. We will also seek opportunities to help promote a low-carbon economy and the creation of green jobs. And we will help businesses to save money by using resources more efficiently. The choices made over the next five years will have an enormous effect on the environment for the rest of the twenty-first century. 2 Creating a better place

4 The big picture 700 In 2008 there were close to 700 significant pollution incidents in England and Wales. 32m 32 million people visited the rivers, canals and lakes of England and Wales. 6.4bn UK companies could save in the region of 6.4 billion a year by using resources more efficiently. Our strategy aims to create a better place by securing positive outcomes for people and wildlife, in five key areas. We will: 1. Act to reduce climate change and its consequences 2. Protect and improve water, land and air 3. Work with people and communities to create better places 4. Work with businesses and other organisations to use resources wisely 5. Be the best we can The challenges of climate change are so urgent that we now have to address not just how we manage its consequences (such as more flooding) but also how we play our part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in England and Wales. Schemes we manage, such as the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme and the Carbon Reduction Commitment, will help businesses and other organisations reduce their impact on the environment. Great strides have been taken in improving water, land and air quality. But there s still much to do. In 2008 there were close to 700 significant pollution incidents in England and Wales. Pollution from diffuse sources, such as water draining from urban areas and farmland, is significantly affecting water quality. We will help businesses improve their performance, by targeting our advisory and regulatory work where the risks to the environment are greatest. A good quality environment enhances people s lives. We work with people and communities to help protect them and to create better places. Over the next five years we will provide new or improved flood defences to tens of thousands more homes and businesses, working with local authorities, water companies and others to reduce flood risk across the country and respond to incidents when they happen. We work with others to provide opportunities for people to enjoy the environment. In 2008, 32 million people visited the rivers, canals and lakes of England and Wales. We want more people from all backgrounds to enjoy and benefit from recreation around waterways. Local authorities and other partners will be under pressure to accommodate a growing population. We will work to ensure that plans for development are sustainable and will support urban regeneration by helping to improve local environments. Research shows that UK companies could save in the region of 6.4 billion a year by using their resources more efficiently. It s vital that businesses change the way they think about the resources they use and the waste they produce. We work with the businesses and other organisations we regulate to help them use resources wisely and make it easier for them to do the right thing. We are determined to perform at our very best. We will achieve more for people and the environment by managing our own resources carefully, providing excellent services and focusing on environmental outcomes not processes. We will constantly seek out ways to improve the way we do business so that we are clearly seen to be achieving the best possible value for the taxpayer. We will use our knowledge and evidence presented in a compelling way to help people understand the need to protect and improve the environment. We will develop productive partnerships with other organisations to achieve shared aims and outcomes. We will bring people together to develop shared solutions to environmental problems, and we will inspire people to work together to create a better place. We will ensure our staff have the necessary skills, capabilities and knowledge to deliver this ambitious programme of work. These ways of working will be at the heart of everything we do. The choices made over the next five years will have an enormous effect on the environment for the rest of the twenty-first century. Get it right and the future will be more manageable; miss this opportunity, and the risks are high. Recent history shows it s possible to find solutions to difficult environmental challenges. Water and air quality are improving, species like otters that were in decline are now thriving, thousands of homes and businesses have improved flood protection and new habitats have been created for wildlife. This strategy sets out our plans for 2010 to 2015 years that give us all the opportunity to become the generation that really took on climate change and won. 4 Creating a better place

5 Our contribution The Environment Agency was established to bring together previously disparate responsibilities for protecting the environment and to contribute to sustainable development. This integrated approach means that we consider all elements of the environment when we plan and carry out our work. It allows us to combine an England and Wales perspective with practical experience of working at a local level. It also allows us to identify the best environmental options and solutions, taking into account the different impacts on water, land and air. For example, our responsibilities for water and land quality mean we can co-ordinate plans for whole river basins. We are responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and are an Assembly Government Sponsored Body (AGSB) responsible to the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). We work closely, and in partnership with the nature conservation agencies Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales, and with local authorities. We have a presence across all of England and Wales with teams based in seven English regions and Wales actively working in their local communities. Our work includes: regulation of major industry, flood and coastal risk management, waste management, agriculture, navigation, fisheries, contaminated land, conservation and ecology, water quality and resources and climate change. We use technical and scientific data and research our own and others to understand the environment and underpin all of our work. We have a duty to report on the state of the environment in England and Wales. We have three main roles: Environmental regulator Much of the environmental legislation that applies in England and Wales derives from European Directives. Government departments transpose these requirements into regulations and we have specific powers and duties to implement them, working to better regulation principles. We use permits, authorisations and consents to set the conditions operators must comply with so that their activities do not adversely impact on the environment. The businesses we regulate include power stations, nuclear installations, the chemicals industry, food and drink manufacturers, metal processing, the water industry, farms and waste management sites. We also regulate water abstraction for drinking water, irrigation and industry. Our water resources work aims to achieve the best environmental outcome for people and wildlife. We target the activities that pose the greatest threat to the environment a risk-based approach that means we make the best use of our resources. Environmental operator The Environment Agency plays a central role in managing flood risk. We have the strategic overview role for flood risk management from all sources, including rivers, the sea, groundwater, reservoirs and surface water in England and from rivers and the sea in Wales. We support and work closely in partnership with local authorities, who are responsible for managing flood risk from surface water and smaller local watercourses. We engage openly with local communities The benefits of regulation The environmental performance of businesses we regulate has improved: Since 1998 emissions of sulphur oxides (which cause health problems and acid rain) have reduced by 76%. Since 1998 particulate emissions (which cause health problems) have reduced by 37%. Since 2005, waste produced has been reduced by 14%. The benefits of our operations Between 2003 and 2008 we improved the level of flood protection to 156,000 households in England. Each 1 we spend on reducing flood risk protects 8 of potential damage. SO x down 76% 1 spent particulates down 37% waste down 14% protected 156k homes 8 saved to improve understanding of the risks from flooding and coastal erosion, provide flood warnings and to help develop and promote solutions that make them more resilient to flood events. Working alongside internal drainage boards and local authorities, we commission the design and construction of flood defences in England and Wales, and maintain and operate them. When a flood happens, we Water quality has improved: In 2008, 72% of English rivers and 88% of Welsh rivers were of good biological quality or better compared with 55% and 79% respectively in In 2008, 97% of bathing waters in England and Wales met the required water quality standards, compared to 78% in Since 2004 we have created 2051 hectares of Biodiversity Action Plan habitat. More people are enjoying outdoor recreation rod licence sales have increased by over 50% since biological quality of rivers increased better bathing waters new habitats recreation up work with the emergency services and local authorities to minimise the harm to people and property. We also work to maintain and improve the environment. Our work involves creating and improving habitats for fish and other water-based wildlife and helping species at risk like salmon and eels. We provide angling and boating facilities which enable people to enjoy outdoor recreation. 6 Creating a better place

6 Our contribution budgeted expenditure by income stream Environmental adviser It s our job to be an independent adviser on environmental matters, both within government and more widely. We advise policy makers in central and devolved government when they are developing legislation and policy on environmental matters. At a local level we advise throughout the spatial planning process on environmental issues by influencing strategic plans. We are a statutory consultee on environmental and sustainability appraisals for land use planning in England and Wales and we also advise local authorities on planning to prevent inappropriate new development in flood plains m 31m 41m 8m Defra Grant in Aid WAG Grant in Aid Charge income Other income The benefits of our advice The Climate Change Bill has greater emphasis on the need to adapt to climate change. To help avoid inappropriate development in flood risk areas we advise local authorities on thousands of planning applications. Our advice is now followed in more than 95% of cases, where we have feedback on the outcome. 95% of our advice followed Our key partners We are committed to strengthening our partnership work with local communities and with local organisations in all sectors in particular local authorities and regional and sub-regional bodies. And we will maximise the benefits we deliver through our working with other delivery bodies such as Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Health and Safety Executive, the Health Protection Agency, the Homes and Communities Agency, the Met Office, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency m 1m 126m 17m 168m 20m 25m 5m 32m 3m New duties we will take on in the period covered by this strategy Implementing the Carbon Reduction Commitment Scheme in 2010 Incorporating aviation into the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme in 2009 (trading will start in 2012) Implementing the European Union Floods Directive from 2009 onwards (first actions due December 2011) Implementing any new Act on flood and water management Implementing the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act At a strategic level we work closely with government departments to develop, implement and review policy. These include: the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Communities and Local Government (in England), Her Majesty s Treasury, the Better Regulation Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government. And because many of the environmental policies and legislation that we implement are agreed at the European level, we work with the European Commission, the European Environment Agency and environment agencies in other parts of Europe. 0 m Flood and coastal risk management 695m Budgeted expenditure Water resources 137m Our total budget for is 1.24 billion. Government will provide 66% of this (Defra 62%, WAG 4%) the remainder will be generated through charging schemes (31% in total) including environmental permits, water abstraction licences, rod licences and boat fees and other grants and contributions. Environmental protection 331m Fisheries, recreation, conservation and navigation 65m We will spend around 57% of our income on flood and coastal risk management, around 27% on environmental protection, around 11% on safeguarding water resources and around 5% on fisheries, recreation, conservation and navigation. 8 Creating a better place

7 The elements of our strategy Our vision The temperature in Central England has already risen by about 1 C since 1980 and summer temperatures in England and Wales could increase by a further 3 4 C by the 2080s A better place for people and wildlife Act to reduce climate change and its consequences To achieve this we will Protect and improve water, land and air Work with people and communities to create better places Work with businesses and other organisations to use resources wisely 1. Act to reduce climate change and its consequences Our supporting strategies Be the best we can Climate change is a threat to life on earth as we know it. An important part of our work is helping to prevent future climate change. But there is also a need to reduce the impacts of climate change as much as possible. We have major responsibilities for managing adaptation to climate change including flooding, drought, sea level rise and coastal erosion. Agriculture and land management Angling, navigation and recreation Climate change and energy Flood and coastal risk management Regulated business Sustainable places Waste and resource management Water Thirty-eight per cent of the UK s greenhouse gas emissions are covered by regulatory and economic schemes we currently implement. This will grow to 48 per cent by The causes and impacts of climate change will inform all of our work. Biodiversity Improving our own environmental performance 10 Creating a better place

8 1. Act to reduce climate change and its consequences Our aims To achieve these we will We will know we are succeeding when We play our full part in helping England and Wales meet greenhouse gas emissions targets in ways that minimise other environmental impacts. Work with the businesses we regulate to help them meet the greenhouse gas emissions reductions required and to improve energy efficiency. Run the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme efficiently and incorporate aviation. Set up and run the Carbon Reduction Commitment efficiently. Use our evidence and regulatory work to support the development and use of low-carbon technologies, including renewables, carbon capture and storage and nuclear power, while minimising other environmental impacts. Work with the nuclear sector to ensure that new nuclear power stations meet world class environmental standards, and the infrastructure is in place for legacy decommissioning and clean-up, and radioactive waste management and disposal. Work with others to ensure renewable energy technologies make a significant contribution to meeting UK and Welsh Assembly Government targets. Work with waste managers and others to reduce methane emissions from landfill sites. Greenhouse gas emissions from sites we regulate are reducing in line with UK and Welsh Assembly Government targets. We help people and wildlife adapt to climate change and reduce its adverse impacts. Work with local, devolved and central government, and in England regional bodies, to help them embed reducing and adapting to climate change in their policies and plans. Provide advice, guidance and evidence to key stakeholders on adaptation. Work with others to ensure national plans and policies, and business plans for critical infrastructure and essential services, incorporate climate change risks. Climate change adaptation is integrated into our business plans and ways of working. We put reducing and adapting to climate change at the heart of everything we do. Integrate the need to reduce carbon into everything we do, and share our experience with others. Use the UK Climate Projections 2009 to inform our work on adaptation and mitigation. The Environment Agency s carbon footprint is reduced. 12 Creating a better place

9 1. Act to reduce climate change and its consequences Our partners We work with others on climate change, both in mitigation and adaptation. This includes devolved and central governments and their agencies in the UK and with the European Union. We will also work with the Committee on Climate Change, the Carbon Trust and Energy Saving Trust, and at the sub-national level, regional bodies, local authorities and climate change partnerships. Our business partners include Ofgem and Ofwat, energy, water, and other infrastructure providers, professional and trade associations and other major interest groups. Related supporting strategies Agriculture and land management Angling, navigation and recreation Biodiversity Climate change and energy Flood and coastal risk management Improving our own environmental performance Regulated business Sustainable places Waste and resource management Water A load of rubbish A landfill site might not be the first place you d think of going to in the fight against climate change. But rotting rubbish produces methane a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 20 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. We ve been working with landfill operators to reduce that amount of methane their sites produce. In , methane produced by landfill sites was cut by the equivalent of 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide that s as much as would be produced by driving 1.7 billion miles in an average car. It s not just the sites used today that produce methane. Working with local authorities we inspected old sites that had been filled and closed many years ago, and found that we were able to reduce methane emissions from them as well. 2. Protect and improve water, land and air Poor air quality still reduces average life expectancy by seven to eight months A healthy and diverse natural environment is fundamental to the needs of society and the economy. Water, land and air quality have been steadily improving for many years, but more is needed. Point-source pollution from industry has been reduced, but diffuse pollution from sources such as agriculture, industry, households and road transport is growing in significance. More needs to be done to tackle pollution and we will work with partners and individuals to do so. By working together, future problems can be prevented, the quality of the natural environment will improve and people s health will be protected. 14 Creating a better place

10 2. Protect and improve water, land and air Our aims To achieve these we will We will know we are succeeding when The quality of surface, ground and coastal waters and wetlands continues to improve for the benefit of people, the economy and wildlife. Develop and implement River Basin Management Plans. Reduce or remove risks from chemicals that may affect water quality. Work with others to clean up heavily polluted waters. Contribute to creating a cleaner, healthier marine environment. Surface, ground and coastal waters and wetlands have achieved or are improving toward good status or good potential under the Water Framework Directive. Over-abstraction within water bodies is reduced and fewer abstractions cause environmental damage. Bathing waters meet the standards required under European law. Water companies deliver agreed improvements as outlined in their Asset Management Plans. Land is managed sustainably; protecting soils, water and biodiversity and contributing positively to reducing and adapting to climate change. Develop and implement programmes to tackle diffuse pollution. Work with the farming industry to ensure that management planning for soil, nutrients, water use and waste becomes an integral part of business plans on all farms. More farms adopt practices that improve the management of nutrients, soils, water use, pesticides and waste. More contaminated land is returned to beneficial use. Biodiversity is enhanced and fish stocks are managed sustainably for the benefit of wildlife and people. Ensure that our water management and flood and coastal risk management activities enhance wildlife conservation and bring wider environmental benefits. Work with others to conserve and maintain diverse and healthy fish populations. Work with partners to create and restore new wetland and coastal UK Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and protect priority species. More rivers have sustainable populations of fish. Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and species that we lead on are recovering or increasing. Our contribution to improving the overall condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England and Wales is delivered. Businesses and other organisations reduce the impacts of their activities on water, land and air and are responsible operators. We improve how we work as regulators to maximise environmental outcomes while minimising the cost to businesses. Work with local authorities on local air quality issues where Environment Agency regulated activities are a contributing factor. Work with businesses so they take full responsibility for their environmental impacts and report openly on them. Work with governments and European and international organisations to ensure all legislation promotes Better Regulation principles and to ensure environmental laws are effective. Target our regulatory activity using a risk-based approach and develop sector-based strategies that efficiently deliver better environmental outcomes. Work with other organisations to help businesses comply with environmental regulations. Apply effective and proportionate sanctions for non-compliance and illegal activity. Emissions of key air pollutants are reduced. Fewer sites have Band D, E or F Operator Risk Assessment (OPRA) scores. All categories of pollution incident are reduced. There are fewer complaints relating to nuisances such as odour, dust and litter caused by regulated businesses. Compliance with environmental regulations (including permit conditions) has improved. Site air quality improvements are on track. More regulated sites have acceptable environmental management systems. More FTSE all-share companies report on their environmental performance. There is less waste and other environmental crime. Permits are delivered to time and to the required standard. Administrative costs to businesses are reduced. 16 Creating a better place

11 2. Protect and improve water, land and air Our partners We work with a broad range of organisations to deliver our environmental protection aims. We work with government partners such as Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the European Commission. We work closely with government agencies including Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Forestry Commission, the Better Regulation Executive, and the Health and Safety Executive. We also work with local authorities and regional bodies. Our business partners include other regulators, professional and trade associations and major interest groups. Related supporting strategies Agriculture and land management Biodiversity Climate change and energy Regulated business Water Local residents enjoying the River Dee Restoring the River Dee The River Dee flows from Snowdonia to the Wirral. It s a vitally important source of water providing drinking water for 2.7 million people and it s well used by locals who love to fish and enjoy the river and its surroundings. Although predominantly in a rural setting, the river faces pressures from industry, urban areas and agriculture. There is a constant need for vigilance to safeguard the quality of the water, both as a source of supply for people and to support the species that make it one of Europe s most important wildlife habitats. We ve been working for over a decade with a range of partners, including water companies and industry, so that we can maintain a balance between the needs of people and wildlife. And we ve helped farmers recognise the need to use fertilisers and pesticides more carefully so that they pose less risk to the river. This vital work needs to be maintained, so that people working, living or playing around the River Dee can continue to enjoy a better water environment. Over the next 20 years, the number of households in England is projected to rise by about 30% and in Wales by about 25% 3. Work with people and communities to create better places A good quality environment can help to enhance people s lives and support a sustainable economy. But climate change, population growth and higher consumer expectations are putting pressure on the environment. Many people are concerned about what this means for them and their community from the effects of pollution on their health, to how much water and other resources will be available, and the effects of flooding and coastal erosion. We will work more closely with people and communities to create better places and to help people enjoy the environment and the benefits that this can bring. We will also work to protect people from environmental risks, including flooding, and work within communities to develop shared solutions. 18 Creating a better place

12 3. Work with people and communities to create better places Our aims To achieve these we will We will know we are succeeding when Flood risk and coastal erosion are effectively managed and people and property are better prepared and protected. Play our part in multi-agency planning and preparation for, and responding to, major incidents. Better understand the risks of flooding and of coastal erosion and use this to embed a risk-based approach to our flood and coastal risk management. Provide leadership through our strategic overview role in England and our enhanced oversight role in Wales, managing flood risk from main rivers and the sea, working with local authorities and others to co-ordinate the management of surface water and groundwater flooding and coastal erosion. Provide a long-term view on how and where we will invest in flood and coastal risk management. Ensure our long term policy and action plans, including catchment flood management plans and shoreline management plans, contribute towards sustainable development. Manage our flood and coastal risk management assets effectively and efficiently and encourage others to do the same. Provide better flood forecasting and warnings and help others to take prompt action. Work with nature to tackle flood risk, including creating new habitats that accommodate water and aid conveyance. More properties are better protected from flooding from all sources. More properties in disadvantaged communities are better protected from flooding. Our FCRM programme continues to deliver at least 5 of benefits for each 1 we invest. Our FCRM assets meet their target condition. More households and businesses at high risk of flooding receive and take up our warnings. Better local environments enhance people s lives and support a sustainable economy. New and existing developments have a reduced environmental impact and well-planned environmental infrastructure. Influence strategic European, national, regional and local land-use planning policies so that they respect environmental limits and take into account future climate risks. Ensure that the environmental infrastructure associated with new housing is planned for. Promote the wider adoption of sustainable building standards. Work with local authorities and partnerships to progress key environmental issues such as water resources and quality, energy use, waste management and flood and coastal risk management. Engage with local communities to create a shared understanding of environmental issues relevant to areas of our work and how to address them. No inappropriate new developments are located in areas at risk of flooding. Environmental objectives are included in regional, sub-regional and local strategies and plans. Prioritised environmental outcomes are jointly agreed and delivered with local authorities and partnerships. Significant new development and regeneration sites have plans in place for addressing their environmental impacts. All sections of society have opportunities to enjoy water and wetlands through angling, navigation, sport and other recreation. Manage water quality, water resources, fisheries and flood and coastal erosion risks in ways that improve opportunities for water-related recreation and public enjoyment. Work with others to address barriers to participation in fishing, navigation and other water-related sport and recreation. More people from all backgrounds take part in water related sport and recreation. More of the sites we own are available for people to enjoy water and nearby land. Our navigation assets are maintained in target condition. 20 Creating a better place

13 3. Work with people and communities to create better places Our partners We work with a range of people and organisations to create better places. Our government partners include Defra, the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Welsh Assembly Government. We work with local authorities, regional bodies, Internal Drainage Boards, the Met Office and other partners in England and Wales to better understand and resolve risks to people and their environment. We engage with and involve local communities on issues that affect them, such as flood and coastal risk management schemes or dealing with illegal waste dumping. Our partners include the Association of British Insurers, the Local Government Association and Welsh Local Government Association, Ofwat and other regulators; energy, water and other national infrastructure and essential service providers; other professional and trade associations and major interest groups. Related supporting strategies Angling, navigation and recreation Climate change and energy Flood and coastal risk management Sustainable places Waste and resource management Water From left: Arshad Bergum, Will Groves Making new connections In Birmingham we ve been working with a local community to help them understand a problem that s affecting their environment. And we ve helped turn a polluted brook into an asset in an otherwise poor environment. Wrongly connected drains from local homes were discharging foul water straight into Washwood Heath Brook instead of to the sewer. As a result, the brook had ended up as one of the most polluted streams in the Midlands. Working with Birmingham City Council and Community Service Volunteers Environment, we supported the water company Severn Trent s drive to find and fix the problem. This transformed the brook into a cleaner, tidier place for local residents to enjoy. But if the improvements were to last, this project needed more than a one-off campaign. Since the work, we have talked to local people about how to recycle oil rather than tipping it down the drains so it ends up in the stream, explained local resident Arshad Bergum. We have also arranged furniture collections to stop fly-tipping and encouraged more recycling and general tidying up of the area. Waste and waste management accounts for between 3% and 4% of UK greenhouse gas emissions 4. Work with businesses and other organisations to use resources wisely Globally, the consumption of resources is higher than can be sustained. The population continues to increase, as do living standards, and demands on natural resources are already at levels that are not sustainable. Businesses can benefit from using natural resources more efficiently and using the wastes they produce as resources. We will provide advice, guidance and leadership to businesses and the public sector to help promote more efficient and sustainable use of natural resources. 22 Creating a better place

14 4. Work with businesses and other organisations to use resources wisely Our aims To achieve these we will We will know we are succeeding when Businesses and other organisations know what the best environmental options are for managing waste and using resources wisely. The right waste and resource management infrastructure is in place. Develop and promote a better understanding of waste management options that protect the environment and human health, improve resource efficiency and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Provide advice and support to local, devolved and central governments and to regional bodies in England responsible for planning and delivering waste management infrastructure. Sectors we regulate directly use resources more efficiently and send less waste to landfill. More waste is fully recovered to the standards defined in the quality protocols, such that it is no longer classed as waste. There is less waste and other environmental crime. Businesses and other organisations are resource efficient, minimise pollution and manage their waste responsibly. Develop a whole life approach to tackling high impact waste streams. Concentrate on improving resource efficiency within the sectors we regulate. Work with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to encourage waste producers to take more responsibility for minimising their waste and reducing its impact. Identify where environmental pressures and illegal activity could be reduced by improving waste management facilities and services. Take prompt and decisive action to deal with criminal activity, close illegal sites and tackle illegal exports of waste. Safe, secure water supplies are used efficiently to meet the needs of the public, business and the environment. Promote efficient water use and effective water resources management internally, nationally and internationally. Work with all abstractors and users of water to ensure they manage demand and use and share water in the most efficient way. Average water use each person in households and for industrial processes and business uses is reduced. 24 Creating a better place

15 4. Work with businesses and other organisations to use resources wisely Our partners We work with and through others to deliver our aims for sustainable resource management. Our key government partners are Defra, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, and the Welsh Assembly. Local authorities and regional bodies are also important partners. We work closely with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and WRAP Cymru and Envirowise in Wales, who have a core remit to support resource efficiency through market development. We also work with bodies such as the Office of Government Commerce, and the Energy Saving Trust to promote our messages on water and resource efficiency to public bodies and consumers respectively. Related supporting strategies Agriculture and land management Climate change and energy Improving our own environmental performance Regulated business Sustainable places Waste and resource management Water What a waste Many people tend to see used and waste materials and products as low quality and worthless, but research has shown that they represent valuable resources for companies that take a different view. We are working in partnership with the Waste and Resources Action Programme to divert a wide range of materials out of the waste stream and into productive re-use as raw materials for new goods and products. And that keeps waste out of landfill sites and brings materials, energy and cost savings in manufacturing. We ve already helped companies turn waste into valuable materials including compost, plastics and biodiesel. And with nine more waste streams in the pipeline, we estimate over the next ten years that UK businesses could cut their costs by up to 1 billion, divert 17 million tonnes of waste from landfill, save 14 million tonnes of raw materials and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to two million tonnes of carbon dioxide. 5. Be the best we can We combine a national perspective with practical experience of working at a local level. We will be: an excellent environmental regulator; an effective and efficient environmental operator; an influential environmental adviser and champion for the environment. Our efficiency programme saved 42.7 million in , 17 million more than our target We will identify where we can improve and stretch ourselves. We will also understand where our performance is already excellent and share this with others. 26 Creating a better place

16 5. Be the best we can Our aims To achieve these we will We will know we are succeeding when We will provide a first class customer service Build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and ensure that our staff have appropriate customer service skills. We have a diverse workforce. Our internal and external customers say we are providing a good service. We will work effectively with partners to deliver shared environmental outcomes. Engage with partners, communities and businesses to improve and protect the environment and to influence behaviour. Key stakeholders agree we are good at working with them towards shared goals. We will use evidence and knowledge to guide and inspire our own actions and the actions of others. Recognise data, information and knowledge are assets and manage them accordingly. Use environmental data to create compelling evidence that supports and informs our decisions and those of others. Learn from others to improve the way we work and the technology we use, to be more efficient and effective. Maintain, develop and share our expertise in the fields in which we are already a leader. We have the right level of knowledge, expertise and experience. We will equip and train staff to achieve their potential and maximise their productivity. Develop the skills, capabilities and knowledge of our staff to equip them to achieve our aims and maximise their potential. Provide a healthy and safe working environment. Ensure our sensitive information and our assets are secure. All our staff have personal objectives that are clearly linked to our strategy. We provide a safe and healthy place to work and our staff manage the risks they face. We will be acknowledged as leaders in managing our own environmental impact. Lead by example by minimising the environmental impact of our own operations. We meet our environmental performance improvement targets. We will make the best use of our funding to deliver more for people and the environment. Manage public money prudently and wisely. Maintain our leadership on best value and sustainable procurement. Work with others to find opportunities for efficiencies in the delivery of our services. Manage our pension investments to the highest standards. Contribute our expertise to supporting economic recovery and developing the green economy in our work with businesses. We manage our assets, including money, to the highest standards. We achieve more for the environment from every pound we spend. External funding helps us achieve our priority environmental outcomes. 28 Creating a better place

17 5. Be the best we can Summary of measures of success Driving down mileage Our staff are located in a number of offices and depots across England and Wales, and travel is an integral part of the job for many of them. Frequently those journeys were by car, so as part of our work to reduce our carbon footprint, we set ourselves the target of reducing the number of miles our staff drive by 20 per cent. We helped staff to be less dependent on cars by equipping them to work when they are away from their office, by making public transport our preferred way to travel and by setting up a car share scheme on the internet. We reduced our annual business miles by 25 per cent, or 8.9 million miles, in the two years from April 2006 to March 2008 compared to the baseline year of April 2005 to March This won us an award from the Energy Saving Trust in We have sent a simple message to our staff avoid travelling where possible and, when there is no alternative, choose the best option for the environment. It s about raising awareness, explains Julian Feasby, Head of Internal Environmental Management. In the past people often jumped in their car before considering alternatives. But now all of our staff realise it s important to think twice. Related supporting strategies Improving our own environmental performance These measures of success will provide the basis for our corporate scorecard. Specific targets for each of these measures will be agreed through our Corporate Plan and we will report regularly on progress. Flood and coastal risk management More properties are better protected from flooding from all sources. More properties in disadvantaged communities are better protected from flooding. More households and businesses at high risk of flooding receive and take up our warnings. Our FCRM programme continues to deliver at least 5 of benefits for each 1 we invest. Our FCRM assets meet their target condition. Business performance and regulation Fewer sites have Band D, E or F Operator Risk Assessment (OPRA) scores. Permits are delivered to time and to the required standard. More regulated sites have acceptable environmental management systems. All categories of pollution incident are reduced. There are fewer complaints relating to nuisances such as odour, dust and litter caused by regulated businesses. There is less waste and other environmental crime. Business performance and regulation continued Compliance with environmental regulations (including permit conditions) has improved. Administrative costs to businesses are reduced. More FTSE all-share companies disclose their environmental performance. Climate change Greenhouse gas emissions from sites we regulate are reducing in line with UK and Welsh Assembly Government targets. Climate change adaptation is integrated into all of the Environment Agency s business plans and ways of working. The Environment Agency s carbon footprint is reduced. Planning and sustainable communities Environmental objectives are included in regional, sub-regional and local strategies and plans. Prioritised environmental outcomes are jointly agreed and delivered with local authorities and partnerships. Significant new development and regeneration sites have plans in place for addressing their environmental impacts. No inappropriate new developments are located in areas at risk of flooding. 30 Creating a better place

18 Summary of measures of success Water Surface, ground and coastal waters and wetlands have achieved or are improving toward good status or good potential under the Water Framework Directive. Over-abstraction within water bodies is reduced and fewer abstractions cause environmental damage. Bathing waters meet the standards required under European law. Water companies deliver agreed improvements as outlined in their Asset Management Plans. Average water use per person in households and for industrial processes and business uses is reduced. Land More farms adopt practices that improve the management of nutrients, soils, water use, pesticides and waste. More contaminated land is returned to beneficial use. Air Emissions of key air pollutants are reduced. Site air quality improvements are on track. Waste and resources management Sectors we regulate directly use resources more efficiently and send less waste to landfill. More waste is fully recovered to the standards defined in the quality protocols, such that it is no longer classed as waste. Fisheries, biodiversity and conservation More rivers have sustainable populations of fish. Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and species that we lead on are recovering or increasing. Our contribution to improving the overall condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England and Wales is delivered. Navigation and recreation More people, from all backgrounds take part in water related sport and recreation. More of the sites we own are available for people to enjoy water and nearby land. Our navigation assets are maintained in target condition. 32

19 Would you like to find out more about us, or about your environment? Then call us on (Mon-Fri 8-6) or visit our website incident hotline (24hrs) floodline Environment first: This publication is printed on paper made from 100 per cent previously used waste. By-products from making the pulp and paper are used for composting and fertiliser, for making cement and for generating energy. GEHO1109BQXE-E-P