Issue - meetings

Cabinet is asked in this report to endorse the continuation of the County Council’s certified environmental management system to ISO 14001:2015.

Councillor Heather Timms explained that she had been very keen to bring this report forward. Warwickshire County Council is one of a handful of County Councils that employs a certified EMS to help manage its environmental performance. The information is used to ensure that the correct projects are being brought forward.

The report and work to which is relates were commended by Councillors. Councillor Jonathan Chilvers observed that the evaluation of key risks and challenges was particularly strong. He added that efforts should be made to reduce the negative impact of major housing development in the county. In addition, the economy needs to be managed in such as way that CO2 emissions are reduced.

Councillor Keith Kondakor observed that an environmentally sound organisation can save money. The work set out in the report should extend to highways and transport and also the consideration of planning applications. In response Councillor Timms agreed to consider for future reports transport, green schools and construction projects.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1)       Endorse the continuation of WCC’s certified environmental management system to ISO 14001:2015 following an appraisal of the work undertaken in the previous year.

2)       Note the environmental risks and objectives noted in this report and confirm that they are suitable.