Our Environmental Charter

The Council has declared a climate emergency and therefore puts environmental considerations at the heart of its service delivery.

Our Environmental Charter states our commitment to action in order to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, showing how we will use our resources wisely to set a direction through our own actions, working with partners, and influencing others.

CHAPTER 1

The steps that we are taking to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across our own estate and operations by 2030

CHAPTER 2

What we will do as community leaders to meet the challenges of the climate change emergency across the district

CHAPTER 3

What you can do to address the climate emergency and help to promote environmental excellence

Wildflower and pollinator area at the front of North Norfolk District Council headquarters in Cromer, June 2021

CHAPTER ONE

The steps we are taking to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across our own estate and operations by 2030.

In April 2019, North Norfolk became the first district council in Norfolk to declare a climate change emergency. Since then, we have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across our own estate and operations by 2030.

To deliver this ambitious target, we pledge to take the following important steps:

We will MEASURE:

and publish emission baseline data for the council’s estate and operations
on an annual basis the progress we have made to reduce the council’s carbon emissions, and will publish the findings
the carbon impact of our contractors and carefully consider who we work with

We will MANAGE:

fossil fuel consumption by reducing the carbon footprint of all our operational buildings by reducing energy consumption and prioritising low carbon alternatives
waste by reducing our consumption of raw materials and re-using and recycling wherever possible
staff travel by promoting online meetings and access to environmentally friendly modes of transport such as lift shares, electric cars, bicycles, and public transport

We will MOBILISE:

council staff and partner organisations by raising awareness and promoting the steps the council is taking to tackle climate change across its estate and operations
all Council staff to respond to the climate emergency in the day-to-day performance of their roles
all council staff, with the tools and knowledge, including climate literacy and climate awareness training, required to implement this charter

CHAPTER TWO

What we will do as community leaders to meet the challenges of the climate change emergency across the District.

To meet the challenges of a climate change emergency, we are going to need to be outward-looking. Beyond the actions that we take to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across our estate and operations, we will also work alongside residents, businesses, schools, and community groups to influence positive change and help reduce the district's carbon footprint to net-zero by 2045.

To do this, we pledge to:

We will PARTNER WITH:

other local authorities and public sector bodies to access and make best use of public funding
Local groups to deliver energy and environmental schemes that deliver co-benefits for our communities
local landowners and custodians to protect and enhance the special landscape and ecological value of North Norfolk
the emerging clean energy sector by aiding the development of innovative clean energy projects to develop in North Norfolk

We will SUPPORT:

residents to decarbonise their homes through access to relevant information, government grants, and other financial assistance
businesses to decarbonise their buildings and operations by providing up to date information and signposting to funding opportunities and examples of successful projects
communities to provide more sustainable community assets, by promoting community renewable energy schemes and raising awareness of appropriate grants and loans
opportunities for active and low-carbon travel schemes that enhance cycling and public transport infrastructure across the district

We will INSPIRE:

citizens throughout North Norfolk by delivering climate change public engagement events, which will seek to improve 'carbon awareness' across the District
residents, businesses, and communities to undertake their own decarbonisation journeys by sharing the Council's projects and experiences, and showcasing the art of the possible
a new generation of carbon reduction champions, young or old, we want to help everyone to reduce their carbon footprint

CHAPTER THREE

What you can do to address the climate emergency and help to promote environmental excellence.

We all have a role to play in protecting the natural environment and in reducing our own carbon footprints. Despite this, it is sometimes hard to know exactly what steps to take and how to make a real difference.

If you want to support us on our journey towards a brighter, more sustainable North Norfolk:

You can TAKE PART:

by calculating your own carbon footprint, attending council events, and increasing your carbon awareness
in practical actions on climate change by joining an environmental campaign, community group, or activities in your own local community
in supporting local businesses that are proactively making changes to improve the local environment and reduce their carbon footprint

You can SHARE:

news about council events, local activities, your own experiences, and environmental campaigns
information about climate change and environmental challenges with friends and family

You can SIGN UP:

to personal pledges to commit to changing your own actions to ones that will have a more positive impact on the environment
to find out about news, events, and things that you can do to take action to address the climate change and environmental crisis