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National Waste Strategy
The purpose of the National Waste Strategy is to provide a framework within which Scotland can reduce the amount of waste which it produces and deal with the waste which it produces and deal with the waste which has been produced in more sustainable ways. Within this context the Council is involved in producing an Area Waste Plan covering Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. This is being done in partnership with these authorities and SEPA and will result in a significant decrease in the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
For further information contact Community Services or the Planning & Environment Department or Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Home Energy Conservation Strategy (HECA)
The Home Energy Conservation Strategy (HECA) places a duty on the Council as an Energy Conservation Authority to identify practical and cost effective measures to bring about a significant improvement in domestic energy efficiency. This supports the Scottish Climate Change Programme.
In North Lanarkshire the following measures have been promoted within the Council Housing Stock:
- Hot water tank insulation
- Draught proofing
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Loft, tank and pipe insulation
- Double-glazing, and
- Upgraded heating Systems.
It is estimated that this has resulted in an 8.5% reduction in energy consumption and an 8% reduction in CO2 emissions within the Council's Housing stock.
For more information on energy issues contact the Energy Unit of Housing and Property Services.
National Air Quality Strategy - The National Air Quality Strategy sets out a way forward for air quality over the next few years by setting targets for levels, in the air, of eight pollutants, which can adversely affect human health. The strategy aims to improve and protect ambient air quality in the UK. Its main aim is to protect people's health and the environment without imposing unacceptable economic of social costs.
North Lanarkshire Council continuously monitor the levels of these eight pollutants within our local authority area. The results of this monitoring are continuing to be reviewed and assessments are being made of whether these levels are likely to meet the Strategy objectives. Should any of the objectives not be met Air Quality Management Areas will be created where practical steps will be taken to reduce the levels of the pollutants concerned in that geographical area.
For further information contact Planning & Environment Department.
Local Biodiversity Strategy – Biodiversity is Nature's wealth, including habitats, species and genetic variation. It provides food, clothing, medicine, environmental, landscape and recreational benefits. In 1992 the UK signed the Rio Biodiversity Convention, pledging to conserve biodiversity. It also provides a positive image attracting and retaining economic investment. North Lanarkshire's biodiversity strategy is being implemented through the aims and objectives of the North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan. This provides a list of actions and targets to protect and enhance the most threatened habitats and species. Implementation of the Strategy is on a multi partnership basis, involving North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire, statutory agencies and trusts, charitable, voluntary and community groups. Local businesses can also make a significant contribution.
Central Scotland Forest
The Central Scotland Forest ('the Forest') is Scotland's most ambitious environmental regeneration project and the whole of North Lanarkshire is included within the initiative's boundary. The Forest has a simple mission - to create a vibrant, attractive and functional wooded environment in central Scotland. The trees and woodlands will form a mosaic with farmland, settlements and natural environments, and will be sustainable because they are valued as assets. Such environmental improvement projects increase the economic competitiveness of the area and promote social inclusion within North Lanarkshire communities. The Forest will add to the quality of life of the people living and working in, and visiting the area. It is led by the Central Scotland Countryside Trust (CSCT), which includes among its aims direct engagement with people local to projects, as guided by its Community Involvement Plan.
For further information contact the Central Scotland Countryside Trust.
Greening Strategy
A Greening Framework Document was produced as part of the Derelict Land Strategy. It outlines options for dealing with derelict, vacant or abandoned land unsuitable for commercial development. Such options include planting new woodlands and creating footpaths. Getting local people involved is central to all projects. This represents the less tangible benefits of this renewal initiative and local communities are now seeing their surroundings improved and local biodiversity and access enhanced.
For further information contact Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire or the Planning & Environment Department or the Central Scotland Countryside Trust.
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