Sustainable development is generally referred to as development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It can be development which supports our environment, economy or our communities. The vision we are working to deliver is all about creating a sustainable future for Argyll and Bute. We will do this by attracting the people and investment we need to build our economy and our future. The Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan sets out the vision for the area
Argyll and Bute’s council has adopted a Decarbonisation Plan that explains how council services will focus on being environmentally responsible in their day to day work.
While no single organisation can tackle climate change in isolation, the Decarbonisation Plan sets out the council’s intention to lead the way in Argyll and Bute. The plan sets out its achievements to date and its intentions for the future.
You can download a copy of the Decarbonisation Plan here
The Community Planning Partnership has developed a signposting page to community and partners efforts to tackle climate change
Argyll and Bute’s economic success is built on a growing population
It will take everyone who cares about Argyll and Bute to build a great future for Argyll and Bute so we share this vision with our Community Planning Partners.
We are committed to taking a sustainable approach to deliver our vision and key objectives. The Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan (LDP) sets out how the council will facilitate sustainable development. It is designed to protect our built and natural environment whilst facilitating development that supports our communities and businesses. In addition, the following policy documents help to guide and monitor sustainable development:
- Biodiversity Duty Reports and Action Plan ;
- Historic Environment Strategy;
- Marine plans;
- Woodland and Forestry Strategy;
- Local Housing Strategy and Strategic Housing Investment Plan.
Other work carried out by the Council which helps to support a sustainable future for Argyll includes:
- Delivery of the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland : Area Based Scheme (HEEPS: ABS) grant programme for home owners
- Advice for communities looking to develop their own renewable energy projects – Community Renewable Opportunity Portal;
- Maximising the benefits of renewable energy developments planned for Argyll;
- Environmental protection and public health work undertaken by our Environmental Health team;
- Kerbside and community recycling;
- Support to communities and social enterprises who want to undertake their own projects to make their communities more sustainable;
- Support for businesses through Business Gateway;
- Supported public transport services;
- Developing walking and cycling routes;
- Flood risk management;
- Support to Live Argyll who deliver sports and leisure facilities to communities across Argyll and Bute; and
- Support to the Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust who are currently working on a peatland restoration project.
The Council also seeks to act in a sustainable way as we carry out our day to day business.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Solar panels which can generate up to one megawatt of energy have been installed on suitable buildings owned by Argyll and Bute Council;
- We use wood to heat 12 of our buildings following the installation of biomass boilers;
- We operate a 50 kilowatt wind turbine which helps to power our Glengorm Waste Disposal Site on Mull;
- The change to LED light bulbs in our street lighting is expected to save more than 1,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year;
- 99 schools and nurseries across Argyll and Bute (both Council and other providers) are registered with eco-schools and 47 have green flag status;
- Our Sustainable Procurement Policy ensures that our procurement minimises its contribution to climate change.
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 introduced ambitious targets and legislation to reduce Scotland's emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050. The Act additionally placed duties on public bodies relating to climate change. You can view our annual climate change report on the Sustainable Scotland Network website. The reports submitted by the Argyll and Bute Integrated Joint Board are also available on their website.