Introduction
We’re facing a climate crisis. There is an overwhelming scientific consensus that increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities are heating our atmosphere, degrading our land and polluting our oceans.
Tamworth Borough Council is on a mission to create a sustainable, low carbon community that supports a healthy environment with plentiful access to nature.
We recognise the impact that climate change will have on residents and businesses in Tamworth such as an increased risk of flooding and extreme heat which will affect livelihoods, health and wellbeing. We want to help build resilience against this.
In 2019, Tamworth Borough Council declared a climate emergency and made a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 across the organisation’s service provision and estate.
Additionally, in 2023, we made a nature recovery declaration recognises that urgent action is required to prevent and reverse the long-term decline of nature. The council will take decisions to protect and regenerate biodiversity across our local area.
Background
Data from Oxygen Finance in 2022 states in 2020/21 Local Authority supply chains were responsible for over 43.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
Local Authority supply chains are estimated to account for up to 96% of an Authorities total carbon emissions and equate to 10% of the UK’s carbon emissions.
The procurement of goods, services and works is an area within the councils influence which is capable of driving significant carbon reductions and improving the environment.
What are we doing to tackle climate change?
We’ve developed a climate change mitigation action plan and climate change adaptation strategy for tackling climate change and its impact:
- Our climate change mitigation action plan identifies where and how we can reduce our operational carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change
- Our climate change adaptation strategy focuses on building Tamworth’s resilience against the future impacts of climate change
We’re also members of the Staffordshire Sustainability Board which has elected members across the County to discuss sustainability issues and agree on collective climate action.
Expectations
To enable us to achieve higher standards of environmental sustainability we need to ensure that suppliers of our goods, services and works are also contributing towards our environmental goals. Where relevant and appropriate to the contract the council expects prospective suppliers to:
Reduce Carbon Emissions
Minimise vehicle emissions during the life of the contract. This could be achieved through:
- Locally sourcing goods or using local suppliers for ad-hoc goods or services
- Promoting, and providing staff with access to lower carbon modes of transport such as walking, cycling or public transport.
- Using electric vehicles to reduce air pollution
- Using and procuring energy-efficient processes, products, buildings and services and source electricity from renewable energy sources
- Seeking opportunities to work with the council to improve climate change mitigation efforts
Support Sustainable Resource Use and Reduce Consumption
- Minimise consumption and reduce waste through smart design and innovation where products, packaging and assets can be easily reused, repurposed, repaired or recycled
- Remove single-use plastics from operations, (where there are suitable alternatives) without jeopardising the quality of products or services provided
- Treat and manage waste following all legal requirements and industry best practice throughout the supply chain.
- Adopt and promote a circular economy following the reduce, re-use and recycle principles throughout product life cycles
- Make, use and promote products made from recycled, natural, biodegradable or renewable materials where appropriate and avoid the use of toxic chemicals
Protection and Restore Nature and Biodiversity
- Avoid the use of products, chemicals and materials that cause habitat destruction and degradation such as pesticides
- Commit to protect biodiversity and natural habitats, and achieving measurable, long-term and secured biodiversity net gain where it is applicable.
- Support and promote the use of products, materials and services that protect and enhance native biodiversity such as organic products, FSC certified, Rainforest Alliance certified or Palm oil free.
- Implement measures to eliminate the escape of pollutants and waste, including litter, associated with service delivery
- Determine and minimise the risk of negative water impact, with particular focus on reducing water use, wastewater and discharges into the water system
- Continue to explore innovative solutions for reducing or negating environmental damage and promoting environmental improvements during the lifetime of the contract.