Tackling issue of climate change

10:15am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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A LANDMARK report aimed at promoting good value and eco-friendly policies at City of York Council has been approved.

Members of the authority's ruling executive endorsed the Sustainable Procurement Policy at their meeting this week.

Deputy council leader Ceredig Jamieson-Ball said: "The policy aims to ensure that the council is buying in goods and services in the most environmentally sustainable way, while continuing to ensure taxpayers receive value for money."

He said examples of sustainable procurement may include providing Fairtrade and organic food in school meals; ensuring vehicles have low emissions to improve air quality; using green energy to reduce carbon emissions; decreasing biodegradable waste and recyclable products going to landfill; and encouraging environmentally friendly and ethical work practices.

The policy suggested several areas where efficiency could be improved, such as energy and water use; cleaning services; catering services; IT and construction projects.

Coun Jamieson-Ball said the council would place climate change "right at the centre" of everything it did in future.

Coun Christian Vassie acknowledged the issue seemed dull, but was very important.

He said: "What seems fist-chewingly boring from the outside is at the heart of the council's programme to reduce waste and face the challenge of climate change.

"As individuals, we are increasingly aware of the impact of our purchasing decisions. The recent Press story about the Polos that travelled round the world to reach a shop in Petergate instead of coming from the Nestlé factory a mile down the road highlighted the way the world's resources are being wasted."

Coun Vassie said even apparently simple steps, such as using printers that printed on both sides of the paper, could help boost the council's green credentials.

Coun Jamieson-Ball said: "The city council's purchasing decisions have social implications in York and across the world, improving working conditions, supporting Fairtrade, working against child labour, and providing employment for marginalized groups."

Coun Andrew Waller, who is today set to become council leader, said the policy promoted home-grown produce, and said it was a "very positive step forward".