Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan 2014-2017 · 1.1 Tackling climate change is one of the greatest challenges that we face as a society. The environmental, social and economic

Introduction 1

MERTON COUNCILfutureMerton

www.merton.gov.uk/environment

London Borough Of Merton

Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan 2014-2017

www.merton.gov.uk2

Contents

Foreword 3 Introduction 4 Energy - within the council 8Energy - across the borough 12Planning and development 16Sustainable resources 22Natural environment and greenspace 28 Greening business 32Climate change action plan 36Cutting carbon in the council 46

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As Merton’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration I am pleased to introduce our updated climate change strategy and action plan. Building on the work of our first strategy from 2009, this document represents the continuation of our commitment and efforts to tackle climate change.

It is vital that we all take action to reduce carbon emissions if we are to prevent run away climate change and preserve a quality of environment for subsequent generations. There are no quick fixes. A better world will only result from innumerable actions, small as well as great, by the whole population of the planet. No one is exempt from the obligation to humanity.

We will strive to be an example. In Merton we have already inspired councils across the country by inventing the Merton Rule: the requirement for on-site renewable energy in new developments. Now we hope to lead in manifold new ways.

To paraphrase Robert Kennedy, each action to address climate change, sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can transform all of our lives.

Councillor Andrew JudgeCabinet Member for Environmental Sustainability & Regeneration

Foreword

Introduction

www.merton.gov.uk6

1.1 Tackling climate change is one of the greatest challenges that we face as a society. The environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change are already being felt and they will continue to grow in severity. It is important for all of us to act now in order to limit the degree of climate change we experience.

1.2 Tackling climate change requires everyone to work together to make adjustments to their daily activities and ways of working in order to secure a better future for all. Our national long term goal is to reduce our carbon emissions by 80% by the middle of the century. On a local level, we can all help with this target by making small changes to the way we live.

1.3 This strategy builds on Merton’s previous Climate Change Strategy (2009-2012) by outlining our aspirations for meeting the principles of the council’s strategic objectives and providing a framework for an ongoing programme of action in tackling climate change in Merton.

1.4 The purpose of the Climate Change Strategy is therefore to identify key improvement areas to reduce our environmental impact and to help us in monitoring and recording our progress. In addition the strategy will help to raise awareness of key environmental issues across Merton and inspire others to take action.

1.5 The associated Climate Change Action Plan focuses on a series of actions that outline our aspirations for addressing climate change in Merton across five themes.

1.6 The themes represent the core target areas for activity to tackle climate change and enhance sustainability within the borough and include:

• Energy• Planning and development• Sustainable resources• Natural environment and

greenspace• Greening business

1.0 Introduction

‘This strategy sets out Merton’s climate change programme over the period 2014-2017, providing a clear framework of action for the council and its partners’

The challenges of climate change

Introduction 7

1.7 Merton’s Community Plan 2009-2019 sets out the long term vision and priorities for the borough. The targets of this strategy are therefore aligned with the local principles of the community plan.

1.8 It is important that this strategy reflects and compliments local targets as well as wider regional and national policies, so that the council and its partners create a better life for residents of Merton and for those of London as a whole.

1.9 Rarely does a day go by without a new initiative or technology to help tackle climate change becoming available. Consequently, the strategy will be reviewed by 2016 to allow it to react and respond accordingly. Progress monitoring of actions included in the action plan will be undertaken on an annual basis.

Policy context

National Policy

The UK Climate Change Act (2008) is the world’s first long-term legally binding framework to tackle climate change. It requires an 80% reduction in UK greenhouse gas emissions (on 1990 levels) by 2050.

Local Policy

The Mayor of London’s Climate Change Mitigation & Energy Strategy (2011) targets an overall reduction in London’s carbon dioxide emissions of 60% on 1990 levels by 2025.

Monitoring and Review

Energy in the council

www.merton.gov.uk10 www.merton.gov.uk10

2.0 Energy in the council The council’s energy consumption

2.1 Around three-quarters of our energy needs in the UK are met by burning carbon intensive fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas). Around 22% is produced from nuclear power, and only seven percent is supplied from low or zero carbon sources. This is unsustainable; not only due to the high associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but also because fossil fuels are being depleted and are therefore increasing in price.

2.2 If we continue to use fossil fuels at current levels, we will reach a point where our demand will outstrip supply. The UK is already a net importer of energy and this trend is likely to continue into the foreseeable future. This is not only costly but also raises concerns of energy security. We must therefore find new ways to reduce our energy consumption and seek to produce more energy at a local level.

2.3 As a large energy user, we always aim to put into practice the principles of the energy hierarchy:-

• Be lean: use less energy• Be clean: supply energy

efficiently• Be green: use renewable

energy

2.4 We will therefore seek to make effective use of resources and minimise CO2 emissions by reducing energy wastage, improving the efficiency of our buildings and diversifying our energy supply.

Merton Energy Company

Energy efficiency and generation improvements are often costly to implement. This can be a significant obstacle to delivering improvements, even when the long term benefits are clear to see. Our ambition is to develop a local energy services company to generate low carbon energy locally to help meet our own energy needs and to help meet the needs of businesses and residents in Merton.

The aims of a Merton Energy Company would therefore be to deliver local, low carbon energy at a more affordable price. This would not only help to reduce local CO2 emissions but could also help deliver wider community benefits and improve the well-being of the wider community.

Energy in the council 11

2.5 As a big local employer and large energy consumer we recognise the importance of the council maximising energy efficiency and utilising low carbon forms of energy. We will therefore explore new opportunities to improve the energy performance of our buildings.

2.6 We use renewable and low carbon energy in our buildings where possible and have already installed a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, biomass boilers and solar photovoltaic systems to date.

2.7 These technologies provide a low/zero carbon sources of energy and reduce our reliance on more expensive fossil fuels. This helps to reduce our running costs and allows greater investment in the delivery of our services and functions.

2.8 We will therfore continue to make effective use of renewable energy technologies and expand our renewable energy portfolio where it is beneficial to do so.

2.9 School Insulation ProgrammeThe council is seeking to improve the energy performance of buildings across the schools’ portfolio. The first phase of this programme has been to invest in insulation measures for schools, partially funded through Salix Finance.

2.10 RE:FITRefurbishment of the council’s corporate buildings through an energy performance contracting approach. The REFIT programme will target energy improvements in the council’s twelve largest energy consuming buildings.

2.11 Solar PhotovoltaicsSince 2011 we have installed over 700kWp of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels across council buildings, including primary schools. The panels not only produce zero carbon energy but also provide an income stream for the council via the government’s Feed in Tariff.

2.12 Civic Centre CHPA combined heat and power plant was installed in the Civic Centre at Morden to provide the building’s heating and energy requirements. Although gas-fired, the system is much more efficient than traditional forms of heat and power supply.

2.13 Community EnergyWe are also committed to exploring how our local energy generation can be utilised across the wider borough to help meet the future energy needs of residents and businesses in the community.

‘We will strive to act as an exemplar to the wider community by seeking to maximise the efficiency of our buildings and minimise carbon emissions from across our corporate estate.

Key activitiesWhat we are aiming to do


Planning and development 13

Energy across the borough


3.1 Energy consumption arising from everyday activities has a direct and measurable impact on energy bills and CO2 emissions. Excluding emissions from aviation, the domestic sector contributes nearly 40 per cent of London’s total carbon emissions. This includes gas for cooking and heating as well as electricity for lights and appliances. Any reduction in energy consumption can therefore have a positive influence on environmental and economic wellbeing across the borough.

3.2 As the local lead on home energy conservation and environmental health, we recognise the importance of engaging our residents on issues of energy efficiency and supporting them in making improvements to increase wellbeing as well as reducing CO2 emissions. Efficient homes and businesses can produce a range of direct benefits for residents and workers, including: improved health and comfort, reduced incidence of fuel poverty, lower energy bills and lower running home heating costs.

3.3 We have actively engaged residents on issues of energy efficiency and have undertaken a series of activities to deliver energy efficiency improvements through our Affordable Warmth, London Warm Zone and RE:FIT programmes – as well as a two-year project in the Wandle Valley Low Carbon Zone – and will continue to offer assistance for those in greatest need of support.

3.4 Through our community engagement and advisory roles, we’ll aim to build on the valuable experience gained in the Wandle Valley Low Carbon Zone to help communities improve their energy performance and reduce CO2 emissions from dwellings across borough.

3.5 We recognise the important role that Merton’s active voluntary sector and local groups like Sustainable Merton can play in supporting local residents to reduce their environmental impact. We will continue to work with these groups to engage our residents.

3.6 We will help residents to explore the best deal to meet their energy needs and seek support the use of renewable and low carbon forms of energy locally.

3.0 Energy across the borough

‘We understand the need for energy and the comfort it provides, however these comforts can be achieved in a low carbon way if we all make and accept changes to the way that we live and work’

Energy use in Merton What we are aiming to do

15 Energy across the borough

3.8 Affordable WarmthThe council has delivered a variety of schemes aimed at improving the energy performance of housing for those residents in the borough in greatest need of support. This has included programmes including Coldbusters, London Warm Zones and RE:NEW with investment in excess of £1 million.

3.9 Wandle Valley Low Carbon ZoneThe Low Carbon Zone was one of ten pilot projects across the capital funded by the Mayor of London. The project actively engaged over 800 households in the Phipps Bridge neighbourhood of Mitcham and helped to deliver carbon savings 12-16% through low cost improvement measures and behavioural change.

3.10 Energy efficiencyThe Government’s ‘Green Deal’ programme provides residents with the opportunity to invest in energy improvements with repayments funded by the savings made on energy bills. We will continue to promote local energy efficiency and signpost the use of the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) where appropriate.

3.11 Heat MappingWorking with DEMaP and Arup on behalf of the Greater London Authority (GLA) we have explored the potential for local district heat and power networks and have identified several potential areas. We will continue to explore the potential for the use of district heat and power networks in the borough.

3.7 Each household can also help to reduce emissions by saving energy at home:

• Be lean: reduce your energy use by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.

• Be clean: use energy more efficiently. A cost effective way of improving the energy performance of your home is by increasing insulation. For hard to treat homes, the Green Deal can help fund a range of improvements, including solid wall insulation, at no up front cost.

• Be green: by using renewable energy. Incentives like the Feed in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive mean that renewable technologies are now more cost effective and can generate income as well as low carbon energy.

What you can do Key activities

Planning and development


4.1 More than one third of all of the UK’s CO2 emissions are emitted from the buildings that we live and work in. Whilst it is important to improve the efficiency of the existing stock of buildings, we also need to ensure that new buildings and developments make the best use of resources and materials and seek to minimise their impact on the environment.

4.2 Our planning powers enable us to determine how and where buildings are built in the borough and to ensure that any new development takes sufficient account of its environmental impact.

4.3 Well designed buildings not only minimise their impact on the environment, but also produce a range of wider benefits:

• Lower energy bills and cheaper running costs

• Improved connections to public transport

• Fewer emissions and air pollutants

• Better sound insulation

4.0 Planning and developmentSustainable design and construction

‘We need residents and developers to support us in ensuring that new developments are designed and built to high environmental standards’

Merton’s Local Plan

Adopted in July 2011, Merton’s Core Planning Strategy sets out the spatial strategy for the borough, including the sustainability standards for new development.

Policy CS15, all new developments are required to:• Minimise CO2 emissions

through adopting the principles of the energy hierarchy: • Belean: use less energy;• Beclean: supply energy

efficiently;• Begreen: use renewable

energy• Make effective use of

resources, materials and water

• Withstand the long term impacts of climate change

• Explore and utilise opportunities for district heat and power networks

• Achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 or Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ‘Very Good’

19 Planning and development

4.4 Sustainable planning isn’t just limited to the design and build of the development itself, but also considers the wider scope of the proposal. This includes how the site will support sustainable lifestyles for the people that live, work or use them. Merton’s planning policies and activities therefore consider a wide range of sustainable elements.

4.5 As the local planning authority we will aim to ensure that new developments limit their impact on the environment by continuing to develop, implement and enforce sustainable planning practices across Merton.

4.6 We are committed to improving road safety and will continue to deliver our programme of education, training, publicity, engineering and enforcement to help reduce road accidents.

4.7 We’ll continue to ensure that new developments offer good access to public transport (bus, tube and tram) and promote cycling and walking, to help cut residents’ travel costs, reduce CO2 emissions and air pollutants and alleviate pressure on London’s congested road network.

4.8 We’ll aim to encouraging sustainable travel modes and improve access to open space in the borough to help tackle climate change and improve the levels of health and fitness amongst our residents.

4.9 We will continue to ensure that new development in the borough does not increase the risk of flooding and uses appropriate sustainable drainage systems, where required.

What we can do

4.10 Ensure that your home and community promotes energy efficient and sustainable building practices.

• If you’re buying or building a new home, or making changes to your current home, try to explore ways of making it more sustainable

• Look to follow the energy hierarchy by first seeking to improve the building fabric efficiency and improving or installing energy/water efficient fixtures and fittings)

• Explore the use of energy efficient design measures in new buildings

• Support and enable the erection of appropriate renewable energy and low carbon technologies across the borough (e.g. solar thermal or PV, ground/air-source heat pumps)

What we are aiming to do


The award winning design brief for the Rowan school site in East Mitcham represents a new sustainable housing development in Merton that will provide a wide range of community and environmental benefits, including:

• 2.6 Ha Landscaped Public Park (with new pedestrian and cycle access)

• A new scout hall, community facility, medical centre and pharmacy.

• The restoration of the locally listed school building (converted into 27 flats)

• 217 residential units consisting of 131 family homes and 86 flats

• 30% of the housing will be affordable (for rent and key worker / shared ownership)

• 171 cycle parking spaces• Sustainable design is a

central theme throughout the entire scheme. The homes are energy efficient and are designed using modern construction methods to improve construction efficiency, quality and design.

Renewable Energy:The Scout Hall / Community Facility and Medical Centre will all have solar PV panels on the roof to provide electricity to the buildings, whilst the converted school building will house a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant which will produce electricity and hot water for the development.

Drainage and Ecology:A sustainable drainage system of swales, reed beds and balancing ponds will provide flood storage for the site during wet periods, and amenity space and ecological habitats when dry. This system not only benefits the development site but reduces flood risk from neighbouring areas too.

The Rowan Park site is being redeveloped as part of a joint project with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Crest Nicholson Homes and Merton Council. The design was a Project Winner at the 2012 Housing Design Awards.

Case Study: Rowan Park

Planning and development

4.11 Local PlanMerton’s Local Plan is comprised of the following five documents, which together make up the statutory development plan. This contains the planning policies that guide development in the borough. The documents are:

• The Mayor of London’s London Plan 2011

• Merton’s Core Planning Strategy 2011

• The South London Waste Plan 2012

• Merton’s Sites and Policies Plan (2014)

• Merton’s Policies Map (2014)

4.12 Supplementary Planning DocumentsWe are developing a range of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to expand on the policies included in the Core Planning Strategy. This will include a Sustainable Design and Construction SPD that will provide guidance on the council’s sustainability requirements for all new developments.

4.13 Water use and drainage mappingWe are producing a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment (PFRA) and local Flood Risk Management Strategy in accordance with the requirements of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

4.14 We will continue to work in partnership with the Environment Agency, Mayor of London, neighbouring boroughs and utility providers to investigate how the objectives of the Water Framework

Directive, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Flood Risk Regulations 2009 can be achieved.

4.15 Emerging PolicyWe will continue to build on the reputation developed under the ‘Merton Rule’ by developing innovative planning policies. This includes new standards for domestic refurbishments in line with BREEAM standards and higher sustainability requirements for demolition-rebuild projects.

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Key activities


Sustainable resources 23

Sustainable resources


5.0 Sustainable resources

5.1 ‘Resources’ may be defined as materials or assets that are used within Merton to produce a benefit. This can include: natural materials, products, food, water and waste.

5.2 Managing and using resources efficiently is an essential part of tackling climate change because of the greenhouse gases that are emitted as a result of their production, procurement, use and disposal.

5.3 Climate change will have a direct impact on the availability of some resources we currently take for granted. Scientific evidence strongly argues that climate change is likely to intensify the water cycle, reinforcing existing patterns of water scarcity and abundance. One effect of this change could be a reduction in summer rainfall, especially in the south and east of the country.

5.4 On the whole, the amount of rain that we receive in London and the South-East has decreased over the last few years and this trend is forecast to continue into the future. This will increase the pressure on natural resources such as water, and potentially increase competition for their use in the future.

5.5 We all therefore need to be prepared to adapt the ways in which we currently live and work in order to ensure that any future impacts are minimised and don’t have an adverse impact.

5.6 How we choose to purchase and procure resources can have impacts beyond the resource itself. Locally grown and sourced resources often have a lower impact than those provided by large scale retailers. For instance, supermarkets transport millions of tonnes of produce around the country, creating CO2 emissions from the cold stores and vehicles.

5.7 As well as helping to sustain local industry and making Merton less dependent on external food supplies, sourcing more food and goods locally will help to reduce ‘food miles’, unnecessary cold storage and the resulting CO2 emissions.

5.8 How we use and dispose of resources can also have a long-lasting impact on the environment. In 2010/11 total household waste produced in Merton was 70,252 tonnes, an overall reduction of seven percent on 2005/06 figures. Almost 37% of Merton’s waste is now being recycled – more than ever before.

Availability of resources Resource use

25 Sustainable resources

5.9 Natural resources are precious and must be managed in a sustainable and efficient way. As a large organisation we recognise that we can have a large impact on natural resources through the decisions we make when purchasing resources and how we use them on a daily basis. As such, we have sought to reduce waste, increase recycling and manage natural resources more effectively and aspire to procure sustainably where possible.

5.10 We will aim to reduce our ecological footprint through sustainable procurement management through the resources we purchase and use in our day-to-day activities.

5.11 Across the wider borough we will look to encourage, support and influence residents and businesses to reduce waste and use resources more efficiently.

5.12 Our recent successes include:

• Delivering an effective kerbside-recycling scheme with the capacity to take more recycled waste.

• The provision of an ‘on-request’ service for garden waste disposal

• The availability of food waste collections across the borough

• Promoting household composting by providing cut-price compost bins.

• Education programme for primary and secondary schools.

• Promoting waste reduction through local partners, notably the Vine Project, an innovative reuse and repair enterprise operation.



5.13 There are many steps that you can take to help minimise your environmental impact. One of the easiest ways is to try and use natural resources as efficiently as possible.

5.14 Reduce your ecological footprint by trying some of the following:

• Buy local produce and support local shops

• Consider purchasing fair-trade goods

• Plan your shopping. Surplus food is often thrown away so consider the food you really need to buy when shopping

5.15 Reduce waste to landfill by re-using items and recycling. This may include:

• Supporting the council’s recycling regime

• Taking your own reusable bags when shopping and avoid excess packaging

• Identifying local charities that will take unwanted goods

5.16 Try to reduce your water use at home. We recommend trying some of the following:

• Wait until you have a full load before switching on your washing machine and dishwasher

• Displace water in your toilet cistern and save water when you flush

• Turn off taps when not in use and repair any leaky taps quickly

• Recycle water - grey water (non-drinking water) can be recycled for other uses, such as flushing toilets or watering gardens.

• Buy a water butt and harvest rainwater for watering your garden

• Contact your water company to receive free water saving measures for your home

‘As a large organisation we recognise that we can have a large impact on natural resources through the decisions we make when purchasing them and how we use resources on a daily basis’

What we can do

Key activities

5.17 Food for Life We promoted the use of local products and organic, low-carbon food in Merton schools and social service provision, receiving the Food for Life award.

5.18 Sustainable procurement We incorporated environmental objectives into the council’s online procurement system and benchmarked major council contracts that had significant environmental impacts. The council will continue to reduce it’s environmental and ecological footprints going forward.

5.19 Merton Fairtrade CampaignMerton developed a Fairtrade action plan in 2010 and achieved Fairtrade status in February 2011.

5.20 Energy from waste We will continue to explore opportunities for the borough to benefit from locally produced energy utilising residual waste.

5.21 Waste management Food waste recycling for residents is now available for across the borough. We were successful in applying for funding from the London Waste Board and WRAP to support the roll out of food waste recycling to flats across the borough and will continue to explore innovative approaches to increase recycling and minimise waste.

27 Sustainable Resources


Sustainable resources 29

Natural environmentand greenspace


6.1 Biodiversity underpins the vital benefits we get from the natural environment, contributes to our economy, our health and wellbeing and in tackling climate change. However, globally biodiversity is in decline and is at increased risk of extinction with every rise in global mean temperatures.

6.2 Tree cover, as opposed to simply tree numbers, will become increasingly important as climate change progresses. As well as converting CO2 emissions into oxygen, trees will be a valuable resource in the UK as the climate warms providing shade for buildings in summer, shelter in winter, and will help absorb water during heavy downpours.

6.3 However, as the climate changes Merton will see changes in the natural environment that place many natural habitats are at risk. The need to protect, preserve and manage natural open and green spaces sustainably is therefore greater than ever.

6.4 The importance of biodiversity in terms of the benefits it can bring and also the challenges it faces are well documented. We will use the powers available to us to protect and develop such spaces across the borough. Part of this programme will involve the replacement of inappropriate trees and plants with more suitable species for the location.

6.5 Merton’s open space strategy (MOSS) identifies the environmental benefits of open space and outlines a commitment to maintaining them. Within the context of MOSS we have worked with a number of local groups to develop their natural surroundings, such as on Cannon Hill Common.

6.0 Natural environment and greenspaceThe benefits of biodiversity

Natural environment and greenspace 31


6.7 We recognise the importance of good quality local greenspace – both for the social and environmental benefits that it delivers. We will look to use the natural environment as a way of tackling climate change and ensure that we maintain and protect it from the negative impacts of a changing climate. 6.8 Through our environmental management activities and partnership working, we will aim to enhance and protect the natural environment in Merton.

6.9 We understand the need to manage open spaces sustainably. We will therefore look to make use of sustainable practices in the management of greenspace in the borough through the use of more sustainable transport modes and vehicles where possible, using recycled materials for playgrounds, using recycled water to irrigate bowling greens in a number of parks.

6.10 In addition, we are exploring the use of green roofs on park buildings and have moved to a more sustainable approach to planting. We incorporate green waste bays into parks to recycle green waste easily and also promote cycling and walking across the borough.

What you can do

6.11 There are some simple steps that you can take to make your home and the local area more wildlife friendly - even if you don’t have a garden.• Feed the birds• Put up nesting or bat boxes• Create a wildlife area. This can

range from a window box to a small section of your garden or allotment or even a pond!

• Sponsor a wildlife project or volunteer your time to help support a local project

• Consider adding features that have environmental benefits to your home - such as a green wall or green roof.

Key activities

6.12 Tree CoverWe increased the programme of urban tree planting and sought to sustainably manage existing trees. This was reflected in a net increase of 164 trees over the period 2010/11. We have also sought to increase tree canopy cover through a review of tree pruning and pollarding regimes.

6.13 Policy CS 13 Policy 13: Open Space, Nature Conservation, Leisure and Culture of the Core Strategy was developed to protect and enhance the borough’s public and private open space. The policy is applied to all new development proposals in Merton.


Natural environment and greenspace 33

Greening business


7.1 We recognise that many businesses are currently under pressure due to the state of the economy. We will therefore seek to help businesses to increase efficiencies in the workplace to help limit their running costs as well as delivering environmental improvements.

7.2 The business sector currently accounts for around 15% of the UK’s CO2 emissions. It is therefore important that local businesses - as well as residents - look to use energy and resources efficiently in order to help reduce our environmental impact in Merton.

7.3 We recognise the importance of engaging businesses to improve energy and resource efficiency, and will therefore continue to integrate environmental objectives into our business support and economic development initiatives.

7.4 We will be looking to build on the success of our business engagement work undertaken during the Go Green+ project, which engaged with almost 50 small medium enterprises (SMEs) in the borough.

7.5 We will continue to support and develop the local economy and uphold Merton’s economic vision in line with the priorities of the Economic Development Strategy. We will target business activity within the two business improvement districts (BIDs) in the borough, Willow Lane and Wimbledon Town Centre.

7.6 Through our economic development activities we will continue to support the growth of the green sector within Merton. Through partnership working and business engagement activities will we aim to enhance the environmental performance of business in Merton.

‘We realise that times are hard for many businesses. We will therefore seek to support our local businesses to increase efficiencies and limit costs - as well as enabling environmental improvements’

7.0 Greening businessBusiness in Merton What we are aiming to do

Greening business 35

Key activities

7.8 Go Green+Forty-seven local businesses were engaged in the Go Green+ project, against an original target of 20. In total over 1200 tonnes of waste was diverted from landfill, over 160m3 of water was saved and almost 3000 tonnes of CO2. Total cost savings for the businesses amounted to £187,000.

7.9 Business Improvement Districts Environmental objectives focusing on waste management and water were incorporated into the Business Improvement Districts in Wimbledon and Willow Lane.

7.10 Education and skillsMerton developed a Fairtrade action plan in 2010 and achieved Fairtrade status in February 2011.

7.11 Economic Development StrategyMerton’s Economic Development Strategy (EDS) was updated in and refreshed to reflect the impact of the recession on Merton’s economy - as well as recent changes in the local economy. The new EDS, ‘Merton: A new future; Economic Development Strategy’ was released in 2012.

What you can do

7.7 Even simple changes can help the environment and limit running costs for your business:• Switch off lights and equipment

if it’s not needed• Maintain your heating

equipment – it could be adding as much as 10% to your heating bill

• Avoid overheating your workplace. Your heating costs will go up by around eight percent each time you increase the temperature by just one degree.

• Minimise resource use and reduce waste - when printing or photocopying, use both sides of the paper. Try to reuse waste paper by using it for notes and recycle printer cartridges and old office equipment

• Try to travel sustainably where possible - start a car pool, offer pool bikes for business use or encourage your staff to use public transport by getting a company Oyster card.

• Remember that energy efficiency improvements can be funded at no up front cost through the Green Deal.


Greening business 37

Climate change action plan


8.0 Climate change action plan

8.1 Merton’s action plan sets out the core activities that are required across the borough to help tackle climate change in Merton and deliver the aspirations of the Climate Change Strategy.

8.2 The action plan is divided across five themes that correspond to those outlined in the Climate Change Strategy; representing core target areas for activity across the borough.

8.3 Actions are presented in terms of the ‘objective’ they are intended to support and the ‘activity’ that needs to be delivered (see table below).

8.4 Each action includes details of:• The action owner responsible

for delivery• The timescale for

implementation and completion of the action

• The criteria by which progress will be monitored and measured

Theme ObjectiveEnergy Internal: improve the energy performance and

reduce emissions from the council’s corporate buildings and estateExternal: improve the energy performance and reduce emissions from dwellings and buildings across Merton

Planning and Development

Develop and implement sustainable planning practices across Merton

Sustainable Resources

Improve the council’s eco-footprint through targeted procurement managementReduce waste and maximise the efficient use of natural resources across the borough

Greening Business

Enhance the environmental performance of businesses in Merton

Natural Environment & Greenspace

Enhance and protect Merton’s natural environment and safeguard the borough’s local greenspace

Understanding the action plan

Appendices 39

Monitoring and review

8.5 The overall timescale for the delivery of actions within the action plan is 2014 - 2017, commencing with the publication of this document.

8.6 Progress monitoring will be undertaken each year and reported to the Council’s Environment and Regulation Departmental Management Team, and the Corporate Management Team where appropriate. Progress will also be communicated via the Council’s internal Climate Change Steering Group.

8.7 An assessment of each action’s relative impact CO2 emissions, level of associated risk and resource requirements are also provided. Generally, those actions that have the greatest potential to reduce CO2 emissions require more resource and carry a higher degree of risk in delivery.

8.8 Actions that are primarily focused on our own activities tend to offer some of the largest CO2 savings - and a larger level of certainty over CO2 savings - because we are able to directly manage the scope, application and benefits of the action.

8.9 A full table of actions in the action plan, identified by theme is available over the page.



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e ye

ar) /

Effi

cien

cy

mea

sure

s in

stal

led

/ C

ost s

avin

gs (£

)

2014 to

2017

Faci

litie

s M

anag

emen

t -

Cor

pora

te S

ervi

ces

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Team

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Hig

hH

igh

Low

LBM

CR

C e

mis

sion

s ba

selin

e: 1

5,04

5t

CO

2 (20

11).

Est

imat

ed C

O2 s

avin

gs R

EFI

T P

hase

1: 2

75t p

er a

nnum

(ass

umin

g 20

%

savi

ng a

cros

s x1

3 bu

ildin

gs).

1.2

Lim

it C

O2

em

issi

ons

incr

ease

fro

m b

uild

ings

with

in th

e C

ounc

il’s s

choo

l est

ate.

Mea

sure

s in

stal

led

/ P

erce

ntag

e ch

ange

fro

m b

ase

year

/ C

ost s

avin

gs (£

) /

Effi

cien

cy s

avin

gs

(CO

2)

2014 to

2017

Faci

litie

s M

anag

emen

t -

Cor

pora

te S

ervi

ces

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Team

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Hig

hLo

wM

edIm

plem

ent e

nerg

y re

furb

ishm

ent

impr

ovem

ents

in L

BM

sch

ools

est

ate

on

a ‘p

ay a

s yo

u sa

ve’ p

rinci

ple.

Prio

ritis

ing

fabr

ic e

ffici

ency

impr

ovem

ents

.

Res

ourc

e al

loca

ted

in p

lann

ed p

rogr

amm

e an

d vi

a S

alix

Fin

ance

.

1.3

Cen

tralis

e da

ta m

onito

ring

and

capt

ure

thro

ugh

inst

alla

tion

of

auto

mat

ic m

eter

read

ing

(AM

R)

and

sub-

met

erin

g.

Per

cent

age

of s

ites

on a

utom

ated

met

er

read

ing

2016

Faci

litie

s M

anag

emen

t -

Cor

pora

te S

ervi

ces

Low

Med

Low

Impr

oved

mon

itorin

g an

d da

ta c

aptu

re o

n en

ergy

con

sum

ptio

n an

d as

soci

ated

CO

2 em

issi

ons.

Impl

emen

ting

a ph

ased

app

roac

h pr

iorit

isin

g fla

gshi

p pr

ojec

ts.

1.4

Man

age

and

expa

nd th

e pr

ovis

ion

of re

new

able

/ de

cent

ralis

ed e

nerg

y in

the

LBM

cor

pora

te e

stat

e (in

clud

ing

scho

ols)

.

Tota

l kilo

wat

t pea

k (k

Wp)

inst

alle

d ca

paci

ty /

Per

cent

age

of s

ites

utili

sing

rene

wab

le

ener

gy s

ouce

s

2014 to

2017

Faci

litie

s M

anag

emen

t -

Cor

pora

te S

ervi

ces

Med

Hig

hM

edR

esou

rce

allo

cate

d w

ithin

pla

nned

pr

ogra

mm

e (F

acili

ties

Man

agem

ent a

nd

Futu

re M

erto

n).

Add

ition

al re

sour

ce to

be

secu

red

whe

re

requ

ired,

sub

ject

to a

bus

ines

s ca

se.

1.5

Coo

rdin

ate

the

deliv

ery

of b

ehav

iour

al c

hang

e co

mm

unic

atio

ns a

nd

cam

paig

ns o

n is

sues

of e

nerg

y ef

ficie

ncy

acro

ss th

e C

ounc

il’s

build

ings

por

tfolio

.

Sig

n up

/ re

spon

se to

co

mm

unic

atio

ns

2014 to

2017

Faci

litie

s M

anag

emen

t -

Cor

pora

te S

ervi

ces

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Team

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Low

Med

Low

Focu

sed

inte

rnal

com

mun

icat

ion

cam

paig

n ta

rget

ing

scho

ol p

ortfo

lio to

be

deliv

ered

by

Sch

ools

Ene

rgy

Offi

cer.

41Climate change action plan

CLI

MAT

E C

HA

NG

E A

CTI

ON

S PL

AN

UPD

ATE

- 201

4-20

17: A

CTI

ON

S

Them

eOb

jectiv

eNo

.Ac

tivity

Meas

ure

Time

Scale

Actio

n Ow

ner /

Lead

CO2

Savin

gRe

sour

ce

Requ

ired

Leve

l of

Risk

Comm

ents

Energy - across the borough

Reduce emissions and improve the energy performance of buidlings within Merton

2.1

Exp

lore

the

pote

ntia

l and

fe

asib

ility

for d

evel

opin

g a

Mer

ton

Ene

rgy

Ser

vice

s C

ompa

ny (E

SC

o).

Viab

ility

repo

rt20

15C

limat

e C

hang

e Te

am -

Env

ironm

ent

& R

egen

erat

ion

Low

Med

Med

Non

e.

2.2

Est

ablis

h a

Mer

ton

Ene

rgy

Ser

vice

s C

ompa

ny (E

SC

o) to

de

liver

low

/zer

o ca

rbon

ene

rgy

to M

erto

n ow

ned

build

ings

and

/or

the

wid

er c

omm

unity

(sub

ject

to

a v

iabl

e bu

sine

ss c

ase)

.

Fund

ing

allo

catio

n aw

arde

d (£

) /

Tech

nica

l rep

ort

2017

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Team

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Low

Med

Med

Sub

ject

to te

chni

cal a

nd fi

nanc

ial v

iabi

lity

(act

ion

2.1)

.

2.3

Exp

lore

the

tech

nica

l fea

sibi

lity

of d

eliv

erin

g de

cent

ralis

ed h

eat

netw

orks

in M

erto

n.

Fund

ing

allo

catio

n aw

arde

d (£

) /

Tech

nica

l rep

ort

2014 to

2016

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Team

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Med

Med

Low

Wor

king

with

the

Dep

artm

ent f

or E

nerg

y an

d C

limat

e C

hang

e’s

(DE

CC

) Hea

t N

etw

ork

Dev

elop

men

t Uni

t (H

ND

U).

Fund

ing

for P

hase

1 a

lloca

ted

with

in

plan

ned

prog

ram

me.

2.4

Exp

lore

how

the

coun

cil c

an

supp

ort l

ocal

resi

dent

s an

d co

mm

uniti

es in

ben

efitti

ng fr

om

rene

wab

le a

nd lo

w c

arbo

n en

ergy

.

Num

ber o

f ho

useh

olds

eng

aged

/ M

easu

res

inst

alle

d

2015

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Team

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Med

Med

Med

Prio

ritis

ing

impr

ovem

ents

in th

e m

ost

vuln

erab

le h

ouse

hold

s in

Mer

ton

- ‘A

fford

able

War

mth

’ cat

egor

y.

2.5

Faci

litat

e lo

cal e

ngag

emen

t on

ener

gy e

ffici

ency

and

sup

port

the

take

-up

of e

nerg

y ef

ficie

ncy

retro

fit m

easu

res

in th

e do

mes

tic s

ecto

r.

Num

ber o

f ho

useh

olds

eng

aged

/ M

easu

res

inst

alle

d /

Cos

t sav

ings

(£) /

CO

2 sa

ving

s

2014 to

2017

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Team

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Envir

onm

enta

l Hea

lth -

Com

mun

ity &

Hou

sing

Med

Med

Low

Prio

ritis

ing

impr

ovem

ents

in th

e m

ost

vuln

erab

le h

ouse

hold

s in

Mer

ton

- ‘A

fford

able

War

mth

’ cat

egor

y.

Out

com

es d

epen

dent

upo

n se

curin

g ex

tern

al fu

ndin

g an

d re

sour

ce.

2.6

Eng

age

resi

dent

s on

issu

es o

f en

ergy

effi

cien

cy a

nd 'e

nerg

y sw

itchi

ng',

targ

etin

g th

e m

ost

vuln

erab

le m

embe

rs o

f the

co

mm

unity

.

Num

ber o

f ho

useh

olds

eng

aged

/ re

gist

erin

g fo

r ene

rgy

switc

hing

2014 to

2015

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Team

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Low

Med

Med

Del

iver

ed v

ia th

e B

ig L

ondo

n E

nerg

y S

witc

h w

orki

ng in

par

tner

ship

with

Lon

don

Cou

ncils

, Lon

don

Bor

ough

s an

d iC

hoos

r.


CLI

MAT

E C

HA

NG

E A

CTI

ON

S PL

AN

UPD

ATE

- 201

4-20

17: A

CTI

ON

S

Them

eO

bjec

-tiv

eNo

.Ac

tivity

Meas

ure

Time

Scale

Actio

n Ow

ner /

Lead

CO2

Savin

gRe

sour

ce

Requ

ired

Leve

l of

Risk

Comm

ents

Planning & Development

Develop, implement and enforce sustainable planning practices across Merton

3.1

Dev

elop

and

impl

emen

t a

'Com

mun

ity E

nerg

y Fu

nd' t

o su

ppor

t the

del

iver

y of

ene

rgy

effic

ienc

y an

d lo

w/z

ero

carb

on

tech

nolo

gies

in d

wel

lings

acr

oss

the

boro

ugh.

Fund

ing

allo

catio

n aw

arde

d (£

) / N

umbe

r of

mea

sure

s de

liver

ed

2016

Env

ironm

enta

l H

ealth

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Med

Hig

hM

edS

ubje

ct to

the

impl

emen

tatio

n of

the

Gov

ernm

ent’s

Zer

o C

arbo

n H

omes

and

A

llow

able

Sol

utio

ns p

olic

ies

in 2

016.

Dev

elop

men

t of f

und

for o

ffsite

co

ntrib

utio

ns m

ay c

omm

ence

prio

r to

2016

.

3.2

Faci

litat

e th

e de

velo

pmen

t of

inte

grat

ed lo

w-c

arbo

n di

stric

t he

at a

nd p

ower

net

wor

k(s)

, su

bjec

t to

finan

cial

via

bilit

y.

Del

iver

y of

dis

trict

he

at n

etw

orks

2017

Futu

reM

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Hig

hH

igh

Low

-

Hig

h

Sub

ject

to s

ecur

ing

exte

rnal

reso

urce

and

bu

sine

ss c

ase.

Out

com

e lin

ked

to a

ctio

ns 2

.1 a

nd 2

.2.

3.3

Ens

ure

all l

arge

dev

elop

men

t si

tes

with

in M

erto

n m

ake

prov

isio

n fo

r (fu

ture

) con

nect

ion

to d

istri

ct h

eat a

nd p

ower

ne

twor

ks.

Num

ber o

f maj

or s

ites

deliv

ered

2014 to

2017

Futu

reM

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Med

Hig

hLo

wN

one.

3.4

Iden

tify

stra

tegi

c op

portu

nitie

s to

incr

ease

ene

rgy

deriv

ed fr

om

resi

dual

was

te v

ia m

aste

rpla

ns

and

plan

ning

brie

fs o

utsi

de (b

ut

near

to) M

erto

n's

boun

dary

.

Opp

ortu

nitie

s

iden

tified

2016

Futu

reM

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Hig

hM

ed -H

igh

Low -

Hig

h

Dep

ende

nt u

pon

leve

l of i

nves

tmen

t.

3.5

Saf

egua

rd a

nd e

xplo

re

oppo

rtuni

ties

for t

he s

trate

gic

use

of g

reen

infra

stru

ctur

e to

m

itiga

te u

rban

hea

ting,

pro

mot

e ra

infa

ll in

filtra

tion

and

miti

gate

flo

od ri

sk.

Stra

tegy

dev

elop

/ co

mm

ents

in p

lann

ing

appl

icat

ions

2014 to

2017

Leis

ure

& C

ultu

re

- Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Low

Med

Low

E.g

. bou

ndar

y ve

geta

tion

strip

s an

d st

rate

gic

plan

ting.

3.6

Dev

elop

a L

ocal

Flo

od R

isk

Man

agem

ent S

trate

gy; e

stab

lish

and

mai

ntai

n a

Floo

d R

isk

Ass

et

Reg

iste

r and

est

ablis

h a

SuD

s A

ppro

val B

ody.

Del

iver

y of

LFR

M

Stra

tegy

2014 to

2017

Traf

fic &

Hig

hway

s S

ervi

ces

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Non

eM

edM

edA

s pe

r req

uire

men

ts o

f Lea

d Lo

cal F

lood

A

utho

rity.

3.7

Targ

et th

e ex

pans

ion

of e

lect

ric

vehi

cle

(EV

) cha

rgin

g po

ints

ac

ross

the

boro

ugh

(sub

ject

to

fund

ing

allo

catio

n).

Num

ber o

f EV

ch

argi

ng p

oint

s in

stal

led

2017

Futu

re M

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Low -

Med

Med

Low

Non

e.


43 Climate change action plan

CLI

MAT

E C

HA

NG

E A

CTI

ON

S PL

AN

UPD

ATE

- 201

4-20

17: A

CTI

ON

S

Them

eO

bjec

-tiv

eNo

.Ac

tivity

Meas

ure

Time

Scale

Actio

n Ow

ner /

Lead

CO2

Savin

gRe

sour

ce

Requ

ired

Leve

l of

Risk

Comm

ents

Planning & Development

Develop, implement and enforce sustainable planning practices across Merton

3.1

Dev

elop

and

impl

emen

t a

'Com

mun

ity E

nerg

y Fu

nd' t

o su

ppor

t the

del

iver

y of

ene

rgy

effic

ienc

y an

d lo

w/z

ero

carb

on

tech

nolo

gies

in d

wel

lings

acr

oss

the

boro

ugh.

Fund

ing

allo

catio

n aw

arde

d (£

) / N

umbe

r of

mea

sure

s de

liver

ed

2016

Env

ironm

enta

l H

ealth

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Med

Hig

hM

edS

ubje

ct to

the

impl

emen

tatio

n of

the

Gov

ernm

ent’s

Zer

o C

arbo

n H

omes

and

A

llow

able

Sol

utio

ns p

olic

ies

in 2

016.

Dev

elop

men

t of f

und

for o

ffsite

co

ntrib

utio

ns m

ay c

omm

ence

prio

r to

2016

.

3.2

Faci

litat

e th

e de

velo

pmen

t of

inte

grat

ed lo

w-c

arbo

n di

stric

t he

at a

nd p

ower

net

wor

k(s)

, su

bjec

t to

finan

cial

via

bilit

y.

Del

iver

y of

dis

trict

he

at n

etw

orks

2017

Futu

reM

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Hig

hH

igh

Low

-

Hig

h

Sub

ject

to s

ecur

ing

exte

rnal

reso

urce

and

bu

sine

ss c

ase.

Out

com

e lin

ked

to a

ctio

ns 2

.1 a

nd 2

.2.

3.3

Ens

ure

all l

arge

dev

elop

men

t si

tes

with

in M

erto

n m

ake

prov

isio

n fo

r (fu

ture

) con

nect

ion

to d

istri

ct h

eat a

nd p

ower

ne

twor

ks.

Num

ber o

f maj

or s

ites

deliv

ered

2014 to

2017

Futu

reM

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Med

Hig

hLo

wN

one.

3.4

Iden

tify

stra

tegi

c op

portu

nitie

s to

incr

ease

ene

rgy

deriv

ed fr

om

resi

dual

was

te v

ia m

aste

rpla

ns

and

plan

ning

brie

fs o

utsi

de (b

ut

near

to) M

erto

n's

boun

dary

.

Opp

ortu

nitie

s

iden

tified

2016

Futu

reM

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Hig

hM

ed -H

igh

Low -

Hig

h

Dep

ende

nt u

pon

leve

l of i

nves

tmen

t.

3.5

Saf

egua

rd a

nd e

xplo

re

oppo

rtuni

ties

for t

he s

trate

gic

use

of g

reen

infra

stru

ctur

e to

m

itiga

te u

rban

hea

ting,

pro

mot

e ra

infa

ll in

filtra

tion

and

miti

gate

flo

od ri

sk.

Stra

tegy

dev

elop

/ co

mm

ents

in p

lann

ing

appl

icat

ions

2014 to

2017

Leis

ure

& C

ultu

re

- Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Low

Med

Low

E.g

. bou

ndar

y ve

geta

tion

strip

s an

d st

rate

gic

plan

ting.

3.6

Dev

elop

a L

ocal

Flo

od R

isk

Man

agem

ent S

trate

gy; e

stab

lish

and

mai

ntai

n a

Floo

d R

isk

Ass

et

Reg

iste

r and

est

ablis

h a

SuD

s A

ppro

val B

ody.

Del

iver

y of

LFR

M

Stra

tegy

2014 to

2017

Traf

fic &

Hig

hway

s S

ervi

ces

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Non

eM

edM

edA

s pe

r req

uire

men

ts o

f Lea

d Lo

cal F

lood

A

utho

rity.

3.7

Targ

et th

e ex

pans

ion

of e

lect

ric

vehi

cle

(EV

) cha

rgin

g po

ints

ac

ross

the

boro

ugh

(sub

ject

to

fund

ing

allo

catio

n).

Num

ber o

f EV

ch

argi

ng p

oint

s in

stal

led

2017

Futu

re M

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Low -

Med

Med

Low

Non

e.

CLI

MAT

E C

HA

NG

E A

CTI

ON

S PL

AN

UPD

ATE

- 201

4-20

17: A

CTI

ON

S

Them

eOb

jectiv

eNo

.Ac

tivity

Meas

ure

Time

Scale

Actio

n Ow

ner /

Lead

CO2

Savin

gRe

sour

ce

Requ

ired

Leve

l of

Risk

Comm

ents

Sustainable Resources

Reduce the council’s eco-footprint through targeted procurement management

4.1

Sup

port

the

deliv

ery

of th

e Fa

irtra

de M

erto

n ca

mpa

ign.

Ret

entio

n of

Fai

rtrad

e ac

cred

itatio

n 20

14 to20

17

Info

rmat

ion

Gov

erna

nce

- C

orpo

rate

Ser

vice

s

Non

eLo

wLo

wN

one.

4.2

Mon

itor t

he a

pplic

atio

n of

en

viro

nmen

tal c

riter

ia in

ap

prop

riate

Cou

ncil

cont

ract

s be

ing

esta

blis

hed

or re

new

ed

via

the

Pro

cure

men

t Boa

rd

or O

pera

tiona

l Pro

cure

men

t G

roup

s.

Env

ironm

enta

l crit

eria

ac

hiev

ed20

17P

rocu

rem

ent -

C

orpo

rate

Ser

vice

sLo

wLo

wLo

wIn

volv

emen

t of P

rocu

rem

ent B

oard

or

Ope

ratio

nal P

rocu

rem

ent G

roup

s to

be

dete

rmin

ed in

acc

orda

nce

with

the

leve

l of

risk

).

4.3

Pro

mot

e th

e us

e of

loca

l pr

oduc

ts a

nd o

rgan

ic, l

ow-

carb

on fo

od in

Mer

ton

scho

ols

and

soci

al s

ervi

ces

prov

isio

n.

Ret

entio

n of

Foo

d fo

r Li

fe A

war

d20

14C

ontra

cts

& S

choo

ls

Org

anis

atio

n -

Chi

ldre

n, S

choo

ls &

Fa

mili

es

Low

Low

Low

Non

e.

Reduce waste and maximise the efficient use of natural resources across Merton

4.4

Incr

ease

recy

clin

g fro

m

dwel

lings

thro

ugh

the

food

w

aste

recy

clin

g pr

ogra

mm

e.

Tonn

age:

was

te to

la

ndfil

l / re

cycl

ed /

ener

gy fr

om w

aste

(k

Wh)

2015

Was

te S

ervi

ces

- Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Med

Med

Low

To b

e de

liver

ed v

ia e

xpan

sion

of

food

was

te re

cycl

ing

prog

ram

me

and

inno

vativ

e ro

utes

of e

ngag

emen

t.

4.5

Exp

lore

inno

vativ

e ap

proa

ches

to

incr

easi

ng re

cycl

ing

rate

s in

th

e do

mes

tic s

ecto

r.

Del

iver

y of

pilo

t sc

hem

es20

15W

aste

Ser

vice

s - E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Low

Med

Med

To b

e de

liver

ed v

ia in

cent

ivis

atio

n sc

hem

es in

flat

-bas

ed d

wel

lings

and

im

prov

ed c

onta

inm

ent o

f rec

ycla

bles

.

Fund

ing

of p

ilot s

tudi

es s

ecur

ed v

ia

Dep

artm

ent f

or C

omm

uniti

es a

nd L

ocal

G

over

nem

ent (

DC

LG).


CLI

MAT

E C

HA

NG

E A

CTI

ON

S PL

AN

UPD

ATE

- 201

4-20

17: A

CTI

ON

S

Them

eOb

jectiv

eNo

.Ac

tivity

Meas

ure

Time

Scale

Actio

n Ow

ner /

Lead

CO2

Savin

gRe

sour

ce

Requ

ired

Leve

l of

Risk

Comm

ents

Natural Environment & Greenspace

Enhance and protect the natural environment in Merton

5.1

Ass

ess

tree

cano

py c

over

in

Mer

ton,

bui

ldin

g on

the

i-Tre

e C

anop

y an

alys

is to

iden

tify

area

s of

defi

cit c

over

.

Per

cent

age

chan

ge in

tre

e ca

nopy

cov

er20

17Le

isur

e &

Cul

ture

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Low

Med

Low

Non

e.

5.2

Ana

lyse

Mer

ton-

owne

d tre

e re

sour

ce a

nd re

cord

ass

et

valu

es u

tilis

ing

Com

mun

ity

Ass

et V

alua

tion

of A

men

ity

Tree

s (C

AVAT

) too

l.

Aver

age/

tota

l/mea

n as

set v

alue

s20

17Le

isur

e &

Cul

ture

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Low

Med

Low

Per

iodi

c an

alys

is.

5.3

Exp

lore

app

ropr

iate

tree

st

ocki

ng le

vels

acr

oss

the

boro

ugh

and

seek

to id

entif

y ar

eas

of m

ajor

pla

ntin

g po

tent

ial.

Tota

l tre

e nu

mbe

rs /

stoc

k le

vels

2017

Leis

ure

& C

ultu

re

- Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Low

-

Med

Med

Low

To b

e as

sess

ed th

roug

h ro

utin

e su

rvey

s.

5.4

Con

serv

e an

d pr

otec

t exi

stin

g tre

es a

gain

st d

amag

e an

d un

nece

ssar

y re

mov

al.

Red

uctio

n in

tree

cr

own

area

/ vo

lum

e20

17Le

isur

e &

Cul

ture

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Low

-

Med

Med

Low

To b

e de

term

ined

via

pla

nnin

g ap

plic

atio

ns.


45Climate change action plan

CLI

MAT

E C

HA

NG

E A

CTI

ON

S PL

AN

UPD

ATE

- 201

4-20

17: A

CTI

ON

S

Them

eOb

jectiv

eNo

.Ac

tivity

Meas

ure

Time

Scale

Actio

n Ow

ner /

Lead

CO2

Savin

gRe

sour

ce

Requ

ired

Leve

l of

Risk

Comm

ents

Greening Business

Support the growth of the green sector wand enhance the environmental performance of businesses in Merton

6.1

Est

ablis

h a

'Mer

ton

Bus

ines

s Lo

an F

und'

to s

uppo

rt lo

cal

busi

ness

es in

ach

ievi

ng

sust

aina

ble

busi

ness

gro

wth

ou

tcom

es.

Leve

l of f

undi

ng

allo

cate

d (£

)20

14Fu

ture

Mer

ton

- E

nviro

nmen

t &

Reg

ener

atio

n

Low

-

Med

Med

Med

£750

k lo

an fu

nd to

be

deliv

ered

thro

ugh

the

Gre

ater

Lon

don

Ent

erpr

ise

and

Lond

on

Com

mun

ity T

rust

(Fre

deric

k’s

Foun

datio

n).

6.2

Inve

stig

ate

the

deliv

ery

of a

pi

lot p

roje

ct fo

r SM

Es

offe

ring

ener

gy e

ffici

ency

re

trofit

mea

sure

thro

ugh

ener

gy

perfo

rman

ce c

ontra

ctin

g.

Num

ber o

f bus

ines

s en

gage

d / a

ttend

ance

at

eve

nts

2015

Futu

re M

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Low

Med

Low

Pilo

t pro

ject

reso

urce

d fro

m L

ondo

n E

nerg

y E

ffici

ency

Fun

d (L

EE

F) g

rant

.

6.3

Del

iver

ene

rgy

effic

ienc

y an

d w

aste

man

agem

ent a

dvic

e to

lo

cal s

mal

l-med

ium

ent

erpr

ises

(S

ME

s) th

roug

h th

e 'G

reen

ing

Bus

ines

s' p

rogr

amm

e.

Num

ber o

f bu

sine

sses

eng

aged

2015

Futu

re M

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Med

Hig

hLo

wP

hase

2 o

f the

£1.

5m E

RD

F fu

nded

pr

ogra

mm

e le

d by

Wan

dsw

orth

C

ounc

il co

mm

ence

d A

pril

2012

. Mer

ton

cont

ribut

ion:

£10

k m

atch

-fund

ing

allo

cate

d in

pro

gram

me.

Pro

gram

me

to b

e ex

tend

ed to

201

5 su

bjec

t to

con

firm

atio

n fro

m th

e G

LA.

6.4

See

k to

inco

rpor

ate

envi

ronm

enta

l obj

ectiv

es in

to

Bus

ines

s Im

prov

emen

t Dis

trict

s (B

IDs)

.

Obj

ectiv

es

inco

rpor

ated

into

B

IDs

2014

Futu

re M

erto

n -

Env

ironm

ent &

R

egen

erat

ion

Low -

Med

TBC

Low

Bus

ines

s Im

prov

emen

t Dis

trict

s in

clud

e W

illow

Lan

e B

ID a

nd S

outh

Wim

bled

on

BID

.


Appendices 47

Cutting carbon in the council


9.0 Cutting carbon in the council

9.1 We are required to measure, monitor, and report carbon emissions arising from our buildings estate and operations each year through several legislative mechanisms - including annual emissions reporting to the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme.

9.2 Under these reporting mechanisms Merton’s responsibility extends beyond emissions from buildings directly under our control, and includes all of those buildings included within our ownership portfolio. This means, for example, that emissions from the borough’s schools are included within our annual emissions. Emissions from schools account for approximately 50% of our total expected emissions.

9.3 The emissions produced from our estate and operations presents us with three key challenges:

• Reputational challenge – our emissions data is available publicly and our performance is therefore open to public scrutiny

• Financial challenge – we will need to reduce the level of emissions in order to reduce the level of any carbon taxes we may have to pay - and to minimise our exposure to increased energy prices

• Control challenge – we’ll be accountable for emissions from buildings over which we currently have limited control

9.4 Merton’s approach to cutting carbon in the council aims to address all of the challenges presented by the Carbon Reduction Commitment and has been designed to work alongside our proposal for the creation of a Merton Energy Services Company (ESCo).

9.5 The action plan consists of three strands:

Strand 1: Showcase RefurbishmentsThis strand is designed to target the worst performing and largest emitters within the councils building portfolio. The preferable route for this would be the utilisation of the RE:FIT program as this transfers the risk for the underperformance to an external energy service provider.

Strand 2: Portfolio ImprovementsThis strand is designed to target the most cost effective energy efficiency measures to be installed across our building portfolio. It aims to bring together the existing efforts to reduce the emissions within the old boundaries of our building stock and introduce or gain greater control over buildings that have previously been outside of our responsibility.

49Cutting carbon in the council

Strand 3: Behaviour & CommunicationsThis is arguably the most important of the three strands, not only in terms of ensuring that the requirements of our annual emissions reporting obligations are met, but also in ensuring that emissions reductions are achieved in the most cost-effective way. The monitoring and reporting of emissions will form the backbone of this strand. This information can then be used to encourage positive behavioural change.

The aim is to maximise on those areas where changes in behaviour and introduction of best practice can reduce emissions in a low and no cost manner. Effective communication will play an important role in the dissemination of best practice guidance and reports on emissions so that progress can be monitored.

This strand of our approach will also incorporate the publication of information to a wider audience, especially in relation to progress on our emissions reductions targets included within the Climate Change Strategy action plan (actions 1.1 and 1.2 respectively).