Salford climate change strategy

Salford's Climate Change Strategy was launched in June 2010. It was produced by Salford City Council and endorsed by the Salford Strategic Partnership. It is a broad statement of commitment intended to address the challenges of climate change.

The strategy has three purposes: to provide a broad framework for action, to encourage good practice and partnership working between organisations and to demonstrate a range of action that is already taking place across Salford.

The strategy has three key themes carbon reduction, climate adaptation and behavioural change.

Carbon reduction
Action is required at all levels to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels and levels of carbon dioxide emissions.

Key areas for action include:

Increase levels of energy efficiency for existing homes, particularly in the private sector where it is estimated that over 90% of existing homes have inadequate loft insulation and 50% no cavity wall insulation.
Undertake improvements in the energy performance of the public sector buildings.
Secure higher levels of energy efficiency in the small and medium size business sector which annually waste up to 20% of the energy they buy costing £500 million / year.
Secure the highest environmental standards for new development.

Climate adaptation
Significant changes to weather patterns are already taking place in the UK as a result of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. It is now accepted that flooding, increased summer rainfall, increased winter storms and temperature increases will have local impacts to which we must adapt.

Understanding how the changing weather patterns will affect Salford and how to respond to create a city resilient to the predicted impacts of climate change is a priority.

Key areas for action:

Understand the particular risks from flooding in Salford and how to mitigate them.
Plan and manage Salford's natural resources to provide protection from the future impacts of climate change and promote healthy and resilient communities.
Work with partners to identify people and places that are vulnerable to the impact of climate change and adapt services to meet changing demands.
Understand the future impact of the Urban Heat Island and how to mitigate its effects through urban design and green infrastructure.

Behavioural change
There is a danger that climate change is seen as an issue that is too big to be relevant to individuals, households or businesses. We need to establish a culture which recognises that collective responsibility and the cumulative impact of small scale actions is necessary for the well being of future generations.

Key areas for action:

Change wasteful behaviours of home owners, tenants and the business sector through good information and smart technologies.
Raise awareness about the relevance of climate change to every day lifestyles.
Promote responsible attitudes amongst young people at school.
Secure behavioural change amongst staff of largest employers through "Switch it Off" campaigns and travel planning.
Use national campaigns and awareness days to raise the profile of climate change and raise levels of public interest and awareness.

Greater Manchester Climate Change Strategy
Greater Manchester is developing a climate change strategy which will set a sub-regional context for our work in Salford. This is likely to be published during the Autumn of 2011.