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Sustainable Development

What the council is doing to reduce impact on the environment

Big issues like climate change mean we have to think about our impact on the environment. 
 
Everyone can make choices to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Every small activity helps the bigger picture.

Energy Efficiency

The Council has an on going programme to increase energy efficiency of the borough's buildings including offices, schools and houses. 
 
Energy efficiency studies have also been carried out in certain Council buildings which has resulted in energy savings. The Council is also researching the use of alternative fuels and has purchased two vehicles which operate on natural gas.
 
:: more on Saving Energy

Pollution

The Council is one of the seven metropolitan authorities which has been selected by the government to trial a plan for improving air quality across the borough. This will consider the major contributors to pollution such as road transport, energy generation, industrial processes and domestic sources. Dudley Council has always taken a positive approach to improving air quality and the entire borough is now smoke controlled.
 
Cotwall End Local Nature Reserve, Coach-Road, Cotwall-End.

Waste Management

Each year the Council deals with 120,000 tonnes of controlled waste, the vast majority of which is from households. In treating its waste, the Council's strategy for the future will concentrate on recovering benefit from the waste. This will stem from an integrated waste strategy employing incineration with energy recovery, recycling and composting, with an emphasis on minimising waste directly.
 
:: more on Waste Management

Land Use/Economic Development

Through working with its many partners, the council is committed to contributing to the economic vitality of the borough. Effective partnerships are encouraged between schools, further and higher education, the careers service, and encouraging employees to improve the skills and confidence of people in order to take advantage of employment opportunities and to safeguard employment opportunities.