Environment - Council Policy

Sponsor:	General Manager City Planning & Environmental Services
Date Approved:	20 May 1998
Date Reviewed:	10 March 2008
File Reference:	38/8/2-1
Community Outcome:	Sustainable and Well-Planned An attractive city that is planned for the well-being of people and nature, now and in the future.

---

Objective

To promote and enhance Hamilton's environment for this, and future generations.

Policy

Part 1: Environmental Mission Statement

Hamilton City Council is guided by the principles of Agenda 21 and recognises its direct responsibilities under the Resource Management Act (1991) to sustainably manage Hamilton's environment for this and future generations.

In delivering services, the Council is committed to giving effect to the provisions of Hamilton's Strategic Plan and to meeting all regulatory requirements. It is also committed to continually updating practices to make measurable progress in environmental performance and to reducing the environmental impacts of its activities to the lowest practicable levels, consistent with sustainable development.

The Council recognises that it has a major role to play in encouraging and empowering others in the community to protect and enhance the environment, by adopting the principles of this policy. This will be achieved through education, consultation and the promotion of community participation in environmental decision-making.

Part 2: Outline of Environmental Commitments

Environmental Protection and Enhancement

Hamilton City Council will minimise and wherever possible eliminate the release of any pollutant that may cause environmental damage to the air, land or water.

Biodiversity

Hamilton City Council will encourage the protection of significant ecosystems within the city boundary and promote "no net loss" of biodiversity.

Wise Use of Energy

Hamilton City Council is committed to responsible energy management in order to minimise pollution, particularly CO2 emissions, and will, wherever possible, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels through the use of renewable energy source.

Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

Hamilton City Council will make sustainable use of natural resources and will conserve non-renewable resources through efficient use and careful planning.

Waste Reduction

Hamilton City Council will endeavour to minimise the creation of all forms of waste and will, at all times, view waste as a resource with the potential for reuse and recycling.

Staff Training

Hamilton City Council will ensure that all staff and elected members are aware of and understand their environmental responsibilities in terms of this policy.

Environment Management

Hamilton City Council will commit the management and financial resources necessary to implement these principles and will monitor, and report annually on, its environmental performance. It will maintain a process by which elected representatives and management are kept informed of, and are fully responsible for, the environmental management of Council's activities.

Hamilton City Council will ensure that an annual Sustainability Indicators Report be produced for the City.

Part 3: Environmental Action Plan

In order to meet its environmental commitments, Hamilton City Council will produce an Environmental Action Plan. This will be reviewed every three years in conjunction with Hamilton's Strategic Plan.

---