Green Issues

The council's Eco Management and Audit System (EMAS)

The council, as part of the commitment to Chester's Local Agenda 21 has implemented an Eco Management and Audit Scheme. The aim is to show continual environmental improvement to the actions and services undertaken by staff who are committed to observe Chester's Environmental Policy

The council has been accredited with the International Environmental Management Standard ISO 14001 since the beginning of 2004.

We now have the additional European Regulation - Eco Management and Audit Scheme ( EMAS ) as from March 2006.

Energy Management (Non-domestic)

The council made a decision to purchase new renewable energy where practicable and currently purchase 100% 'Green' new renewable electricity for council premises.

New Christmas Lights were purchased for 2003 and are low energy use.

The Eco Audit Scheme incorporates energy into the Audit and offers advice to non-domestic properties within the Cheshire District. Please see above for details.

Community Plan

Chester's Way Ahead contains Environmental Pledges, some of which are outstanding issues from Chester's Agenda 21, others which have been highlighted by the Chester Community. A sub-group of Chester's Environmental Forum have met to see how the pledges may be taken forward and a member of Environmental Forum has been chosen as a representative for the Community Plan Local Strategic Partnership.

Chester's Environmental Forum

As an ongoing Chester Agenda 21 activity, the Environmental Forum meet every 2 months to discuss relevant issues such as Transport, Open Space, Environmental Health. Membership consists of Councillors, Officers, Local Businesses, Environmental Organisations and environmentally minded individuals. The Forum also contribute to an Environmental Information Exchange Sheet- an 'Environmental What's On' to share Local Events, News Items etc

If you would like to find out more, contribute, attend a meeting, check meeting dates, please contact the Environmental Co-ordination Team.

Chester - Britain's First Fair Trade City

The Fairtrade Mark certifies that goods from developing countries have been fairly traded. It ensures basic rights for farmers by offering fair and guaranteed prices and encouraging long-term trading commitments, enabling developing world producers to improve their businesses, perhaps pay for medical treatment, or invest in their children's education.

The council in partnership with Cheshire Development Education Centre attained the status of Britain's First Fair Trade City on the 18^th January 2002. A local Fair Trade steering group ensures continual commitment to its Fair Trade City status.

A Chester Fair Trade Guide has been produced containing where to buy fairly traded products locally and can be obtained either from the Environmental Co-ordination Team or by contacting Cheshire Development Education Centre, telephone 01244 347880.

Events are held for Fair Trade Fortnight, usually at the beginning of March, watch out in local press for details.

Eco Audits

The council aims to assist non-domestic sites/premises in the Chester District to improve their environmental awareness as part of the Cheshire County Council Eco Audit Scheme. If you can answer 'yes, improvements could be made to any of the points below' then a FREE Eco Audit would be of benefit. It only takes a few hours and can help to:

• Reduce overheads and make low cost savings or gain grant advice?
• Improve the efficiency of your organisation?
• Receive reliable information and guidance on increasingly confusing environmental issues and legislation?
• Improve your environmental profile?
• Encourage environmental awareness?

The process is centred around a desk-based study, but also includes a short tour of the site facilities and is conducted by trained volunteer auditors, under the supervision of an experienced 'lead' auditor.

After the audit a report containing recommendations is sent to the site in addition to a certificate of participation and a contacts list for further guidance on specific issues.

If you would like further information please vist the Cheshire County Council Eco Audit Website  (external link)

Local Food Directory

Buying locally produced food helps sustain the local Chester Economy and reduces the costs and pollution caused by transportation.  For more inforation visit the Green Chester Website (external link)