The Environment Partnership is currently working to 3 key priorities which are detailed in the Environment Strategy, they are:
1. Improving the neighbourhood environment
The quality of the neighbourhood environment continues to have a big impact on people’s satisfaction with living in the District. There is strong evidence that environmental improvement can benefit the economy by supporting business growth, encouraging new enterprise development, and encouraging people to live and work in the area. Links can also be made with the health priority of addressing the high obesity levels as the improvement of green spaces encourages people to walk more and cycle.
2. Reducing the use of natural resources
Our health and wellbeing are inextricably linked to the quality of our air, water, soils and biological resources. The use of environmental wealth is vital for economic development and poverty reduction. Many people are attracted to Bradford because of its varied landscapes and it is important to protect and enhance these. It is equally important that organisations and residents in the District work to reduce waste and increase recycling.
3. Tackling the impacts of climate change
The Stern Review and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report have both assessed the economic, social and environmental impact of climate change and conclude that it is 90% certain that mankind’s use of fossil fuels is speeding the rate of the planet’s warming. Government has recognised the key leadership role of local authorities in mobilising local partners to tackle climate change and improve energy efficiency.
To find out more about climate change, visit the Council’s - climate change pages
Current Activity
Various projects and activities are underway in addressing these key priorities, for example:
Eco-city campaign – The Eco-city campaign was launched in March 2007 with the aim of raising awareness of climate change and its impact; encouraging organisations to make changes to reduce their impact on climate change and improve their environmental performance; and sharing good practice
Through the campaign events and workshops have been organised for businesses to share information on some of the key ways organisations can reduce their impact on climate change.
A pledge scheme has been developed which asks organisations to highlight their current practice in addressing climate change and make pledges on what they will do in future to improve their environmental performance. The pledge scheme aims to collect information on what is going on across the District and monitor how it is improving in tackling climate change.
See a 
summary of pledges made so far.
To make a pledge, 
download the form.
A Eco-city meeting was held on Wednesday 23rd April where organisations discussed how the District could reduce CO2 emissions and presentations were given from Yorkshire Building Society, Rance Booth and Smith Architects, Bradford and Airedale teaching Primary Care Trust, and Bradford Council. See on the links below for a copy of the notes and presentations.
Notes of the Eco-city meeting 23 April 2008
Presentation by Yorkshire Building Society
Presentation by Bradford and Airedale teaching Primary Care Trust
Presentation by Bradford Council
Biodiversity – Biodiversity encompasses the whole variety of life on Earth. It includes all species of plants and animals and the complex ecosystems of which they are a part. It covers the whole of the natural world, from the commonplace to the critically endangered.
The Partnership is working on developing a Biodiversity Strategy which will enhance the neighbourhood environment, protect the District’s natural resources, and help the District reduce its impact on climate change.
Sustainable Community Strategy – The Environment Partnership has a key role to play in the development and implementation of the Sustainable Community Strategy. This aims to promote and improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of present and future generations. They set out the direction of travel for the district, the Council, other public agencies, businesses, voluntary organisations and the public and establish targets for Partnerships in delivering improvements.
Neighbourhood Renewal Fund –
The following projects have been allocated funding during 2007/8:
- The Environmental Task Force, made up of the following projects:
- Neighbourhood wardens
- Community Urban Design
- Community Urban Works and gardens
- Education awareness raising
- 50 Major Clean Ups
- Clean Teams
- Support for Bradford Environment Forum
- Gateways and Corridors Project
- Bradford Home Energy Planning project
- BD3 Partnership
- Cleaner, Pleasurable, Seeable Project
- Green Tree Giveaway
- Great Horton Housing and Environment Project
An allocation has also been made to each of the Area Committees
More Information
For more information about the Environment Partnership please contact:
Lucy Ashall
Partnership Development Officer
Bradford Council
Jacob’s Well, 4th Floor South
Bradford, BD1 5RW
T: 01274 434933
Email: lucy.ashall@bradford.gov.uk
