The Council is committed to delivering its vision for Sandwell within a framework of Sustainable Development.

This means that all our Policies, Plans and service delivery need to start by considering how they will contribute to a more sustainable Sandwell. Listed below are the main Policies and Plans that set out our Sustainable Development Framework.

Sandwell Plan

The Sandwell Plan co-ordinates services between statutory agencies, business, the public and the voluntary sectors at the local level. The Plan is based on a vision of the future where everyone will have a better quality of life and Sandwell is thriving. The Plan aims to deliver this transformation of Sandwell through a number of Priority choices and thematic partnerships for action.

The transformation of Sandwell will be based on the sustainable principles of minimising environmental damage, efficient use of energy, increased recycling, reduced pollution, greater environmental awareness and sustainable practice in business and food production and consumption.

The Corporate Business Plan

The Corporate Business Plan identifies three Corporate Priorities for improvement, where action is to be cencentrated. Of these, the Safer, Stronger, Cleaner Communities Priority makes the greatest overall contribution to developing a more Sustainable Sandwell. Progress will be made in a number of areas ranging from improving the cleanliness of our streets, and increasing recycling rates, through to longer-term improvements both in our housing stock and road infrastructure, which will help attract investment into the Borough. The safety of residents and visitors is also a prime aim and the Council is working with the police and other agencies to tackle crime ‘head on’ in the most effective way possible.

Environmental Policy

The Council's Environmental Policy sets out how we will manage our environmental impacts and improve our environmental performance. The Policy is in two parts, firstly, a Policy Statement, which lists our main commitments with regard to environmental issues, and secondly, a series of actions, which contribute to meeting these commitments. Adopting an Environmental Policy, which is relevant to the functions and activities of our organisation, is one of the first steps towards the Council’s aim of continual environmental improvement.

Cycling in Sandwell

This Strategy has been produced by 'Cycling in Sandwell' on behalf of Sandwell's Environment Forum. It aims to create the conditions which will make cycling a much more popular, safe and convenient way of getting about in and around the Borough. In doing so, a significant contribution will be made to reducing energy use, air pollution, traffic congestion and noise as well as improving people's health and surroundings. The time is right for an emphasis on cycling and this is in tune with National Policy. It's very much in line with giving people a wider choice of transport options; the Government's integrated approach to transport planning, as outlined in the White Paper, 'A New Deal for Transport - Better for Everyone', and the aims of the National Cycling Strategy.

Walking Strategy

The objectives of this Strategy are to:

• Encourage people to walk more often for purposeful and leisure trips, preferably instead of using their cars for short journeys;
• Improve the quality of, and satisfaction in, the walking environment;

Sandwell’s Economic Plan

The Sandwell Economic Plan has been produced by the Local Strategic Partnership’s Economy and Environment Partnership. It recognises that a flourishing economy, which benefits local people, can only be achieved within a framework of sustainable development. The Economic Plan in conjunction with the Sandwell Plan provides a local framework for the delivery for sustainable development objectives. In particular, the Plan recognises the need for a massive and sustained effort by businesses to reduce energy wastage and increase investment in energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy sources. This need coincides with the regional development of the Environmental Technologies business cluster, which is supported by Avantage West Midlands. The main opportunities for Sandwell are helping its companies to save energy, and to make money through their waste and to diversify into Environmental Tecnology programmes. The Plan has a strategic aim to improve sustainability by:

• Assessing all economic activities on their ability to deliver sustainable growth with minimum negative environmental effects.
• Identifying and incorporating appropriate “Quality of Life Count” indicators.
• Reviewing Economic Development in Sandwell to contribute its part to the delivery of the sustainability agenda.

Corporate Procurement Strategy

In line with the National Strategy for Local Government Procurement, the Council has built sustainability into its Corporate Procurement Strategy, processes and contracts. Our Strategy includes an objective to use procurement to help deliver corporate objectives including economic, social and environmental well-being. To achieve this objective we will:

• Ensure sustainable development is considered at every stage of the procurement process where it is relevant to the contract.
• Work with suppliers to support economic regeneration and other community and environmental benefits.

Sustainable Procurement Policy

The Sustainable Procurement Policy provides the detailed focus for the overarching sustainability objectives of the Corporate Procurement Strategy. The Policy comprises a brief statement of intent and a number of specific aims for the procurement process itself and for working with suppliers to achieve environmental and community benefits.