Council reviews practices in bid to combat climate change

B&NES Council is to consider a fundamental review of its buying practices as part of its commitment to tackle the climate emergency.

The council plans to adopt an environmentally sustainable approach to the purchase of goods and services and harness its purchasing power to help combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.

Cllr Richard Samuel (inset), the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources and economic development, said: “We spend more than £200m each year commissioning goods and services and are committed to delivering value for money while responding to the needs of our community, but we must also ensure our procurement practices deliver on our ambitions.”

He continued: “If we are to meet our net zero targets, it is vital we consider the environmental impact of all our decisions and show leadership.

“I therefore welcome this report which recommends that consideration of the climate emergency becomes a golden thread in our purchasing decisions.”

The report, due to be considered by cabinet today (September 9), outlines how the council will change its actions.

The proposed new climate emergency procurement and commissioning strategy also responds to new national procurement regulations, due to be introduced next year. The strategy is built on three principles: “Think Climate, Think Local, Think Innovation”, and has four key aims:

■ consider the carbon footprint and environmental impact of all products and services bought by the council over their lifetime;

■ consider suppliers’ capability to address these environmental impacts;

■ encourage the use of local suppliers;

■ encourage innovation by emphasising the council’s needs and desired outcomes to allow suppliers to come up with the most cost effective and sustainable solutions.

To view the report, go to: https:// democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ielistdocuments.aspx?mid=5520&%3bx=1.