Here are some of the most important actions relating to the themes of our strategy.
Theme 1: Caring for Derbyshire's natural environment and landscapes
We have an enhanced biodiversity duty, to conserve and enhance biodiversity in Derbyshire, as well as being responsible for coordinating Derbyshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Key actions include:
- managing our green spaces across the county effectively to protect and enhance local biodiversity
- working with partners in Derbyshire to apply findings from the Natural Capital Strategy and deliver the Local Nature Recovery Strategy
- deliver the Derbyshire Heartwood Community Forest in partnership with organisations, individuals and communities across the county
- work with partner organisations to achieve biodiversity net gain in Derbyshire, linked to the requirements of the 2021 Environment Act
- work with partner organisations to achieve biodiversity net gain and biodiversity off-setting in Derbyshire, linked to the requirements of the 2021 Environment Act
- contribute as a delivery partner to the Peak District National Park management plan
- work with the county's agricultural sector to help safeguard long-term environmental and economic stability
Our first statutory biodiversity report is attached to this page.
Theme 2: Using energy, fuel and water efficiently
We will make our buildings and operations more energy efficient and effective:
- monitor energy consumption to manage it more effectively and reduce costs and emissions
- develop behaviour change programmes with colleagues to reduce energy consumption
- conduct an asset review programme to identify energy saving investments and renewable energy opportunities
- monitor our water use and implement water-saving measures
- ensure we use the most efficient and cost effective vehicle fleet
- complete our LED street lighting programme
- support employees to reduce business mileage and travel-to-work miles
- support residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, for example through the HEAT Hub in collaboration with local agencies and experts and through Warmer Derby and Derbyshire
- host the Local Authority Energy Partnership which brings together county, city, district, borough councils across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and whose work includes coordinating large-scale retrofit programmes to reduce fuel poverty
Theme 3: Supporting clean, secure energy for Derbyshire
Increasing the amount of clean energy generated and used locally can help reduce energy costs over time. Community-led schemes can bring local benefits, and regional plans can help deliver the clean energy needed to meet Derbyshire's future energy needs. To support this we will:
- conduct an asset review programme to identify renewable energy opportunities
- engage and work closely with the county's active and knowledgeable community energy groups to co-design and co-deliver projects and campaigns
- use our expertise and resources to promote events and support community energy groups and town and parish councils and signpost them to funding streams to support their projects
- participate in local area energy planning to inform a more cost effective and clean local energy system
- use results from the Derbyshire Spatial Energy Study (attached to this page) to support an increase in clean energy generation across Derbyshire
- partner with Midlands Net Zero Hub to deliver projects including the upskilling of local suppliers
Theme 4: Maintaining and improving air quality
We will deliver actions in the Derby and Derbyshire Air Quality Strategy (2020 to 2030) through Derbyshire Air Quality Working Group, including representatives from district, borough and city councils. This includes:
- working to reduce air pollution from our own buildings, vehicles and activities
- supporting local transport initiatives to improve air quality in areas with recognised problems (alongside district and borough councils who have the responsibility for local air quality management)
- promoting learning from the Join Strategic Needs Assessment on the health implications of air quality
Theme 5: Reducing waste and using resources wisely
We work closely with district and borough councils to dispose of waste effectively and will:
Theme 6: Preparing for extreme and adverse weather
Our communities are already experiencing more frequent flooding, storms, wildfires and heatwaves. These events can disrupt daily life, damage homes and businesses, and place pressure on essential services.
We have responsibilities for our own buildings, people and services as well as working with others to build local resilience. We will:
- identify and develop actions we need to take to respond to extreme weather events such as floods, strong winds or long spells of hot weather
- work as part of the Derbyshire Resilience Partnership, which co-ordinates the response to emergency incidents
- work with other local councils to help build resilience in local vulnerable communities
Theme 7: Making it easier for people to travel around Derbyshire
Being able to travel easily is essential for accessing jobs, education, healthcare and everyday services, particularly in a large and diverse county like Derbyshire. Some of our key actions are to:
Theme 8: Helping people connect with the natural environment
In some communities, opportunities to connect with green spaces are limited. Improving access to Derbyshire's natural environment helps improve wellbeing, supports healthier lifestyles, and strengthens people's connection with the places where they live and work. We support the following:
- increase access to our countryside sites
- support volunteers and community groups through our sites
- support schools across the county, leading to wider environmental benefits in schools and their communities
Supporting policies and strategies
In delivering this work we are supported by the following policies and strategies:
You can also find out what we've done so far in our timeline, and how you can get involved.