Today sees the launch of a consultation on new guidance for use of Low Emission Strategies

Loughborough, 2 June 2008 - Today sees the launch of a consultation on new guidance for use of Low Emission Strategies [1,2] to reduce transport emissions generated by new infrastructural developments by UK councils. The work is the product of the Beacons Low Emission Strategies Group[3] and represents a collaboration between the Air Quality Beacons,[4] Cenex,[5] local authorities and leading experts.

The guidance is intended for use by local authority planners and those who work closely with them, such as environmental health, transport planning and sustainable development teams. It promotes the use of planning measures and legal obligations to encourage the local adoption of low emission fuels and technologies. The aim is to help local authorities to mitigate the transport impacts of new developments in housing, transport and general constituency infrastructure.

Andrew Whittles, Project Development Manager, Cenex explained that: "Low Emission Strategies have major potential for mitigating the transport impacts of development. They are well supported by national policy, existing practice and case law, but many authorities are struggling to make progress. Our new guidance offers concise; easy to read information and the reassurance they need to make the approach work.''

John Patterson, Greenwich Council, Air Quality Beacon, added: "We are excited at the prospect of the new energy which the Guidance will inject into low emission thinking. There are opportunities for authorities to make considerable progress. The Guidance is intended as a dynamic and evolving document. Suggestions for developing and improving it are very welcome."

The report is available from the Cenex website (www.cenex.co.uk). A list of consultation questions is provided on page three of the document. Responses should be sent by email to the Beacons Low Emission Strategies group, care of Rob.Pilling@cenex.co.uk.The consultation will run from 2 June through to the 29 August.

For further information or to arrange an interview with members of the Beacons Low Emission Strategies group please contact Andrew Whittles on andrew.whittles@cenex.co.uk.

Notes

[1] Low emission strategies provide a package of measures to help mitigate the transport impacts of development. They aim to accelerate the uptake of low emission fuels and technologies in and around the development site. They compliment other mitigation options, such as travel planning and the provision of public transport infrastructure. Strategies are secured through a combination of planning conditions and legal obligations. They may incorporate policy measures and/or require financial investments in and contributions to the delivery of low emission transport projects and plans, including strategic monitoring and assessment activities.

[2] The Guidance is intended for use by local authority planners and those who work closely with them such as environmental health, transport planning and sustainable development teams. The report outlines the underlying principles of low emission strategies, presents current good practice and introduces some of the latest thinking on linking the approach with transport assessment. Supporting information and case study examples are provided as an annexe to the main text.

[3] The Beacons Low Emission Strategies Group comprises representatives from the four Air Quality Beacon Authorities (Croydon, Greenwich, Sefton and Sheffield), the Greater London Authority, Kensington and Chelsea Council, City of London Corporation, Cenex and ARUP.

[4] The Beacon Scheme was set up to disseminate best practice in service delivery across Local Government. Themes are selected for each round of the scheme by government ministers. The themes represent issues which are important in the day-to-day lives of the public and reflect key government priorities. Beacon status is granted to those authorities who can demonstrate a clear vision, excellent services and a willingness to innovate within a theme. In 2007 Beacon status was awarded for the theme of 'delivering cleaner air'. The successful authorities were Croydon, Greenwich, Sefton and Sheffield. For more information on the Beacons Scheme visit: www.beacons.idea.gov.uk.

[5] Cenex is the centre of excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies. It acts as an independent broker dedicated to low carbon and fuel cell projects. It specialises in connecting potential consumers with technology providers to broker projects designed to field-trial new technology. The initiative is funded by Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. For more information visit www.cenex.co.uk.