Our sustainability

We aim to lead by example in our everyday practices, encouraging and supporting our residents and businesses to do likewise. 

Reducing waste and promoting recycling 

Like many councils, we’ve invested in providing recycling options for our residents. We collect recyclable waste from the 118,000 homes in our area. We also have 100 bottle banks and four modern, tidy tips that accept a wide range of items for recycling, including one that accepts trade waste. 

Supporting greener travel 

We encourage the use of electric vehicles by requiring electric vehicle points to be installed in new shopping retail parks, public car parks and new housing developments.  

Our staff can also take part in an Electric Vehicle leasing scheme. 

Cutting carbon and leading by example 

Since adopting our first climate change strategy in May 2010, we have made progress to reduce our own impact on the environment by better monitoring and management of our energy use. We have: 

• installed smart meters in all our buildings and supported our schools to install them too. 
• installed solar panels on 16 council-owned buildings to generate zero-carbon electricity. 
• committed to reduce our carbon footprint by 154 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum. 
• created a dedicated Sustainability Network and an excellent programme of learning for our staff who want to know more and do better for our environment. 

Inspiring the next generation 

Educating our community is essential for sustainable change. 21 schools across Central Bedfordshire achieved a prestigious Green Flag Award for their outstanding and innovative sustainable projects. Of the 21 schools receiving their award, 11 schools achieved Green Flag with Distinction with a further three awarded Green Flag with Merit. 

You can view more information about our sustainability plan on our website.