THE SUSTAINABLE BILLESDON GROUP

AIMS:

TO REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT OF BILLESDON AND ITS ENVIRONS; TO ACHIEVE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE PARISH

OBJECTIVES:

(A) GENERAL

1. to create a team for the Group
2. to adopt a constitution
3. to gain initial experience as a working Group by means of small projects
4. to raise awareness of environmental issues in the Parish
5. to collaborate with District, County and Regional agencies.

(B) ENERGY-RELATED PROJECTS
(i) MEDIUM TERM [1-4 years]

1. to carry out an energy survey of the village
2. to assess the potential for energy efficiency measures in the domestic, non-domestic and farming sectors
3. to determine prospects for local renewable energy generation
4. to assess the prospects for local carbon offsetting
5. to seek to influence new-build designs to incorporate carbon-neutral measures.

(ii) LONG TERM [3-10 years]
to establish a local company to manage renewable energy and use profits to support innovative energy-related schemes in the Parish.

(C) WATER-RELATED PROJECTS
MEDIUM TERM [1-4 years]

1. to seek and disseminate advice on mitigation of floods and droughts in the Parish
2. to encourage water conservation in domestic, non-domestic and farming sectors
3. to influence the design of new-build to incorporate water-conservation and flood mitigation measures.

(D) FOOD
(i) MEDIUM TERM [1-6 years]

1. to encourage local food production and procurement
2. to develop local exchange schemes
3. to create community allotments and orchards.

(ii) LONG TERM [5-10 years]
to assist all households to grow more of their own food.

(E) WASTE
SHORT TERM [1-4 years]

1. to cease providing plastic bags (non-degradable) in Billesdon shops
2. to set up an exchange scheme for unwanted items (i.e. Freecycle scheme)

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:

1. Chair - Mike Silverman
2. Meetings Secretary - Daphne Bates
3. Treasurer - Paul Collins
4. Publicity and Information - Fiona White
5. Records and website - Ian Bowler
6. Special interests - food: Claire Hadjipetrou; energy: TBA; water: TBA; waste: TBA

PROJECT 1

Distribution of energy-saving lightbulbs (with The Energy Efficiency Advice Centre) at the 2007 Billesdon Village Fete, in association with a 'Sustainability' quiz.

PROJECT 2
Plastic bag free campaign with the Village Shop during the summer of 2007.
Article and photograph in Harborough Mail (July 5, 2007).

PROJECT 3
BILLESDON CAR FREE DAY: TUESDAY, APRIL 29 2008.

Article and photograph in The Advertiser [East Leicestershire](Wednesday, March 26, 2008).

PROJECT 4

SLOW FOOD LUNCH: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 2008.

Details awaited