Bridging the eco GAP

Councillor Colin Lambert with Matthew Lancaster and Laura Shaw at St Edward's Primary School

Rochdale Borough Council has developed a Green Action Plan (GAP) setting out how it will work towards improving the quality of life for residents now and in the future whilst balancing social, economic and environmental considerations.

Council Leader Colin Lambert visited St Edward’s School in Castleton, one of the best eco-schools in the country, to launch the Plan.

He said: “Climate change is serious and it affects everyone. We cannot afford to ignore it and do nothing. It’s my ambition to make Rochdale the greenest borough in the country. For that to be achieved we need everyone across the borough to look at how they live and the small changes they could make that will make a massive difference.

“It’s fitting that we’re launching our plans at St Edward’s School which is truly inspirational. The children and staff here are passionate about their environment and set the example we should all aim for.”

St Edward’s is amongst the first schools to be awarded Eco Schools Ambassador status – the highest accreditation of its kind. Amongst the key aims of the GAP are to increase the number of schools involved in this programme and to encourage environmental learning in our schools.

As part of this Rochdale Council is launching the country’s first Eco Parliament where young people will be involved in shaping the future of their planet. More details will be released shortly.

The GAP also sets out how the council will work to: 

• Ensure residents know the implications of climate change and have information about how they can make a difference
• Reduce the borough’s carbon emissions by encouraging more recycling and use of sustainable forms of transport such as public transport, walking and cycling
• Improve the built and natural environment by promoting sustainable development – including the new ASDA development at Kingsway Business Park which will be the most sustainable distribution centre in the country