The
Greenprint Environmental Forum was first set up in 1996 and it
is a tribute to the enthusiasm of its members that it is still
providing a useful information exchange network and is looking
to develop further so that members can help local communities
reduce their impact on our climate, land and water through
improved energy and transport efficiency and waste
minimisation.
Membership is open to representatives from parish and district
councils, environmental and community organisations and businesses
across the district. If you would like to become a member or attend
a session as a guest please contact Suffolk Coastal's Environmental
Protection Team, who administer the forum on behalf of its members.
For more information you can contact them on 01394
444736 or email
environmental.protection@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.
The work of the Forum is co-ordinated by a steering group who
meet on a quarterly basis to agree a work programme which can
include presentations, site visits and practical projects. Although
the paperwork is sent out by the Council, the Forum itself
determines agendas and most importantly has determined it's own
objectives and principles. Follow this link for
details of Forum meetings.
The Forum’s achievements to date
First and most important has been the Forum’s continued
existence. It is stronger than ever with a diverse range of
members. A number of similar forums in other parts of the country
have since disbanded. Its existence has been sustained by the
variety of items discussed and by all members feeling they can both
contribute and learn something, and add value to the process.
There has been a real gain in understanding by members, a shared
sense of direction and the break-down of barriers. The Forum has
developed a real vision of the future and the part sustainable
working practices must play in achieving it. The feedback sessions
held at every meeting provide an opportunity for members to share
new initiatives and best practice avoiding the need for
organisations to reinvent the wheel.
Projects completed to date include a
countywide hedgerow survey, a range of local
environmental and community projects, involvement in
consultation exercises on Council strategies and the
establishment of farmers' markets.
The chair of the Greenprint Forum has a place on the board of
the Suffolk
Coastal Local Strategic Partnership (new window) ensuring that
important environmental issues such as climate change are given
prominence within the
Community Strategy.
Areas of work or focus agreed for the future are:
- Working more effectively with the Local Strategic Partnership
to support the Community Strategy.
- Climate change.
- Energy conservation and renewable energy.
- Water conservation and grey water schemes.
- Recycling and waste minimisation.
As the Forum continues its development, it has become an
essential ingredient to the Council's commitment to ensuring
sustainability in partnership with the community. Perhaps more
importantly, the good work of the Forum continues to produce action
in the community, which benefits us all.
Follow this link for
help with
downloading and opening PDF
files.