Introduction
The argument for sustainability heats up
2006 was the warmest year on record in the UK. It was 1-2 degrees higher than average in most places, the need to develop a more sustainable lifestyle was firmly brought to the front of everyone's minds as the the reality of global warming appeared to take affect.
As we said last year, this year should have been about prioritising activity, focusing on delivery and reviewing progress. In reviewing the progress in this report you may come to appreciate the difficulties the county has to face to achieve these aims. In 2006 the government announced a requirement for the county to build an additional 80,000+ homes against a backdrop of above national average water use whilst rising temperatures burden water supply. Along with reducing water use, we need to cut our use of fossil fuels so the energy section now reflects how much carbon dioxide is produced and the alternatives available. All these elements affect and are influenced by the climate change issue so we have dedicated a new regular section purely to this.
Website
This year sees the launch of our new website. It retains the same look and feel as the past few year's Reports, and a separate set of pages has been created for each year and section. With improved reliability, we are sure readers will find the online experience much more informative and readable, particularly as there is a host of educational resources that anyone of any age will find useful. As well as giving access to the background data used to compile the charts, by clicking the chart directly onscreen, the website provides further information and helpful links for schools, residents and public officials.
Readership survey & prize draw
Following the readership survey/prize draw in last year's report, results showed us that everyone felt the report design was clear, informative and attractive. Prize winner John Sketcher from Welwyn Garden City (above right) echoed these comments as he received his Pure Evoke Digital Radio from John Rumble (above left), HEF member and Hertfordshire County Council's Sustainability Team Leader.
'I'm delighted to have won!' he said, 'I found the report in Welwyn Garden City Library by chance and was really impressed with the information it contained and the accessible way it is presented.'