Project Description
In 2023, Kirklees Council’s Highways Division sought to lead by example among local authorities by creating a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Aligned with the Council’s ambition to become Net Zero and Climate Ready by 2038, the project aimed to address environmental, social, and economic sustainability within highway operations. By integrating sustainability into all aspects of the division’s responsibilities, Kirklees aspired to become a model for sustainable infrastructure management.
Work Undertaken
- Strategic Framework Development
- Holistic Review of Practices
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Outcome-Led Metrics
- Governance Mechanisms
Benefits to the Client
- Enhanced Resilience: The strategy prepared the division to address climate-related challenges, reducing the need for costly emergency interventions
- Economic Efficiency: A focus on circular economy principles reduced material costs and prolonged asset lifecycles
- Environmental Stewardship: Integrated solutions minimised waste, enhanced biodiversity, and improved water quality
- Social Impact: Improved road safety, reduced health impacts from urban transport, and fostered greater community satisfaction
- Reputation and Leadership: The strategy set a benchmark for other local authorities, demonstrating Kirklees’ commitment to sustainability and innovation
Having a need to develop a strategy to meet our climate and sustainability mandate but limited resource and capability, Driven was able to quickly understand our needs and develop a practical approach reducing our ecological footprint and driving up social value. Such was the pragmatism of the approach and its alignment to Council priorities, all elements of the strategy were agreed funding by the Council Senior Leadership.
Operational Manager (Highway Assets),
Kirklees Council
