The following hierarchy diagrams are used across the blueprint documents. The Waste and Materials Hierarchy prioritises reducing environmental impact by avoiding waste in the first place, then keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, and recycling. Only once these options are exhausted should materials be recovered for energy, with disposal to landfill as the last resort.
The Travel Hierarchy focuses on lowering transport emissions by first questioning the need to travel, then prioritising walking, wheeling and cycling, followed by public and shared transport. Lower-emission vehicles like electric cars come after these options, while high-emission private vehicles and aviation sit at the bottom due to their greater environmental impact.
The Power Hierarchy aims to minimise carbon emissions by eliminating unnecessary energy demand first, then improving efficiency to reduce consumption. Remaining energy needs should be met with renewable sources wherever possible, followed by lower-carbon energy, with unabated fossil fuels as the least desirable option.
Hierachy Resource Pack Document
