Agenda item

To receive an update on the Climate Change Emergency Action Plan.

The Commission received an update on the Climate Emergency Action Plan from the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Sustainability, the Head of Economy and Planning and the Sustainability Manager.  It had been agreed that following the completion of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel, that the Overview and Scrutiny Commission would receive regular updates on the Climate Emergency Action Plan.

The Council declared a Climate Emergency in July 2019 and has since pledged to reduce carbon emissions from its workings and activities by at least 50% by 2030 and to zero by 2040 at the latest.  It has been working to reduce its carbon emissions since 2009, most recently through the Carbon and Waste Reduction Strategy 2012 – 2050. 

Core Principles for Action:

The Council’s carbon emissions can be grouped into six key areas for action within each of which there are a number of core principles that are critical to the successful delivery of the Council’s carbon reduction targets.

1. Energy Use – demand reduction & low carbon heat and cooling.

2. Renewable Energy & Storage.

3. Low Carbon Transport – demand reduction & transition to low carbon modes.

4. Waste & Water – reduction (linked to procurement), recognising the hierarchy of practice.

5. Procurement - supply chain tracing to minimise and reuse, develop ‘closed loops’ and sustainable sourcing for products and services.

6. Green & Blue Infrastructure – natural systems for biodiversity and carbon stores.

The core principles for carbon reduction within each key area should be considered as underpinning development of the detailed actions in the Climate Emergency Action Plan, guiding the direction and timeframe for future work.

The presentation has been attached as Appendix A to these minutes.

During the discussion Councillors made the following comments: 

·         Confirmation provided as to the Climate Emergency Board members.

·         Clarification sought and obtained as to whether carbon usage was monitored for home working. Similarly, it was queried if when moving applications and systems to cloud whether the carbon emissions from the suppliers and partners was measured.

·         Acknowledgement that under provision of electric vehicle charge points in car parks, particularly in the town centre, was a deterrent for take up of electric vehicles as only a small percentage of residents have off-street parking.  It was noted the infrastructure was important and the EV charging network contract was in place in partnership with WSCC to install a network of charging points across the town which was currently being rolled out following a consultation exercise. 

·         Acknowledged that solar PV was being considered as part of the building energy audits and retrofit plans for Council assets.

·         Query sought as to how much had been saved by the council (particularly in relation to councillors) reducing paper and operating in a paperless environment.

·         Recognition that procurement played a key role reducing in carbon dioxide emissions through to the supply chain, which included construction projects, manufacturing of goods and services. It was important to work with partners to reduce carbon emission reductions throughout the supply chain.

·         Explanations sought and obtained on the car mileage reimbursement rates for staff and Councillors, together with the status ratings within the action plan.

·         A review was currently taking place in Neighbourhood Services whereby they would  transition machinery from fossil fuel use and operate non-power tools in some instances.

·         Recognition that there was a phase out of biocides and review of the use of alternative options together with the costs to reduce glyphosate use in Neighbourhood patch areas. With regards to the green and blue infrastructure the natural land and water environment would be healthier (without contamination) by the reduction of chemical usage. 

·         Recognition that the Council offered various options in terms of supporting its staff with low carbon transport options (cycle to work scheme, public transport discounts) and had developed a staff travel action plan to enable a further reduction in single occupancy car journeys.

·         It was noted that there was both a climate and ecological emergency, with ecological destruction likely to be just as damaging as humanity. As well as affecting the quality of life and health, nature also sequesters carbon in its trees and soils so there is a need to protect and enhance the natural environments and maximise opportunities for biodiversity net gain.

·         Recognition that there was a need to encourage and influence behaviour change and the council should be leading on this.  Communications and engagement would be key to engage and influence staff, councillors and externally with residents and stakeholders.  It was felt that training being offered to staff was paramount as too was that to councillors to ensure a consistent approach and message.

RESOLVED

That the Commission noted the report, with the views expressed being acknowledged and documented by the officers. It was agreed that the Commission receives an annual update on the action plan.