To receive an update on the Climate Change Emergency Action Plan.
Minutes:
The Commission received an update on the Climate Emergency Action Plan from the Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change, the Head of Economy and Planning and the Sustainability Officer. It had been agreed that following the completion of the Climate Change Scrutiny Panel, and the previous Climate Emergency Action Plan Update, that the Overview and Scrutiny Commission would receive regular updates on the Climate Emergency Action Plan. (Presentation attached as Appendix A to the minutes).
The following main points were noted during the discussion:
· Acknowledgement that the Council had declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and following this and the subsequent Climate Change Scrutiny Panel, the formal Climate Emergency Action Plan was adopted by Cabinet in November 2021.
· Recognition that there were many significant pathways to achieving net zero and local authorities were only responsible for a small percentage of direct emissions, and yet influence was required in other areas to achieve specific targets.
· Details were provided as to the implementation of the action plan and the challenges faced. These included ensuring the monitoring systems and decision making tools were embedded throughout the Council, together with the introduction of carbon emissions training. It was added that the main current challenge was identification of sources of funding. Whilst significant progress had been made, there was an urgent need to remain committed to delivery task prioritisation.
· It was noted that the Council’s climate commitment included scope 3 emissions (from procured goods and services) and this was the biggest risk to achieving climate commitments. The highest direct emission percentage derived from K2 Crawley, followed by other Council assets. In order to complete heat decarbonisation further information and clarity would be required on capital investment and various government funding streams as it was acknowledged that retrofitting various sites was costly. It was noted however, that the new town hall building was extremely efficient and being supplied by the DHN which made this a significant opportunity for the town and would assist in attracting clients to the town hall.
· The action plan would be refreshed to focus on delivery, trends of decarbonisation and also link to service plans. It would also identify dependencies outside the Council’s control. The action plan would be brought forward to OSC and Cabinet via a report in the autumn.
· Acknowledgement that procurement played a key role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the supply chain, which included construction projects, manufacturing of goods and services. It was important to work with partners to reduce carbon emission throughout the supply chain and the Procurement charter was being updated to include decarbonisation in decision making.
· It was noted that there had been an implementation delay with regards to waste and green infrastructure. It was hoped that the changes to be implemented as a result of the National Waste Strategy would increase recycling and reduce waste. Recognition that currently the lack of grid capacity and funding streams proved challenging in procuring new (electric) fleet vehicles and as a result alternative fuel sources were being investigated such as HVO.
· Clarity obtained that there were several actions relating to Crawley Homes, in particular retrofitting various properties. Carbon emissions from individual properties were not considered direct emissions from the Council, but did contribute to borough-wide emissions.
· Further information was provided on sequestration of carbon. There was a need to investigate decarbonisation first prior to successful sequestration and offsetting and further options were being explored.
· Recognition that there was a need to encourage and influence behaviour change and the Council should be leading on this. Regular communications on climate and home heating were already taking place, but a strategy for communications and engagement was important to align channels and messaging to influence staff, as well as externally with residents and stakeholders. It was felt the joint working with partners and other councils would assist this further. Furthermore, there may be a link with the Waste and Recycling Scrutiny Panel and communications to residents.
RESOLVED
That the update be noted, with the views and actions expressed being acknowledged and documented by the officers.