The Panel has invited witnesses to attend the meeting to help inform their investigation.
Clem Smith (Head of Economy and Planning – CBC) and Louise Skipton-Carter (Sustainability Manager – CBC) to offer views on the data available for the current CBC facilities in terms of carbon emissions. It is important to identify a baseline audit of the Council’s workings and activities across the various services in order to highlight the challenges in relation to reducing carbon emissions.
In addition a discussion will take place on the Draft Crawley Transport Strategy. The Draft Crawley Transport Strategy will highlight the importance of enhancing the Borough’s sustainable transport infrastructure and access, together with a vision for the way we plan to respond to the UK commitment to cutting net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
Whilst the individuals named above identifies those witnesses anticipated to speak at the meeting, this may change subject to availability and, at the discretion of the Chair, further witnesses may be called in addition or instead of those listed above should they be unavailable.
Minutes:
The Head of Economy and Planning and the Sustainability Manager (CBC) updated the Panel on the draft Climate Emergency Baseline Audit. The key points included:
· The audit provided an evidence base to support the Council in its response to the Climate Emergency as it outlined the current emissions profile of the council and the borough. It was important to understand the proportion of emissions that can be influenced locally.
· Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy inventory data 2017 provided direct and indirect emissions within Crawley (Industry/commercial = 36%, domestic = 23% and transport = 41%). Although it was noted this excluded aviation. It would be important to acknowledge those areas where the Council had direct control.
· Overall Crawley had higher emissions compared to other areas of West Sussex due to its industrial strength, compact town and lack of rural land. In contrast its domestic emissions were lower than other districts and boroughs. The increased number of SUVs on its roads had resulted in a negative impact on transport emissions. There would be a need to compare structurally similar areas in order to obtain a direct comparison.
· In terms of the Council’s own emissions they represented approximately 6% of the borough wide emissions. The largest single emissions source category from Indirect, Direct and Other emissions was from the Council’s procurement spend, contributing to 83.49% of total emissions. Indirect impacts included Buildings & Other Assets – with K2 Crawley, Town Hall and the Hawth contributing to a substantial amount of the Council’s own emissions, together with other emissions including Vehicle Fleet and Employee Commute.
· The baseline audit provides a platform to monitor and produce actions to support the Council in reducing its current emissions.
Panel Members raised a number of queries. The issues raised and the key responses included:
· Confirmation that aviation and emissions from Gatwick were not included in the audit data.
· It would be beneficial to establish further data on the various commercial buildings (K2 Crawley, Hawth and Town Hall) and additional information would be provided at the Commercial meeting in March.
· It was highlighted that districts and boroughs had distinctive commuter patterns that would equate to different carbon emission data.
· Confirmation that the transport emissions included all surface transport cargo to and from Gatwick.
· It would be important for Panel Members to analyse the data further and utilise each specific segment for the future meetings; Transport; Commercial & Business; Domestic Building & Residential.
In addition, a discussion took place on the Draft Crawley Transport Strategy. The Strategy highlighted the importance of enhancing the Borough’s sustainable transport infrastructure and access, together with a vision for the way the Council planned to respond to the UK commitment to cutting net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.
The Head of Economy and Planning and the Sustainability Manager (CBC) updated the Panel on various aspects including:
· The draft Transport Strategy was currently out for consultation until 9am on 17 February 2020 and it was felt beneficial to seek the Scrutiny Panel’s input.
· Transport and access had been developed around the town at a time when car ownership was much lower. As the population and the business district grew, more road space had been provided to try to keep pace with the growth. Transport was the biggest contributor to carbon emissions across the borough and adopting a new approach focusing on ‘planning for people and places’ may provide a better solution for everyone, alongside advances in technology and the need to reduce vehicle emissions.
· The Strategy highlighted the advantages of providing sustainable transport and access whilst addressing the wider issues such as health, air quality, community cohesion and the environmental impacts.
· There was a need to invest in infrastructure and technology to build on the current proposed advantages and the document would work alongside the Crawley Growth Programme Schemes.
Panel Members raised a number of queries. The issues raised and the key responses included:
· It was highlighted the importance to ensure contingency for maintaining cycle paths, together with improving transport links.
· It was noted the town has a large number of commuters coming into Crawley, particularly to Manor Royal and it was important that the infrastructure was in place so as not to prevent employees or companies conducting business.
· It was recognised that transport was a challenge and there was a need for additional electric vehicle charging points together with incentives for providing electric vehicles.
· Air quality was raised as a concern and it was noted that the air quality management zone (AQMA) was potentially to be extended from Hazelwick roundabout towards Three Bridges.
· It was noted that a low emissions zone had been implemented within London and it was questioned whether something similar could be introduced within the town centre or the AQMA.
· It was discussed that idling, particularly at level crossings needed to be discouraged.
· The benefits of the neighbourhood system was discussed in detail with added advantages of encouraging community use together with attractive, connected neighbourhoods with leafy, safe and accessible streets. It was thought this would promote local shops and services.
· The use of community car/bike sharing and car clubs was welcomed.
· The benefits of more pedestrianisation was raised, with more tree and seating areas, particularly along The Boulevard to link the New Town hall public realm to the shopping centre.
· With a growth in numbers of people cycling, it was noted this would need careful development to ensure sufficient secure storage, that safety concerns were addressed for all users. It was noted that shared cycle and pedestrian paths did not really work.
· The role of autonomous vehicles in the future transport mix should be considered.
RESOLVED
That Panel Members thanked all officers for their attendance and contribution.