Agenda item

The Committee scrutinised the draft Climate Change Strategy at its meeting in June 2020, and decided to review the associated Delivery Plan (including the Carbon Management Plan) at an appropriate time.

An overview of the Strategy will be provided, together with presentations on governance arrangements and delivery to date.

The following documents are attached:

·       Climate Change Delivery Plan (Appendix A)

·       Carbon Management Plan (Appendix B)

·       Latest available updates on performance (Appendix C)

The Committee is asked to consider and make recommendations in respect of:

1.   The deliverability and adequacy of the Plan,

2.   Progress to date.

3.   The Climate Change Assessment Tool, to inform its development

40.1   The Committee reviewed the Climate Change Delivery Plan (including the Carbon Management Plan).

40.2   The Delivery Plan was introduced by the Cabinet Member.

40.3   Steve Read, Director of Environment and Public Protection, Catherine Cannon, Sustainability Team Leader, Andrew Edwards, Director of Property and Assets and Ruth O’Brien, Sustainability Advisor gave a presentation (copy appended to the signed minutes), which gave more specific details.

40.4   The Committee made a number of comments, including those that follow:

·       Asked for the differences between carbon neutral, carbon negative and zero carbon, and these were explained.

·       Was pleased to hear that there were 2000 responses to the consultation but was disappointed to hear that there were fewer responses from younger people. Asked that the team continue to explore different methods for engagement.

·       Was pleased to hear about Southern Water being keen to work in partnership with the Council around water saving.

·       Requested that we work to understand barriers to change, especially as many residents are struggling with basic needs at the moment and cannot afford upfront costs for more efficient products.

·       Acknowledged that the decarbonising of our Corporate Estate will be a long-term target.

·       Acknowledged that electric vehicles may be an interim solution until hydrogen technology becomes a viable alternative.

·       Was pleased to hear that the Government’s commitment to phase out gas boilers is being taken into account but recognised that this will require significant funding. Funding sources are being explored (County Council or Central Government) by the Cabinet Member.

·       Acknowledged that for many people the new ways of working that Covid has brought have been a benefit and hoped that some of these will continue in the long term. The reduction in the need to travel was welcomed.

·       Asked whether it would be possible to explore decarbonising the Council’s pension investments.

Resolved – That the Committee:-

1.   Supported of the Carbon Management Plan and the Delivery Plan.

2.   Noted the importance of continuing to work in partnership with districts and boroughs but requested that more effort is put into engaging with young people.

3.   Noted that hydrogen technology is a long term solution but that the Electric Vehicle Strategy is still important and that charging infrastructure is still required, and was pleased to hear that we are still working with the district and borough councils on this to deliver by end of this year.

4.   Requested that a staff education campaign be carried out to remind people about closing windows, turning off lights etc. Also for the general public to be educated on energy saving and climate change.

5.   Noted that upgrading of the heating system in council-owned buildings will be required and is being hastened by the Government decision to phase out gas boilers, and that significant funding will be required so there will be a need for continual dialogue with Central Government.

6.   Supported the work in keeping the “grey mileage” down where it is practical but must not forget the digital divide.

7.   Noted that for many it has been a positive experience to work from home.

8.   Requested that the issues of kelp forest restoration, revisiting the street lighting timings and traffic free school routes are investigated.

9.   Requested the whole-life costs are taken into account when new projects are being drawn up.

10.Welcomed the introduction of the climate change RAG impact assessment (Red/Amber/Green) tool into decision-making.

11.Acknowledged that significant behavioural change will be required of residents in order to decarbonise the transport network.

12.Requested that we work with the regional school commissioner to raise the profile of energy efficiency at new school sites.