Issue - meetings

Following a report of the Corporate Manager Property, Leisure &

Climate Change, the Environment Policy Development Group made the following recommendations:

·       That the Environment PDG recommends to the Cabinet that the team with delegated authority (13 May 2021 Cabinet decision) lead next steps with regard to Environment PDG input regarding options for green travel hire schemes.

·       That Environment PDG consult with Corporate Management Team (CMT) to formulate a method for a Climate and Sustainability Statement that can be consistently applied to all business cases. Feedback to inform a Recommendation to Cabinet.

·       That Environment PDG and Net Zero Advisory Group (NZAG) consult with CMT and the C&S Specialist to devise a consistent approach to climate change impact statements noted on committee reports. Feedback to inform a Recommendation to Cabinet

The Cabinet were present a report which provided an update on the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the wider Climate and Sustainability Programme.

The following was discussed:

• If a carpool hire scheme would be progressed. This had been reviewed and an updated would be provided to the Environment PDG in due course. 

RESOLVED:

1.    That the team with delegated authority (13 May 2021 Cabinet decision) lead next steps with regard to Environment PDG input regarding options for green travel hire schemes.

2.    That Environment PDG consult with Corporate Management Team (CMT) to formulate a method for a Climate and Sustainability Statement that can be consistently applied to all business cases. Feedback to inform a Recommendation to Cabinet.

3.    That Environment PDG and Net Zero Advisory Group (NZAG) consult with CMT and the C&S Specialist to devise a consistent approach to climate change impact statements noted on committee reports. Feedback to inform a Recommendation to Cabinet.

(Proposed by Cllr C Slade, seconded by Cllr C Daw)

Reason for decision – as set out in the report.

To receive an update on actions taken for the Climate Change Action Plan

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a *report from the Climate and Sustainability Specialist providing an update on the Climate Change Action Plan.

The officer explained that the report before Members was a more concise version which excluded repetition. It included Audit recommendations and action plan as well as the Climate Action Plan update. Options for the progress of electric vehicle car charging had been included and the officer asked for a steer from the Group on which way they would like officers to investigate.

The officer highlighted the increase in Council’s carbon footprint by circa 3k tonnes per annum in 2021-2022 and gave the following reasons for the increase:

·         A much higher spend than the previous year on carbon neutral projects

·         More energy use in buildings due to required ventilation during the pandemic

He highlighted some positives:

·         53% of the Council’s electricity consumption was certified renewable

·         Hybrid working had reduced business travel and staff commuting

·         10 electric vehicles to be delivered to the Council’s transport fleet in December

·         New low carbon energy systems were being installed in the Leisure Centres

Consideration was given to:

·         5 new sites had been identified for additional electric vehicle charging points across the Council’s car parks in Tiverton, Cullompton and Crediton which would provide 10 rapid charge points (5 sites with 2 charging bays each)

·         The charge points operator/ supplier will use 100% renewable electricity

·         Solar panels on Council houses might have life spans of 25 years but would lose efficiency over time but this would be looked into

·         The stakeholder engagement for the Hydro Scheme was ongoing

·         The website signposted individuals to groups and organisations with regard to sustainable farming

·         Officers would investigate whether information regarding grants for energy usage and energy saving could be provided on the website

·         As noted in Audit there were opportunities for progressive procurement linked to training

In response to officers request to highlight preferred green travel options Members responded that a mixture of options A & B should be explored but further research would be required. Members also expressed a concern that communities within the district may not be of such a size that any of the options would be viable.

Note: * report previously circulated and attached to the minutes

To receive an update on actions taken for the Climate Change Action Plan