Agenda item

To receive the current work plan for the Environment PDG and consider subjects to be added to the work plan..

The existing Environment PDG work plan was noted and the following items were considered as to whether they should be added to the work plan:

• The option of community municipal bonds as a way to increase revenue for renewable energy projects (i.e. EV Charging Points, wind farms, etc.). ADDED

• Workplace parking levies to encourage car sharing in the District / more use of public transport. – This was discussed at PPAG where it was realised that public transport could be an issue. – To be passed to Luke Howard to be discussed as part of the Car Park Working Group

• Working with the communications team to create local guides of accredited local business with strong green credentials (carbon neutral / B Corp). ADDED

• Increased Solar PV at Council-owned buildings. Reduction in business rates for those that wish to install clean energy solutions. Previously discussed in 2019 - ADDED

• Feasibility of community composting schemes – biodiversity. ADDED

• Incentivising the use of electric vehicles with lower cost/free parking for electric vehicles at District owned sites. There were restrictions on how much electricity could be drawn off the electricity mains. – This idea was to be sent to the Car Parking Working Group.

• Feasibility of becoming a zero food-waste District. This is something that was happening in Bristol, with campaigns to support education and updates in relation to what happens to food waste (biogas for green buses, etc.).  The Corporate Manager would consider this idea in a future report.

• Public Recycling Bins - The Corporate Manager would consider this idea in a future report.

• Food redistribution schemes through the Council to reduce food waste. It was agreed that there needed to be communication and liaison with community undertakings such as the “sustainable” groups to find out what was already happening. – Group decided not to pursue, but could discuss support for existing organisations.

• Repair cafes and green markets / free business workshops on reducing waste. - Group decided not to pursue, but could discuss support for existing organisations

• Working with local businesses (i.e. Pipers Farm) on local food growing workshops for residents (reduction in food waste from supermarkets). - Group decided not to pursue, but could discuss support for existing organisations

• Small electrical donation schemes. - Group decided not to pursue, but could discuss support for existing organisations

• Did you know what the Council’s current tree planting strategy is? Was there a target in mind?

• Did we have a green procurement policy? Should we? - ADDED

• Facilitation of the rolling out of EV chargers, like the DELETTI programme in Devon and Somerset. - ADDED
   
• Feasibility of cross-county co-operation on recycling centres. – As this was a County function it would not be appropriate for this PDG to look at the matter.

• Rolling out of refillable water stations in town highstreets / at Council buildings. Possible involvement of South West Water – ADDED

• Could we commission and pay for dog poo signs for our Parish Councils? Include the fine and how to report it. Ask officer to cost up for us. – ADDED

• Discussion on wildlife corridors to be added as a discussion point to support biodiversity.

The four items considered in section 61 Environment and Climate Change Update were also added to the Work Plan:

·         Targets for Tree Planting for years to come

·         Grant Funding – higher EPC through MEES scheme – ways to encourage and enforce.

·         Biodiversity Net Gain – going beyond the minimum 10% in regulations

·         Policies in Development  - Environment PDG adding its thoughts