Issue - meetings

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet approves the Climate Change Action Plan in Appendix 2, noting the key achievements and opportunities summarised in Appendix 1 and section 2 of this report.

Further to Minute No. 123 of the meeting of Cabinet held on 10^th February, 2025 consideration was given to the report which provided an update on the Council’s Climate Change activity for the previous year which were appended to the report covering the seven policy themes of Monitoring and Measurement; Energy; Housing; Transport; Waste; Built and Natural Environment; and Influence and Engagement. A theme covering Adaptation was subsequently added to the action plan to recognise the work to prepare for climate impacts and mitigate those already being felt throughout the Borough.

The Chair welcomed:-

·              Councillor Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy

·              Andrew Bramidge, Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment

·              Louise Preston, Climate Change Manager

Councillor Taylor confirmed this report, therefore, provided coverage of the eight policy themes and in addition included a summary of the Council’s progress on nature recovery action. A forward plan for 2025/26 was also proposed.

The Climate Change Manager described how the report had been split into themes and detailed a number of actions proposed within the 2025/26 action plan providing opportunities for monitoring and the development of a Net Zero 40 Strategy covering the wider Borough identifying further outcomes for delivery in future years.

An update was provided on the positive action that had taken place, notably development of the carbon footprint, total borough omissions, procurement of goods and services and understanding the carbon omissions for the transport fleet and buildings.

The report as submitted set out in detail against all the themes, but further information was provided on the trialling of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) by the Council in ten of its existing ICE vehicles over the last eleven months which had proven to be successful. Whilst the trial was confirmed as a suitable solution to reduce emissions of the Council’s fleet with minimal service disruption, this was not a long-term solution to reduce the carbon footprint.

Housing Services were also continuing to administer the installation of energy efficiency measures to properties which was being well received.   However, given the positive feedback received on the East Herringthorpe homes, the Council had also included a ‘net zero ready’ standard within its specifications for all future newbuild Council homes delivered as part of the current Housing Delivery Programme.

Engagement and community engagement activity was taking place with local residents who were encouraged to take up grants and look at climate-based actions to reduce waste and save money.

Public Health and Adult Care have been involved in a trial to introduce climate change mitigation and adaptation into service plans. The next phase of this work which included formalising documentation and training Property and Facilities Services, have been included in the 2025/26 Action Plan.

A number of challenges were still being faced.  The Council had not seen as greater reduction in carbon emissions and the heat network had not been delivered.  A lot of work had been undertaken on the decarbonisation of  buildings, but there remained the reliance on electricity.  Solar would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet approves the Climate Change Action Plan in Appendix 2, noting the key achievements and opportunities summarised in Appendix 1 and section 2 of this report.

Consideration was given to the report which provided an update on the Council’s Climate Change activity for the previous year. A full progress report for 2024/25 and an action plan for 2025/26 were appended to the report. Key progress was highlighted in the report with respect to the specific themes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123