Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from:-

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11^th June, 2010.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be agreed as a correct record.

Exercise Nimbus

Emma Bridge, Policy Officer, reported that Alan Platt, Best Value Officer, had responded to Members’ question and this had been forwarded on.

An update item would be added to the September/October agenda.

Gordon Smith, to report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by Liz Hunt, from the Neighbourhood Investment Team, relating to progress to date in meeting the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes which required all new social housing schemes to reach a Zero Carbon emissions standard by 2013.

It was reported at total of 288 homes of which 127 would be provided by the Council and 161 by the Council’s Registered Provider (RSL) partners.  It was, however, pointed out that a number of these were either subject to planning permission or at risk of funding withdrawal.

It was explained that Level 3 of the Code was Standard.  However, most of the social housing was either Level 4 or 5 as it was very difficult in the current economic climate to insist that private house builders build to Level 3 or above.

It was highlighted that, at current prices in the supply chain, a zero carbon property would cost on average an additional £34,000 to build.  The 127 new Council homes, to be completed by 2012, would all be built to COSH Level 4.

The Code would become mandatory by 2016.

The following Retro Fit Demonstrator Projects were also reported on:-

Ann Rhodes Community Centre Demonstrator Bid – Brampton Bierlow  - the property was intended to showcase measures and devices to reduce energy and water consumption, trail local renewable energy technologies and measures to promote sustainable living.

Retro-fit 6 properties – Wath Road, Brampton Bierlow – to showcase a package of improvements for difficult to treat properties to promote Eco measures in the private sector.

Those present raised and discussed the following:-

-                      Ways in which to educate the public

-                      Return to the Council from the lease of land

-                      Low income levels

-                      The need for more grants to become available

-                      Rate of return on investment and period of investment

-                      Lifespan of the technologies

-                      Development of new technology

-                      Profit levels of the Utility companies

-                      Monitoring

Agreed:  That Liz Hunt be thanked for presenting this informative report.

David Wilde, Education/Sustainable Development Co-ordinator, to report.

David Wilde, Local Agenda 21 Community Worker, reported on the following:-

-                      Support to develop the food focused project

-                      Food focused Environment Forum meeting and “Food for Free” walkabout in Herringthorpe Valley Park

-                      Completion of Green Check at a number of schools and continued work with others in the Dearne Valley Eco Vision area

-                      Further awareness raising for the Dearne Valley Eco Vision

-                      Continued chairing of the Rotherham EDS (Delivery) Partnership – a multi-agency approach

-                      Sustainability development awareness raising amongst country park ranger staff

-                      Attendance at the South Yorkshire Climate Change workshop

David further reported that he was leaving Groundwork Dearne Valley as from 30^th July.  However, with support from the Policy Office it was intended that he continued the multi-agency approach across Directorates and continue to Chair the Rotherham EDS (Delivery) Partnership.  He would also continue to facilitate the Rotherham Environment Forum following a refresh.  He would also take a lead role in the Food Project.

From 2^nd August, 2010, David would be taking up a post as South Yorkshire Climate Change Schools Officer in Sheffield and so would be working closely with the four South Yorkshire Local Authorities.

David Rhodes,  Property Environmental Manager, to report.

David Rhodes, Property Environmental Manager, summarised key events in the period up to 30^th July, 2010 as follows:-

Photovoltaic Panels:-

Working with CleverCO2 to lease old landfill sites to put arrays of PV panels.  Also investigating interest from another PV company looking at other potential sites.

 Agreed:  (1)  That the Panel receives further updates on this item

It was also reported that 60+ schools will be fitted with PV panels (9.9 kW) free of charge

Display Energy Certificates:

All surveys would be completed by the end of July.  There was now an additional member of staff qualified who will take responsibility for producing DEC’s for schools.  In the future schools will be charged for this service.

CO2 Reduction Commitment:-

The Council had completed initial registration and the Environment Agency was now checking personnel and finance.  Work continued to develop evidence packs, improve monitoring, analyse early action gains, develop a trading strategy etc.

Sustainable Procurement and Commissioning Code of Practice:-

An initial draft had been developed and had been presented to the Procurement Panel on 26th July, 2010.  A copy of the draft document was attached to the submitted report, and was now available on the Internet and via the Council’s Intranet.  Members were asked to comment on the document via email to david.rhodes@rotherham.gov.uk by 25th August, 2010.

EMAS Verification Audit:-

ISOQAR will be carrying out an EMAS Annual Statement verification audit w/c 6th September, 2010.  The Annual Statement was now being prepared to performance manage RMBC’s Environmental Policy.  (A copy of the previous annual update was attached to the submitted report.)  The Cabinet Member agreed to appear in the Foreword for this Statement.

NI 185/194:-

Performance should be reported on these indicators at the end of July.  However the Council was awaiting direction from DECC regarding the date and format for reporting.  Therefore a verbal update report will be given with CO2 emissions comparison with 2008/9 baseline year.

Agreed:  (2) That the contents of the report be noted.

David Rhodes, Corporate Environmental Manager, to report.

David Rhodes, Property Environmental Manager, spoke to Group about the Environmental Statement Annual Update September 2009.

Emma Bridge, Policy Officer, to report.

Emma Bridge, Policy Officer, reported on the following:-

South Yorkshire Climate Change Leadership Programme:-

It was reported that funding had been agreed to the end of December, 2010.  The 3 workshops already held had been at a lower than anticipated cost.  Therefore it was proposed to hold an action planning workshop on 8^th October in Sheffield.  This would be aimed at the 4 Local Authorities, Local Strategic Partnership and community groups to look at tackling climate change, looking at key areas such as transport, PR and education.

Following the workshop it was proposed to report to the South Yorkshire Leaders and Chief Executives seeking commitment.

LA 21 changes:

Reference was made to David Wilde’s new job, and continued involvement in various projects.

Service Planning:-

It was confirmed that Climate Change and adaptation to climate change was on the checklist for all Directorates’/Service Areas’ service Plans.  Service Plans would be check to see that these aspects had been included.

1^st Annual Energy Statement:

This had been released on 27^th July, and set out 32 actions to speed up progress towards 2050 and reach the target for CO2 reduction.  The results were positive and indicated that the target was achievable.

Member Briefing from the LGIU:-

This covered:-

(i)                 What local Leaders could do to secure local communities.

(ii)               Getting ready for climate change – encouraging Councillors to help communities prepare to adapt to climate change.

(iii)             Consultation on the Natural Environment White Paper – this was out for comment until 30^th October, and related to how best to protect and enhance the environment.  This would be discussed with staff in Greenspaces to submit an appropriate response.

There were no other items of business.

To confirm:-  Friday, 3^rd September, 2010 at 10.30 a.m. – venue to be confirmed.

Agreed:-  That the next meeting of the Group be held on FRIDAY, 3^RD SEPTEMBER, 2010 at 10.30 p.m. – venue to be confirmed.