Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from:-

The Mayor, Councillor McNeely;  Councillors Dodson and Councillor Steele;

David Wilde, LA 21 Officer.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 30^th July, 2010.

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

Minute No. 15 – Exercise Nimbus

Those present received a briefing note in respect of the above.  It was noted that the post exercise report, once the necessary approvals had been given, would be available in October, 2010.

Paul Maplethorpe, Affordable Warmth & Sustainable Energy Co-ordinator, to report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by Paul Maplethorpe, Affordable Warmth and Sustainable Energy Co-ordinator, relating to the Government’s belief that climate change is one of the gravest threats we face, and that urgent action at home and abroad is required.

It was reported that the Government felt a wide range of levers was required to cut carbon emissions, decarbonise the economy and support the creation of new green jobs and technologies. The Government, therefore, proposed to implement a full programme of measures to fulfil their joint ambitions for a low carbon and eco-friendly economy.

The Coalition Government have made a number of policy announcements and changes to present policies. 

Particular reference was made to the following (details and implications of which were set out in the submitted report):-

-                      implementation of a “Green Deal” and enabling a “Pay as You Save” approach – B & Q pilot

-                      establishment of a Smart Grid and roll out of Smart metres

-                      establishment of a full system of feed-in tariffs in electricity

-                      Renewable Heat Incentive

-                      creation of a Green Investment Bank

-                      retention of the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s)

-                      cessation of the Warm Front fuel poverty scheme

Those present discussed and commented on:-

-                      the Coalition Government’s saving proposals

-                      confusing and complex mechanism proposed under Green Deal

-                      scheme costs and issues re: integration of billing systems of energy companies

-                      EPCs gradings:  noting these were likely to change to bring in more tax

-                      increased energy costs

-                      implications for low income households

Agreed:-  That the contents of the briefing be noted.

For information.

Sue Budby, Education Co-ordinator for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Schools, reported on the new focus in respect of LA 21 work.

It was reported that David Wilde was now the South Yorkshire Climate Change Schools officer, working for Sheffield City Council and his work would now take a more regional focus.

However, part of his time would be spend on LA21 working with communities and Rotherham schools.

LA21 would continue to co-ordinate the Rotherham Education for Sustainable Development Partnership (RESDP) and would take a lead role on the “Rotherham in Root” food project.

Sue Budby, Education Co-ordinator for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Schools, to report.

Sue Budby, Education Co-ordinator for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Schools, reported on the progress of “Rotherham in Root” local food project.

Reference was made to Todmorden’s “Incredible Edible” scheme where fruit and vegetables were grown at a variety of locations e.g. cemeteries, schools, public land.

Other projects could be found in Huddersfield, Macclesfield, Rossendale, Wakefield and Doncaster/Bentley.

It was reported that a small working group had now been set up in association with Voluntary Action Rotherham looking at how to get the project going and promote interest.

Steps taken to date included VAR bidding for £2,000.  It was proposed to organise a conference “Rotherham in Root” to promote community interest in food growing.  This was being arranged for Tuesday, 30^th November from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. at The Hub, Canklow.  Councillor Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Environment, was invited to Welcome attendees and introduced the project.  The event would include Madam Zuccini, vegetable entertainer.  It was also proposed that the social enterprise “The HoneyPot” (café) from Swinton would source, prepare and serve soup and bread.  Short presentations about community allotments (linked to Links Project in Maltby and Abundance project in Sheffield, Eastwood UMCS allotment), keeping hens etc were also proposed.

The working group would also look into:-

-                      free range egg mapping

-                      creation of a Fruit orchard by buying 20 trees

-                      development of a Recipe book

-                      edible riverside walk

-                      local food road map

-                      wild food foraging

-                      local farms

-                      garden share schemes

-                      green gym programme

-                      Fair-trade

-                      providing a free goodi-bag (soil testing kit, seeds etc.)

It was pointed out that it was proposed to involve/consult with Fire and Police;  NHS and the PCT; Churches;  Food for life;  Rotherham 2010 Ltd;  South Yorkshire Housing Association:  ROAR:  Dearne Valley ???:  EDS composting;  Farmers’ markets.

Those present also commented on:-

-                      opportunities for volunteering

-                      The Big Society

-                      involvement of Parish Councils and Allotment Societies

-                      vertical growing

-                      website development

-                      the issue of pollution to food grown on roundabouts

-                      information about tools etc

Carolyn Barber, Ecologist made the following suggestions:- 

(i)  using the Horticultural tent at Rotherham Show as a promotional opportunity (Sue and Carolyn would discuss)

(ii)  propogation of new stock from an old local orchard (Carolyn to provide Sue with details)

David Rhodes suggested that liaison should also take place to co-ordinate/integrate with tree planting by RMBC’s Landscape Team. (Sue to contact Steve Mellard, Landscape Team Manager).

Those present thought that this was an excellent project.

In addition Sue reported that she was working with School Catering to draw up a policy and guidance for the use in school meals of food schools are now growing.

David Rhodes, to report.

David Rhodes, Environmental Manager, distributed copies of his report and highlighted the following:-

2 photovoltaic panels projects:-  (i)  putting arrays of  PV panels on old landfill sites;  (ii) installing panels at 60 schools

Carbon Reduction Commitment – energy efficiency scheme:-  both the Council and schools were registered.  League tables had been set up for schools and cluster groups.  Work continued preparing for reporting and purchasing allowances in April 2011.

Sustainable Procurement and Commissioning Code of Practice:-  it was proposed to present this to the Procurement Panel on 11^th October, 2011.

EMAS Verification Audit:  this would commence on 6^th September, 2010.

NI 185/194:-  awaiting direction from Government.

Key issues:  legal compliance with EPBD; CRC; maintaining EMAS Registration and going beyond the 2% reduction target.

Agreed:  That the progress to date, and key issues, be noted.

In the light of the new Cabinet Member portfolios, the introduction of new ways of working, and based on previous attendances, those present discussed the future role of this Advisory Group.

Agreed:-  (1)  That Elected Members present at this meeting be invited to future meetings of the Sustainability Partnership. (Sue and Emma)

(2)               That the Chair seek guidance on the future direction of this group from other members.

(3)               That due to the cross cutting nature of items reported to this group and the increased future focus on sustainability, arrangements be made for a Council Seminar.  (Emma)

Friday, 29^th October, 2001 at 10.30 a.m. – Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham.

Agreed:-  That the next meeting of this group be held on FRIDAY, 29^TH OCTOBER, 2010 at 10.00 a.m. in the Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham.