Your Councillors

Appendix 1: Table of Minor Changes and Updates to the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan

The Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan is set to be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that new policies, national Government initiatives, and changes in technologies and practices are updated in tandem with its implementation. This will both help the council to review, and if necessary, update its priorities and performance indicators towards achieving Net Zero by 2030, and also to ensure the council can seek new opportunities, funds and initiatives and incorporate new innovation into carrying out the actions.

The updated Action Plan retains the same key themes, structure, and actions, with the addition of supplementary information and updates of the status of actions throughout the document. Improvements and additions have been made to the Action Plan to ensure it meets soon to be standardised criteria and comparable objectives for local authorities across the UK. Some wording has also been rephrased or added however the action�s objective remain the same.

The table has been made using the layout of the Action Plan, and following committee noting, the following changes will be updated on the MBC website. All changes are highlighted in green.

Original Text	Changes Made / Updates	Reason for Changes / Updates
No text on implementation, oversight, indicators, annual review included in original version	The implementation of the Maidstone Borough Council�s Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan is led by James Wilderspin, the Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager. The individual Actions in the Plan are assigned to a specific Manager(s) and/or Officer(s) from each department of the council to ensure they are monitored and completed. An indicators framework has been established for monitoring progress against each Action and Maidstone Borough Council has committed to reviewing and updating the Action Plan on an annual basis.	Inclusion of person responsible for the action plan�s oversight, monitoring and frequency of the review process is an important detail for transparency purposes.
No outline of Net Zero commitment mentioned in original version	Net Zero commitment Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has committed to becoming as close to carbon neutral as possible by 2030. Carbon Neutrality also referred to as Net-Zero can be achieved through reducing existing emissions and actively removing greenhouse gases. The council has committed to achieving Net-Zero for its own operations by 2030 and MBC�s long-term aspiration is to become Carbon negative or a footprint less than neutral, so that the council has a net effect of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere rather than adding to it. At a borough wide scale, in accordance with national Government targets, and based on Tyndall Centre data, the council has set out carbon reduction milestones to reduce CO2 emissions by -13.4% each year across the borough to reach near to Net-Zero by 2041. However, it must be noted that the fairness of this target is contingent on many aspects and not the sole responsibility of the council due to economic factors, the private sector, the transport sector, and public behaviour change. MBC is committed to embedding the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan into the council�s Strategic Plan and all the council�s decisions and actions, as climate resilience and biodiversity enhancement bring a multitude of co-benefits that incorporate many aspects of the councils mandate, including environmental, social, job creation, equity and social cohesion, health and wellbeing, citizen engagement, and the economy.	Net Zero is a important term that must be fully defined and detailed to understand the full context of the Action Plan.
No mention of engagement mentioned in original version	Engagement As part of this Action Plan, MBC has developed a Biodiversity and Climate Communication and Engagement Strategy to inform and engage with the public. The engagement strategy seeks to support the local community and groups to take part and spread awareness to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate and respond to the ecological crisis. Climate change increases inequality, as it has a disproportional impact on low income and vulnerable groups. The foundation of the MBC engagement strategy is inclusiveness, and the council will work to ensure gender equality, Black, Asian and other ethnic minorities, youth, senior residents, faith groups, those with disabilities, and marginalised groups are included in the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan and Engagement Process. Through MBC�s Go Green Go Wild web platform, community groups are engaged and supported to lead on raising awareness to tackle climate change and enhance biodiversity.	Engagement is an intrinsic part of protecting biodiversity and mitigating/adapting to climate change. The action plan must outline that the impacts of climate change will have greater impacts on minority groups, gender and lower income communities. Inclusiveness and stakeholder led approach is an important aspect of this Action Plan�s implementation.
Page contents � Transport � Buildings � Generating renewable energy � Reducing waste and energy � Adapting to climate change � Enhance and increase biodiversity � Making our estate carbon neutral � Implement a communications strategy � Decision making processes and governance	Page Contents � Active Travel and Green Transportation � Decarbonising and Insulating Homes and Buildings � Generating Renewable Energy � Reducing Waste and Increasing Energy Efficiency � Adapting to Climate Change � Enhancing and Increasing Biodiversity � Making Maidstone Borough Council�s Estate Carbon Neutral � Communications and Engagement Strategy � Sustainable Decision-Making Processes and Governance	The titles of the page content and subsequent titles of each theme have been updated to be more specific to their context. For example, �Transport� has been updated to �Active Travel and Green Transportation� as this is more specific to the nature of the actions. The new titles are industry recognised technical terms that correspond to language and usage in the biodiversity and climate professions, while still being readily understood by a general audience.
Cost and Whom	Cost and Responsibility	Throughout the document �whom� has been changed to �responsibility� for clarity.
1 Transport Aim: To support the shift from cars to active and mass transport and enable the transformation from fossil fuels to no tailpipe emissions.	Active Travel and Green Transportation Aim: To support the shift from cars to active travel, public transport and enable the transformation from fossil fuels dependency to no tailpipe emissions.	Minor word changes for clarity.
1.1 Action Draft Local Plan to:	Action 1.1 Influence the Development Plan to:	Minor word changes for clarity.
1.4 Action Timescale 2021	Timescale: 2021 � delayed to 2022 due to ongoing changes in remote working patterns caused by COVID-19.	Timescale has been updated to 2022 implementation due to set backs caused by Covid19.
Action 1.5 Timescale 2021	Timescale: 2021 � delayed to 2022 due to ongoing changes in remote working patterns caused by COVID-19.	Timescale has been updated to 2022 implementation due to set backs caused by Covid19.
1.7 Action Have regard to the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy and the emerging policies relating to electric vehicles. Liaise with KCC, district network operators and other relevant partners. Seek grant and other forms of funding to support this. Seek and take opportunities to provide one or more charging hub.	Action 1.7 Building on MBC�s Low Emission Strategy, Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy, and the emerging policies relating to electric vehicles, work with KCC, district network operators and other relevant partners to seek grants and funding to provide sufficient EV charging hubs.	Slight wording changes for clarity and hyperlinks added to mentioned strategies.
1.9 Action Timescale 2021	Timescale: 2021 � The new licensing policy was completed and shared with licensing committee in 2021, however the adoption of this policy was not agreed up by the licensing committee based on concerns raised by the taxi trade. MBC is currently seeking closer collaboration with the Taxi firms and scoping alternative means to encourage EV usage.	Update timescale as a completed action in 2021 and outcome
2.2 Action Timescale 2020-2021	Timescale: 2020-2023	Timescale updated as it was not sufficient time to explore district heating schemes following acceptance grant application and delay to the �Maidstone Heat Network� project led by KCC.
3 Generating renewable energy Aim: To take every opportunity to generate renewable energy across the Borough We need to generate more electricity to support the move from fossil fuels. There are opportunities for retrofitting equipment to existing homes and businesses and requiring renewable energy generation on new developments.	Generating Renewable Energy Aim: To take every opportunity to generate renewable energy across the Borough. More sustainable electricity is needed to support the move away from fossil fuel dependency. There are opportunities for retrofitting renewable energy generating technologies to existing homes and businesses and requiring renewable energy generation as part of new developments.	Language updated for improved clarity.
4 Reducing waste and energy Aim: To reduce the amount of domestic waste created, increase the proportion re-used, recycled and composted to at least 60% by 2030 and reduce the carbon emitted from processing waste. Waste can be re-used as valuable resources and reduce energy consumed in producing new goods. Organic waste must be managed as can release greenhouse gases as it decomposes.	Reducing Waste and Increasing Energy Efficiency Aim: To reduce the amount of domestic waste created, increase the proportion re-used, recycled and composted to at least 60% by 2030 and reduce the carbon emitted from processing waste. Waste can be re-used as valuable resources and reduce the energy consumed in producing new goods by supporting the circular economy. Organic waste must be properly anaerobically disposed of as it can release greenhouse gases as it decomposes in landfills.	Technical, industry understood terms added.
5.4 Action Work with Medway Flood Partnership to identify and develop actions, including natural flood management, which can help to reduce flood levels.	Action 5.4 Work with Medway Flood Partnership to identify and develop actions, including natural flood management (Nature Based Solutions and Sustainable Urban Drainage), which can help to reduce flooding.	Technical, industry understood terms added.
5.6 Action Timescale 2021	Timescale: 2021 � Delayed completion to 2022	Action timescale extended.
6 Enhance and increase biodiversity Aim: To use every opportunity to protect, enhance and increase biodiversity in the borough. People experience better health when they spend time in nature. Biodiversity provides ecosystem services including clean water, clean air, rainwater absorption and flood mitigation.	Enhancing and Increasing Biodiversity Aim: To use every opportunity to respond to the ecological emergency and protect, enhance and increase biodiversity across the borough. Biodiversity provides countless ecosystem services including naturally cleaning water and air, natural pollination of crops, extreme weather mitigation, and benefits for human mental and physical well-being.	More specified aims and outcomes added.
6.2 Action	Timescale: 2021 � Completed	Action marked as completed.
6.9 Action Where feasible increase tree cover to 2/3 on our estate. Contribute to Kent aim to plant 1.5 million trees and aim towards national average tree cover of 16%. An emphasis on expansion and reconnection of existing woodland (including urban woods) will define this action. Output Plan created to increase tree cover. Funding identified for buying, planting and maintaining additional tree cover or using systems like ELMS to pay for tree cover in strategic sites. Outcome Tree cover increased on our estate where feasible. Tree cover increased by 46-50 hectares in line with Kent aim.	Action 6.9 Contribute to the KCC aim to plant 1.5 million trees in Kent by 2050 to increase canopy cover by 2% increase to 19%, of which Maidstone�s proportion is to increase canopy cover from 16% to 18%. With an emphasis on expanding ancient forests and reconnecting of existing woodland including urban woods, greening town centres, and where feasible increase tree cover on the MBC estate land. Output: � Plan and mapping to increase tree cover with additional benefits to reduce flooding, heat islands, surface water runoff, and increase biodiversity; � Launch a borough wide call for tree planting projects to seek partnerships for large scale tree planting projects; � Funding identified for purchase, planting and maintaining additional tree cover and/or utilising systems (ELMS) to pay for tree cover in strategic sites; and � Seeking low agricultural quality land, land for sale, and devising business case for large scale tree planting on purchased land. Outcome: � Tree cover increased on MBC estate land; � Maidstone�s canopy proportion increased to 18%.	Arbitrary target of �2/3 increase of trees on estate� taken out as this is part of general target to increase tree cover and cannot be accurately recorded on MBC estate, due to natural felling, diseases, and maintenance practices. Additional specified out comes and outputs specified. In keeping with national and KCC targets, canopy cover increase percentages specified.
6.12 Action Timescale 2021.	Timescale: 2021 � completion of audit delayed to 2022 due to GIS technology requirements needed.	Details of delay to action given.
6.13 Action Review our non-operational land to assess potential for enhancing biodiversity including allowing community groups to take responsibility for management.	Action 6.13 Review MBC non-operational land to assess potential for enhancing biodiversity thorough tree planting, rewilding and wetland creation. Including partnering with community groups to take responsibility for site management.	Reworded for improved clarity.
Making our estate carbon neutral Aim: We will reduce emissions from our estate to as close to carbon neutral as possible by 2030 We emit 480 tCO2e from council owned vehicles and 679 tCO2e from electricity and gas in our buildings and indirectly emit 3,030 tCO2e from services outsourced.	Making Maidstone Borough Council�s Estate Carbon Neutral Aim: MBC will reduce emissions from our estate to as close to carbon neutral as possible by 2030. Based on findings from The Carbon Trust�s Carbon Footprint 2020 Baseline Calculations, MBC�s direct (Scope 1 and Scope 2) emissions are 480tCO2e from council owned vehicles and 679tCO2e from electricity and gas usage in buildings. Indirectly (Scope 3) MBC emitted 3,030tCO2e from its outsourced services and contracts.	Additional context, terms and detail given for clarity.
7.1 Action Review commissioned Carbon Trust report on	Action 7.1 Utilise the commissioned Carbon Trust report and 2020 baseline calculations to improve MBC�s: Additional output added: Commission energy audits, building surveys and feasibility studies for each MBC building to find tangible, upgrade and retrofit options to decarbonise the MBC estate and transition to a green fleet.	Change of wording for improved clarity and additional output added.
7.2 Action Measure our carbon footprint each year and report findings to relevant committee. Output The council�s carbon footprint is measured and reported.	Action 7.2 Measure our carbon footprint each year and report findings to relevant committees and the public. Outputs: � Improve energy data quality and management; � Automate all relevant data into dashboard system for improved management and transparency; and � The council�s carbon footprint is measured and reported.	Additional text and outputs added to improve clarity of the action.
7.6 Action Increase information held on leased buildings. Identify those with the highest emissions to prioritise action. Use role as a landowner (e.g. at Lockmeadow) to ensure that Council-owned sites set a high standard for carbon reduction and demonstrate how to achieve biodiversity and combat climate change. Output All new developments, alterations and repairs will aspire to being carbon-neutral and will aim to contribute to overall carbon reduction targets.	Action 7.6 Increase data and improve data management on MBC�s leased buildings. Identify assets with the highest emissions to prioritise action. Use role as a landowner (e.g. at Lockmeadow) to ensure that Council-owned sites set a high standard for carbon reduction and demonstrate how to achieve biodiversity and combat climate change. Output: Work with lease holders and landlords to improve data management and prioritisation. Support bid process and seek funding for upgrades and retrofits.	Wording changed to improve clarity of action.
8 Implement a communications strategy Aim: To enable residents, businesses and partner organisations to make informed decisions on climate change and biodiversity and access any funding available The Council will encourage and support residents and businesses to address climate change and biodiversity with us.	Communications and Engagement Strategy Aim: To enable residents, vulnerable groups, businesses and partner organisations to make informed decisions on climate change and biodiversity and access funding to build resilience to the impacts of climate change. The Council will encourage and support residents and businesses to address climate change and biodiversity. Key to the engagement strategy is community led and inclusive support to those most vulnerable to the climate crisis, including, minority ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, under-represented or marginalised groups, and lower income communities.	Additional context on inequality and engagement added for context.
8.1 Action	Additional text added: � Climate Change through education in schools and education for the public, including adults, faith groups, seniors, youth groups, businesses and farmers; � Upskilling and green jobs; Additional outputs added: � Provide information on how to reduce, re-use and recycle waste and the circular economy; � Support local and national campaigns used to promote buying from local businesses; � Promote health and climate benefits from reductions in red meat consumption; � Create a community forum, community representation, feedback mechanisms, engagement events, and physical suggestion boxes; � Join the Environment Agency�s flood warning service and promote warning services using social media; and	Inclusion of schools, upskilling and green job creation added in line with new national targets. Additional engagement outputs added as these are currently being scoped.
8.4 Action Engage with and build support from key stakeholders and the wider public on enhancing biodiversity and addressing climate change. Engage with relevant national days of action.	Action 8.4 Engage with and build support from key stakeholders and the wider public on enhancing biodiversity and addressing climate change. Engage, highlight and support relevant events and outreach in line with national and international days of action from the Environmental Awareness calendar.	Additional more specific text added.
9 Decision making process and governance Aim: To ensure that climate change and biodiversity are part of all decisions made It is essential that the council works as one organisation to the shared goals of addressing biodiversity loss and climate change.	Sustainable Decision-Making Processes and Governance Aim: To ensure that climate change and biodiversity are part of all MBC decision making, good governance, and transparency. It is essential that the council works as one organisation to the shared goals of addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. MBC is committed to embedding the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan into and as part of the council�s Strategic Plan as well as all the council�s decisions and actions.	Additional text and context added for clarity of action.
9.1 Action Timescale 2020-21.	Timescale: 2020-21 � Completed with ongoing training due to commence from 2022	Action updated to completed with timescale for implementation extended from 2022 onwards.
9.3 Action Timescale: 2020-21	Action 9.3 Timescale: 2020-21 � Completed	Status updated to completed.
No Text included to contact council to give feedback on the Action Plan.	If you have any questions regarding the Action Plan, or project details please email the Council's Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager, Climate & Biodiversity (MBC). The Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis, with the status and progress of each action monitored during the course of the year against established indicators.

Original Text

Changes Made / Updates

Reason for Changes / Updates

No text on implementation, oversight, indicators, annual review included in original version

The implementation of the Maidstone Borough Council�s Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan is led by James Wilderspin, the Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager.

The individual Actions in the Plan are assigned to a specific Manager(s) and/or Officer(s) from each department of the council to ensure they are monitored and completed.

An indicators framework has been established for monitoring progress against each Action and Maidstone Borough Council has committed to reviewing and updating the Action Plan on an annual basis.

Inclusion of person responsible for the action plan�s oversight, monitoring and frequency of the review process is an important detail for transparency purposes.

No outline of Net Zero commitment mentioned in original version

Net Zero commitment

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has committed to becoming as close to carbon neutral as possible by 2030. Carbon Neutrality also referred to as Net-Zero can be achieved through reducing existing emissions and actively removing greenhouse gases. The council has committed to achieving Net-Zero for its own operations by 2030 and MBC�s long-term aspiration is to become Carbon negative or a footprint less than neutral, so that the council has a net effect of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere rather than adding to it.

At a borough wide scale, in accordance with national Government targets, and based on Tyndall Centre data, the council has set out carbon reduction milestones to reduce CO2 emissions by -13.4% each year across the borough to reach near to Net-Zero by 2041. However, it must be noted that the fairness of this target is contingent on many aspects and not the sole responsibility of the council due to economic factors, the private sector, the transport sector, and public behaviour change.

MBC is committed to embedding the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan into the council�s Strategic Plan and all the council�s decisions and actions, as climate resilience and biodiversity enhancement bring a multitude of co-benefits that incorporate many aspects of the councils mandate, including environmental, social, job creation, equity and social cohesion, health and wellbeing, citizen engagement, and the economy.

Net Zero is a important term that must be fully defined and detailed to understand the full context of the Action Plan.

No mention of engagement mentioned in original version

Engagement

As part of this Action Plan, MBC has developed a Biodiversity and Climate Communication and Engagement Strategy to inform and engage with the public. The engagement strategy seeks to support the local community and groups to take part and spread awareness to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate and respond to the ecological crisis.

Climate change increases inequality, as it has a disproportional impact on low income and vulnerable groups. The foundation of the MBC engagement strategy is inclusiveness, and the council will work to ensure gender equality, Black, Asian and other ethnic minorities, youth, senior residents, faith groups, those with disabilities, and marginalised groups are included in the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan and Engagement Process. Through MBC�s Go Green Go Wild web platform, community groups are engaged and supported to lead on raising awareness to tackle climate change and enhance biodiversity.

Engagement is an intrinsic part of protecting biodiversity and mitigating/adapting to climate change. The action plan must outline that the impacts of climate change will have greater impacts on minority groups, gender and lower income communities. Inclusiveness and stakeholder led approach is an important aspect of this Action Plan�s implementation.

Page contents

� Transport

� Buildings

� Generating renewable energy

� Reducing waste and energy

� Adapting to climate change

� Enhance and increase biodiversity

� Making our estate carbon neutral

� Implement a communications strategy

� Decision making processes and governance

Page Contents

� Active Travel and Green Transportation

� Decarbonising and Insulating Homes and Buildings

� Generating Renewable Energy

� Reducing Waste and Increasing Energy Efficiency

� Adapting to Climate Change

� Enhancing and Increasing Biodiversity

� Making Maidstone Borough Council�s Estate Carbon Neutral

� Communications and Engagement Strategy

� Sustainable Decision-Making Processes and Governance

The titles of the page content and subsequent titles of each theme have been updated to be more specific to their context. For example, �Transport� has been updated to �Active Travel and Green Transportation� as this is more specific to the nature of the actions.

The new titles are industry recognised technical terms that correspond to language and usage in the biodiversity and climate professions, while still being readily understood by a general audience.

Cost and Whom

Cost and Responsibility

Throughout the document �whom� has been changed to �responsibility� for clarity.

1 Transport

Aim: To support the shift from cars to active and mass transport and enable the transformation from fossil fuels to no tailpipe emissions.

Active Travel and Green Transportation

Aim: To support the shift from cars to active travel, public transport and enable the transformation from fossil fuels dependency to no tailpipe emissions.

Minor word changes for clarity.

1.1 Action

Draft Local Plan to:

Action 1.1

Influence the Development Plan to:

Minor word changes for clarity.

1.4 Action

Timescale 2021

Timescale: 2021 � delayed to 2022 due to ongoing changes in remote working patterns caused by COVID-19.

Timescale has been updated to 2022 implementation due to set backs caused by Covid19.

Action 1.5

Timescale 2021

Timescale: 2021 � delayed to 2022 due to ongoing changes in remote working patterns caused by COVID-19.

Timescale has been updated to 2022 implementation due to set backs caused by Covid19.

1.7 Action

Have regard to the Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy and the emerging policies relating to electric vehicles. Liaise with KCC, district network operators and other relevant partners. Seek grant and other forms of funding to support this. Seek and take opportunities to provide one or more charging hub.

Action 1.7

Building on MBC�s Low Emission Strategy, Kent and Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy, and the emerging policies relating to electric vehicles, work with KCC, district network operators and other relevant partners to seek grants and funding to provide sufficient EV charging hubs.

Slight wording changes for clarity and hyperlinks added to mentioned strategies.

1.9 Action

Timescale 2021

Timescale: 2021 � The new licensing policy was completed and shared with licensing committee in 2021, however the adoption of this policy was not agreed up by the licensing committee based on concerns raised by the taxi trade. MBC is currently seeking closer collaboration with the Taxi firms and scoping alternative means to encourage EV usage.

Update timescale as a completed action in 2021 and outcome

2.2 Action

Timescale 2020-2021

Timescale: 2020-2023

Timescale updated as it was not sufficient time to explore district heating schemes following acceptance grant application and delay to the �Maidstone Heat Network� project led by KCC.

3 Generating renewable energy

Aim: To take every opportunity to generate renewable energy across the Borough

We need to generate more electricity to support the move from fossil fuels. There are opportunities for retrofitting equipment to existing homes and businesses and requiring renewable energy generation on new developments.

Generating Renewable Energy

Aim: To take every opportunity to generate renewable energy across the Borough.

More sustainable electricity is needed to support the move away from fossil fuel dependency. There are opportunities for retrofitting renewable energy generating technologies to existing homes and businesses and requiring renewable energy generation as part of new developments.

Language updated for improved clarity.

4 Reducing waste and energy

Aim: To reduce the amount of domestic waste created, increase the proportion re-used, recycled and composted to at least 60% by 2030 and reduce the carbon emitted from processing waste.

Waste can be re-used as valuable resources and reduce energy consumed in producing new goods. Organic waste must be managed as can release greenhouse gases as it decomposes.

Reducing Waste and Increasing Energy Efficiency

Aim: To reduce the amount of domestic waste created, increase the proportion re-used, recycled and composted to at least 60% by 2030 and reduce the carbon emitted from processing waste.

Waste can be re-used as valuable resources and reduce the energy consumed in producing new goods by supporting the circular economy. Organic waste must be properly anaerobically disposed of as it can release greenhouse gases as it decomposes in landfills.

Technical, industry understood terms added.

5.4 Action

Work with Medway Flood Partnership to identify and develop actions, including natural flood management, which can help to reduce flood levels.

Action 5.4

Work with Medway Flood Partnership to identify and develop actions, including natural flood management (Nature Based Solutions and Sustainable Urban Drainage), which can help to reduce flooding.

Technical, industry understood terms added.

5.6 Action

Timescale 2021

Timescale: 2021 � Delayed completion to 2022

Action timescale extended.

6 Enhance and increase biodiversity

Aim: To use every opportunity to protect, enhance and increase biodiversity in the borough.

People experience better health when they spend time in nature. Biodiversity provides ecosystem services including clean water, clean air, rainwater absorption and flood mitigation.

Enhancing and Increasing Biodiversity

Aim: To use every opportunity to respond to the ecological emergency and protect, enhance and increase biodiversity across the borough.

Biodiversity provides countless ecosystem services including naturally cleaning water and air, natural pollination of crops, extreme weather mitigation, and benefits for human mental and physical well-being.

More specified aims and outcomes added.

6.2 Action

Timescale: 2021 � Completed

Action marked as completed.

6.9 Action

Where feasible increase tree cover to 2/3 on our estate. Contribute to Kent aim to plant 1.5 million trees and aim towards national average tree cover of 16%. An emphasis on expansion and reconnection of existing woodland (including urban woods) will define this action.

Output

Plan created to increase tree cover. Funding identified for buying, planting and maintaining additional tree cover or using systems like ELMS to pay for tree cover in strategic sites.

Outcome

Tree cover increased on our estate where feasible.

Tree cover increased by 46-50 hectares in line with Kent aim.

Action 6.9

Contribute to the KCC aim to plant 1.5 million trees in Kent by 2050 to increase canopy cover by 2% increase to 19%, of which Maidstone�s proportion is to increase canopy cover from 16% to 18%. With an emphasis on expanding ancient forests and reconnecting of existing woodland including urban woods, greening town centres, and where feasible increase tree cover on the MBC estate land.

Output:

� Plan and mapping to increase tree cover with additional benefits to reduce flooding, heat islands, surface water runoff, and increase biodiversity;

� Launch a borough wide call for tree planting projects to seek partnerships for large scale tree planting projects;

� Funding identified for purchase, planting and maintaining additional tree cover and/or utilising systems (ELMS) to pay for tree cover in strategic sites; and

� Seeking low agricultural quality land, land for sale, and devising business case for large scale tree planting on purchased land.

Outcome:

� Tree cover increased on MBC estate land;

� Maidstone�s canopy proportion increased to 18%.

Arbitrary target of �2/3 increase of trees on estate� taken out as this is part of general target to increase tree cover and cannot be accurately recorded on MBC estate, due to natural felling, diseases, and maintenance practices.

Additional specified out comes and outputs specified.

In keeping with national and KCC targets, canopy cover increase percentages specified.

6.12 Action

Timescale 2021.

Timescale: 2021 � completion of audit delayed to 2022 due to GIS technology requirements needed.

Details of delay to action given.

6.13 Action

Review our non-operational land to assess potential for enhancing biodiversity including allowing community groups to take responsibility for management.

Action 6.13

Review MBC non-operational land to assess potential for enhancing biodiversity thorough tree planting, rewilding and wetland creation. Including partnering with community groups to take responsibility for site management.

Reworded for improved clarity.

Making our estate carbon neutral

Aim: We will reduce emissions from our estate to as close to carbon neutral as possible by 2030

We emit 480 tCO2e from council owned vehicles and 679 tCO2e from electricity and gas in our buildings and indirectly emit 3,030 tCO2e from services outsourced.

Making Maidstone Borough Council�s Estate Carbon Neutral

Aim: MBC will reduce emissions from our estate to as close to carbon neutral as possible by 2030.

Based on findings from The Carbon Trust�s Carbon Footprint 2020 Baseline Calculations, MBC�s direct (Scope 1 and Scope 2) emissions are 480tCO2e from council owned vehicles and 679tCO2e from electricity and gas usage in buildings. Indirectly (Scope 3) MBC emitted 3,030tCO2e from its outsourced services and contracts.

Additional context, terms and detail given for clarity.

7.1 Action

Review commissioned Carbon Trust report on

Action 7.1

Utilise the commissioned Carbon Trust report and 2020 baseline calculations to improve MBC�s:

Additional output added:

Commission energy audits, building surveys and feasibility studies for each MBC building to find tangible, upgrade and retrofit options to decarbonise the MBC estate and transition to a green fleet.

Change of wording for improved clarity and additional output added.

7.2 Action

Measure our carbon footprint each year and report findings to relevant committee.

Output

The council�s carbon footprint is measured and reported.

Action 7.2

Measure our carbon footprint each year and report findings to relevant committees and the public.

Outputs:

� Improve energy data quality and management;

� Automate all relevant data into dashboard system for improved management and transparency; and

� The council�s carbon footprint is measured and reported.

Additional text and outputs added to improve clarity of the action.

7.6 Action

Increase information held on leased buildings. Identify those with the highest emissions to prioritise action. Use role as a landowner (e.g. at Lockmeadow) to ensure that Council-owned sites set a high standard for carbon reduction and demonstrate how to achieve biodiversity and combat climate change.

Output

All new developments, alterations and repairs will aspire to being carbon-neutral and will aim to contribute to overall carbon reduction targets.

Action 7.6

Increase data and improve data management on MBC�s leased buildings. Identify assets with the highest emissions to prioritise action. Use role as a landowner (e.g. at Lockmeadow) to ensure that Council-owned sites set a high standard for carbon reduction and demonstrate how to achieve biodiversity and combat climate change.

Output: Work with lease holders and landlords to improve data management and prioritisation. Support bid process and seek funding for upgrades and retrofits.

Wording changed to improve clarity of action.

8 Implement a communications strategy

Aim: To enable residents, businesses and partner organisations to make informed decisions on climate change and biodiversity and access any funding available

The Council will encourage and support residents and businesses to address climate change and biodiversity with us.

Communications and Engagement Strategy

Aim: To enable residents, vulnerable groups, businesses and partner organisations to make informed decisions on climate change and biodiversity and access funding to build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

The Council will encourage and support residents and businesses to address climate change and biodiversity. Key to the engagement strategy is community led and inclusive support to those most vulnerable to the climate crisis, including, minority ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, under-represented or marginalised groups, and lower income communities.

Additional context on inequality and engagement added for context.

8.1 Action

Additional text added:

� Climate Change through education in schools and education for the public, including adults, faith groups, seniors, youth groups, businesses and farmers;

� Upskilling and green jobs;

Additional outputs added:

� Provide information on how to reduce, re-use and recycle waste and the circular economy;

� Support local and national campaigns used to promote buying from local businesses;

� Promote health and climate benefits from reductions in red meat consumption;

� Create a community forum, community representation, feedback mechanisms, engagement events, and physical suggestion boxes;

� Join the Environment Agency�s flood warning service and promote warning services using social media; and

Inclusion of schools, upskilling and green job creation added in line with new national targets.

Additional engagement outputs added as these are currently being scoped.

8.4 Action

Engage with and build support from key stakeholders and the wider public on enhancing biodiversity and addressing climate change.

Engage with relevant national days of action.

Action 8.4

Engage with and build support from key stakeholders and the wider public on enhancing biodiversity and addressing climate change. Engage, highlight and support relevant events and outreach in line with national and international days of action from the Environmental Awareness calendar.

Additional more specific text added.

9 Decision making process and governance

Aim: To ensure that climate change and biodiversity are part of all decisions made

It is essential that the council works as one organisation to the shared goals of addressing biodiversity loss and climate change.

Sustainable Decision-Making Processes and Governance

Aim: To ensure that climate change and biodiversity are part of all MBC decision making, good governance, and transparency.

It is essential that the council works as one organisation to the shared goals of addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. MBC is committed to embedding the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan into and as part of the council�s Strategic Plan as well as all the council�s decisions and actions.

Additional text and context added for clarity of action.

9.1 Action

Timescale 2020-21.

Timescale: 2020-21 � Completed with ongoing training due to commence from 2022

Action updated to completed with timescale for implementation extended from 2022 onwards.

9.3 Action

Timescale: 2020-21

Action 9.3

Timescale: 2020-21 � Completed

Status updated to completed.

No Text included to contact council to give feedback on the Action Plan.

If you have any questions regarding the Action Plan, or project details please email the Council's Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager, Climate & Biodiversity (MBC).

The Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis, with the status and progress of each action monitored during the course of the year against established indicators.