Your Councillors

Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan

Action	Portfolio Holder and PAC	Responsible Officer	Direct control or under influence	Timescale	Outputs	Outcomes	Key Performance Indicator	Monitoring	Budget
Active travel and green transportation
Action 1.1 Update the Integrated Transport Strategy, and work towards a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan to prioritise walking, cycling, public transport, and electric vehicles.�	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Alison Broom William Cornall Rob Jarman Phil Coyne Claire Weeks Mark Egerton Helen Garnett	Direct	2023-24	Update the Integrated Transport Strategy	Improvements in Borough Air quality Reduction of CO2e Increase Active Travel Increase Public Transportation usage Reduce Pollution Support transition to EVs	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 1.2 Deliver policies that enable infrastructure for: Low carbon transportation, Active travel, and that Facilitates high quality public transport connectivity in new developments and existing communities.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Alison Broom William Cornall Rob Jarman Phil Coyne Claire Weeks Mark Egerton Helen Garnett	Direct	2023-24	Update Sustainability DPD as part of larger Development Plan	As above	Percentage change of low carbon transportation, active travel, and public transport	Biannual From the Planning Monitoring Report	Officer Time
Action 1.3 Identify low carbon transportation, active travel, and public transport indicators that align with strategic planning and monitor implementation of sustainable transport policies.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Alison Broom William Cornall Rob Jarman Phil Coyne Claire Weeks Mark Egerton Helen Garnett	Direct	2023-24	Identify and Align Indicators from Planning to BCC Action Plan	As above	Percentage change of low carbon transportation, active travel, and public transport	Biannual From the Planning Monitoring Report	Officer Time
Action 1.4 Deliver Policy that ensures sustainable travel, such as bike racks, pool cars, electric vehicle charging, active travel, is integrated into all Maidstone Borough Council construction of new buildings (offices, housing, leisure facilities) and building acquisitions.	Cllr John Perry CSPAC	Mark Green Katie Exon	Direct	When any new building is completed or purchased	Develop and implement Policy	MBC Staff Carbon Footprint Reduced Increase in sustainable travel	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 1.5 Deliver an Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy for the borough that provides sufficient EV charging infrastructure to support the transition to EVs and reduces range anxiety, with consideration of changing and new emerging technologies.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Jen Stevens Claire Weeks	Direct	2023-24	Deliver an Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy	Increase confidence in emerging EV market, and reduce range anxiety	Number of Electric Vehicle Charging Points Installed	Biannual From the Planning Monitoring Report	Officer Time
Action 1.6 Facilitate a move to electric taxis by providing nine rapid charge points in total by 2025, and twelve rapid charge points by 2030.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC And Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid CHEPAC	John Littlemore Lorraine Neale	Influence	2023-25	Work with Taxi trade to find location, support funding, install rapid chargers	Increase in Taxi EVs Reduction in pollution and CO2e	Number of Electric Vehicle Charging Points Installed	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 1.7 Work with the taxi trade to find solutions to licencing that will encourage gradual business led shift to EVs� and promote greener accreditation and campaigns to support taxi trade to move to EVs.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC And Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid CHEPAC	John Littlemore Lorraine Neale	Influence	2023-25	Work with Taxi trade to establish accreditation	Increase in Taxi EVs Reduction in pollution and CO2e	Number of EV taxi	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 1.8 Actively participate in Quality Bus Partnership and ensure that the borough�s infrastructure is bus friendly.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Rob Jarman Phil Coyne Claire Weeks Mark Egerton Helen Garnett Duncan Haynes	Influence	2023-25	Deliver bus friendly infrastructure	Lower emission busses Increase in public transportation usage	Improvement in Borough Air Quality	Annual	Officers Time
Decarbonising and insulating homes and buildings
Action 2.1 Explore grants schemes for residents, landlords and housing associations, for retrofitting insulation, and low carbon heating systems.	Cllr Simon Webb and Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid CHEPAC	John Littlemore Hannah Gaston �	Direct	2023-2024	Explore grant scheme potential	Increase in residents� retrofits to low carbon systems Reduced utility bills/costs Improvements in EPC ratings Reductions in CO2e	Number of residents with EPC rating improvements of A-C from D-G	Annual From Central Government Data	Grants if scheme and funding is identified
Action 2.2 Enforce Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.	Cllr Simon Webb CHEPAC	John Littlemore Hannah Gaston	Direct	2023-2024	Enforce Energy Efficiency	As above	As above	Annual	Officer time
Generating renewable energy
Action 3.1 Ensure Sustainability DPD as part of larger Development Plan requires on-site renewables on all types of new developments and identify indicators that align with strategic planning and monitor implementation.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Rob Jarman Phil Coyne Claire Weeks Mark Egerton Helen Garnett	Direct	2023 onwards	Ensure DPD policy is enacted	Increase in renewable energy generation in the borough	Percentage of onsite renewable energy generation in new developments 10% adopted standard	Biannual From the Planning Monitoring Report	Officer Time
Reducing waste
Action 4.1 Investigate recycling strategies in the Town centre.	Cllr Martin Round CHEPAC	John Edwards	Influence	2023-24	Investigate recycling strategies and budget for additional bins and awareness campaigns in town centre	Increase in recycling	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 4.2 Ensure MBC offices and buildings have recycling facilities.	Cllr Martin Round CHEPAC	Katie Exon	Direct	2023-24	Develop policy and contracts to ensure MBC buildings are able to recycle waste	Increase in recycling	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Adapting to climate change
Action 5.1 Deliver policy as part of design and sustainability DPD and future Development Plan evolution for long term climate change adaptation in new developments to flooding, heatwaves, and drought and ensure longer term climate impacts are being considered as part of planning and policy decisions. Identify indicators that align with strategic planning and monitor implementation.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Rob Jarman Mark Egerton Helen Garnett	Direct	2023	Deliver policy for long term climate change adaptation in new developments Identify indicators	Flooding, heat and drought impacts of climate change are considered in planning and long-term development	NA	Annual	Officer Time
Action 5.2 Identify actions to mitigate climate change in existing developments.	Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid CHEPAC	James Wilderspin Gemma Bailey	Influence	2023-24	Identify actions	Reductions in climate impacts to existing communities Increase in resilience to impacts of climate change	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 5.3 Conduct Borough Climate Impact Assessment and (i) identify natural flood management (nature-based solutions and sustainable urban drainage), (ii) build local communities� resilience, (iii) support business continuity management, and (iv) priorities and strengthen power and water supply and other critical infrastructure ensuring more resilient communities.	Cllr John Perry CSPAC And Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid CHEPAC	James Wilderspin Gemma Bailey	Influence	2023-25	Conduct Impact Assessment Work with communities to develop strategies	Reductions in climate impacts to existing communities Increase in resilience to impacts of climate change Reduce impacts on water security and critical infrastructure	NA	Annual	Officer Time
Enhancing and increasing biodiversity
Action 6.1 Monitor Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) to adopted 20% standard.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Mark Egerton Helen Garnett	Direct	2023-27	Monitor Biodiversity Net Gain	20% increase in Biodiversity as a result of new developments	Percentage of planning applications meeting Biodiversity Net Gain 20% adopted standard	Biannual From Planning Monitoring Report	Officer Time
Action 6.2 Ensure sustainable urban drainage schemes (SuDS) maximise biodiversity potential.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Mark Egerton Helen Garnett	Direct	2023-27	Monitor Biodiversity Net Gain	20% increase in Biodiversity as a result of new developments	Percentage of planning applications meeting Biodiversity Net Gain 20% adopted standard	Biannual From Planning Monitoring Report	Officer Time
Action 6.3 Develop Supplementary Planning Documents for Garden community and other strategic development sites that ensure are exemplar for biodiversity and deliver semi natural open space.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Mark Egerton Helen Garnett	Direct	2023-27	Develop Supplementary Planning Documents	20% increase in Biodiversity as a result of new developments	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 6.4 Enhance and expand wetland coverage across the Borough to support nutrient neutrality, flood prevention, and enhance biodiversity.	Cllr David Burton Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC And Cllr Martin Round CHEPAC	Mark Green Rob Jarman James Wilderspin	Direct	2023-25	Identify wet land development sites integrate with SuDS, BNG, Nutrient Neutrality Develop businesses case for land acquisition for water cycle management and habitat restoration	Increase and restore wetlands Reduce pollution (phosphates and nitrates) Reduce surface water runoff, flow rates and flooding Increase and improve habitats and biodiversity	Water quality	Biannual	Estimated �200,000 over 2 year period on already identified sites
Action 6.5 Implement a Nature Recovery Strategy, linking habitat restoration and creation to improve flood protection and water quality.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Rob Jarman James Wilderspin	Direct	2023-27	Implement a Nature Recovery Strategy	As Above	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 6.6 Work with local farms and landowners to deliver landscape scale biodiversity initiatives Nature Recovery Strategy � including reconnection of habitats, floodplain restoration, reduced chemical inputs and reintroduction of lost native species.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC And Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid CHEPAC	Rob Jarman James Wilderspin Gemma Bailey	Influence	2023-30	Engage with farmers and landowners	Reconnection of habitats floodplain restoration reduced chemical inputs �reintroduction of lost native species	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 6.7 Increase borough canopy cover expanding ancient forests and reconnecting of existing woodland including urban woods, and greening town centres.	Cllr David Burton CHEPAC	James Wilderspin Rob Jarman Andrew Williams	Direct	2023-2030	Partner and develop large scale tree planting and rewilding opportunities Develop business case for land acquisition linking BNG, Nutrient Neutrality, social values and green spaces and flood reduction via tree and rewilding planting projects	borough canopy cover expanded More CO2e sequestered Increased biodiversity	Number of Trees planted / area of land rewilded	Biannual	�200,000
Action 6.8 Review Maidstone Borough Council non-operational land to assess potential for enhancing biodiversity including allowing community groups to take responsibility for management.	Cllr John Perry CSPAC	James Wilderspin	Direct	2023	As above	As above Community groups engaged	NA	Biannual	Officer time
Making our estate carbon neutral
Action 7.1 Deliver Maidstone Borough Council 2030 Net Zero Commitment, by: (i) Decarbonising the councils� buildings through low carbon heating, LEDs, insulation and smart controls, (ii) decarbonising the council�s fleet to fully EV, (iii) investing in renewable energy generation, (iv) incorporating energy saving principles into office strategies, and (v) supporting staff to shift to electric/ultra-low emission vehicles, public transportation and more flexible working.	Cllr John Perry CSPAC Cllr Claudine Russell ERLPAC	Mark Green Katie Exon Darren Guess James Wilderspin	Direct	2023-28	Develop Decarbonisation plan and timeline Identify and apply for funding for retrofitting and upgrading MBC buildings heating and insulation Identify renewable energy projects and partnerships Ensure electricity capacity at depot for fleet transition to EV Upgrade Fleet to EVs	MBC Net Zero 2030	Percentage Change of Carbon Emissions from MBC Buildings, Fleet, Contracts (ie Scope 1, 2)	Biannual	�900,000 to �1,500,000 Seeking match funding from PSDS
Action 7.2 Measure the Council�s carbon footprint each year and report findings to relevant committees and the public.	Cllr David Burton And Cllr John Perry CSPAC	James Wilderspin Katie Exon	Direct	Annually	Calculate Carbon Footprint of Scope 1/2/3	MBC Net Zero Planning and monitoring for 2030	Carbon Footprint Dashboard Percentage Change of Carbon Emissions from MBC Buildings, Fleet, Contracts (ie Scope 1, 2 and 3)	Quarterly	Officer Time
Action 7.3 Purchase 100% renewable energy for our buildings and operations where we control the supply (market dependant with maximum 10% offset) and investigate Public Energy Partnership Power Purchase Agreement (PEPPPA).	Cllr John Perry CSPAC	Mark green James Wilderspin Katie Exon	Direct	2023-24	Move to 100% green tariff Develop and/or pay for offsets Investigate renewable energy business cases, purchases, investments and partnerships	MBC Net Zero 2030	NA	Annually	Officer Time
Action 7.4 Identify temporary accommodation assets eligible for insulation and low carbon heating upgrades under funding schemes and arrange installation. Provide top up funding for any measures not fully funded to ensure all homes let by MBC as temporary accommodation are energy efficient and EPC rating improved to requirement.	Cllr Simon Webb CHEPAC	William Cornall	Direct	2023-24	Identify temporary accommodation Upgrade accommodation	Improved EPC ratings Reduced utilities	NA	Annually	Officer Time
Action 7.5 Improve data management on all property including leased buildings and prioritise decarbonisation actions and improve EPC ratings.	Cllr John Perry CSPAC And Cllr Claudine Russell ERLPAC	Katie Exon � James Wilderspin	Direct	2023-24	Improve Data Management	Reduce energy bills Improve EPC ratings	Percentage change/ reduction in Utility costs/KWh for Gas, Electricity, Water usage at leased assets.	Annually	Officer Time
Action 7.6 Deliver 100% LED lighting in MBC carparks.	Cllr Paul Cooper P&IPAC	Jeff Kitson	Direct	2023-24	Upgrade lighting	Reduces costs Improved efficiency	NA	Annually	Estimated �30,000
Communications and engagement strategy
Action 8.1 Support residents (including adults, women, youths and children, faith groups, minority groups, and marginalised groups), partners, and wider stakeholders (Parish councils, farmers, and landowners) to understand the changes they can make to reduce and prepare for climate change. Including: Supporting residents to reduce their individual carbon footprints, upskilling and green job creation, buying local, conserve water, and with sustainable lifestyles and Eatwell guidance. Promote schemes which help residents, landlords and housing associations reduce energy bills and decarbonise their buildings e.g. retrofitting grants and the government domestic and non-domestic renewable heat incentive programme. Support and encourage residents, businesses and the third sector to install renewable energy generation or develop community energy projects, by providing information and promoting grants, shared investment, and savings schemes. Encourage residents to separate food and recyclables, use appropriate bins, compost at home, avoid contamination and reduce waste production through promoting the circular economy strategy. Support residents, schools and community groups with biodiversity improvement and protection, promoting relevant schemes, such as tree planting and after care, and encouraging them to enhance biodiversity in their gardens and grounds.	Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid CHEPAC	Gemma Bailey Julie Maddocks	Influence	2023-25	Develop engagement events / campaigns Newsletters / social media awareness raising	Informed residents on Climate change and biodiversity loss Increase resilience to the impacts of climate change improved health and well being reduction in household bills reduction in household waste increase in public transport and active travel	NA	Biannual	�30,000 per annum
Action 8.2 Provide staff awareness information of biodiversity and climate change at induction and provide job specific sustainability training to each service area.	Cllr David Burton CHEPAC	Gemma Bailey	Direct	2023	Implement Carbon Literacy Training and tailor to each service area	Informed staff	Number of Staff carbon literate accredited	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 8.3 Enable local businesses to reduce their carbon footprint by providing information on funding opportunities, carbon calculators, localised supply chains and travel plans that promote active travel and public transport, and support businesses to use the Kent Prepare website to raise awareness of how to prepare for flooding.	Cllr David Burton Cllr Lottie Parfitt-Reid CHEPAC	Julie Maddocks Chris Inwood Gemma Bailey	Influence	2023-25	Support businesses with information, funding opportunities and partnerships	Reduction in local business CO2e and associated costs	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Sustainable decision-making processes and governance
Action 9.1 Provide briefings and training for councillors and our managers on carbon, climate change, and biodiversity to create a culture change and ensure climate change and biodiversity are integrated into decision making.	Cllr David Burton CHEPAC	Gemma Bailey	Direct	2023	Implement carbon literacy training	Awarded carbon literacy accreditation	Number of Cllr carbon literate accredited	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 9.2 Ensure service plans consider biodiversity and climate change and monitor with performance indicators, so that managers plan their services to ensure opportunities for enhancing biodiversity and mitigating and adapting to climate change are taken.	Cllr John Perry CSPAC	Carly Benville Anna Collier James Wilderspin	Direct	2023	Implement KPIs	Each service area considers climate and biodiversity in decision making and monitoring	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 9.3 Deliver Policy that ensures sustainability criteria is used for all Maidstone Borough Council construction of new buildings (offices, housing, leisure facilities) and sustainability criteria is part of decision-making process for all Maidstone Borough Council building acquisitions, to ensure buildings owned by the council are sustainable, future proofed, and align with our net zero commitment.	Cllr John Perry CSPAC	Mark Green Paul Holland	Direct	2023-24	Develop and integrate policy Define sustainable criteria to consider on all new building acquisition and construction	Reduced utilities Future proofed investments	NA	Biannual	Officer Time
Action 9.4 Establish criteria for investment in climate change and biodiversity and invest to save schemes (eg. renewables, heat networks). These will consider relative impact in terms of carbon reduction and ease of delivery, such that expenditure is focused on deliverable, affordable initiatives that maximise impact on the carbon reduction targets.	Cllr David Burton And Cllr John Perry CSPAC	James Wilderspin	Direct	2023-24	Develop business cases / seek partnerships Establish criteria for investment	Carbon emission reductions Invest to save schemes Investments in green projects	NA	Annually	Officer Time
Action 9.5 Deliver corporate policy and sustainable procurement approach to reduce (Scope 3) MBC carbon footprint from contracts and services and ensure a �carbon cost� is part of procurement and decision making.	Cllr John Perry CSPAC	Dan Hutchins Adrian Lovegrove James Wilderspin	Direct	2023-24	Work with services and contracts to reduce CO2e / disclose footprints / reduce supply chains Reduce spending / triple bottom line using carbon costs as well as financial costs for decision making	Reduction in MBC scope 3	Carbon footprint dashboard	Biannual	Officer Time �10,000 to �22,000 in consulting fees