Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development introduced the report and stated that the Council was joint 35^th of 186 Councils in implementing its plan. Successes included a significant reduction in carbon emissions, providing carbon literacy training, the Eco-Hub, and upgrading 17% of the Council’s fleet to electric vehicles. The ambition to continue making improvements within the available budget was highlighted.

In response to comments made by the Committee: 

• The Biodiversity and Climate Change Manager advised that visitors to the Eco Hub had more than doubled this year, with events delivered in partnership with 18 businesses with sustainable credentials. The team looked to target re-opening the hub in the Winter and half term periods to encourage greater attendance and would focus on raising awareness to lower utility bills.

The Council had software that modelled a net zero scenario for all properties in the borough, allowing for further retrofitting, solar PV and funding opportunities to be looked into.

• The Head of Insight, Communities and Governance stated that staff travel to work was collected through a survey, to shape options to reduce emissions, such as car sharing being offered; the data could be provided with future updates once the data had been finalised.

• The Cabinet Member stated, where possible and practical, the Council would use the latest technology to support net zero housing. Retrofitting existing properties would rely on national policies and funding.

Members were supportive of the aims of the Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan but recognised that there was more work to be done. Suggestions made during the discussion included providing cycle to work initiatives and sharing information relating to the re-wilding, planting and hedging possibilities with local environmental groups.

The Cabinet Member agreed to pass on any queries outside the Committee remit to the relevant portfolio holder.

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to the CABINET: That the strategic considerations for tackling net zero borough wide and action plan updates shown at Appendix 1 to the report, be noted.