Decision details

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a)           Noted the Climate Progress Report 2022-23;

(b)           Agreed to join the UK100 initiative and adopt the Net Zero by 2045 pledge thereby clearly defining the previous commitment of ‘before 2050’ for our area-wide target;

(c)           Agreed the proposal to set interim reduction targets for the Council owned estate, specifically the priority emission sources of Council buildings and energy supply. In addition, we will look to establish targets for energy use in homes and road transport reduction in order to validate that both our corporate and area-wide targets are achievable;

(d)           Agreed to look at funding proposals, including ‘invest to save’ and consider a revolving fund for energy improvements in Council-owned buildings and other projects;

(e)           Noted the proposal to establish a Carbon Neutral Steering Group, to bring services together and to find solutions to carbon reduction challenges across the corporate estate;

(f)            Renew our work with external partners to shape and set interim targets towards the area-wide commitment to Net Zero;

(g)           Create interactive dashboards to highlight targets and progress towards the internal and area-wide goals;

(h)           Agree to the delivery of carbon literacy training (with or without accreditation) for officers and members, business and community, which will empower decision making to meet carbon neutral targets and initiatives; and

(i)             Requests officers to explore the benefits and practicalities of an anchor procurement partnership for the BCP area.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy

Reason

This report informs on progress made to date and proposes the next steps of climate actions that the Council will commit to in order to deliver on the ambitions of a carbon neutral Council by 2030 and a carbon neutral region ahead of the UK’s 2050 target.