Decision details

The Council considered the recommendations from the Climate Change and Environmental Action Group which were presented to the Council for approval.

Decision

The Council:

1. Recognised the importance of reducing its carbon emissions and reaching net zero by 2045 as part of the global approach to climate change;
2. Acknowledged that reaching net zero is a partnership approach, involving partners from all sectors as well as all aspects of council business, and that while strategic oversight of the council’s climate change activity will be led by the council Leader, Policy Leads will also play a part in reinforcing the importance of climate change within their own service portfolios;
3. Welcomed the inclusion of Argyll and Bute’s low carbon status as a driver for seeking investment in green infrastructure as a key theme in the council’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan, reinforcing the council’s commitment to embedding climate change activity within its overall business;
4. Acknowledged the work of the Climate Change Environmental Action Group to date and agrees the recommendations it sets out in its report; (also noted below for reference).

Recommendations from the Climate Change and Environmental Action Group agreed by Council:

1.   Noted the update to the Climate Change and Environmental Action Group activity plan as detailed in Appendix1.

2. to deliver net zero emissions target by 2045, as outlined in the Decarbonisation Plan 2021;

3. to review the ambition and 2045 target date within 12 months based on national direction of performance monitoring and performance of the plan;

4. Agreed that a business case approach to climate change investment is adopted through the Council’s Asset Management Board;

5. Agreed that the Climate Change Environmental Action Group is disbanded from November 2020 and replaced with quarterly updates from the Climate Change Board being presented to Policy and Resources Committee;

6. Noted specifically the commitments outlined in the Decarbonisation Plan relating to engagement with our communities and businesses through our communications and Community Planning teams:-

• ‘Comm1’ – Develop and Deliver a Communication Plan to support the Decarbonisation Plan
• ‘Comm2’ – Engage with community and partners and deliver Climate Change Directory for our region.

(Ref: Report by Executive Director for Commercial Services dated November 2020, submitted)

Councillor Aileen Morton left the meeting at this point.