Issue - meetings

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services

Consideration was given to a report outlining the findings of the Climate Change Environmental Action Group since it was established as a Short Life Working Group in September 2019.  The report noted the change in the original timescales involved in reporting back to Council due to the impact of Covid-19. 

Discussion took place in respect of the achievements of the Climate Change Environmental Action Group with it being acknowledged by all that, despite the impacts of the global pandemic, which extended the original lifespan of the Group, the aims and purposes had been achieved and there were already steps in place to engage wider with communities, businesses and general public.  It was also acknowledged that the Community Planning Team had commenced a mapping exercise of Climate Change activity within communities. 

Decision

The Climate Change Environmental Action Group agreed to the following actions for recommendation to Council:–

1.    Endorse the Decarbonisation Plan 2021;

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

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

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

5.    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.    Note 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

·         ‘Comm 2’ – Engage with community and partners and deliver Climate Change Directory for our region

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services, dated 9 November 2020, submitted.)