Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

There were no apologies for absence intimated. 

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The minute of the previous meeting of the Climate Change Environmental Action Group, held on 7 September 2020, was approved as a true record. 

Matters Arising

The Head of Commercial Services provided a short update in relation to the strategy for disposing of PPE waste. 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services

The group gave consideration to a report presenting the Council’s Decarbonisation Plan, which sought to make a clear commitment that as our businesses, communities and services recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Council will be doing it in a low carbon and environmentally responsible manner. 

Having given consideration to each chapter of the Decarbonisation Plan, Members provided comments in relation to waste; energy and water consumption; transport; offsetting emissions through partnership and innovation and future engagement and community planning mapping.   The Head of Commercial Services undertook to liaise with colleagues in Roads and Infrastructure Services to provide further information in relation to Argyll and Bute Council emissions, specifically in relation to fleet and business miles, to Members at the Member Seminar scheduled for 16 November 2020. 

Decision

The Climate Change Environmental Action Group –

1.    Agreed the content of the Decarbonisation Plan 2021, as outlined at Appendix A of the report;

2.    Noted that there will be a Members Seminar held on 16 November 2020 regarding the Plan; and

3.    Recommended to Council that they adopt the Decarbonisation Plan at their meeting on 26 November 2020.

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

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services

The group gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the progress of actions contained within the Activity Plan.  Discussion took place in respect of the role of the Climate Change Champion, with it being suggested that Climate Change be readily visible as a focal point for the Council under the appropriate Policy Leads. 

Decision

The Climate Change Environmental Action Group –

1.    Agreed the revised Activity Plan for the Climate Change Environmental Action Group (CCEAG) contained within Appendix 1 of the report; and

2.    Agreed to report the Activity Plan to Council at its meeting on 26 November 2020. 

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

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.)