Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.  Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillors Colville and Good.  

The Chair confirmed the arrangements relating to remote participation by skype in the event of a requirement for a vote by SLWG Members. 

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The minute of the previous meeting of the Climate Change Environmental Action Group was approved as a true record. 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Infrastructure Services

The group gave consideration to a report outlining the background of the 2025 Landfill ban; recent policy changes and the environmental benefit of compliance together with details of the Scottish Government’s policy position on the Biodegradable Municipal Waste ban and the types of financial and practical support the Council are seeking to enable compliance with the ban. 

Decision

The Climate Change Environmental Action Group agreed to note the contents of the report and that further updates relating to the Waste Strategy will be considered by the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 16 January 2020, submitted.)   

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

The group gave consideration to a report and presentation providing context on the renewable energy sector in Argyll and Bute and how it can assist in combating climate change to deliver Scotland and the UK’s climate change targets. 

Decision

The Climate Change Environmental Action Group agreed to note the contents of the report and presentation. 

(Ref:  Report and Presentation by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 16 January 2020, submitted.) 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services

The group gave consideration to a report and power point presentation highlighting current Council policy and performance indicators relating to climate change and the recent annual performance submission to Sustainable Scotland Network. 

Decision

The Climate Change Environmental Action Group:

1.    noted the existing policy of the Council relating directly and indirectly to Climate Change and agreed to an informal workshop, involving a wider range of officers, to facilitate further discussion;

2.    noted the recent annual performance submission to Sustainable Scotland Network and agreed that further benchmarking data should be brought back to a future meeting of the SLWG; and

3.    agreed to the ongoing development of a set of corporate Climate Change indicators.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services, dated 16 January 2020, submitted.) 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services

Having provided a short report outlining the importance of partnership and shared vision to deliver climate change and environmental improvements for the area, the Head of Commercial Services facilitated discussion around external engagement relating to climate change. 

Decision

The Climate Change Environmental Action Group:

1.    discussed and agreed the initial list of stakeholders identified at Appendix A as having a key contribution to informing and developing the activities of the group at this early stage;

2.    agreed that engagement priorities should have an initial focus on land use activities; and

3.    agreed a Member’s seminar session in relation to climate change which would include external stakeholders as appropriate.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services, dated 16 January 2020, submitted.) 

For noting and Updating

The group gave consideration to the plan of activity. 

Decision

The Climate Change Environmental Action Group agreed that the plan of activity be amended to include the workshop session to take place in March 2020. 

(Ref:  Climate Change Environmental Action Group Plan of Activity, dated 16 January 2020, submitted.) 

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services

The group gave consideration to a report containing the submission to the Scottish Government Consultation on the role of public sector bodies in tackling climate change. 

Decision

The Climate Change Environmental Action Group agreed to note the submission to the Scottish Government Consultation.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services, dated 16 January 2020, submitted.)