URL: https://scambs.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=12837

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The draft Climate & Nature Strategy 2026-2030 is now complete. There are several new commitments to note within the draft strategy in addition to the existing targets set out in the Zero Carbon and Doubling Nature Strategy:   a.     Under the new strategy the Council seeks a mandate to create a net zero target for the Council’s estate and operations emissions, based on evidence as to what is financially and practicably achievable. b.     A value has been assigned to the previous ‘doubling nature’ target based on land use data provided by DEFRA to define the target in a measurable way. c.     A new target to ensure that communities across South Cambridgeshire are resilient to a 2°C rise in temperature.   Where it is not possible to reduce emissions to zero, the strategy outlines the Council’s plan to offset these emissions to achieve net zero.   A public consultation on the new draft strategy and action plan is planned to run in the autumn; sustainability consultants Bioregional will analyse the results and sufficient time has been built into the timeline to incorporate the feedback from participants.

Content: The draft Climate & Nature Strategy 2026-2030 is now complete. There are several new commitments to note within the draft strategy in addition to the existing targets set out in the Zero Carbon and Doubling Nature Strategy:   a.     Under the new strategy the Council seeks a mandate to create a net zero target for the Council’s estate and operations emissions, based on evidence as to what is financially and practicably achievable. b.     A value has been assigned to the previous ‘doubling nature’ target based on land use data provided by DEFRA to define the target in a measurable way. c.     A new target to ensure that communities across South Cambridgeshire are resilient to a 2°C rise in temperature.   Where it is not possible to reduce emissions to zero, the strategy outlines the Council’s plan to offset these emissions to achieve net zero.   A public consultation on the new draft strategy and action plan is planned to run in the autumn; sustainability consultants Bioregional will analyse the results and sufficient time has been built into the timeline to incorporate the feedback from participants. Cabinet has: a)    Noted comments of the Climate Change and Environment Advisory Committee in relation to the draft Climate and Nature Strategy and provided further commentary as necessary; and b)    Agreed with the Committee’s recommendation to the Lead Cabinet Member for Environment to approve the draft strategy for consultation.

Date of Decision: September 16, 2025