Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations were unanimously approved by the Cabinet.
summary: The decision involves adopting new measures and commitments to achieve carbon neutrality for the council's estate by 2030 and for the region by 2045, which includes joining the UK100 initiative, setting interim reduction targets, exploring funding for energy improvements, establishing a Carbon Neutral Steering Group, creating dashboards for progress tracking, delivering carbon literacy training, and considering an anchor procurement partnership.
topline: The Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Cabinet has decided to adopt a series of climate action measures to achieve carbon neutrality for the council's estate by 2030 and for the region by 2045.
reason_contentious: The issue may be contentious due to the potential impact on local stakeholders, the financial implications of the proposed actions, the ambitious nature of the targets, and the political commitment required to achieve them. There may be differing opinions on the feasibility and priority of the climate actions among the community, businesses, and political groups.
affected_stakeholders: Council departments, local businesses, community members, external partners, and political groups are affected by this decision.
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: While there is no direct mention of political parties, the decision is inherently political due to the involvement of the Cabinet and the Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy. Climate action is often influenced by political ideologies and party policies.
URL: https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=730
Decision Maker: Environment and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Cabinet
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose: To provide an update on the performance against the Council’s Climate and Ecological Declaration targets and Climate Action Plan
Content: RESOLVED that Cabinet: - (a) Noted the Climate Progress Report 2022-23; (b) Agreed to join the UK100 initiative and adopt the Net Zero by 2045 pledge thereby clearly defining the previous commitment of ‘before 2050’ for our area-wide target; (c) Agreed the proposal to set interim reduction targets for the Council owned estate, specifically the priority emission sources of Council buildings and energy supply. In addition, we will look to establish targets for energy use in homes and road transport reduction in order to validate that both our corporate and area-wide targets are achievable; (d) Agreed to look at funding proposals, including ‘invest to save’ and consider a revolving fund for energy improvements in Council-owned buildings and other projects; (e) Noted the proposal to establish a Carbon Neutral Steering Group, to bring services together and to find solutions to carbon reduction challenges across the corporate estate; (f) Renew our work with external partners to shape and set interim targets towards the area-wide commitment to Net Zero; (g) Create interactive dashboards to highlight targets and progress towards the internal and area-wide goals; (h) Agree to the delivery of carbon literacy training (with or without accreditation) for officers and members, business and community, which will empower decision making to meet carbon neutral targets and initiatives; and (i) Requests officers to explore the benefits and practicalities of an anchor procurement partnership for the BCP area. Voting: Unanimous Portfolio Holder: Climate Response, Environment and Energy Reason This report informs on progress made to date and proposes the next steps of climate actions that the Council will commit to in order to deliver on the ambitions of a carbon neutral Council by 2030 and a carbon neutral region ahead of the UK’s 2050 target.
Date of Decision: March 6, 2024