Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods is attached.

The Service Manager – Neighbourhoods presented the report of the Director – Neighbourhoods concerning progress made for the year 2021/22 with delivery of the Carbon Management Plan and proposed actions for 2022/23, in order to become carbon neutral by 2030. The presentation to the Group covered:

·       The Climate Change Strategy

·       The Carbon Management Plan progress

·       Rushcliffe Borough Council – Rushcliffe Oaks, waste vehicle fuel trial, Rushcliffe Country Park development

·       Conservation activity – biodiversity and offsetting

·       Community focus – electric vehicle charging, Gamston Hub, supporting businesses, Green Rewards, supporting residents

·       What next for 2022/23

The Environmental Team Manager highlighted that the achievements for the year 2021/22 were the result of the commitment from across the Council, across all services, to achieve the Council’s target of being carbon neutral by 2030 and net zero by 2050, which was in line with the Government’s commitment at COP26. It was recognised that the target to be carbon neutral by 2030 was ambitious as only 7% of emissions were generated by the public sector; a large proportion of emissions came from public transport, people commuting to work, and domestic use in houses. The Carbon Management Plan addressed emissions generated by the Borough Council only. Members were informed that ‘Carbon Clever’ branding was included on all Council communications as a means of promoting the work being carried out.

The Environmental Team Manager added that the Climate Change Strategy covered: the Council Emissions, Conservation and Community and explained how each was being addressed:

(i)             The Council Emissions:

·       Rushcliffe Oaks was one of the first electrically powered cremators in the UK, which would reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to a traditional gas cremator. Environmental issues had been considered within the build, for example retaining existing boundary planting to ensure ecological value was protected, and the project was a good example of how improvements in emissions could be achieved and the environment maintained.

·       The Council had undertaken a waste vehicle biofuel trial. Some local authorities had changed to electric vehicles, although due to the size and rurality of Rushcliffe and the mileage range of electric vehicles, the Council had agreed to trial the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil as a fuel. This had been successful, with no issues experienced and resulted in a carbon saving reduction of over 12000 tonnes of CO2. The Council was exploring the roll-out of the product across the waste collection fleet.

·       Rushcliffe Country Park was currently undergoing a re-development which included the refurbishment of the visitors’ centre and the installation of a café.  The purchase of electric vehicles as diesel powered ones needed replacement was also planned with the aim of the Country Park becoming net zero in its operation.  The support of the Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park had been invaluable; they had supported the proposals by raising funds to purchase electric tools such as chainsaws.

The Environmental Team Manager informed the Group that the Rushcliffe Country Park had been awarded the Green Flag Award for the 15  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19