Purpose

To make a decision on the future direction of the carbon
management plan, specifically in relation to the delivery
date

Content

RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION
 
That the Executive
 

a)     
Approved the proposal to reset the current carbon neutral
target while continuing to deliver the ambitions set out in the CMP
at a cost and a pace that is sustainable for the
Council.

 

b)     
Supported the realignment of the Council’s carbon
neutral ambitions to align with the UK target of 2050.
 

c)   Approved the publication of the CMP
Annual Report at Appendix A and note the positive work
undertaken toward the delivery of the CMP.
 
 
Reasons for Recommendations:
 

(a) To reset the Council’s carbon neutral target, in
line with the policy position of the new administration, given the
additional financial commitment required to either fully
decarbonise Council operations and/or offset remaining emissions
via the purchase of carbon credits.
 

(b) To ensure that the Council is aligned with the UK target
to be net zero by 2050.
 

(c) To enable the Council to support continued delivery of
the CMP, progress opportunities, and secure external investment
where there is a compelling financial case and/or wider benefits,
including energy saving, associated with delivering the net zero
target.
 
Alternative Options Considered:
 
Option 1 - Do nothing,
maintain the current 2030 carbon neutral target was considered and
rejected on the grounds that the Council will not be able to
achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 given progress made to date and
the financial implications. The Council would need to significantly
invest in decarbonisation efforts and/or purchase carbon credits to
offset operational emissions in order to attain the current
ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.
 
Option 3 – Push the
target date back to 2040 and ask officers to review/revise current
activity delivery timelines noting the resource and financial
implications, whilst continuing to monitor and review progress.
This option was considered and rejected on the grounds that it
offers less flexibility than Option 2.
 
Option 4 to abandon a target
entirely to include delivery of the CMP was considered but rejected
on the grounds that it does not align with the Council’s
wider focus on sustainability its strategic priorities, or the UK
target to be net zero by 2050. It would also significantly weaken
the ability of the area to secure public and private sector
investment. This option is therefore not recommended.