Purpose

To replace the expiring Climate Change Action Plan 21021-23 and to set out our intended strategies for reaching our climate change targets across the next three years and beyond.

Decision

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

1. Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the Climate Change Action Plan 2021-23.
2. Acknowledge and consider the challenges encountered by the Climate Change Action Plan 2021-23.
3. Approve the aims of the new Climate Change Action Plan 2024- 2026 - including the following six aims in particular:

·       Consideration of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the protection and enhancement of the environment, will be built into an integrated impact assessment process from 2024 onwards. Integrated impact assessments will be required on all papers being considered at Cabinet.

·       All executive directors and cabinet members should complete carbon literacy training by the end of 2025. Additionally, by the end of 2025, senior staff in teams where climate change mitigation or adaptation is especially relevant, should have completed carbon literacy training.

·       £50,000 per year of revenue funding for the Climate Change and Environment Fund will continue to be allocated from within the existing climate change revenue base budget provision for engagement activity, to maintain support for direct community climate and environmental action.

·       The Council’s ‘free tree’ initiative that aims to give away 150,000 free trees between 2020-2030, the equivalent of one tree per household in Northumberland, will continue during this action plan period.

·       In line with its aims to be a net zero organisation by 2030, commit to investing in renewable energy measures across the NCC estate when buildings are due for refurbishment and/or where invest to save business cases can be made.

·       The Council will produce its first Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Northumberland, including a specific climate change risk assessment for the county by the end of the 2024-25 financial year.