Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 7, 2025

Purpose: To outline how the Council intends to achieve carbon neutrality for its operational emissions  

Content: Cabinet:   1.      Note the positive work and progress in reducing emissions, with a near two-thirds reduction in net emissions by the 24/25 financial year, compared to the baseline of the 18/19 financial year.   2.      Recognise that there remain emissions that are ‘hard-to-eliminate’ given existing operational arrangements, such as those associated with the Aquadrome.   3.      Recognise the work under way to provide a replacement pool at the leisure centre and the associated environmental standard that must be reached;   4.      That council-owned carbon credits are included in carbon reporting to make the authority operationally carbon neutral in 2025, subject to confirmation of its emissions in early summer 2026; and   5.      Purchase no further carbon credits, but continue to support actions to reduce emissions locally, including through opportunities presented through improving the natural environment in the borough.