Climate, Environment and Biodiversity Sub Committee

Scrutiny To consider the impact of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environmental activities and legislation on our region.   To consider Council policies, strategies and associated plans to mitigate the impact of Climate Change and Biodiversity loss on our region.   To receive presentations on benchmarking and presentations from appropriate stakeholders and the Council’s partners to inform Members on tackling Climate Change and Biodiversity loss and understanding of best practice.   To consider the impact of wider council activities on Climate Change and Biodiversity loss, including by receiving the Annual Climate Change Duties Report.   To consider the impact of low carbon renewal and sustainability projects on the council’s current energy costs and carbon emissions.   To consider plans and policies in relation to decarbonisation and energy generation both internal to the council and regionally with stakeholders and to recommend to Economy and Infrastructure Committee as appropriate.   To consider the criteria and monitor the Nature Restoration Fund and wider activities associated with the improvements to the regions Natural Environment and efforts to address Biodiversity Loss.   Decision Making. To recommend to the appropriate committee on matters relating to Climate Change, Biodiversity loss and the Wider Natural Environment.   To recommend projects aimed at reducing the Council’s and the Region’s carbon emissions and energy usage such as the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy, Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme, and ECO4 Local Authority Flex Scheme.   To provide recommendations to the allocation of funding for the Nature Restoration Fund or other external funding sources available to address Biodiversity loss and Habitat improvements.   To provide recommendations to the appropriate committee as required on how the Council will prioritise activities that reduce Biodiversity Loss and support the wider Natural Environment.