Purpose

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

Decision

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.