Content

(Report of Chief
Executive)
 
Member approval was
sought for the publication of the Climate Change Action Plan Year 4
Progress Report, the Climate Change Action Plan Year 5 2024/25 and
the Carbon Audit 2023/24 (attached as Annexes 1, 2 and 3
respectively).
 
The report
summarised progress achieved to date, the new action plan and
trends in emissions from the Borough Council’s estate and
operations.  The most significant
sources of emissions across the TMBC estate and operations remained
leisure facilities and refuse collection vehicles.  Addressing these would make the largest impact
towards the 2030 carbon neutral aspiration. 
 
Members sought
clarification on a number of issues including the progress being
made on installing electric vehicle charging points throughout
Tonbridge; the use of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to
encourage energy efficient homes; reinstating monitoring of air
pollution arising from idling vehicles and improved recycling
facilities at public open spaces and events.   These were addressed in detail by Officers
and the response noted by the Committee.  However, the participation of the Borough Council
in the Kent County Council Climate Change Group meant that
Tonbridge and Malling were fully aware of upcoming pilot schemes
and remained open to involvement in projects.   Reference was also made to the recycling
opportunities being explored by the Borough Council Events
Management Team and the proposed DEFRA deposit return scheme for
drinks containers which would be given careful consideration.
 
Following
consideration by the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select
Committee, the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Regeneration and
Property resolved that:
 
(1)            
the Climate Change Action Plan Year 4 Progress Report (attached at
Annex 1) be endorsed;
 
(2)            
the Climate Change Action Plan Year 5 2024/25 (attached at Annex 2)
be approved; and

 
(3)            
the Carbon Audit for 2023/24 (attached at Annex 3) be approved