The Climate Emergency Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to review progress on the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) with a particular focus on transport and renewable energy projects. The committee will also consider its work programme for the upcoming year and review an action tracker.

CEAP Transport Review

The committee is scheduled to scrutinise progress against the transport priority within the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP). The report for this item outlines progress made in reducing transport-related carbon emissions across the borough, aiming to provide residents, businesses, and visitors with more sustainable travel choices. This includes improvements to walking, cycling, bus services, and electric vehicle (EV) charging options. The report highlights achievements such as the installation of 415 public EV charge points, an increase in EV mileage share to 6.3%, and progress on active travel schemes like the Woodley to Reading cycleway. It also identifies areas for further work, including improving data collection on travel behaviour, developing a future freight strategy, and considering carbon reduction actions from the ADEPT Carbon Leadership Programme. The report notes that while progress is being made in supporting lower-carbon travel, continued investment and behaviour change are necessary to reduce reliance on internal combustion engine vehicles, especially given the borough's growth.

The report details the Council's commitment to reducing internal combustion engine (ICE) private car mileage, with the current share standing at 75.3%. Efforts to increase EV mileage share to 30% are ongoing, with 415 public EV charge points now operational. The Council is also supporting the transition of commercial fleets to electric vehicles and promoting EV uptake among residents through events and online information. Progress is also being made in increasing public transport mileage share, with six electric buses introduced on Route 21 and improvements to bus frequencies on key routes. Active travel is a key focus, with the Woodley to Reading cycleway under construction and a programme of quick wins to improve walking and cycling infrastructure. The report also addresses the challenge of reducing road freight, with a new freight management policy planned for 2027.

Renewable Energy Projects Update

An update on the Council's three main renewable energy generation projects is scheduled for discussion. These projects are central to the CEAP's aim of increasing renewable energy generation and reducing carbon emissions. The Barkham Solar Farm project is progressing towards delivery, with a non-firm grid connection anticipated in Autumn 2027. The Mereoak Park and Ride Solar Canopies project, which will combine solar generation with EV charging, is also moving forward, with completion expected in summer 2027. The report notes that Solar Farm 2 remains paused due to national electricity connection reforms, and its status will be monitored. These projects are expected to deliver significant environmental, financial, and community benefits, including increased locally generated renewable energy, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and revenue generation to support council services.

The Barkham Solar Farm project is progressing despite national electricity connection reforms, with detailed design work completed. The project aims for a non-firm grid connection by September 2027, with potential for a firm connection from 2029. The report highlights that the project remains financially robust. The Mereoak Park and Ride Solar Canopies project will feature a 1.36MW solar canopy, battery storage, and an EV charging hub, with completion anticipated in summer 2027. This project aims to generate over 1.2 GWh of clean electricity annually and support EV uptake. Solar Farm 2 is currently paused, awaiting greater certainty regarding grid connection arrangements.

Work Programme and Action Tracker

The committee will also consider its Work Programme for 2026-27. This includes planned scrutiny of key CEAP priorities, a guest speaker, and a briefing on the impact of climate change on fire risk. Additionally, the committee will review the regular Action Tracker report, which monitors the progress of previous committee decisions and actions. The Work Programme for the upcoming year includes planned discussions on topics such as community energy, the ecological emergency, and potential future items like updates from the Reading University Climate Research Team and the Met Office. The Action Tracker will provide an update on completed actions, including the incorporation of committee comments into the draft CEAP and the circulation of responses to outstanding questions.