The Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 27 March 2025 to discuss key environmental initiatives. The meeting's agenda included updates on the local Air Quality Action Plan and the council's Fleet Transition Plan, alongside a discussion on local river systems.

Local River Systems

A representative from the Bristol Avon River Trust was scheduled to address the Panel regarding local river systems. This item was designated as a policy development matter.

Air Quality Action Plan

The Panel was scheduled to review the Bath Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) Bath AQAP 2024-2029 information. The report pack indicated that the AQAP, which had been in place for over five years, needed updating in line with guidance. While nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations in Bath had reduced to below the 40 µg/m³ objective, the council needed to demonstrate ongoing compliance to consult on revoking the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). The AQAP supplements the Clean Air Plan, with the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) being an action within the AQAP. The report detailed 21 actions to reduce NO2, including promoting low-emission transport, traffic management, and promoting travel alternatives. Consultation feedback on the proposed AQAP was also to be reviewed.

Fleet Transition Plan

An update on the council's approach to its fleet replacement plan and carbon emission reduction was scheduled for discussion. The report highlighted that fleet vehicles account for almost half of the council's remaining carbon footprint, with Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) being the largest contributors. Technical advice from the Energy Savings Trust (EST) suggested that 65% of the diesel fleet could be replaced by Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and that there was a business case for replacing HGVs with electric equivalents due to lifetime savings offsetting higher capital costs.

The report detailed plans for the replacement of 12 Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) in 2025, with an estimated capital budget of £6.9m. Trials of electric RCVs were underway, with lead times for vehicles expected in Q1 2026, necessitating a phased introduction. A similar decision was anticipated for recycling trucks in 2027, with trials of higher capacity e-Romaquips planned to assess potential reductions in the total number of vehicles required. Investment in charging infrastructure was also identified as a requirement, with some depot locations needing grid upgrades.

Cabinet Member Update

The Panel was scheduled to receive an update from the relevant Cabinet Member on any pertinent issues, with an opportunity for Panel members to ask questions.

Panel Workplan

The Panel was set to review its workplan, with any suggestions for future items or amendments to the current programme to be logged and scheduled.