Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director Economy and Public Protection

The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection to update Cabinet on the progress towards the Council’s net zero target.

The report stated that following the Council’s elections in 2023, the Climate Emergency Declaration was re-affirmed, and the Council’s carbon neutral target was brought forward to 2040.

The report explained that the Council’s emissions reduction trajectory of 40% every five years is still in place. The Council’s emissions for 2024/25 were 6,642 tonnes CO2e, the emissions reported are made up of the energy used in the council buildings, business mileage: fleet emissions and streetlighting and signs. The Council does not measure emissions for the supply chain or waste at current.

The report then went on to explain how the carbon emissions for 2024/25 had increased from 2023/24, the opening of ‘Hopetown Museum’ would have impacted the emissions. The report also elaborated that data had been requested from the Met Office around the temperatures in the winter period that could have impacted the amount of gas required for the heating.

The report declared that of the 121 actions due to be reported at the end of 2024/25, 105 were on track and nine have been completed. Following the recent motion declaring a nature restoration emergency, officers will revise the climate change strategy and action plan.

RESOLVED - It is recommended that Cabinet notes the report.

REASON - The recommendations are supported by the increasing public pressure to act on climate change, we run the risk of significant damage to our reputation if we do not deliver on our stated commitment to dealing with the Council’s contribution to climate change.