Lead Member – Councillor Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport.

Lead Officer – Adrian Cooper

RESOLVED:

3.1 To approve the Corporate Carbon Performance Monitoring report 2022-23 (Appendix 1) for publication;

3.2 To support the integration of carbon performance measurement and consideration of climate risks as an essential component of the Council’s Target Operating Model, including: i. Procurement policy ii. The integration of carbon accounting as part of financial management iii. Normalisation of carbon monitoring and reporting at a service level  iv. Carbon literacy as mandatory training for new starters

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport reminded members of the commitment made in the Climate Strategy and Action Plan adopted in December 2020 to report annually on corporate carbon performance and the initiatives designed to reduce its carbon footprint. He outlined the latest position in terms of carbon monitoring for 2022-23 and recommended that Cabinet support the integration of carbon performance measurement and consideration of climate risks as an essential component of the Council’s Target Operating Model through the procurement policy, integration of carbon accounting as part of financial management, normalisation of carbon monitoring and reporting at a service level and carbon literacy as mandatory training for new employees. 

Members asked questions about the  models used to calculate emissions and identified the need for clarity and focus on the aspects that the council could control recognising that in other areas it was only possible to cajole or lead the way.   Whilst it was disappointing that the target reduction for the year had not been met, the Portfolio Holder said that the ambitious target remained and change was expected to speed up as projects and initiatives helping to reduce corporate carbon emissions were delivered. 

RESOLVED:

3.1 To approve the Corporate Carbon Performance Monitoring report 2022-23 (Appendix 1) for publication;

3.2 To support the integration of carbon performance measurement and consideration of climate risks as an essential component of the Council’s Target Operating Model, including:
 i. Procurement policy
ii. The integration of carbon accounting as part of financial management
 iii. Normalisation of carbon monitoring and reporting at a service level
  iv. Carbon literacy as mandatory training for new starters