Strategic Performance Framework - Public Sector Duties Climate Change Report 2021-2022
North Lanarkshire Council · 8 February 2023
Back to Environment and Climate Change Committee — 8 February 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Environment & Climate Change Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref JMCK/LS Date 08/02/23 Strategic Performance Framework - Public Sector Duties Climate Change Report 2021/2022 From James McKinstry, Chief Officer of Assets & Procurement E-mail mcKinstryj@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07939 281102 Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to provide committee with a summary of the content of the Public Sector Report on Compliance with Climate Change Duties submitted on behalf of the council in November 2022 for report year 2021-22. The council is required to complete an annual submission to demonstrate that as a public body it is contributing to the nationally set climate change targets as well as adhering to its other responsibilities in terms of both adaptation and sustainability. In the most recent reporting the council’s carbon-equivalent footprint was reported as 62,769.6 carbon tonnes equivalent (tco2e), an increase of 4% from the previous year’s reporting however an overall reduction of 46.4% from the baseline year. Whilst it is an increase in the organisational footprint, it is not on the scale anticipated for this reporting year associated with the COVID- 19 ventilation measures within council buildings. Recommendations It is recommended that Environment and Climate Change Committee: (1) review the performance overview presented within this report and accompanying appendices, and (2) acknowledge the good progress made to deliver direct and indirect climate actions in order to reduce the overall emissions of North Lanarkshire The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement (25) Ensure intelligent use of data and information to support fully evidence based decision making and future planning
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1. Background 1.1 The ‘Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies; Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015’, introduced a legal obligation for public bodies to report annually detailing their compliance with the duties specified in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and its subsequent amendments. The report is produced annually for the most recently completed financial year with a submission date of the 30th November. 1.2 Each year information and data is collated and verified for submission by individual services. The report template is comprised of a number of sections which are mainly descriptive of the organisation: • Profile; • Governance; • Emissions and Projects; • Adaptation; • Procurement; • Validation; and • A non-mandatory section: Wider Influence. 1.3 Following the introduction of mandatory reporting, the council took the opportunity to reset its baseline and therefore any progress reported is based on the carbon boundary identified for 2015/16. 1.4 ‘The Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2020’ has introduced additional requirements for this year’s reporting: • a target date for achieving zero direct emissions of greenhouse gases, or such other targets that demonstrate how the body is contributing to Scotland achieving its emissions reduction targets; • targets for reducing indirect emissions of greenhouse gases; and • financial planning information and spend. 1.5 The annual reporting is supported by the Sustainable Scotland Network who also undertake the analysis and report their overall findings including strengths and weaknesses in public body reporting. 2. Report 2.1 This report focuses on the performance of the council in reducing its carbon emissions as contained within the Emissions and Projects section of the November 2022 submission. The full submission will be available on Sustainable Scotland Network’s website in March 2023, and a copy is available directly from the Climate Change Lead Officer. Overview of Progress 2.2 The council’s emissions are broken down into three different categories: Scope 1 (direct), and Scope 2 & 3 (indirect), and reflects the majority of its emissions. Direct greenhouse gas emissions are those from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting entity (i.e. the council) whereas indirect are a result of the activities of the reporting entity but occur at sources owned or controlled by another entity. An example of this is the council’s transport emissions. The fleet’s use of petrol and diesel is Scope 1 whereas business mileage (grey fleet) is deemed Scope 3 as they are emissions arising from staff using their own vehicles for council related business.
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2.2.1 As illustrated in Figure 1, emissions associated with lifecycle of materials, NLP Customer Consumption, staff commuting and use of public transport for business travel as well as residential emissions are excluded from the council’s footprint. Figure 1 North Lanarkshire Council’s Carbon Boundary 2.2.2 The Public Sector Leadership on the Global Climate Emergency Guidance published in October 2021 advised that ‘over time public bodies will be expected to report on their scope 3 emissions as fully as possible’. Whilst the council currently meets the reporting expectations in terms of reasonableness, it is not yet possible to accurately capture emission data on: • Purchased goods and services; • Capital goods; • Upstream transportation and distribution; and • Employee commuting. 2.2.3 The approval of the Climate Plan ACT2030 saw the replacement of annual reduction targets with the introduction of carbon budgets set for each year until 2026 for buildings, transport and waste. The purpose of budgeting is to drive thematic emission reductions by designating each an annual allowance. The current reporting year’s budgets made adjustments for measures such as additional ventilation due to COVID-19 as well as other factors and consequently the carbon budget was set at 9% higher than the previous year’s footprint. Reported progress is detailed in Appendix 1.
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Table 1 Carbon Budgets Set (tCO2e) Annual Reduction Targets Buildings Transport Waste Annual Emissions Target Reduction from baseline 2021/22 49,205 5,973 12,133 67,311 42.5% 2022/23 46,745 5,855 12,133 64,733 44.7% 2023/24 44,408 5,737 12,133 62,278 46.8% 2024/25 42,187 5,619 10,355 58,161 50.3% 2025/26 40,078 5,501 10,355 55,934 52.2% 2.2.4 There are a number of factors that impact on the council’s footprint such as:- changes to the conversion factors set within the greenhouse gas protocol; seasonal weather and events (Beast from the East/Storm Emma); operational hours of buildings; demand for services; policy decisions (short term bin amnesty in October 2017). Table 2 Summary of Emissions from the baseline year to the end of the report year (2015/16-2020/21) (tCO2e) Year Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total Reduction/Increase (-/+) in Emissions since baseline year 2015/16* 35,611 41,516 39,948 117,075 2016/17 34,358 36,945 41,038 112,341 -4.04% 2017/18** 36,079 29,858 55,786 121,723 3.97% 2018/19 35,347 21,525 41,029 97,900 -16.38% 2019/20 33,475 20,898 22,740 77,113 -34.13% 2020/21 29,815 15,731 14,815 60,361 -48.44% 2021/22 31,874 15,853 15,043 62,770 -46.4% *Baseline year **’Beast from the East’ and Bin Amnesty 2.2.5 The table above provides a summary of the council’s annual footprint since its baseline year (2015/16) and the progress reported each year thereafter. As reported to the Environment & Transportation committee on 9 February 2022 the council exceeded its reduction targets in 2019 and 2021. 2.2.6 For the current reporting year emissions have increased but not as much as anticipated. This may in part by attributed to the introduction of the Energy Policy in November 2021 where a refined heating regime was introduced. There has been a significant increase in staff mileage resulting in an additional 757,941 miles travelled. Another increase is food waste from commercial premises as they became fully functional at the end of COVID-19 restrictions. These two examples highlight the influence policy and other factors aside consumption have on greenhouse gas emissions. A list of the council’s consumption and resulting emissions is contained in Appendix 2. Climate Action 2.3 This section highlights a sample of the activity and action contained within the Climate Plan Action Plan update (Appendix 3). These actions contribute to reducing North Lanarkshire’s emissions as well as encouraging more sustainable practices within the area. 2.3.1 Dykehead Road, Airdrie – Net Zero Homes Pilot Project: The council’s largest new build development to date is currently under construction at Dykehead Road in Airdrie.
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In total, 150 affordable homes will be delivered, with 19 of these being built as net-zero carbon emission homes. The net-zero homes will feature a range of enhanced sustainability standards including: • The installation of highly energy efficient air source heat pumps which will allow the tenant to heat their home without the use of gas or any other carbon sources. • 4kW solar panel array reduce emissions, assist with running costs for the home, and reduce demand on the national grid. • The installation of battery storage units which will store the electricity generated from the solar panels (this will then become the priority source of electricity for the new home). The batteries are also able to take advantage of variable energy tariffs where available, topping up during cheaper off-peak periods. • Enhanced insulation to minimise heat loss (wall, roof). • Triple glazed windows (exceeding existing Building Standards requirements). • Electric Vehicle Charging Points within communal parking courts and individual point on homes with driveways. The measures are designed to reduce carbon emissions and help towards tackling fuel poverty. All homes within the pilot will achieve an ‘A’ band Energy Performance rating. With building regulation changes on carbon emissions being introduced (2023) and the proposed ban on gas boilers in new build from 2024, this pilot will help to inform how the council adjusts and improves its approach to increasing efficiency standards in the new build programme. Other pilot projects are also being developed within the new build programme, including the potential use of ground source heat pumps at Brandon Street in Motherwell. 2.3.2 Cycle Facilities hub at Bellshill: The cycle facilities include a new pump track, jump line, beginner area, mountain bike skills loops, bike trials areas and colour coded mountain bike trails. The development is supported by two new Learn to ride areas which have been created in other areas of the park and these are linked together through enhanced active travel/recreation routes suitable for walking and cycling. Solar lighting has been used to extend the winter usability of these links along with sports lighting at the pump track which works on a light sensor combined with a push button which means lights are only on when needed. The project has also kick started a program of ‘activation’ training volunteers and funding courses/events which encourage people to cycle more in all sorts of ways. People/bike counters on site will be used to monitor the popularity of the facilities and the potential impact they are having on reducing motorised vehicle use and improving health. 2.3.3 Dumbreck & Garrell River Re-Meandering Project: The project has provided a lifeline for valued populations of fish, birds, amphibians and invertebrates. Local people are engaged and enthusiastic about the revitalisation of their urban edge gem. This project has transformed river and wetland habitats over 70 hectares of the nature reserve and brought opportunities for communities, especially the nearby school, to become connected and inspired by the thriving nature on their doorstep. 2.3.4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) installs in council buildings: The use of BEMS improves the control over the heating, hot water and ventilation systems within buildings. This improved control results in lower energy consumption, cost and carbon emissions. The use of this technology is important as buildings are the largest recorded source of the council’s emissions and with the additional 13 sites being brought online since February 2022, it will enable the council to meet its carbon budget set for the next and future financial years. Below is the anticipated savings for each of these sites albeit this will be measured and verified following a complete year of use:
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Table 3 Projected Energy Savings via the Use of BEMS (per site) Site Name Heating Type Anticipated Annual Saving (kWh) Aitkenhead Primary Gas 56,204 Auchinloch Primary Gas 50,534 Banton Primary Electricity 18,911 Chapelgreen Primary Electricity 19,931 Dykehead Primary Gas 41,651 Langloan Primary Gas 55,419 Ravenswood Primary Gas 58,653 Shawhead Primary Gas 32,950 St Helen's Primary Gas 58,293 St Mary's Primary, Cleland Gas 60,707 St Patrick's Primary, Coatbridge Gas 57,435 St Patrick's Primary, Shotts Gas 89,634 Victoria Primary Gas 81,345 2.3.5 Learning for Sustainability - Festival of Learning: An event for school children and teaching staff is to be held early 2023 focussing on climate change and associated wider activity. The event follows on from the extraordinarily successful virtual ACT2021 Schools Event held in October 2021. 2.3.6 Domestic Energy Efficiency: The council picked up a National Energy Efficiency award after taking top place in the category for Council/Local Authority of the Year. The award recognised the council’s vision in improving the energy efficiency of the council’s housing stock, whilst contributing to a reduction in domestic emissions, together with a focus to tackle fuel poverty and enhance the lives of tenants. The efficiency measures include: roofing and rendering; loft insulation; cavity wall insulation; and external wall insulation. The council is also embracing the use of renewable technologies such as solar panels which are being installed on to council housing stock to help improve home energy efficiency. Next Steps 2.4 There is various activity such as the development of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan that will influence the long term strategy and ongoing commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The finalised LHEES will be brought before Committee by the end of 2023. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Reduction in Emissions per Staff (tCO2e) 3.2 Reduction in Emissions per Capita (tCO2e) 3.3 Reduction in Emissions per km2 (tCO2e)
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4. Supporting documentation Appendix 1 - Organisational targets Appendix 2 - Breakdown of Emissions (2021/22) Appendix 3 - Climate Plan ACT2030 (Action Plan Update) James McKinstry Chief Officer of Assets & Procurement
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5. Impacts ( http://connect/report-template-guidance ) 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts have been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts have been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts have been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact?
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Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The report shows the impact on emissions after BaU and project delivery for the financial year 2021/22. The output of this may be used to refine further project delivery and council policies, plans and/or strategies. This year’s building’s emissions to date will benefit from the mild conditions experienced since April 2022. However note that this is likely to be offset with particular cold periods prior to the start of the Spring season. Note that owners of individual actions and projects reported on within the body or appendices of the report are responsible for consideration of its carbon impact (direct or indirect) 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? A corporate risk register is maintained for Climate Change based on the delivery of net-zero and compliance with the public sector duties. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services.
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Appendix 1 - Organisational targets1 Name of target Type of target Target Units Boundary/scope of target Year used as baseline Baseline figure Units of baseline Target completion year Progress against target Comments Climate Emergency Target Net Zero (as amended May 2020) - All emissions Percentage 100 total % reduction All emissions 2015/16 117,075 tCO2e 2030/31 62,770 All emissions as defined by current organisational carbon boundary. Target is set for 2030. Annual Emissions Reduction Target (from baseline) Annual 42.5 annual % reduction All emissions 2015/16 117,075 tCO2e 2021/22 62,770 All emissions as defined by current organisational carbon boundary and different reduction target applied each subsequent year to 2025/26. Annual Emissions Reduction Target: Buildings Annual 34 annual % reduction Energy use in buildings 2015/16 74,509 tCO2e 2021/22 44,369 All building emissions inclusive of water supply and treatment, street lighting and home/hybrid working. Target reflects carbon budget set for buildings for 2021/22 (49,205 tco2e). Carbon budgets differ each year and have been set to 2025/26. 1 Section 3d Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance Report
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Name of target Type of target Target Units Boundary/scope of target Year used as baseline Baseline figure Units of baseline Target completion year Progress against target Comments Annual Emissions Reduction Target: Transport Annual 12.2 annual % reduction Transport 2015/16 6,806 tCO2e 2021/22 6,265 All transport emissions inclusive of grey fleet and plant machinery. Target reflects carbon budget set for transport for 2021/22 (5,973 tco2e). Carbon budgets differ each year and have been set to 2025/26 Annual Emissions Reduction Target: Waste Annual 66.1 annual % reduction Waste 2015/16 35,760 tCO2e 2021/22 12,135 All waste emissions based information held by organisation. Target reflects carbon budget set for waste for 2021/22 (12,133 tco2e). Carbon budgets for waste stagnant until nearer 2025/26. This is due to the significant reduction in waste to landfill due to original 2020 national target. Much has therefore already been to achieve emission reductions and therefore potential reduce any further is limited.
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Appendix 2 – Breakdown of emissions (2021/22)2 Emission source Scope Consumption Data Units Emission factor Units Emissions (tCO2e) Trend Car - diesel Scope 3 1,214,153 miles 0.27106 kgCO2e/mile 329.1 Car-petrol Scope 3 1,810,172 miles 0.28053 kgCO2e/mile 507.8 Average Car – Unknown Fuel Scope 3 83,024 km 0.17148 kgCO2e/km 14.2 Diesel (average biofuel blend) Scope 1 1,799,567 litres 2.51233 kgCO2e/litre 4,521.1 Petrol(average biofuel blend) Scope 1 109,496 litres 2.19352 kgCO2e/litre 240.2 Gas Oil Scope 1 236,681 litres 2.75857 kgCO2e/litre 652.9 Grid Electricity (generation and transmission & distribution losses) Scope 2 & 74,663,608 kWh 0.21233 0.01879 kgCO2e/kWh 17256.2 Scope 3 Natural Gas Scope 1 143,943,617 kWh 0.18316 kgCO2e/kWh 26,364.7 Water - Supply Scope 3 532,749 m3 0.11000 kgCO2e/m3 58.6 Water - Treatment Scope 3 503,463 m3 0.23000 kgCO2e/m3 115.8 Refuse Municipal to Landfill Scope 3 15,984 tonnes 446.24150 kgCO2e/tonne 7,132.7 Refuse Commercial & Industrial to Landfill Scope 3 4,908 tonnes 467.04580 kgCO2e/tonne 2,292.3 Organic Food & Drink Composting Scope 3 451 tonnes 8.95070 kgCO2e/tonne 4.0 Organic Garden Waste Composting Scope 3 1,004 tonnes 8.95070 kgCO2e/tonne 9.0 Organic Food & Garden Waste Composting Scope 3 23,848 tonnes 8.95070 kgCO2e/tonne 213.5 Paper & Board (Mixed) Recycling Scope 3 21,520 tonnes 21.29357 kgCO2e/tonne 458.2 WEEE (Mixed) Recycling Scope 3 1,923 tonnes 21.29357 kgCO2e/tonne 40.9 2 Section 3b Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance Report
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Emission source Scope Consumption Data Units Emission factor Units Emissions (tCO2e) Trend Glass Recycling Scope 3 7,650 tonnes 21.29357 kgCO2e/tonne 162.9 Metal Cans (Mixed) & Metal Scrap Recycling Scope 3 6,643 tonnes 21.29357 kgCO2e/tonne 141.5 Refuse Municipal / Commercial / Industrial to Combustion Scope 3 59,306 tonnes 21.29357 kgCO2e/tonne 1,262.8 Mixed recycling Scope 3 19,602 tonnes 21.29357 kgCO2e/tonne 417.4 Biomass (Wood Chips) Scope 1 3,031,144 kWh 0.01513 kgCO2e/kWh 45.9 Landfill gas Scope 1 323,900 kWh 0.00020 kgCO2e/kWh 0.1 - Burning Oil (Kerosene)litres Scope 1 19,279 litres 2.54014 kgCO2e/litre 49.0 Homeworking emissions Scope 3 12.00% % of total FTEs home- based 0.30000 tCO2e/FTE/annum 478.8 62,769.6
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Appendix 3 – Climate Plan ACT2030 (Action Plan Update) Ref Action Start End Update APS5 BEMS installs in council buildings (schools, offices buildings, and community used buildings): Installation of heating controls in 11 NLC schools and remote access to provide improved centralised control of heating systems. 2021 2022 Scope increased to 13 schools. Installs now complete and all sites commissioned and have remote access set up. Evaluation of savings will be undertaken for 1st year of operation. Auchinloch PS was the first school upgraded in February 2022. APS11 NLC’s response to the climate and biodiversity emergency: Continue to lead the development of the council’s overall climate strategy and ambition. 2016 2030 (Dec.) The Climate Plan ACT 2030 was approved at Environment and Transportation Committee in February 2022. Within it a set of thematic carbon budgets were set to drive down emissions within the organisation. Since then the governance of Climate Change has transitioned to a Board which underpins the level of ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. APS13 Continue to participate in NLP ACT Now: The community planning partnership ‘North Lanarkshire Partnership’ ACT Now group is a forum for public bodies, universities and New College Lanarkshire, third sector and other interested parties to share information and update on progress of their own activities. 2021 -3 The council is an active member of the NLP ACT Now Co-ordinating Group and contributes to its action planning and performance monitoring. Going forward it is hoped the group will foster improved climate action collaboration. BD1 Home working support / Hub working support: Working jointly with Asset & Procurement to support home working and the use of hubs in line with the approved Leadership/Operating Model, BaD can significantly reduce council emissions from its own building stock. 2021 (Dec.) - Business and Digital (BaD) continue to support the development and roll out of hubs with provision of technical support and IT support. In addition, the on-going staff awareness campaign reminds staff of the need for information and cyber security in shared workspaces. BaD continue to support home working and hybrid working through both technological support and solutions as well as its cyber / information awareness campaign. 3 Reflects an ongoing or continued action
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Ref Action Start End Update BD2 Support the digital delivery of services: By supporting the digital delivery of services office space and customer travel can be reduced lowering building and transport emissions. 2019 2023 (Mar.) The continued move to digital service delivery which is lead and supported by BaD continues to reduce the need for face to face customer interactions by giving the customer 24/7 digital access to services – this frees up office space, reduces the need for staff to travel to an office and reduces the need to travel by customers. In addition, the move to digital service provision reduces the need for physical storage space for offices. The overall council property footprint and reduction is both staff and customer travelling results in lower carbon emissions. BD3 BaD leading on specific corporate carbon / climate initiatives: Update of Strategic Policy Review & Update to corporate Project Management Model Strategic Policy Review and Corporate Project Management Model will seek to reduce council’s carbon footprint and ensure it is prepared for impacts of climate change. - 2022 (Mar.) The Strategic Policy Framework was updated and reported to committee in March 2022 https://mars.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/egenda/images/att97995.pdf - this incorporates the requirement to consider the carbon impact in the development of new (or updated) strategies/policies/plans. The annual review is currently underway again with a view to reporting the next updated Strategic Policy Framework to Policy and Strategy Committee in March 2023. The Project Management Model (2018) has been reviewed and updated - it is now called the Project Management Framework (2022). It incorporates a formal requirement to consider the carbon impact. The updated framework will be uploaded to the following Connect page in the by mid-December 2022 http://connect/project-management-framework. BD4 Support for specific projects that enable carbon reductions to be made: National Entitlement Card - Free Bus Travel for under 22s: Enabling roll-out of card will allow more travel to take place using public transport and reduce emissions from private vehicle use. - 2022 (Jan.) 51,274 valid cards in North Lanarkshire. As of 21/11/22 1,205,834 journeys undertaken by cardholders whose card was issued by North Lanarkshire Council or via an online route on behalf of the council – this represents 3.5% of all journeys made through the scheme nationally. BD5 Develop protocol to re-use, refurbish and recycle /recycled content of IT equipment: Re-using IT equipment and refurbishing IT equipment will reduce purchases of new equipment (thereby reducing the use of resources and energy in the manufacture and supply of equipment) - - Equipment re-cycling / re-use is undertaken with the council’s outside supplier Re-Tek to enable equipment re-use to be maximised.
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Ref Action Start End Update and reduce equipment that is scrapped (reduce waste). Minimum standards for the equipment to be re-used within council. BD6 Energy efficient software: Undertake review of balance between security needs and energy efficiency software options to define and agree acceptable trade-offs and potential solutions ensuring the risks to business continuity and security are fully identified and agreed. 2022 (Jan.) 2022 (Mar.) BaD currently assessing the utility and suitability of Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability environmental reporting tool and whether it will add to what is / can be provided in terms of environmental reporting already available to the council – security aspects of this tool will be part of considerations. In addition, further measures to reduce energy consumption associated with IT will be looked at on an on-going basis from software / hardware choices to individual user behaviour. The continued “cloud first” approach results in reduced emissions as more and more council business is moved to the cloud. BD7 Staff Training: Roll out of council training and delivery of tailored training to BS staff will assist in reducing energy consumption, emissions, raw material consumption and waste. 2022 (Jan.) - On-going staff awareness raising via BaD Yammer page including how to save energy / emissions will be complemented / augmented by corporate training when this is made available. BD9 Staff Awareness Raising: Raise awareness and give staff skills & knowledge to work and live more sustainably: Energy use in home Energy Use in office Reduced emissions associated with travel (work & non-work). 2022 (Jan.) - On-going staff awareness raising via BaD Yammer page including how to save energy / emissions is complimented by giving background / context to climate change as it is being observed (temperature records being broken, etc). BD15 IT equipment & Infrastructure: Ensure that current and new IT equipment and infrastructure is resilient to climate change – this will include ability to work in higher temperature environments. Ensure that key equipment such as servers, data servers and networks used by the council are resilient to climate change impacts. 2021 (Dec.) 2022 (Dec.) The resilience of IT equipment and infrastructure has been highlighted as part of a presentation to BaD managers.
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Ref Action Start End Update BD16 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Update Business Continuity Plan and Disaster Recovery Plan to include climate change impacts including heatwaves, flooding and increased frequency and severity of storms. Ensure that current BCP and DR actions will still be achievable in the event of aforementioned events. 2022 (Jan.) 2022 (Mar.) The impacts of climate change on IT infrastructure and services has been highlighted in a presentation to BaD managers. BCP / DR plans reviewed on a regular basis and impacts of climate change will be identified where appropriate. BS17 Supply chain Ensure that supply chain is resilient to climate change – work with suppliers to assess their climate change resilience to ensure continuity of supply / service 2022 (Jan.) 2022 (Dec.) BaD complies with corporate procurement policies and procedures and will incorporate any changes to these that address climate change / climate change resilience. The susceptibility of cloud provision, etc to climate change events has been highlighted as part of a presentation to BaD managers. EA1 Green Growth Accelerator SG funded development of a full business case for the Green Park Green power project installing a WSHP and solar array at SCP to generate green energy to offset our current usage and creating a third floor to the WSC to accommodate education use without portacabins. 2021 (Oct.) 2022 (Apr.) A cross Departmental team has worked together to develop a business case which is currently under consideration by the Scottish Government for the first tranche of Green Growth accelerator funding. The project aims to create a net zero landscape at Strathclyde Country Park focussed initially on redeveloping the old 1970’s Watersports Centre into a new net zero health hub in the park facilitating enhanced and increased outdoor education along with other services. EA2 Cycle Facilities hub at Bellshill: Creating a new set of cycle facilities which have the potential to create a modal shift. 2021 (Jun.) 2022 (Sep.) The Cycle Hub at Bellshill Gateway has been developed and forms the unique selling point for improving access into the park for communities in the north of the area. EA3 Wildflower Planting Areas identified within Country Parks where current short mown amenity grass could be converted to wildflower meadow. 2021 (Nov.) 2025 (Nov.) Trial wildflower planting has been initiated in three different park areas and along one road. Works will continue into 2023/24 with a wider landscape scale change being planned with Grounds Maintenance. EA5 Dumbreck & Garrell River Re-Meandering Project joint funded by NLC & SEPA 2020 2022 The Garrell burn has been renaturalised through Dumbreck Marsh, Kilsyth, by an ambitious restoration scheme transforming the river and wetland habitats. This project was highly commended in the 2022 RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards
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Ref Action Start End Update Project to provide significant biodiversity improvement to the Dumbreck & Garrell in Kilsyth. EA6 Active Travel Routes Developing and implementing Active Travel routes in line with the Councils Active Travel Strategy approved in August 2021 – Multiple Projects. 2021 (Aug.) - Since the ATS was approved in August 2021, five active travel projects, including projects with substantial active travel elements, have been completed: • Logans Road • The Loaning Stages 1-3 • Strathclyde Country Park, Lochside • Minch Way • A71 Horsley Brae By the end of financial year 2022/23, the following active travel projects will have been completed: • Alexander Street (currently out for tender) • Newhouse to Salsburgh (currently substantially complete) • South Biggar Rd/ Craigneuk Ave: (currently substantially complete) • The Loaning Stage 4: design • Glasgow Road: design • Petersburn Road/ Brownsburn Rd: design • Meadowhead Road: design (currently public consultation complete) EA7 Clyde Climate Forest NLC planting a tree for every child in P7, creating 4 new forests across NLC, contributing to the Clyde Climate Forest. 2021 (Oct.) 2022 (May) As part of the Climate Emergency Woodlands project, 4 new woodlands will be created throughout the local authority. Approximately 14,000 native broadleaved trees will be planted. Species will include Downy Birch, Sessile Oak, Common Alder, Rowan, Gean, Hazel and Hawthorn. Two woodlands sites have been completed, one in Strathclyde Country Park, where school children undertook tree planting, with the other completed site being Low Wood, Cumbernauld. Works are currently underway at the other two sites; Calderbank and Palacerigg Country Park. This is due to be completed in January 2023. These sites will be registered under the Woodland Carbon Code and secure carbon credits. This project will contribute to the planting targets identified with the Clyde Climate Forest. HPP1 Within the council’s housing stock continue to increase the number of homes that meet EESSH2 2020 2032 The council has commissioned Collective Architects to work with us to develop the EESSH 2 route map. The report is due at the end of March and the route map will be further developed with stakeholders to ensure compliance by 2032.
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Ref Action Start End Update To meet the EESSH set for social housing by improving the energy efficiency of domestic buildings. This will be achieved by a fabric first approach and supported by high efficiency heating systems and enhanced where possible with the use of renewable technology. As part of our capital programmes, we now fit external wall insulation rather than standard render and over 300 Air source heat pumps have been installed in our off gas grid area. In addition PVs are now included in our re-roofing contract and there is a standalone contract that fit PV panels to existing roofs. 253 PV panels were installed in 2021/22. HS2 Renewable Energy Installations Integrate approach to procuring and maintaining renewable energy installations. - 2023 Over 300 Air source heat pumps have been installed in our off gas grid area. PVs are now included in our re-roofing contract and there is a standalone contract that retrofit PV panels to existing roofs. 253 PV panels were installed in 2021/22. HS3 Low and net zero heating transition costs Develop understanding of whole life costs and issues associated with the transition to low and zero carbon heat on the council and its tenants. - 2024 The net zero pilot project of 19 homes in Dykehead Road, Airdrie is under construction. An evaluation report will be produced during 2023/24 which will evaluate the impact of Alternative Heating pilots. (Linked to HS10). HS5 GCR Retrofit Programme Route Map We will work with our GCR partners to carry out a feasibility study to outline a clear route map to successfully deliver the large scale retrofit programme. - 2024 Glasgow City Council commissioned a report from Grant Thornton in 2021. Following on from the report GCC have arranged follow up meetings with the GCR authorities to discuss funding and challenges, the last meeting focused on skill shortages for energy efficiency works. HS6 Integrated skills employment programme To address the skills and meet the demands of the city Region new homes and green energy retrofit programmes we will develop an integrate skills employment programme for housing build and repair programmes in the GCR. - 2024 Since June 2021 to November 2022, the net zero pilot project at Dykehead Road employed 2 local new start Apprentices. In addition, 3 work experience placements, 2 of which live in North Lanarkshire. There has also been 1 x Caledonian University Quantity Surveying Placement and 1 x Duke of Edinburgh placement. Three Careers events and curriculum support for local schools were held in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce. HS7 EESSH2 route map Develop route map for EESSH2 compliance. - 2023 The council has commissioned Collective Architects to work with us to develop the EESSH 2 route map. The report is due at the end of March and the route map will be further developed with stakeholders to ensure compliance by 2032.
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Ref Action Start End Update HS9 EES:ABS Manage Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) in North Lanarkshire. - We have worked with the Scottish Government to carry out External Wall Insulation works to projects within Kilsyth, Wishaw, Bellshill and Coatbridge. HS10 Low carbon heating impact Evaluate the impact of low carbon heating on tenants’ energy use and costs to ensure just transition. 2025 The net zero pilot project of 19 homes in Dykehead Road, Airdrie is under construction. This pilot project features a number of low carbon technologies including air-source heat pumps, battery storage, triple glazed windows and doors, enhanced solar PV arrays and enhanced insulation. The measures are designed to reduce energy costs for tenants, help keep carbon-emissions low and help tackle fuel poverty. An evaluation report will be produced during 2024/25 which will evaluate energy use, effectiveness and tenant satisfaction (Linked to HS3). HS11 Energy efficiency and fuel poverty advice Improve energy efficiency and fuel poverty advice; improve our understanding of the extent, nature and location of fuel poverty to enable better identification of fuel poor households and target resources effectively. - All Housing Advisors in Housing Solutions will undertake training on Heating Systems, Decarbonisation and Energy Savings, which will be provided by Energy Saving Trust. The first training session is on 14/12/22. Liaising with HES and Fuel Poverty Sub-group in relation to improving our understanding of the extent, nature and location of fuel poverty. PR1 New Build – Energy Efficiency Performance To increase the average Energy Performance Certificate rating for all NLC new build homes, in terms of energy efficiency and environmental ratings. Baseline as at 2019/20 was Energy Efficiency (B, 85) and CO2 (B, 88). 2021 2030 As at December 2022, the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for all NLC new build homes was Energy Efficiency (B, 86) and CO2 (B, 89). This positive trend is influenced by increased PV provision on new build homes in recent years. PR2 New Build – EV Charging Availability To increase the number of EV charging points available for use within council new build developments. (This includes EV points to individual homes and EV pillars within parking courts. Baseline at 2020/21 was 4 charging points). 2021 2030 As at December 2022, a total of 24 EV charging points have been installed within council new build developments. This comprises a mix of communal charging pillars (16 points) in parking courts and individual points on homes with driveways (8 points). In addition, there are currently 7 new build sites under construction that will feature EV charging provision.
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Ref Action Start End Update PR3 New Build – Nature Based Solutions Increase provision of biodiversity within the council’s new build programme. Desire to create more green corridors and wildlife friendly communities, where appropriate. 2021 2030 Liaising with Planning to understand greenspace requirements on a site-by-site basis. Largely determined by planning policy expectations. Efforts being made to ensure provision of green landscaping within all new build sites, as part of the initial design development process. PR4 New Build – Reduced Carbon Emissions on Construction Sites Move towards use of carbon neutral tools and vehicles on construction sites. Electric tools and vehicle use would be encouraged for all contractors working on NLC new build sites. 2021 2030 New Supply are currently developing approach to encourage contractors to consider carbon neutral approach on new build developments, as part of the wider procurement strategy. PR5 Delivery of Business Events Initial ACT2021 Business Event directed at local business to raise awareness of the need to move towards net zero business practices. Feedback from businesses will inform the content of future events, developed to provide practical advice and support. 2021 2030 Initial Event delivered on 22/09/2021. Dialogue is ongoing with local companies to understand their requirements on their Net Zero journey and direct them to ongoing events in Scotland that address many of these key issues. PR6 Partnership working with Zero Waste Scotland and Energy Saving Trust. Optimise resources available for SMEs from Zero Waste Scotland and Energy Saving Trust in the form of information, expert help and practical assessments of business. 2021 2030 Ongoing. The network of organisations providing information on sustainability, decarbonisation and working towards Net Zero is increasing. Effort is being made to understand this changing landscape. Local companies looking to better understand how to decarbonise their business are referred to these organisations. PR7 Low Carbon Support for SMEs Business Gateway Low Carbon Expert Help. Support of 1-3 days delivered by an expert on efficiencies, energy control, low energy, sustainability, production processes, waste management, 2021 2023 Low Carbon Expert help has been delivered to 3 North Lanarkshire Companies via Business Gateway.
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Ref Action Start End Update reviewing and planning and Net Zero Carbon targets. PR8 Grant Funding for Net Zero Projects Business Recovery and Growth Fund has the key areas : encouraging the adoption and integration of green technologies and low carbon products, processes or services and supporting the transition to a zero-carbon economic model and facilitate sustainable change. 2021 - Business Recovery and Growth Fund – companies are being encouraged to look at integrating sustainable practices into their business models for this fund. Additional grant funding has been approved November 2022 to issue Energy Audit Vouchers which although aimed at addressing the current energy crisis, will enable companies to gain a baseline of their energy use, and suggested recommendations for action to reduce energy consumption and in turn decarbonise their business. Should they identify the need to make infrastructure changes or install energy saving equipment or interventions then this could be part supported with the Business Recovery and Growth Fund. RSWS1 Remote Building Standards Verification for site inspections Introduction of remote verification technology to reduce the number and frequency of site visits. Live video links, for example, providing the opportunity to complete necessary site verification whilst supporting a home working approach to service delivery. - 2022 (Mar.) Awaiting procurement of relevant devices. RSWS2 Move from paper-based warrant approvals process to paperless option Fully developing and implementing a digitised approach to the approval of building warrant plans. The action will offer customer a seamless end to end digitised building warrant customer experience. - 2022 (Mar.) Implemented RSWS4 Electrification of fleet Phased replacement of fleet vehicles to electric. 2021 2027 The move towards the decarbonisation of the LGV fleet is in line with expectation and there is a plan in place for the HGV fleet, the key challenge for the Council is accelerating the overall decarbonisation. The limiting factors at present are funding, technology, and fuel availability. The Council has a vehicle replacement programme in place for all light commercial vehicles which will see us move in a graduated approach to an entire electric/ low emission fleet by 2027/28.
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Ref Action Start End Update The move towards replacement of the heavy goods vehicles (HGV) in the Council fleet will be somewhat slower. Funding is a key challenge as the cost difference between an electric/ hydrogen HGV vehicle when compared to diesel alternative is significant, up to 300% more expensive. Although electric LGV vehicles are now commonplace and increasing in both range and availability, this is not replicated within the HGV sector. There needs to be an increasing demand for low emission vehicles which will drive the technology and which in turn will reduce the purchase price. The third challenge is fuel availability, there is a lack of low emission infrastructure available throughout the country which would encourage both public bodies and the private sector to move towards alternative low emission vehicles, particularly within the HGV sector. To address this challenge NLC has entered discussions with Scottish Power Energy Retails Limited (SPERL) to consider the possibility of delivering the largest EcoPark facility in the United Kingdom within the Council’s Bellshill complex. The intention of this EcoPark is to deliver over 40 electrical charging points and a permanent hydrogen fuelling station. This will also be augmented by the electrification of the adjacent new waste and fleet depot providing further electrical charging infrastructure.