FINAL Public Bodies Climate Change Duties 2023-24
Renfrewshire Council · 5 November 2024
Back to Planning and Climate Change Policy Board — 5 November 2024 and its agenda
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Planning and Climate Change Policy Board On: 5 November 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Reporting 2023-24 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 committed Scotland to become net zero by 2045, with the Public Bodies Climate Change Reporting Duties placing a legal requirement on public bodies to set target dates for zero direct emissions and indirect emission reductions; report on how spending and resource will contribute to these targets; and report on the body’s contribution to Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme. 1.2 To comply with the requirements of the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015 as amended by the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2020, Renfrewshire Council is required to prepare an Annual Report detailing progress in mitigation and adaptation to climate change. 1.3 Reporting year 2023-24 outlines total emissions for Renfrewshire Council were 18,889.29tCO2e – a decrease of 646.25tCO2e from 2022-23 (a 3.3% reduction). There was a reduction in both Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions from the previous year, but an increase in Scope 2 emissions, with details outlined in Section 4. The total emissions for 2023-24 was made up of 11,167.69tCO2e of Scope 1 emissions; 5,338.84tCO2e of Scope 2 emissions; and 2,382.76tCO2e of Scope 3 emissions. 1.4 Overall, Renfrewshire Council’s total annual emissions have reduced by 34,640tCO2e since the baseline year of 2012-13 – a reduction of 64.6%. 1.5 The Council’s climate change report for 2023-24 is due to be submitted to the Scottish Government by 30 November 2024. This is a statutory requirement for all public bodies. 1.6 Renfrewshire Council’s Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report for 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 is attached as Appendix 1 for approval by Board members, outlining details on the Council’s emissions; activities, plans and strategies
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undertaken in 2023-24 in relation to climate change and adaptation; and priorities for the year ahead in relation to climate action. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board: • approves the content of Renfrewshire Council’s Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report for 2023-24 as appended to this report, and • notes this will be submitted to Scottish Government by 30 November 2024 deadline. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 committed Scotland to net zero by 2045, with the Public Bodies Climate Change Reporting Duties placing a legal requirement on public bodies to set target dates for zero direct emissions and indirect emission reductions; report on how spending and resource will contribute to these targets; and report on the body’s contribution to Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme. 3.2 All 32 local authorities in Scotland are signed up to Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration, acknowledging the importance of climate change and the key role Scottish local authorities play in helping to tackle the challenges of climate change. Signatories are committed to: • providing leadership on climate change, • reducing the local authorities’ own greenhouse gas emissions from their estate, services and operations and taking action to reduce emissions from the local authority area as a whole, • assessing the risks of climate change and working with others to take the steps to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of a changing climate, and • developing effective partnerships with communities and stakeholders to respond to climate change. 3.3 To comply with the requirements of the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015 as amended, Renfrewshire Council is required to prepare an Annual Report detailing progress in helping to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Detailed information about the Council’s emissions is submitted annually to the Scottish Government through the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report. 3.4 The Scottish Government developed the reporting framework to assist in providing accurate and consistent performance information across all public organisations. It provides an important mechanism for the public sector to lead by example in addressing climate change, but also a mechanism to inform the future direction and development of policy, legislation, funding and support services. 3.5 The Council’s climate change report for 2023-24 is due to be submitted by 30 November 2024 and is a statutory requirement of all public bodies. The Report is intended to assist with monitoring Public Bodies Duties compliance and encourage continuous improvement.
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3.6 Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero Plan aligns with the updated statutory public bodies reporting requirements. The Plan outlines the strategic direction in Renfrewshire and highlights the importance of working together across the Council and beyond to ensure projects, programmes and approaches complement each other; optimise expertise and experience; and maximise resources while closely aligning with our Council and Community Plans, and national and local policies and strategies. 3.7 Targets within Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero which are relevant to Public Bodies Climate Change Duties are outlined in the report in line with reporting requirements. 4. Renfrewshire Council’s Annual Report 2023-24: Key Highlights Corporate Emissions, Targets and Project Data 4.1 In the reporting year running from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 the total emissions for Renfrewshire Council for 2022-23 were 18,889.29tCO2e – a decrease of 646.25tCO2e (a 3.3% reduction) compared with 2022-23. The total emissions for 2023-24 was made up of 11,167.69tCO2e of scope 1 emissions; 5,338.84tCO2e of scope 2 emissions; and 2,382.76tCO2e of scope 3 emissions. 4.2 Overall, Renfrewshire Council’s total annual emissions have reduced by 34,640tCO2e – a reduction of 64.6% - when comparing the baseline year of 2012-13 with 2023-24. 4.3 Scope 1 emissions are from sources owned or controlled by the Council (e.g. natural gas use; petrol and diesel in Council fleet); Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity (including electricity for buildings, streetlights, CCTV and electric vehicle fleet); and Scope 3 emissions are those emissions that the Council is indirectly responsible for as a consequence of our activities, but sources are not owned or controlled by the organisation (e.g. business travel, electricity transmission and distribution losses and household and waste collection and disposal). 4.4 The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on Council operations; service delivery; and ways of working across the Council, as well as impacting the behaviour of households and businesses during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in particular. This disruptive impact has made it difficult to compare values across years in some cases. 2022-23 saw reduced disruption from the impacts of the pandemic in relation to service delivery, although there were still some impacts across some areas of working, including emissions for home working (which were not included pre-pandemic). 4.5 2023-24 has now seen service delivery and working patterns largely stabilise, although some changes introduced as a result of the pandemic, such as hybrid working, remain. 4.6 The annual reporting looks at the Council’s consumption across key reporting areas, taking into account changes in emission factors for these reporting areas. Emissions factors are updated on an annual basis at a national level, quantifying the environmental impact of different activities, and are key in calculating the Council’s annual carbon footprint.
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4.7 Of the 27 sources of emissions featured in the report for 2023-24, Renfrewshire Council saw a decrease in emissions in 12 sources. As with all data, context is important in the case of both the increases and the decreases in the emissions sources. Scope 1 Emissions: 4.8 There was a 5.3% decrease in natural gas consumption in 2023-24 compared with 2022-23. This led to a reduction in emissions despite an increased emission factor for this reporting area. Gas use continues to be monitored at building level to identify potential areas to improve efficiency and enable reductions. 4.9 2023-24 saw a 5.4% decrease in litres of diesel consumed as an organisation compared with 2022-23 alongside a decrease in emission factor for diesel, leading to a decrease of 227.36tCO2e emissions in this reporting area. 4.10 However, there was a significant increase in litres of petrol consumed as an organisation in 2023-24 (37,718litres in 2022-23 increasing to 54,897litres in 2023- 24, a 45.5% increase). A number of factors should be taken into account in relation to this reporting area: - with site visits returning to levels more like they were pre-pandemic, a rise in petrol consumption in comparison to the previous years is not entirely unexpected. For context, it should be noted that the 54,897litres consumed in 2023-24 is 38.6% lower than petrol consumption in 2019-20 (the last year of reporting before the pandemic). - however, there was also an increase in business miles in 2023-24 compared with the previous year (activities being carried out using private vehicles, the majority of which are likely to be fossil-fuelled). - the petrol consumption being significantly lower than pre-pandemic may be in part due to increasing mileage being carried out by electric vehicles, in line with increased numbers of electric vehicles in the pool fleet. However, it should be noted that in 2023-24 there was a 55% decrease in pool vehicle miles being carried out by electric fleet compared with the previous year (212,809 miles by electric vehicle in 2023-24 compared with 470,874 miles by electric vehicle pool fleet in 2022-23). This area of increase will be closely monitored to identify the factors influencing this and potential interventions required to enable reductions. This will also be addressed through a Council wide relaunch of the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy to reduce business mileage and promote the use of Public Transport or pool cars. 4.10 LPG saw an increase in 2023-24 compared with 2022-23. However, this is from a very low base (626 litres used in 2022-23 increasing to 1,054 litres in 2023-24). The increased emissions in 2023-24 as a result of LPG was 0.67tCO2e in the context of a total reduction of 646.25tCO2e across all Council emissions. 4.11 Gas oil consumption in 2023-24 was around 2% of the previous year’s use and saw a reduction in emissions of 81.98tCO2e in 2023-24. 4.12 The decrease in natural gas emissions of 436.59tCO2e; diesel emissions of 227.36tCO2e; and gas oil emissions of 81.98tCO2e alongside increases in LPG emissions (0.67tCO2e) and petrol consumption (33.6tCO2e) meant an overall decrease in Scope 1 emissions of 711.66tCO2e in 2023-24 compared with 2022- 23 (a 6% decrease).
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Scope 2 Emissions 4.13 Although the Council’s electricity consumption decreased by 2.48% (from 26,438,941kWh in 2022-23 to 25,782,258kWh in 2023-24), Scope 2 emissions increased by 226.08tCO2e (4.4%) in 2023-24 compared with 2022-23 due to an increased emission factor for this reporting area. 4.14 The UK’s electricity emission factor increased in 2023 due to a combination of factors – there was a decrease in renewable energy generation compared to the previous year, largely due to calm weather resulting in a reduction in energy generated by onshore and offshore wind farms. This resulted in an increase in the use of natural gas in electricity generation and therefore an increase in the emission factor associated with the UK grid. Scope 3 Emissions 4.15 In 2023-24, Scope 3 emissions fell by 160.67tCO2e in comparison with 2022-23 (a 6.3% decrease) for the Scope 3 reporting areas that the Council currently report on – grid electricity transmission and distribution losses; water supply and treatment; waste and recycling collection and disposal; business miles; and homeworking. 4.16 The was a significant decrease for Scope 3 was in waste and recycling – a reduction of 170.32tCO2e compared with 2022-23 (an 11.9% reduction). This was largely due to a significant decrease in waste going to landfill, with the latest figures showing just 0.69% of waste in Renfrewshire going to landfill. There was, however, an increase in total tonnes of waste and recycling generated in Renfrewshire (57,191tonnes in 2023-24 up from 51,116tonnes in 2022-23 – an increase of 11.88%). 4.17 There was, however, an increase in business miles (328,667 miles in 2022-23 up to 381,450 miles in 2023-24, an increase of 16% and 12.02tCO2e). This is alongside increased petrol consumption from fossil-fuelled pool car use. 4.18 As set out in 4.13, the Council’s electricity consumption decreased in 2023-24 but there was an increase in emission factor for transmission and distribution losses, which are reported under Scope 3. Overall, this still led to a decrease in emissions of 5.81tCO2e for this reporting area. 4.19 There was also an increase in Scope 3 emissions for water supply and treatment – both saw an increase in m3 in 2023-24 compared with 2022-23 of 24.4%. The main cause of this increase was a number of bursts and leaks. As with all areas of increase, this will be monitored to identify high water use and potential leaks through monitoring and targeted action alongside implementing water saving interventions, including urinal controls being installed, with further installations in 2024-25. Scope 3 Emissions Reporting: Ongoing Work and Progress Update 4.20 The Greenhouse Gas Protocol outlines 15 distinct categories1 of Scope 3 emissions. Renfrewshire Council (and the wider public bodies across Scotland) currently report some categories of Scope 3 emissions, such as grid electricity transmission and distribution losses; water supply and treatment; waste and recycling collection and disposal; business miles; and homeworking. However, there are some categories of Scope 3 emissions which are not currently included in mandatory Public Bodies 1 Purchased Goods and Services; Capital Goods; Fuel and Energy-Related Activities (not included in scope 1 or scope 2); Upstream Transportation and Distribution; Waste Generated in Operations; Business Travel; Employee Commuting; Upstream Leased Assets; Downstream Transportation and Distribution; Processing of Sold Products; Use of Sold Products; End-of-life Treatment of Sold Products; Downstream Leased Assets; Franchises; and Investments.
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Climate Duties reporting – some of the categories are not relevant for public bodies, while others there are huge complexities of methodology and accounting. 4.21 An Environmental Standards Scotland investigation which was set up to look into the effectiveness of systems in place to support local authorities in the delivery of national climate targets. One of the recommendations was to mandate reporting of Scope 3 emissions for local authorities, with the Scottish Government to submit an Improvement Plan based on the ESS recommendations by September 2024. 4.22 Mandating Scope 3 emission reporting for local authorities requires consultation under the 2009 Act and an Amendment Order to enact the change. Indications are that the mandatory reporting of Scope 3 is likely to be from 2026-27 reporting year. 4.23 It was acknowledged that local authorities are best placed to report how this will affect them. Workshops were held with representation from Scottish Government and Scottish Local Authorities, including representation from Renfrewshire Council, to set out a practical approach with a balance between mandating reporting, what is technically feasible and the value of data obtained and whether this adds value to the work undertaken to take action to reduce emissions. 4.24 The Improvement Plan takes a pragmatic, phased approach to mandating reporting of Scope 3 emissions. Based on the collaborative approach with Scottish local authorities, Scope 3 emissions were categorised into 3 groups based on practicality and feasibility of reporting; the need for collaboration and further work to develop data collection methodologies; and the likelihood of specific categories of Scope 3 emissions not being applicable to local authorities at this time. This was to ensure a focus on mandating those categories which local authorities were already reporting on and those that required further work with regards to methodologies and sifting out those that were not applicable or that don’t have accurate reporting methodologies. 4.25 Group 1 - Practical and Feasible: reasonably simple to collect data and report and would have a positive impact on monitoring and reducing emissions: • Fuel and Energy Related Activities not in Scopes 1 or 2 (e.g. transmission and distribution losses): Renfrewshire Council currently report this. • Waste Generated in Operations: Renfrewshire Council currently report this. • Business Travel, including overnight stays: Renfrewshire Council currently report business miles only. • Employee Homeworking: Renfrewshire Council currently report homeworking. Difficulties highlighted in estimating commuting data. 4.26 Group 2 – Collaboration and Resource: not as easy as Group 1, but produce significant amounts of carbon emissions and so are equally important. Additional work is needed to set out standardised approaches and robust methodology. 4.27 The key Group 2 category is Purchased Goods and Services: currently this is largely spend-based, which brings limitations and advice states that this means it should not be used for target setting. The aim is to move to hybrid methodology combining spend-based with supplier specific data. This category is anticipated to have a significant impact due to levels of public sector spending. 4.28 Other categories in Group 2 are Upstream Leased Assets; Downstream Leased Assets; and Investments (including equity and debt investments and project finance). 4.29 In lieu of a standardised national approach, work has been undertaken by Renfrewshire Council Procurement colleagues to give a preliminary indication of possible procurement hotspots within supply chains, activities and operations. This
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will allow progression of work looking to identify areas where we can reduce carbon in the products and services we buy, whilst also ensuring these demands are reasonable and proportionate as to not exclude SMEs organisations from competing in bidding processes. 4.30 This work took into account all Council spend on goods and services and the emissions factors and emissions associated with each of the associated SIC categories to identify spend categories with the highest proportion of emissions. 4.31 Using this spend-based methodology, it is estimated that 4 spend categories with >10% of emissions make up 68% of the Council’s emissions in relation to procuring goods and services: specialised construction works; wholesale trade services, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles; residential care services; and construction and construction works for civil engineering. 4.32 Ten further spend categories with between 1%-10% of emissions make up an estimated 26% of the Council’s emissions in relation to procuring goods and services, using this spend-based methodology. And 30 spend categories have under 1% of emissions and make up the remaining 6-7%. 4.33 The spend based methodology is useful for identifying environmental hotspots as detailed above however the spend based calculations are subject to inflation and market changes. Using the methodology, emissions fluctuate in accordance with spend regardless of the environmental impact of the product or activity in question. 4.34 Group 3 – Need Further Research: The remaining Scope 3 categories were determined unlikely to be relevant to local authorities, but further research would be undertaken to confirm this. Adaptation 4.35 Renfrewshire Council has a proactive approach to managing current and future climate risks associated. Climate related risks and vulnerabilities are recorded in the Corporate Risk Register as well as being reflected within the relevant service plans. 4.36 The Council has a range of adaptation strategies and projects outlined within the Public Bodies report in 2023-24, including: • Renfrewshire Biodiversity Duty Report, which highlights a variety of biodiversity activities and nature based solutions which contribute positively towards Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero and the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan. This includes landscape scale projects from creation of new woodland habitats and peatland restoration to the creation of biodiversity areas and local conservation activities • delivery of new biodiversity areas, taking the total to 8.4 hectares of native species-rich wildflower meadow as part of the Biodiversity Areas Project, using species-rich grassland and semi-natural woodland to sequester carbon; • Renfrewshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan, providing a framework for partnership initiatives which promote biodiversity across Renfrewshire over the coming years; • working with partners on bringing to design stage peatland restoration at West Tandlemuir Farm in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park; and • progressing the feasibility of restoring the Candren Burn catchment in Ferguslie Park, in partnership with SEPA and the Green Action Trust.
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Procurement 4.37 Renfrewshire Council as a contracting authority has developed a range of policies and strategies to ensure compliance with the sustainable procurement duty under section 8 (2) of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015. The updated Sustainable Procurement Strategy (approved on 23 November 2023 by the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board) aligns to statutory requirements as well as the key strategic priorities of the Council within the Council Plan and Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero. 4.38 The Council’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy sets out a clear process map for embedding sustainability into contracts at each stage of the procurement process and aligns to the Council’s aspiration to contribute to reducing our impact on climate change to make Renfrewshire's economy and communities as sustainable as possible. The Council’s policies take account of the Programme for Government’s recognition that public procurement in Scotland can drive change and build responsible supply chains, helping to tackle the climate emergency, reduce emissions, minimise waste and allow for re-use or recycling wherever appropriate. 5. Next Steps 5.1 Following approval, Renfrewshire Council’s annual Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report for 2023-24 will be submitted to the Scottish Government ahead of the 30th of November 2024 deadline as per statutory requirements. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – None directly arising from this report. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None directly arising from this report. 3. Community/Council Planning – the report details a range of activities which reflect the refreshed community planning themes and also the Council Plan 2022-2027. 4. Legal - None directly arising from this report. 5. Property/Assets – section 3 within the report in Appendix 1 details carbon emissions related to the Council estate. 6. Information Technology – None directly arising from this report. 7. Equality and Human Rights - the Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because it is for noting only. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health and Safety – None directly arising from this report. 9. Procurement – sections 4.25 – 4.26 highlight the important role of sustainable procurement practice in helping to meet the organisation’s climate ambitions and this is further evidenced in the appendix under section 5. 10. Risk – as noted in section 4.23, climate related risks and vulnerabilities are recorded in the Corporate Risk Register as well as being reflected within the relevant service plans.
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11. Privacy Impact – None directly arising from this report. 12. Climate Risk – this report details progress made by Renfrewshire Council in response to the climate emergency during 2023-24. 13. Children’s Rights - None directly arising from this report. 13. COSLA Policy Position – this work aligns with COSLA’s current work alongside the Scottish Government in response to the climate emergency. Appendix 1: Renfrewshire Council Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report 2023-24 ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: None Author: Roz Smith, Climate Emergency Lead Officer
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RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC BODIES CLIMATE CHANGE DUTIES (2023-24) This report has been produced in accordance with the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015, as amended by the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2020.
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Profile of Body PART 1: PROFILE OF REPORTING BODY 1(a) Name of reporting body Renfrewshire Council 1(b) Type of body Local Government 1(c) Highest number of full-time equivalent staff in the body during the report year 6,500 1(d) Metrics used by body: Metric Units Value Population size served Population 186,540 1(e) Overall budget of the body: Specify approximate £/annum for the report year. Budget Budget Comments £513,914,000 Unaudited Accounts 1(f) Report type: Specify the report year type Report Type Report Year Comments Financial 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 1(g) Context: Provide a summary of the body's nature and functions that are relevant to climate change reporting. The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 committed Scotland to become net zero by 2045, with the Public Bodies Climate Change Reporting Duties placing a legal requirement on public bodies to set target dates for zero direct emissions and indirect emission reductions; report on how spending and resource will contribute to these targets; and report on the body’s contribution to Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme. The climate change report submitted in November 2024 for 2023/24 will be the tenth mandatory submission by Renfrewshire Council, as required by public bodies. Renfrewshire Council recognises the importance of leadership in the response to the climate emergency. The Council is a large employer in the area and owns a large number of assets – made up of land and a large property portfolio, including around 12,500 housing stock – and the Local Authority area has a rising population. While the emissions baselining work that was carried out in 2021-22 highlighted that the Council makes up only 2.5% of the area’s total emissions, we recognise that as a local authority we can influence emissions in areas including planning, buildings, housing, education, energy, transport and waste. It is estimated that local authorities can influence around 33% of an area’s emissions through sectors that are directly shaped by local authority practice, policy or partnerships. Renfrewshire Council provides a range of high quality public services that are relevant to climate change reporting. Policy decisions made by the Council have the ability to build resilience against the impacts of climate change across the whole area through adaptation as well as shaping Renfrewshire’s future emissions reductions on our journey to net zero through mitigation, with work programmes including:
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• publication of our Plan for Net Zero, outlining how we will work towards net zero by 2030 and how the Council will lead and enable a just transition under 5 key themes (clean energy; sustainable transport; circular economy; connected communities; and resilient place) • publication of Renfrewshire’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan - built upon a robust evidence base of data and stakeholder engagement and takes a place-based, locally led and tailored approach to set out a vision for improving energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation • investing £1M in our Climate Change Action Fund to support innovative climate projects and initiatives across Renfrewshire which build on transformative projects that the Council have already delivered across our operations and which can be replicated across the area • working with our local communities, community planning partners and stakeholders to prioritise climate action based on local needs, identify barriers to taking action in order to find solutions; and identify opportunities for partnership working • planning policies and guidance that strategically sets out how the Renfrewshire area will be developed in the future and ensuring people can easily access goods, services and social connections easily; and building standards inspections to ensure regulations are being adhered to • Local Housing Strategy and Strategic Housing Investment Plan to ensure energy efficient housing and affordable warm homes, met increasingly by renewable heat and power • Local Transport Strategy including development of active travel networks to increase walking, wheeling and cycling; working with public transport partners to enhance public transport provision; and implementing low carbon infrastructure including electric vehicle charging infrastructure to assist the modal shift to low carbon vehicles • a comprehensive waste and recycling collection service for residential and commercial customers to enable increased recycling and initiatives to divert waste from landfill and increase reuse and recovery • large-scale investment in demonstrator projects, e.g. a district heating network, providing low carbon heating to local businesses at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) • a strategic review of all the buildings we own to ensure more efficient use: minimising energy consumption; reducing energy waste; and maximising energy efficiency • investing in energy programmes across our assets, e.g. LED streetlight conversion; solar PV and biomass systems; and energy efficiency programmes • low carbon travel opportunities for staff, including an EV fleet replacement programme of pool cars and light vans and a cycle to work scheme to encourage active travel • increasing biodiversity, reforestation and natural flood management across the area In addition to our climate change duties, Renfrewshire Council has made clear commitments to climate action across the 5 themes of the Plan for Net Zero, which embeds climate change within organisational decision making. We have carried out extensive stakeholder engagement to ensure everyone can be involved in the design and delivery of the Plan for Net Zero, with a commitment from the Council to lead by example and to increase accountability and transparency; and raise awareness to make it easier for the public to track progress and monitor the actions Renfrewshire Council is taking to reduce emissions and the impacts of these actions, as part of Renfrewshire’s collective journey to net zero.
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PART 2: GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & STRATEGY Governance and Management 2(a) How is climate change governed in the body? Council and Boards April 2023 to March 2024 The Council’s agreed framework for decision making and policy development is based on a series of Policy Boards. In addition to Full Council; Leadership Board; Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board; Regulatory Functions Board; and Cross Party Sounding Board, the Council also operates the following thematic Policy Boards that reflect policy priorities rather than Council service structures. The policy boards during 2023/24 were: ➢ Communities & Housing Policy Board ➢ Economy and Regeneration Policy Board ➢ Education and Children’s Services Policy Board ➢ Emergencies Board ➢ Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board ➢ Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board ➢ Investment Review Board ➢ Planning and Climate Change Policy Board Each of these Policy Boards has initiatives and strategies that contribute to the Council’s target of working towards net zero by 2030. A Climate Change Sub-Committee was established following the Council’s climate emergency declaration to take forward climate action, chaired by the Leader of the Council and including representation from all political parties. Following the May 2022 local government elections, the remit for climate change moved under a newly created Planning and Climate Change Policy Board, reflecting the administration’s focus on this key area. Key Partnerships April 2023 to March 2024 In addition to the Council's policy boards, the Councils in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley area work together with the City Region to prepare the Regional Spatial Strategy; and the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board assumes responsibility for the planning and delivery of integrated services. Renfrewshire Council also works closely with Community Planning Partners to bring together the collective talents and resources of public services and communities to drive positive change on local priorities. It focuses on where partners’ collective efforts and resources can add most value for local communities, with a particular focus on reducing inequalities. Renfrewshire Council is part of the largest collaboration of a joint waste processing facility in Scotland, as part of the Clyde Valley Residual Waste Project (partnering with North Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire Councils), with contractual responsibilities for residual waste tonnages and energy from waste built in as part of this project. As part of Climate Ready Clyde, we work collaboratively in partnership with 13 member organisations to create a shared vision, producing Glasgow City Region’s Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan which will build a more resilient, prosperous and just Glasgow City Region. Renfrewshire is part of the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, the largest of Scotland's seven regional transport partnerships.
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2(b) How is climate change action managed and embedded in the body? Renfrewshire Council has developed strong governance to lead by example and take action to tackle climate change. The Planning and Climate Change Policy Board remit includes matters relative to Climate Change; Building Standards; Development Management; Development Planning; Planning and the Strategic Development Plan. The Board provides oversight and scrutiny of the Council’s response to the climate emergency and specifically the progress being made towards net zero carbon emissions for both the Council as an organisation and the Renfrewshire area as a whole. The Council's Corporate Management Team (CMT) is comprised of senior staff from all service areas and meets on a weekly basis. Although matters relating to climate change adaptation and mitigation are not the sole focus of this group, operations, projects, programmes, policies and strategies from across the collective areas of responsibility contribute to the Council's overall emissions and performance in relation to the Council Plan; Community Plan; and the Plan for Net Zero are considered by the CMT. Baselining and monitoring of emissions (for both the Council as an organisation and the Renfrewshire area as a whole) and the contributions across service areas to emissions reductions are also considered at CMT, alongside the financial implications. Specific officers whose remit includes climate change adaptation and mitigation are outlined below. A Climate Emergency Lead Officer started in post within the Chief Executive's service in September 2021 to coordinate the Council's overall strategic climate programme and develop Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero. In February 2023, with the Council’s focus on the response to the climate emergency, a restructure led to the creation of a Head of Climate, Public Protection and Roads as the main strategic lead for the Council's response to the climate emergency with responsibility for driving progress going forward. In September 2023, a Senior Manager for Climate and Public Protection Manager was appointed, highlighting the commitment of the Council to progress in this area in the years ahead. Additional roles which focus on environmental issues include: ➢ a Green Economy Officer (in the Economy and Development team within the Chief Executive's service) with a focus on developing the response to the climate emergency from an economic development point of view and helping Renfrewshire’s businesses develop a just transition to greener ways of working ➢ a Tree and Woodland Officer to support woodland management across Renfrewshire ➢ a Biodiversity Officer to support and enhance biodiversity, nature and wildflower habitats, supporting the Council's commitment to the Edinburgh Declaration on Biodiversity ➢ a Transport Infrastructure Officer, with a focus on active travel projects ➢ a dedicated Climate Emergency Advisor within the Council’s procurement team, ensuring sustainable procurement practice is embedded in the procurement team and across services to guide all future activities and exploring opportunities for procurement to support with the delivery of our climate goals and our community wealth building aspirations for our local economy, and working with internal stakeholders and colleagues in the wider public sector to help establish a clear framework for monitoring progress and for managing contracts to demonstrate the delivery of our sustainability outcomes ➢ the Council’s Energy Management Team, including energy advisors and LHEES Officer ➢ Project Management Unit Programme Manager with a focus on climate projects and interventions The climate emergency is included in the Council’s Risk Register with a Risk Owner allocated (with both Likelihood and Impact combining to give a High risk score evaluation). The Risk Statement, Controls and Actions are all monitored at each Board cycle. Carbon Literacy training has also been rolled out, with 70 Council managers, team leaders and officers completing the Carbon Literacy Project training, as well as sessions for Elected Members, and scheduled dates for future cohorts released on a rolling basis roughly every 4 weeks.
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Strategy 2(c) Does the body have specific climate change adaptation objectives in its corporate plan or similar document? Wording of Objective Name of Document Document Link Renfrewshire Council Plan 2022-2027: provides organisational direction, ensuring that the key strategic priorities of the Council translate into specific actions within service improvement plans. This provides a ‘golden thread’, illustrating the role all Council services play in delivering these objectives. The Plan sets out the vision of “Creating a fairer Renfrewshire built on innovation, wellbeing and opportunity” with 5 strategic outcomes (with strategic outcome 4 directly relating to the climate emergency and the Council’s related activity at a local level). There is also a cross cutting theme, improving outcomes for children and families which underpins each of the 5 strategic outcomes: • Place: working together to enhance wellbeing across communities • Economy: building an inclusive, green and resilient economy • Fair: nurturing bright, happy and healthy futures for all • Green: leading Renfrewshire to Net Zero • Living Our Values: making a difference together Renfrewshire Council Plan: Creating a fairer Renfrewshire built on innovation, wellbeing and opportunity 2022-2027 Renfrewshire Council Plan 2022-2027 Service Improvement Plans: Each Council service has Service Improvement Plans which contain a range of actions and activities which align with reducing corporate emissions and help the Council meet it climate change targets, with key actions grouped under the 5 themes of the Council Plan as outlined above. Service Improvement Plans Environment & Infrastructure Service Improvement Plan 2022-25 Chief Executive’s Service Improvement Plan 2022-25 Finance and Resources Service Improvement Plan 2022-25 Children’s Services Service Improvement Plan 2023-26 Communities and Housing Service Improvement Plan 2022-25 The Community Plan’s aim is: "working together to make Renfrewshire a fairer, more inclusive place where all our people, communities and businesses thrive". Addressing the climate emergency on a partnership basis, is a key area of focus identified within the refreshed Community Plan. There are 3 key areas of focus for the remainder of the Plan to deliver 12 priority actions. The 3 x focus areas are supporting low-income families; tackling health inequalities; and addressing the climate emergency, under the themes Thriving; Well; Fair; and Safe. Renfrewshire’s Community Plan 2017-2027 (2022 refresh at mid-point) Renfrewshire’s Community Plan 2017-2027
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2(d) Does the body have a climate change plan or strategy? Yes. Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero: Working towards net zero by 2030 for both the Council as an organisation and the Renfrewshire area as a whole. The Plan for Net Zero sets out objectives and actions required to end Renfrewshire’s contribution to climate change within a generation to ensure a safer, healthier, greener and fairer place for everyone to live, work and spend time in. The design and development of the Plan took a grassroots approach, with extensive engagement combined with our emissions baselining to produce a robust evidence base that led to the 5 key themes: clean energy; sustainable transport; circular economy; connected communities; and resilient place. Each of the themes has priority areas as well as actions that the Council will undertake to lead and enable change. 2(e) Does the body have any plans or strategies covering the following areas that include climate change? Topic area Name of document Time period covered Comments Adaptation Glasgow City Region’s Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan 2020- 2025 As part of Climate Ready Clyde, we work collaboratively in partnership as 12 member organisations to create a shared vision, strategy and action plan. This has produced Glasgow City Region’s Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan which will build a more resilient, prosperous and just Glasgow City Region. Renfrewshire Local Development Strategic Environmental Assessment 2021- 2026 A Strategic Environmental Assessment was prepared alongside the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan. Its purpose was to assess how the Plan might have positive or negative effects on the environment and to consider how potential environmental impacts could be avoided, reduced, mitigated or enhanced. The process ensured that the environment was given the same level of consideration as social and economic factors when preparing the Plan. As the Council begins work on its 3rd Local Development Plan it will also be subject to the Strategic Environment Assessment process which will ensure the next Plan encourages, promotes and facilitates development that helps address the global climate emergency and nature crisis. Civil Contingencies Service Ongoing Civil Contingencies Service: a proactive approach to managing current and future risks associated with climate change. Joint service with Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire council areas. Clyde and Loch Lomond Local Plan District Flood Risk Management Strategy 2022- 2028 The Strategy describes an agreed ambition for managing flooding and the priority of actions to be taken forward to deliver this. An updated Flood Risk Management Plan was published in December 2021 and covers the period 2022-2028. The Flood Risk Management Plan identifies the Potentially vulnerable areas based on potential or future risk from all sources of flooding. 4 of these potentially vulnerable areas are within Renfrewshire (White Cart Water Catchment; Black Cart Water Catchment; Gryffe Catchment; and Clyde South and Bishopton). Business Travel Sustainable Travel Planning Ongoing Sustainable Travel Planning Project: strategy to encourage staff to consider the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy to reduce the impact on the environment, increase the use of electric vehicles, promote active travel for shorter staff journeys and encourage more efficient ways of travel. Includes Sustainable Travel Staff Guidance to encourage and support more efficient travel by
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employees to reduce corporate emissions. The Sustainable Travel Scheme is being updated in 2024-25. Actions, targets and metrics also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Sustainable Transport theme. Staff Travel Sustainable Travel Planning Ongoing Sustainable Travel Planning Project: strategy to encourage staff to consider the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy to reduce the impact on the environment, increase the use of electric vehicles, promote active travel for shorter staff journeys and encourage more efficient ways of travel. Includes Sustainable Travel Staff Guidance to encourage and support more efficient travel by employees to reduce corporate emissions. The Sustainable Travel Scheme is being updated in 2024-25. Actions, targets and metrics also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Sustainable Transport theme. Energy efficiency Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero 2022- 2030 Actions, targets and metrics included in the Plan for Net Zero under Clean Energy theme. Fleet transport Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero 2022- 2030 Actions, targets and metrics included in the Plan for Net Zero under Sustainable Transport theme. Local Transport Strategy consultation has been undertaken for the development of the updated LTS. A Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy aligning with targets within the Plan for Net Zero is being developed in 2024-25. ICT Renfrewshire’s Digital Strategy Ongoing Supporting areas of work have been prioritised into five workstreams: 1. Tackle digital exclusion by removing the barriers to Digital Participation. (Digital Citizen) 2. Enable digital participation through provision of a strong digital infrastructure of Connectivity. (Digital Foundations) 3. Becoming an efficient, effective and sustainable council by developing our Digital Public Services. (Digital Council) 4. Contribute towards our Plan for Net Zero by 2030 through initiatives such as Green Print Strategy projects i.e. Managed Print Service, Hybrid Mail, E-Billing* etc. (Digital Foundations) 5. Migrated to more greener and sustainable ways of working via our cloud hosted data centre, further reducing our data centre footprint as part of the Infrastructure as a Service adoption (Digital Foundations) A new Customer Strategy was approved in 2023 and coves the period 2023-2028. The Council’s Digital Strategy will be reviewed and updated by end of 2024-25 with a refreshed Strategy implemented from April 2025. Renewable energy Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero 2022- 2030 Actions, targets and metrics included in the Plan for Net Zero under Clean Energy theme. Sustainable/ renewable heat Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero 2022- 2030 Actions, targets and metrics included in the Plan for Net Zero under Clean Energy theme. Waste Management Renfrewshire Council Waste Policy Ongoing Household Waste and Recycling Policy. Actions, targets and metrics also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Circular Economy theme. Water and sewerage Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero 2022- 2030 Actions, targets and metrics being developed as part of the action and delivery phase of Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero.
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Land Use Renfrewshire Council Food Growing Strategy 2020-25 2020- 2025 Renfrewshire Council Food Growing Strategy 2020-25: includes actions and objectives that align with reducing area-wide emissions associated with food production and transport of food. Actions, targets and metrics related to land use also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Connected Communities and Resilient Place themes. Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024- 2027 The 2nd Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan, covering the years 2024 – 2027, was produced in partnership with a range of local biodiversity organisations and reflects a shared vision for enhanced biodiversity across Renfrewshire. The plan sets out a positive and ambitious approach to biodiversity conservation and promotion, alongside a continued commitment to partnership working and increased community involvement in order to successfully deliver and achieve the outcomes for biodiversity. Actions, targets and metrics related to land use also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Connected Communities and Resilient Place themes. Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2 2021- 2026 The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan promotes and supports measures to reduce and mitigate the effects of climate change area-wide. The Plan includes objectives and actions on climate change mitigation and adaptation in the design of new development, incorporating renewable or low carbon energy technology into the development to assist in tackling climate change through reductions in carbon emissions. The Plan has a specific Policy I4: Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Developments which supports development of renewable and low carbon energy generating technologies to help achieve the Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets in relation to electricity and heat demand. The National Planning Framework 4 (2023) forms part of the development plan for Renfrewshire, and sets the context for the next Local Development Plan. It is based on the spatial principles of sustainable, liveable and productive places to help achieve net zero by 2045. Actions, targets and metrics related to land use also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Connected Communities and Resilient Place themes Forestry and Woodland Strategy for the Glasgow City Region 2020- 2040 The aim of the Strategy is to guide woodland expansion and management of woodlands in the Glasgow City Region, providing a policy and spatial framework to optimise the benefits for the local economy, communities and the environment. This includes taking account of: • the Climate Emergency • the role of woodland in supporting biodiversity • progress on climate change adaptation and mitigation, including the role of woodland for carbon sequestration • the role of woodland in Natural Flood Management; and • the role of woodland in carbon sequestration Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy 2022 2024 The Renfrewshire Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy (2022) was approved by the Council's Planning and Climate Change Policy Board on 14th June 2022. The strategy uses the information gathered from annual monitoring and analysis of land supply. The Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy identifies a number of actions to promote the redevelopment and/or re-use of brownfield and previously used land to enhance places and support sustainable economic growth. The Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy is due for approval in November 2024.
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Other (please specify in comments) Renfrewshire Council’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2023- 2026 Renfrewshire Council Procurement Strategy: supporting net zero by 2030 and a drive towards sustainability is at the heart of strategic goals and reflected in our sustainable procurement policy. Actions also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Circular Economy and Connected Communities themes. Other (please specify in comments) Renfrewshire Cycling Strategy 2016-2025 2016- 2025 Sustainable Transport: to increase active travel and get people cycling more often to cut emissions area-wide. Actions, targets and metrics for active travel (and reduction in car miles) also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Sustainable Transport theme. Other (please specify in comments) Local Transport Strategy 2017 Updated LTS to follow in 2025 Sustainable Transport: Our Local Transport Strategy sets out our vision for transport and travel in Renfrewshire, aiming to provide a range of transport options and actions to assist with tackling climate change, with a focus on reduction in carbon emissions on an area-wide basis. Initial consultation for the updated Local Transport Strategy has been concluded, and the new LTS is being developed called Travel Renfrewshire 2035 in line with national and regional strategies and RenZero’s climate change commitments. Actions, targets and metrics also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Sustainable Transport theme. Other (please specify in comments) Renfrewshire Core Paths Plan 2022 2022 onwards Sustainable Transport: to provide opportunities for active travel, particularly to schools and places of employment and reduce emissions on an area-wide basis. Actions, targets and metrics for active travel and core paths (as well as reduction in car miles) also included in the Plan for Net Zero under Sustainable Transport theme. Other (please specify in comments) Renfrewshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2025- 2030 The Renfrewshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan sets out how the investment in affordable housing will be targeted to meet the strategic priorities of the Local Housing Strategy. This includes climate change adaptations, ensuring homes are energy efficient and fuel poverty is minimised; using innovative energy efficient development; and will actively target reduced carbon emissions from development activity and will target net zero emissions from new build development over the next few years on an area-wide basis. The Strategic Housing Investment Plan is updated on an annual basis, with the final Renfrewshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan for 2025 to 2030 presented to the Communities and Housing Policy Board in October 2024. Other (please specify in comments) Renfrewshire’s Local Housing Strategy 2023- 2028 The Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028, approved in October 2023, contains 5 Strategic Priorities: Strategic Priority 1: The supply and delivery of housing is increased across all tenures to meet the housing needs of different groups and create attractive and sustainable places Strategic Priority 2: People live in high quality, well-managed homes in sustainable neighbourhoods Strategic Priority 3: Address the challenges of the climate emergency, delivering homes that are warm, energy efficient and fuel poverty is minimised Strategic Priority 4: Prevention of homelessness and providing support for those in housing need Strategic Priority 5: People can live independently for as long as possible in their own home and the different housing needs of people across Renfrewshire are being met
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2(f) What are the body’s top 5 priorities for climate change governance, management and strategy for the year ahead? 1.Detailed Phased Road Map to 2030: we will look strategically and holistically across the whole Renfrewshire area to identify opportunities and solutions and to set targets, which will be highlighted in the form of a road map with to aid communication with all our stakeholders. The detailed Net Zero road map will be broken down into clear phases, aligning with the targets within Renfrewshire Council’s Carbon Budget and will show how the Renfrewshire area as a whole, and Renfrewshire Council as an organisation, will fare in relation to these targets if the proposed interventions and projects are implemented. The target setting will take into account both national and local policies and will outline the actions that can be taken to meet our long-term and near-term targets. 2.Quantified Delivery Plans: we will set out costed, priority projects with benchmark capital costs for each period of the Net Zero road map and will quantify and consider all impacts of the proposed delivery plans. The Plan for Net Zero will deliver multiple outcomes simultaneously (not all of which can be monetised, e.g. carbon reduction, fuel poverty alleviation, job opportunities). We will undertake area-based socio-economic impact assessments to identify and evaluate direct and indirect impacts and benefits of the proposed strategic interventions and projects to be implemented through the Plan for Net Zero. Viable and replicable projects and low regret options will be prioritised, and appropriate zones for priority area-based delivery programmes will be designated across the Renfrewshire area. 3.Continuing to work alongside Scottish Climate Intelligence Service: we will quantify the impact of the phased actions, to inform future targets and present data in an interactive way. Good quality data is key in order to track proportional progress to net zero. Updating data in line with the road map as projects are implemented or as new technologies arise will give a running total of carbon savings within each phase, correlating with amounts of sequestration required in order to work towards net zero by 2030. It will also enable us to measure the impacts of implementing different projects so we can prioritise using agreed weightings. 4.Further developing the carbon budget for Renfrewshire Council: and encouraging other organisations across the Renfrewshire area to prepare carbon reduction plans. Setting our annual carbon budget will help us to meet our net zero targets as an organisation. Identifying our emissions by service area will be key in improving our understanding of how our emissions relate to the services we provide and the reductions we need to aim for in order to adapt to delivering the same high quality local services in a way that is fit for a resilient, net zero future. We recognise that delivering the carbon budget will require investment and changes to the way in which resources are deployed, but believe that an annual carbon budget and trajectory, calculated in line with each financial year, will contribute to keep us on track to reaching our net zero target as an organisation. We will continue to improve our carbon budget, linking in with Services to incorporate projects that they are contributing each year. In addition, work is ongoing to identify procurement hot spots within the Council’s supply chains, activities and operations to maximise circular economy opportunities; optimise local supply chains; and identify areas where we can reduce carbon in the products and services we buy through innovative procurement. 5.Developing an Adaptation Plan for Renfrewshire: Developing adaptation solutions and implementing a phased programme of priority actions which are designed to respond to and address the local impacts of climate change that are already happening, as well as prepare for future climate risks across the Renfrewshire area. These actions will be centred around communities, security and resilience, infrastructure and our local environment. Running concurrently with these actions, consultation with all stakeholders is essential across all phases in the design and delivery of the Plan for Net Zero. Two-way communication channels will remain in place as
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projects and activities are implemented to ensure everyone is informed of progress and can provide feedback on our collective journey to net zero. This will include: o focused engagement to identify barriers for our citizens and local businesses in order to find solutions and ensure everyone benefits from the transition to net zero; o stakeholder engagement with key groups, such as housing developers, energy companies and network providers; transport providers; land management agencies; and education and training providers, not only to understand their influence but also their role in progressing to net zero; and o internal engagement to identify and optimise opportunities, identify gaps and overlaps and to prioritise actions collectively. 2(g) Has the body used the Climate Change Assessment Tool (a) or equivalent tool to self-assess its capability / performance? Yes. In recognition of the importance of a robust evidence base and in order to identify our highest areas of emissions to prioritise action and the key areas we need to focus on to reach net zero, Renfrewshire Council worked with external technical expertise to complete an emissions baseline and trajectory to 2030 for Renfrewshire Council as an organisation, and Renfrewshire area as a whole. 2014-15 was used as the baseline year (used due to it being the pilot year of PBCCD reporting to enable the same reporting format/data for the whole time period to date). This will also ensure we can measure progress to net zero in an open and transparent way. The baselining evidence showed that Renfrewshire Council makes up 2.49% of the area’s total emissions. Renfrewshire Council emissions are dominated by buildings that we are responsible for (67%). The most significant emissions source is school buildings (47%) which is also the largest element of our estate, with community buildings at 13%, operational buildings (5%) and other buildings (2%). For Renfrewshire area as a whole, emissions were broken down by sector (transport, residential, etc.) and by fuel type (electricity, gas, road fuel) to identify our key emission sources and so we can model the impact of decarbonisation actions we take. Data showed that transport is currently the biggest source of emissions in the Renfrewshire area at 34%, with residential fuel use at 29% (residential electricity makes up 7% of the area’s total emissions; gas/other fuels is 22%) and commercial and industrial fuel use 29% (commercial and industrial electricity makes up 13% of the area’s emissions; commercial and industrial gas/other fuels at 16%). Baselining our area emissions and estimating the trajectory of future emissions using both a business as usual (worst case) and a tailwind (best case) scenario to 2030, provided clarity on the challenges; the key areas and activities that we need to focus on; as well as the scale of action needed in order to work towards net zero by 2030. This increased understanding of our climate targets will also help to inform current and future policy and ensure that the climate emergency is at the forefront of decision making. More recently, we have also been working collectively with all of Scotland’s local authorities with the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service to build capacity and consistency and sharing skills, knowledge and common approaches alongside standardised tools to drive climate action at a local level and deliver change at the scale and pace required to deliver local and national targets. 2(h) Supporting information and best practice In developing Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero, the Council worked with residents and communities, local public, private and third sector and community planning partners to identify priority areas of focus; barriers to making changes; and solutions to enable action.
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Engagement is an iterative process and have now completed another round – which started with a Community Climate Conversation (June 2023) to hear more on community priorities and project ideas, what they would like to see in local areas as well as challenges they face. This was followed by a key stakeholder organisation event - with local, regional and national organisations including community planning partners, local housing associations, Scottish Power, Scottish Gas, Scottish Water, Transport Scotland, UWS and all 8 Glasgow City Region local and neighbouring authorities to understand their influence and their role in progressing to net zero as well as partnership working opportunities. The final event was an internal workshop, with attendance from 70 officers across all Services, linked to the information from the previous 2 events. We are continually looking to combine carbon reduction with other strategic priorities such as social renewal as well as identifying how embed new ways of working and positive behaviour changes to reduce emissions in our daily operations and this event identified additional opportunities to work collaboratively to continue to deliver services high quality local services in a way that helps us towards net zero, as well as projects and interventions that could work towards a range of co-benefits. To raise awareness of impacts on emissions of our everyday activities and operations as an organisation, and the ability to influence and reduce emissions, we have started rolling out carbon literacy training, starting within the Policy and Commissioning team. Climate Ready Clyde delivered a workshop on adaptation for Glasgow City Region Elected Members, and a net zero development session took place as part of ongoing Members’ training in August 2023. Renfrewshire Council’s Energy Management Plan, Renfrewshire’s Adaptation Plan and Renfrewshire’s Zero Waste Strategy are being developed in 2024-25. Strategic Housing Investment Plan: As part of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme process, local authorities are required to prepare and update a Strategic Housing Investment Plan which sets out how investment in affordable housing will be targeted to meet the strategic priorities of their Local Housing Strategy and supporting the delivery of the right homes in the right places. Renfrewshire’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan reflects this ambition within its programme of affordable housing developments, maximising the use of grant funding from the Scottish Government. The Strategic Housing Investment Plan is updated on an annual basis, with the draft Renfrewshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan for 2025 to 2030 being prepared. The final Plan will be presented to the Communities and Housing Policy Board in October 2024, in advance of submission to the Scottish Government. The Renfrewshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan supports the development of safe, energy efficient homes that meet people’s needs and contributes to the creation of sustainable, thriving communities. New build homes within the Strategic Housing Investment Plan, will be built to maximise energy efficiency and actively target carbon emissions through the inclusion of greener measures at house design stages, supported by additional ‘quality measure’ funding benchmarks as applicable. A key element of the delivery of the Renfrewshire Council Regeneration and Renewal Programme is to upgrade and retrofit existing homes as well as delivering new build homes to replace old, non-viable Council stock with modern, high quality, energy efficient, low carbon Council homes across sites including: Howwood Road area, Johnstone; Thrushcraigs area, Paisley; Gallowhill area, Paisley; Broomlands area, Paisley; Springbank area, Paisley; and Foxbar area, Paisley.
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PART 3: CORPORATE EMISSIONS, TARGETS AND PROJECT DATA EMISSIONS 3a Emissions from the start of the year which the body uses as a baseline (for its carbon footprint) to the end of the report year Reference Year Year Year Type Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total Units Comments Baseline Year 2012-13 Financial 19,749 19,521 142,59 53,529 tCO2e Year 1 Carbon Footprint 2013-14 Financial - - - - tCO2e The year 2013/14 was the final year of our old Carbon Management Plan (CMP). Therefore, no data included Year 2 Carbon Footprint 2014-15 Financial 16,955 19,441 9,579 45,975 tCO2e This was the first year of the CMP 2014/15 to 2019/20, using 2012/13 as the baseline year Year 3 Carbon Footprint 2015-16 Financial 14,473 15,317 11,299 41,089 tCO2e Year 4 Carbon Footprint 2016-17 Financial 11,843 13,346 2,112 27,301 tCO2e Year 5 Carbon Footprint 2017-18 Financial 12,258 7,555 1,557 21,370 tCO2e Year 6 Carbon Footprint 2018-19 Financial 11,826 7,434 1,225 20,485 tCO2e Year 7 Carbon Footprint 2019-20 Financial 11,755 6,412 3,544 21,711 tCO2e Year 8 Carbon Footprint 2020-21 Financial 11,832 5,553 5,790 23,175.4 tCO2e Year 9 Carbon Footprint 2021-22 Financial 11,642.4 5,404.1 6,518.1 23,564.6 tCO2e This figure was made up of a larger property portfolio including: Door Entry Systems for houses, Landlord Supplies, Sheltered Housing, Launderettes, Multi Use Games Areas & Floodlighting. This equated to an additional 395tCO2e Year 10 Carbon Footprint 2022-23 Financial 11,879.35 5,112.76 2,543.43 19,535.54 tCO2e Error in business miles data identified in 2022-23 figures amended October 2024. Year 11 Carbon Footprint 2023-24 Financial 11,167.69 5,338.84 2,456.15 18,962.68 tCO2e
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3b Breakdown of emissions sources: Emissions Factor Year: 2023 Emission Type Emission Source Scope Consumption Data Units Emission Factor Units Emissions (tCO2e) Emissions Compared with 2022-23 Comments compared with 2022-23 Electricity Grid Electricity (generation) Scope 2 25,782,258 kWh 0.20707 kgCO2e/kWh 5,338.84 Buildings, EV Charging Points and Streetlighting: decrease in consumption, but increase in emission factor Electricity Grid Electricity (transmission & distribution losses) Scope 3 25,782,258 kWh 0.01792 kgCO2e/kWh 461.89 Decrease in consumption (increase in emission factor) Fuels Natural Gas Scope 1 44,154,473 kWh 0.18293 kgCO2e/kWh 8,077.13 Decrease in consumption (increase in emission factor) Fuels Diesel (average biofuel blend) Scope 1 1,183,090 litres 2.51206 kgCO2e/litre 2,972.00 Decrease in litres used and a decrease in emission factor Fuels Petrol (average biofuel blend) Scope 1 54,897 litres 2.09747 kgCO2e/litre 115.14 Significant increase in litres used (46%) (decreased emission factor) Fuels LPG litres Scope 1 1,054 litres 1.55713 kgCO2e/litre 1.64 Increase in litres and increased emission factor Fuels Gas Oil litre Scope 1 643 litres 2.75541 kgCO2e/litre 1.77 Significant decrease in litres used (98%) (and decreased emission factor) Water Water - Supply Scope 3 248,940 m3 0.10000 kgCO2e/m3 24.89 Increase in m3 supplied Water Water - Treatment Scope 3 236,493 m3 0.19000 kgCO2e/m3 44.93 Increase in m3 treated
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Emission Type Emission Source Scope Consumption Data Units Emission Factor Units Emissions (tCO2e) Emissions Compared with 2022-23 Comments compared with 2022-23 Transport Fleet Car – Battery Electric Vehicle (Small) Combined scopes (EVs only) 212,809 miles 0.00000 kgCO2e/mile 0.0 - Significant reduction in miles compared with 2022-23 (55%) Transport Average Car – Unknown Fuel Scope 3 381,450 miles 0.26817 kgCO2e/km 102.29 Increase in miles (and increase in emission factor) Waste Household/Municipal/Domestic Waste to Landfill Scope 3 361 tonnes 497.04471 kgCO2e/tonne 179.43 Significant decrease in tonnes to landfill (67% decrease) (increase in emission factor) Waste Batteries Recycling Scope 3 4 tonnes 21.28081 kgCO2e/tonne 0.09 Decrease in tonnages recycled (increase in emission factor) Waste Commercial & Industrial to Landfill Scope 3 32 tonnes 520.33474 kgCO2e/tonne 16.65 Significant decrease in tonnages to landfill (increase in emission factor) Waste Organic Garden Waste Composting Scope 3 714 tonnes 8.91242 kgCO2e/tonne 9.32 Increase in tonnages and increase in emission factor Waste Organic Mixed Food & Garden Waste Composting Scope 3 10,781 tonnes 8.91058 kgCO2e/tonne 96.08 Decrease in tonnages Waste Paper and Board (Mixed) - Recycled Scope 3 4,158 tonnes 21.28081 kgCO2e/tonne 88.49 Decrease in tonnages recycled (increase in emission factor)
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Emission Type Emission Source Scope Consumption Data Units Emission Factor Units Emissions (tCO2e) Emissions Compared with 2022-23 Comments compared with 2022-23 Waste WEEE (Mixed) Recycling Scope 3 402 tonnes 21.28081 kgCO2e/tonne 8.55 Significant increase in tonnages recycled and increase in emission factor Waste Glass Recycling Scope 3 5,195 tonnes 21.28081 kgCO2e/tonne 110.55 Increase in tonnages recycled and increase in emission factor Waste Plastics (Average) Recycling Scope 3 1,416 tonnes 21.28081 kgCO2e/tonne 30.13 Slight decrease in tonnages recycled (increase in emission factor) Waste Metal Cans (Mixed) & Metal Scrap Recycling Scope 3 1,413 tonnes 21.28081 kgCO2e/tonne 30.07 Significant increase in tonnages recycled and increase in emission factor Waste Clothing Recycled Scope 3 29 tonnes 21.28081 kgCO2e/tonne 0.62 Increase in tonnages recycled and increase in emission factor Waste Refuse Municipal /Commercial /Industrial to Combustion Scope 3 32,347 tonnes 21.28081 kgCO2e/tonne 688.37 Increase in tonnages and increase in emission factor Waste Clothing - Combustion Scope 3 7 tonnes 21.28081 kgCO2e/tonne 0.11 Increase in tonnages and increase in emission factor Homeworking Homeworking (office equipment + heating) Scope 3 1,468,740 FTE working hour 0.33378 kgCO2e/FTE working hour 490.24 Decrease in emission factor
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3c Generation, consumption and export of renewable energy: Technology Renewable Electricity Renewable Heat Comments Total consumed by the body (kWh) Total exported (kWh) Total consumed by the body (kWh) Total exported (kWh) Solar PV 162,742 62,850 Increase in renewables compared to 2022-23 Biomass 4,895,220 0 Public Buildings In addition to biomass supplying heat to public buildings, 3,039.2MWhth of heat via biomass district heating was provided to flats owned by the Council. TARGETS 3d Organisational targets: 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 Working towards net zero: Renfrewshire Council as an organisation Annual Work towards net zero by 2030 tCO2e reduction All emissions 2012/13 53,529 tCO2e 2030/31 Reduction of 34,640tCO2e Emissions reduced to 18,889tCO2e Renewable energy generation % Generate equivalent of 100% of the Council's public building power needs by 2030 Other (please specify in comments) Scope 2 2020-21 67,899kWh generated (0.285%) kWh 2030/31 225,592kWh generated in 2023-24 (1.11% of consumption) Units in kWh generated (and should match the Council public buildings kWh consumed) Renewable heat % Ensure equivalent of 100% of Council public building heating requirements are renewable/carbon neutral by 2030 Other (please specify in comments) Scope 1 2020-21 5,487,579kWh generated (11.825%) kWh 2030/31 7,934,420kWh generated (17.97% of consumption) Units in kWh generated (and should match the Council public buildings kWh consumed)
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TARGETS 3d Organisational targets: 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 Council housing stock carbon emissions % Aim to reduce Council housing stock carbon emissions by 68% tCO2e reduction All energy use 2020/21 2.6t CO2/annum tCO2e 2030/31 Current average CO2 emissions per annum of Council housing stock: 2.5t CO2/annum Based on Home Analytics data Council housing stock energy efficiency Absolute Ensuring all Council housing stock has an EPC of B by 2030 where feasible Other (please specify in comments) All energy use 2021/22 12% of Council housing stock EPC A-B n/a 2030/31 Currently 12% of Council housing stock EPC A-B Units are EPC rating Phase out new petrol and diesel light commercial vehicles Absolute Remove the need for new petrol and diesel light commercial vehicles in the Council fleet by 2025 Other (please specify in comments) Scope 1 n/a n/a Other (please specify in comments) 2025/26 n/a Units would be numbers of new petrol and diesel vehicles in class (should be 0 at target year) Phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles Absolute Phase out the need for all new petrol and diesel vehicles in the Council fleet by 2030 Other (please specify in comments) Scope 1 n/a n/a Other (please specify in comments) 2030/31 n/a Units would be numbers of new petrol and diesel vehicles in class (should be 0 at target year) Sustainable waste management Annual Reduce the carbon impact of waste from Council operations annually per tCO2e reduction Scope 3 2021/22 tbc tCO2e 2030/31 n/a Baseline to be measured and verified
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head of population Sustainable waste management Annual Ensure that all Council buildings, including schools, have the facilities for the full recycling collection service to maximise waste diversion from landfill Non- recyclable waste tonnes reduction Scope 3 2021/22 tbc tonnes tbc n/a School estate has now been completed. Remaining estate to be rolled out Sustainable Transport Percentage Reducing car miles by 20% total % reduction Staff travel 2019/20 tbc miles 2030/31 n/a Baseline to be measured and verified
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3(d)(a) How will the body align its spending plans and use of resources to contribute to reducing emissions and delivering its emission reduction targets? The Council has developed an initial carbon budget, with interim organisational targets to 2030-31. Identifying emissions by service area will be key in improving our understanding of how our emissions relate to the services we provide and the reductions we need to aim for in order to adapt to delivering the same high quality local services in a way that is fit for a resilient, net zero future. It is recognised that delivering the carbon budget will require investment and changes to the way in which resources are deployed, but believe that an annual carbon budget and trajectory will contribute to keeping us on track to reaching our net zero target as an organisation and embed climate action into all decision making and enable tracking of spend/resource management against targets. In 2023-24 Climate Change Impact Assessments (CCIAs) were also developed and are being piloted across all projects within the Project Management Unit. These have been designed as a support tool to demonstrate how policies, plans and proposed projects being developed by the Council will impact wider emissions and the wider environment. They also help to raise awareness around climate action and impacts. The CCIAs are designed to provide value in determining how our decision making will impact emissions, the main climate impacts and benefits of any given decision and measure how these decisions align with our net zero commitment principles in practice and the impact on our targets and progress. CCIAs also go some way to demonstrating the twin statutory requirement within Public Bodies Climate Change Reporting Duties of aligning spending plans and use of resources with emissions targets as well as the Audit Scotland expectation that public bodies ensure future funding and investment decisions are based on their contribution to climate change ambitions. 3(d)(b) How will the body publish, or otherwise make available, it's progress towards achieving its emissions reduction targets? Within each of the 5 themes of the Plan for Net Zero, we have organisational targets and metrics of success which can be quantified and measured in isolation as well as combining to measure our journey to net zero in an open and transparent manner. The annual emissions targets within the Council’s carbon budget are designed to measure progress to our net zero target. These will be reviewed and updated as required as new technologies or improved reporting practices come on stream during the Plan for Net Zero. Having an open and transparent methodology for monitoring, evaluating and reporting progress such as the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties reporting is key as this ensures that, as Renfrewshire's Plan for Net Zero progresses each year, we can: o track and assess what has changed (both intended and unintended outcomes) o understand the reasons for changes (what factors have facilitated/constrained change) o interpret the changes and compare real versus modelled performance of projects The monitoring and evaluation process of climate action will also enable us to: o provide accountability and proof of impact of actions that are taken o inform decision making processes for the Council and all our stakeholders o learn lessons from successes and challenges which can be shared o improve programme design and management through an iterative process
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PROJECTS AND CHANGES 3e Estimated total annual carbon savings from all projects implemented by the body in the report year: Emissions source Total estimated annual carbon savings (tCO2e) Comments Electricity 252.0 Completion of LED light replacements Natural gas 430.0 Reducing temperatures in all buildings by 1ºC and by monitoring and changing building BMS settings Waste tbc Schools project: maximising recycling opportunities across all 56 schools and nurseries within Renfrewshire Energy 85.0 BMS upgrades at Riverbrae PS and Park Mains HS Total 767.0 3f Detail the top 10 carbon reduction projects to be carried out by the body in the report year: Decarbonisation of Heat: AMIDS district heating network provides low carbon heating, cooling and hot water via a district heating network to businesses at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District site in Paisley, with a carbon reduction of over 95% over the 40 years lifecycle of the project and potential to connect other buildings locally. Became operational in May 2023. Improving Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation of Heat: Approval and publication of Renfrewshire’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan (area-wide). Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil in Large Fleet: piloting HVO to replace diesel in large fleet, resulting in 57,623 miles being covered by vehicles using HVO in place of diesel, with a ~90% reduction in emissions when comparing the two fuels. Waste: rolling out full recycling facilities to all schools in Renfrewshire to enable recycling and increase separation of waste at source. This reduced the grey bins across the 59 schools and nurseries by just under 59,000litres total per week, and increased blue, green and food for 67 premises by over 93,000litres per week. Waste: rolling out of WEEE Reuse Hub at Paisley Household Waste Recycling Centre, working with the Salvation Army and REPIC to bring unwanted small electrical appliances back into use. Housing Regeneration and Renewal Programme: delivering high quality and energy efficient Council housing throughout Renfrewshire - creating nicer places to live, reducing carbon emissions, bringing down energy bills and alleviating fuel poverty, with associated health and wellbeing benefits. Follow on works also underway to explore possible district heating options, aligning with the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy. Biodiversity: 13 delivered biodiversity area sites following consultation, using species-rich grassland and semi-natural woodland to sequester carbon. The Council has now delivered a total of 8.4 hectares of native species-rich wildflower meadow as part of our Biodiversity Areas project, using species-rich grassland and semi-natural woodland to sequester carbon. Fleet: Public EV chargers saw 35,782 charging sessions during the reporting period and 802,630kWh usage. Energy: Temperature reduction across the estate (estimated saving of 337tCO2e per annum). Energy: LED installation and BMS controls upgrades at various buildings (estimated saving of 430tCO2e per annum).
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3g Estimated decrease or increase in the body’s emissions attributed to factors (not reported elsewhere in this form) in the report year: Emissions source Total estimated annual emissions (tCO2e) Increase or decrease in emissions Comments Other (please specify in comments) Unknown Decrease There has been a noted decrease in public charging sessions following introduction of EV tariffs on 1st April 2023 Total 3h Anticipated annual carbon savings from all projects implemented by the body in the year ahead: Emissions source Total estimated annual carbon savings (tCO2e) Comments Electricity 34 Mixture of projects Water and Sewerage 18 Urinal controls Transport tbc New Active Travel Route from Paisley Gilmour Street Station to Renfrew currently under construction, due for completion ovember 2024. 3.6km of shared use walking and cycling provision with a significant section of off-road route connecting residential communities, businesses, schools and West College campus. Waste tbc Updated waste policy, including new contamination strategy being developed Waste tbc WEEE Banks project: small WEEE recycling alongside a Devie Recycle Programme in partnership with libraries for dropping off small WEEE. Keeping suitable IT devices in use and redistributing to alleviate the digital divide Land Use 556 Peatland restoration project at West Tandlemuir Recycling Improvement Fund projects tbc 1. Food waste project to increase food waste recycling and reduce being disposed of as residual waste 2. Extend food and garden waste collections to areas previously excluded 3. Improve recycling, particularly of food waste at flatted properties with communal bins Other (please specify in comments) Unknown A programme of works is planned which align with the Plan for Net Zero but projects are not approved at the time of submission Other (please specify in comments) Unknown A strategic review of all the buildings we own to ensure more efficient use: minimising energy consumption; reducing energy waste; maximising energy efficiency; and ensuring all public and community buildings have renewables where technically feasible Total 608
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3i Estimated decrease or increase in emissions from other sources in the year ahead: Emissions source Total estimated annual emissions (tCO2e) Increase or decrease in emissions Comments Estate changes 96 Decrease Estate rationalisation (Abbey House, Roneil House, Robertson House): gas, electricity and water Electricity 13.5 Decrease Monitor switch off campaign Transport tbc Decrease Removing business miles and switching to EV pool car use Other (please specify in comments) tbc Decrease A programme of works is planned which align with the Plan for Net Zero but projects are not approved at the time of submission Total 109.5 3j Total carbon reduction project savings since the start of the year which the body used as a baseline for its carbon footprint: Total savings Total estimated emissions savings (tCO2e) Comments Total project savings since baseline year 34,640 This figure is comparing 2023/24 with 2012/13. It is not a cumulative figure for each of the years in the date range
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PART 4: ADAPTATION ASSESSING AND MANAGING RISK 4a Has the body assessed current and future climate-related risks? Yes. Council Risk Statement: The climate emergency brings a risk to Council and its communities in relation to increased extreme weather as well as food insecurity. We need to focus on mitigation and adaptation, and ensure a just transition so no one is left behind and none is disadvantaged in the transition to net zero. The Council would need to take action and support those most disadvantaged. A key risk is that the Council is not in control of all of the levers, and cannot deliver everything required in isolation, so there is a risk that others do not contribute to meet the 2030 target. Climate Related Risk Assessment: The Corporate Risk Management Group meets quarterly in order to review the Council’s Risk Register and monitor progress being made with regard to identified risks. In addition to the quarterly meetings, two special focus meetings are held each year specifically to consider and identify any new emerging potential future risks which would include those relating to weather, climate, flood risk management, business continuity and civil contingencies. A mechanism is in place, therefore, for full consideration corporately of current risks and identification and inclusion of future risk. An action within the Plan for Net Zero is to undertake a climate risk register of all public assets to ensure all our infrastructure and buildings, including historic buildings are resilient to the impacts of climate change. In line with Audit Scotland recommendations, we will also include impacts on service, statutory responsibilities and health and wellbeing of employees. 4b What arrangements does the body have in place to manage climate-related risks? Renfrewshire Council has a proactive approach to managing current and future risks associated with climate change. Reducing flooding, flood risk and improving the condition of water bodies in Renfrewshire is crucial in assisting in tackling and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Sustainable flood risk management is considered and addressed in a number of relevant Council policy and plans. For example, through the production of: • Local Development Plan that has been subject to a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment • Supplementary planning guidelines • Land/housing policy • Civil Contingency Plans • Asset management (roads, water courses, buildings) The Council has emergency response arrangements in place for severe weather events and works corporately to protect people and properties across Renfrewshire. Scottish Environmental Protection Agency provided an update to the national flood maps in November 2023 that uses improved survey data and modelling techniques. This up-to-date information is used by the Council to ensure it utilises the latest data available to establish flood risk. Flood Risk Assessment and Resilience: The Council is a member of the Clyde & Loch Lomond Flood Risk Management Local Plan District. This is a partnership involving Scottish Water, SEPA, Scottish Forestry and Forestry and Land Scotland, the National Parks Authority for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Park and 10 local authorities. Priorities across the area have been set with regard to detailed studies to address flood risk. An updated Flood Risk Management Plan was published in December 2021 and covers the period 2022-2028.
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The Flood Risk Management Plan identifies the Potentially vulnerable areas based on potential or future risk from all sources of flooding. Four potentially vulnerable areas are within Renfrewshire and this includes: • White Cart Water Catchment • Black Cart Water Catchment – Lochwinnoch to Johnstone • Gryffe Catchment • Clyde South and Bishopton Green Network Blueprint: As a member of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership (GCVGNP), Renfrewshire Council has contributed to the publication of a Green Network ‘Blueprint’ document which provides a strategic framework for identifying key access and habitat assets across the area and future opportunities for their protection and enhancement. The Blueprint aligns with proposals in the Renfrewshire Core Path Plan and the outcomes of habitat assessment undertaken with GCVGNP informed the development of the Renfrewshire Core Path Plan 2022 and delivery of actions in the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Encouraging active travel helps contribute to a low carbon economy. Development in Renfrewshire will aim to protect, maintain and enhance the quality and connectivity of green/blue networks as an integral functioning part of the place, increasing accessibility to active travel routes in and around Renfrewshire’s communities. Renfrewshire are currently preparing a blue/green network strategy to ensure development, proposals and projects meet the aims of the Green Network Blueprint. Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Plan: The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 encourages a coordinated approach to share services and seek economies of scale when tackling flood risk management. A very good example of putting this coordinated partnership working into practice is through the Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP) which is a partnership between public bodies involved in managing surface water, water quality, flood risk, investment planning and economic delivery, with a vision to ‘Sustainably Drain Glasgow’. The Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership vision is to transform how the city region thinks about and manages rainfall to end uncontrolled flooding and improve water quality. The Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership hope to achieve this by integrated drainage plans and local surface water management plans delivering a range of integrated measures across the Metropolitan Glasgow area, which includes Renfrewshire. The MGSDP is entering its next phase where it must respond to the climate and biodiversity emergencies. The National Planning Framework 4 recognises urban sustainable, blue and green drainage solutions as a national development which will continue to build on the benefits of the Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership. Climate Ready Clyde: The Climate Ready Clyde project is a cross-sector initiative funded by the Scottish Government and the partners include the eight Glasgow city region local authorities including Renfrewshire Council; University of Glasgow; University of Strathclyde; NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; SPT; SEPA; and NatureScot. The project is to create a shared vision, strategy and action plan for an adapting Glasgow City Region. The project aims to develop a clear strategic approach to allow the City Region to become climate ready in response to the future climate changes. Climate Ready Clyde brings the partners together to work strategically to minimise the risks of climate change and build on the opportunities this brings for our economy, society and environment.
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A City Region Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan was launched in June 2021 and this sets out the processes and early interventions needed to manage climate risks. It also sets out how progress in climate resilience will be monitored, evaluated and learnt from to improve policies, strategies, programmes and projects. One of the targets of the Glasgow City Region Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan is to increase the resilience of over 140,000 people in the regions who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. To help monitor progress against this target a new Glasgow City Region Climate Vulnerability Map has been published. The map shows the postcode areas within the City Region that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and provides a tool that can be used to help target resources towards these vulnerable communities, supporting Climate Ready Clyde’s focus on just resilience. Renfrewshire’s Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy: Renfrewshire Council published its Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy in 2022. The strategy supports the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan by prioritising the redevelopment of brownfield and previously used land, greening neighbourhoods and places to support sustainability and adaptation to the climate crisis and to encourage a sustainable economy. The strategy focuses on a more efficient use of vacant and derelict land, managing development more sustainably, creating opportunities for communities and the enhancement of existing places in support of the delivery of local living through networks of 20-minute neighbourhoods. Supporting nature positive places that will be more resilient to the impacts of the climate crisis and support the recover and restoration of our natural environment is also a key theme in the Strategy. An updated Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy will be finalised for approval in November 2024. A key action within the Plan for Net Zero is to develop an Adaptation Plan for Renfrewshire: Developing adaptation solutions and implementing a phased programme of priority actions which are designed to respond to and address the local impacts of climate change that are already happening, as well as prepare for future climate risks across the Renfrewshire area. These actions will be centred around communities, security and resilience, infrastructure and our local environment. Renfrewshire Local Development Plan: The development plan for Renfrewshire consists of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2021. NPF4 sets out the spatial strategy for Scotland up to 2045. NPF4s spatial strategy aims to ensure that Scotland’s future places will be net zero, nature-positive places that are designed to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, whilst protecting, recovering and restoring the environment. NPF4 recognises that to meet the climate ambition that this will require a rapid transformation across all sectors of the economy and society. This means ensuring the right development happens in the right place. Policy 1: Tacking the climate and nature crisis and Policy 2: Climate mitigation and adaption both specifically set out how development plans should encourage, promote and facilitate development that addresses the global climate emergency and nature crisis and how they should encourage, promote and facilitate development that minimises emissions and adapts to the current and future impacts of climate change. The Local Development Plan is a statutory document that facilitates and guides the future use of land within Renfrewshire providing a map based guide for shaping the area over the next ten years. The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan was adopted in December 2021. The Plan was informed by extensive consultation, engagement and collaboration and sets out the ambitious vision, an inclusive spatial strategy, sustainable objectives and the policy framework for Renfrewshire. The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan continues to focus on sustainable inclusive economic growth within Renfrewshire, identifying where there are opportunities for change, regeneration and enhancement, and directing developments to locations that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. The Plan also promotes sustainable patterns of
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development that contribute towards minimising carbon and greenhouse gas emissions and support the adaptions to the likely effects of climate change. The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan seeks to protect and enhance the varied natural assets. The protection and enhancement of woodland, forestry, the green network, varied landscapes will play a key part in Renfrewshire’s transition to a low carbon economy and adapting to climate change. The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan is supported by a number of documents including the New Development Supplementary Guidance, Strategic Environmental Assessment, Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and Habitats Regulation Appraisal. These documents aim to ensure that the protection and enhancement of the environment is central to the plan and aims to support measures to adapt to the likely effects of climate change. A core principle of the plans spatial strategy is that development proposals will not have a significant negative impact on the environment and aim to enhance Renfrewshire as a Place. The Habitats Regulations Appraisal assesses whether the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2021 is likely to have a significant effect on any Natura 2000 (European) sites whether alone or in combination within any other policy or plan. Following the Appraisal process of screening, applying mitigation and rescreening, the Appraisal concluded that the implementation of the policies in the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan will not have any adverse effects on the site integrity of any Natura 2000 sites, either alone or in combination. These documents help ensure that the protection and enhancement of the environment is central to the plan. A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment was also undertaken as part of the preparation of the Local Development Plan 2021. It has informed both the Strategic Environmental Assessment and the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan. The main aim of the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment was to inform the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan by providing a strategic overview of flood risk in Renfrewshire. In undertaking this assessment alongside the preparation of the Plan, it ensures new development should where possible avoid areas affected by flood risk, thereby ensuring that the overall risk of flooding is not increased. The Council has commenced work on its 3rd Local Development Plan and it will reflect the NPF4 and be subject to the same assessments as the 2021 LDP which will ensure that proposed developments are designed to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Habitats Regulations Appraisal – Appropriate Assessments of Planning Applications A number of appropriate assessments have been prepared for specific planning applications that propose development that may impact a protected European Site (Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation). In Renfrewshire there are three Special Protection Areas: Black Cart, which is a roost site and foraging area for wintering Icelandic whooper swans; Inner Clyde Estuary which is an area of intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh used as feeding grounds by wintering waterfowl; and Renfrewshire Heights which is a breeding area for hen harriers. The Appropriate Assessment considers whether the proposal would have a significant impact on the protected sites and its conservation objectives and what mitigation is required to address ant impact. NatureScot are consulted as part of this process, and this ensures that proposed developments do not adversely effect Renfrewshire biodiversity.
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TAKING ACTION 4c What action has the body taken to adapt to climate change? Training: Officers have worked alongside Adaptation Scotland in the preparation of Climate Ready Clyde, the adaptation strategy and action plan for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. This provided the opportunity to develop a shared vision with a clear and ambitious commitment of working collaboratively to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Renfrewshire Council is an active member of the Sustainable Scotland Network and officers from relevant services have attended adaptation focused events. Sustainable Scotland network have set up a Local Authority Forum which aims to foster sector specific discussion, to consider the climate challenges and opportunities facing local government in Scotland, including space for valuable networking. 70 Officers currently have undergone Carbon Literacy Training which has enhanced their knowledge and confidence to incorporate carbon reduction into their role and decision-making. Policies and Plans: Renfrewshire Council has a strong policy framework in place to help address the climate emergency and support adaptation and mitigation. The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2021 and the National Planning Framework 4 provide a policy framework for assessing climate change risks from proposed developments. A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment was undertaken of the adopted Local Development Plan which directs new development to sustainable locations and where possible avoid areas of flood risk, thereby ensuring that the overall risk of flooding is not increased. This is an important element of the climate risk assessment for land use within Renfrewshire. All potential development sites in the Local Development Plan have been assessed in terms of their sustainability and any likely climate related impacts have been identified through the Strategic Environmental Assessment. Mitigation and adaptation to climate change and flooding are included in this assessment. The Clyde and Loch Lomond Flood Risk Management Strategy has set a framework for action for the Council to address flooding in areas at most risk. Renfrewshire Council’s Outdoor Access Strategy 2016-2026 and Core Paths Plan 2022 provide a framework which supports recreational and active travel opportunities, connecting communities, schools and places of work as well as greenspace and the wider countryside. The documents encourage an increase in walking and cycling which not only promotes healthy lifestyles but contribute to mitigation of climate change through a reduction of car based travel. National Planning Framework 4 promotes 20 minute neighbourhoods which support local liveability, reduce the need to travel unsustainably, promote and facilitate walking and cycling, improve access to services, decentralise energy networks and build circular economies. The Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 provides an update to the previous action plan, reflecting current Scottish Government guidance and legislation which places a strong emphasis on the response to climate change and biodiversity, such as the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 and National Planning Framework 4. The plan set out a positive and ambitious approach, identifying a range of principles and actions which reflect the current landscape of active biodiversity partner organisations and their activities. In this context the plan provides a refreshed framework for the conservation, promotion and enhancement of biodiversity across Renfrewshire. The plan provides a framework for partnership initiatives which promote biodiversity across Renfrewshire over the coming years. This includes restoration of more than 200 hectares of peatland at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, a feasibility study considering potential enhancements to the
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Candren Burn, Paisley in partnership with SEPA and a range of conservation activities developed by the Friends of Jenny’s Well, Paisley such as a new amphibian pond at the Local Nature Reserve in partnership with Froglife. The Renfrewshire Food Growing Strategy 2020-25 provides a positive framework for increasing the quality and quantity of growing opportunities across Renfrewshire. The strategy supports the enhancement of existing spaces and creation of new opportunities in line with community aspirations, assisting the reuse vacant and derelict land in a sustainable manner. A Deer Management Statement has been prepared in partnership with NatureScot. Partnership Working: The Council works in partnership with organisations and individuals on specific projects, for example: ➢ The Renfrewshire Growing Grounds Forum supports local residents and groups to maintain and increase of the quantity and quality of growing opportunities for people across Renfrewshire. Managed jointly by Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, the Forum represents more than 50 organisations including allotment and community garden associations, development trusts and voluntary sector bodies. The Forum has created a valuable support and guidance network for members, including assistance in securing leases, funding advice and specialist growing advice. ➢ The Council continues to support the Local Outdoor Access Forum which meets to discuss access related matters. It is comprised of access users such as cyclists and walkers, land owners and managers, community groups and local or national organisations. The role of the Forum is to advise on matters of access rights, disputes and supporting the preparation of access strategies and Core Paths Plans. ➢ Through the partnership approach of the Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership, being a member of Clyde and Loch Lomond Local Plan District along with the Clyde Area Advisory Group for River Basin Management, Renfrewshire Council aim to support improvements to drainage infrastructure and reduce flooding and flood risk whilst improving the condition of water bodies, improving habitats and enabling development. ➢ Progression of a study (RIBA 0-1) to explore the feasibility of restoring the Candren Burn catchment, in Ferguslie Park, Paisley in partnership with SEPA and the Green Action Trust. The project will support delivery of a key element of a community led place plan for the area as well as helping to achieve Good Ecological Potential as classified under Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Scotland's River Basin Management Plan 2021. 4d Where applicable, what contribution has the body made to helping deliver the Programme? Biodiversity: The Biodiversity Action Plan 2024 provides a framework for partnership initiatives which promote biodiversity across Renfrewshire over the coming years. This includes restoration of more than 200 hectares of peatland at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, a feasibility study considering potential enhancements to the Candren Burn, Paisley in partnership with SEPA and a range of conservation activities developed by the Friends of Jenny’s Well, Paisley such as a new amphibian pond at the Local Nature Reserve in partnership with Froglife. Renfrewshire Council has continued to play a lead coordinating role in the cross-border Local Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 created a duty on public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity. In addition, the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 requires public bodies to
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publish a report every three years on the actions taken to meet biodiversity duty. The report highlights that an important achievement during this period has been the variety of biodiversity activities and nature based solutions which contribute positively towards Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero and the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan. This includes landscape scale projects such as the creation of new woodland habitats and peatland restoration to the creation of biodiversity areas and local conservation activities. Forestry and Woodland Strategy: Renfrewshire Council worked with the other Clydeplan authorities to develop the Forestry and Woodland Strategy for the Glasgow City Region. The aim of the Strategy is to guide woodland expansion and management of woodlands in the Glasgow City Region providing a policy and spatial framework to optimise the benefits for the local economy, communities and the environment. The Strategy aims to maximise the contribution that the Glasgow City Region area’s existing and future woodlands can make to achieving carbon neutrality in line with the Scottish Government targets and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The Strategy sets the context for forest management and expansion across Renfrewshire. The Council are currently working on preparing a Renfrewshire Forestry and Woodland Strategy. The Council published a new Renfrewshire Planning and Development Tree Policy in 2022 which aims to protect and enhance areas of trees and woodland in line with the Scottish Government’s Control of Woodland Removal Policy and Clydeplan’s Forestry and Woodland Strategy. Work is also progressing to prepare a forestry and woodland strategy for Renfrewshire which will build on the Glasgow city region strategy. The 30th of August 2023 Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board considered a Proactive Tree Management Policy for the Council’s existing tree stock in a bid to counteract the deleterious effects of spreading tree diseases and to promote a safe environment for residents and visitors. This policy included a commitment to increased tree planting by the Council to compensate for inevitable felling works to control disease spread. REVIEW, MONITORING & EVALUATION 4e What arrangements does the body have in place to review current and future climate risks? National Planning Framework 4: The development plan for Renfrewshire consists of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2021. NPF4 sets out the spatial strategy for Scotland up to 2045. NPF4’s spatial strategy aims to ensure that Scotland’s future places will be net zero, nature-positive places that are designed to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, whilst protecting, recovering and restoring the environment. Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2021: The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 2021 provides an ambitious vision, an inclusive spatial strategy, sustainable objectives and the policy framework for Renfrewshire. The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan continues to focus on sustainable inclusive economic growth within Renfrewshire, identifying where there are opportunities for change, regeneration and enhancement, and directing developments to locations that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. The Plan also promotes sustainable patterns of development that contribute towards minimising carbon and greenhouse gas emissions and support the adaptions to the likely effects of climate change. The Renfrewshire Local Development Plan seeks to protect and enhance the varied natural assets. The protection and enhancement of woodland, forestry, the green network, varied landscapes will play a key part in Renfrewshire’s transition to a low carbon economy and adapting to climate change.
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Work has commenced on the preparation of Renfrewshire Local Development Plan 3. An action within the Plan for Net Zero is to undertake a climate risk register of all public assets to ensure all our infrastructure and buildings, including historic buildings are resilient to the impacts of climate change. In line with Audit Scotland recommendations, we will also include impacts on service, statutory responsibilities and health and wellbeing of employees. 4f What arrangements does the body have in place to monitor and evaluate the impacts of adaptation actions? Policies and Plans: The policies within the Local Development Plan are monitored regularly and it was subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment which includes consideration of the effects of the policies on Climate Change mitigation and Adaptation. A State of the Environment Report for Renfrewshire is also produced on a regular basis. The State of the Environment Report provides a robust information base for the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Renfrewshire Local Development. The State of the Environment Report is updated to ensure that data is relevant. The preparation of the State of the Environment Report is an important step in the monitoring process as trends can be identified and the indicators show if the status of indicators is improving, deteriorating or if there is no change. Flooding data is regularly updated to reflect the addition of new information and improvements in climate modelling. The data is also used to inform other corporate strategies and plans such as the Local Housing Strategy and Strategic Housing Investment Plan. A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment is prepared alongside the Local Development Plan which ensures development is directed away from sites where there is a flood risk. The Plan for Net Zero will deliver multiple outcomes simultaneously (not all of which can be monetised, e.g. impacts on adaptation, mitigation of climate impacts). We will undertake area-based socio-economic impact assessments to identify and evaluate direct and indirect impacts and benefits of the proposed strategic interventions and projects to be implemented through the Plan for Net Zero. A number of KPIs under the theme of Resilient Place will also be monitored and evaluated and progress reported annually.
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FUTURE PRIORITIES FOR ADAPTATION 4g What are the body’s top 5 climate change adaptation priorities for the year ahead? 1. Development of an Adaptation Plan for Renfrewshire, in addition to the Glasgow City Region Adaptation Strategy, to identify localised solutions based on needs within different areas. 2. Carrying out an inventory of all Council land and assets, including vacant and derelict land, to explore how we can store more carbon on our land than we produce – identifying appropriate locations and measures to increase the carbon stored on land we own and increase biodiversity on public land assets 3. Restoration of 216ha of degraded peatland at West Tandlemuir Farm, Lochwinnoch. The restored peatland has the potential to sequester 556 tonnes of CO2 per annum. Project delivery is subject to confirmation of funding from NatureScot’s Peatland Action Fund. 4. Delivery of public realm enhancements in Erskine and Johnstone town centres that are informed by innovative blue/green infrastructure solutions that support climate resilience and habitat enhancement, such as rain gardens and diverse planting schemes. 5. Developing a climate risk register of all public assets to ensure all our infrastructure and buildings, including historic buildings are resilient to the impacts of climate change, including impacts on service, statutory responsibilities and health and wellbeing of employees FURTHER INFORMATION Provide any other relevant supporting information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to adaption. Biodiversity Areas: Species rich grassland can sequester up to 5 times the carbon of short-mown amenity grassland (Plantlife). Species such as Knapweed with deep roots are particularly effective, and this species is present in all seed mixes used on the 15 delivered publicly consulted sites and 13 delivered operationally consulted sites, resulting in 8.4 hectares of biodiversity area sites. Reductions in mowing from a 14-day cycle to a single annual autumn cut-and-lift create further carbon savings from transport and diesel powered mowers. A story map with site-by-site information and images is available at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/86b7ab224cce402f8f8e3fa2434c0ac4 Restoring Renfrewshire’s Rivers: Several invasive non-native species (INNS) of plant lead to annual riverbank erosion by creating monocultures which shade out communities of native plant species then leave riverbanks as exposed bare soil in winter. Soil washing into watercourses releases carbon and the resulting sedimentation leads to a reduction in aquatic biodiversity. A community based funded project will reduce carbon by eradicating 5 key invasive non-native species from riverbanks of 5 watercourses across Renfrewshire, beginning at headwaters, and where appropriate resowing native riparian vegetation. Ongoing monitoring and reactive control will prevent recolonisation. Biodiversity Officer for the Rivers Project took place in 2023 and the community/training and control work took place over Summer 2024. Ongoing monitoring and reactive control will prevent recolonisation of the invasive non-native species. Biodiversity Duty Report 2021-23: Publication of the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Duty Report 2021-2023, in accordance with accordance with the Council’s statutory duties as set out in the Wildlife and Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2011. The report highlights that an important achievement during this period has been the variety of biodiversity activities and nature based solutions which contribute positively towards Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero and the Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan. This includes landscape scale projects such as the creation of new
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woodland habitats and peatland restoration to the creation of biodiversity areas and local conservation activities. Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024: Publication of a refreshed Renfrewshire Biodiversity Action Plan 2024. The Plan provides an update to the previous 2018 document, reflecting current Scottish Government guidance and legislation which places a strong emphasis on the response to climate change and biodiversity, such as the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 and National Planning Framework 4. The Plan set out a positive and ambitious approach, identifying a range of principles and actions which reflect the current landscape of active biodiversity partner organisations and their activities. In this context the plan provides a refreshed framework for the conservation, promotion and enhancement of biodiversity across Renfrewshire. The Plan provides a framework for partnership initiatives which promote biodiversity across Renfrewshire over the coming years. This includes restoration of more than 200 hectares of peatland at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, a feasibility study considering potential enhancements to the Candren Burn, Paisley in partnership with SEPA and a range of conservation activities developed by the Friends of Jenny’s Well, Paisley such as a new amphibian pond at the Local Nature Reserve in partnership with Froglife. Deer Management Statement: Publication of a Renfrewshire Deer Management Statement, in partnership with NatureScot. Renfrewshire Council - Deer Management Statement | NatureScot. Candren Burn Feasibility Study: Progression of a study (RIBA 0-1) to explore the feasibility of restoring the Candren Burn catchment, in Ferguslie Park, Paisley in partnership with SEPA and the Green Action Trust. The project will support delivery of a key element of a community led place plan for the area as well as helping to achieve Good Ecological Potential as classified under Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Scotland’s River Basin Management Plan 2021. Wallace Monument Enhancements, Elderslie: Over the summer of 2024, the proposals for the enhancement of the Wallace Monument and surrounding grounds will be delivered in Elderslie, the traditional site of William Wallace’s birthplace. A key element of proposals focuses on enhancements to biodiversity at the site, integrating locally important habitats which contribute towards wider Nature Networks within the local area and Renfrewshire beyond. Works included soft landscaping interventions such as new shrub and bulb planting, treeworks and areas of wildflower meadow supporting local biodiversity, alongside more formal grass areas as a space for local community events. Enhancements also included repairs to interpretation pillars, existing stepped access from Wallace Avenue and refurbishment of protective railings around the Wallace Yew. Place Plans: The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 has introduced the opportunity for communities to produce their own plans as part of the new Scottish planning system. Local Place Plans offer communities the opportunity to develop proposals for their local area, expressing their aspirations and ambitions for future change. Local Place Plans will offer the opportunity for communities to understand what they want to be like in the future and help to develop a positive community identity and can support community aspirations on the big challenges for a future Scotland, such as responding to the climate issues and tackling inequalities. The Council has invited local communities to express an interest if they wish to prepare a Local Place Plan. A number of Community
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Councils and Development Trusts have started the process of preparing their Place Plans with some support from the Council. Flood Operational Plan: The Council’s Flood Operational Plan is being finalised and seeking approval in November 2024. The aim of this Plan is to ensure an and co-ordinated response by Renfrewshire Council to a flooding incident, focusing on the welfare of those effected, mitigation of property and environmental damage. The development of the Plan included consultation with local groups to enhance knowledge of hot spot flooding areas to ensure priority lists continue to be kept up to date.
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PART 5: PROCUREMENT 5a How have procurement policies contributed to compliance with climate change duties? Provide information relating to how the procurement policies of the body have contributed to its compliance with climate changes duties: Renfrewshire Council as a contracting authority has developed a range of policies and strategies to ensure compliance with the Sustainable Procurement Duty under section 8 (2) of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015. The updated Sustainable Procurement Strategy (approved on 23 November 2023 by the Finance, Resources, and Customer Services Policy Board) aligns to statutory requirements as well as the key strategic priorities of the Council including the Council Plan and Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero. The strategy contains detail on current practice and procedures as well as planned actions for how the approach to sustainable procurement in Renfrewshire could be refined and progressed. The strategy, for the first time, sets out not only expectations of internal stakeholders but also details expectations of our external stakeholders including our supply base. The Council’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy sets out a clear process map for embedding sustainability into contracts at each stage of the procurement process and aligns to the Council’s aspiration to contribute to reducing our impact on climate change to make Renfrewshire's economy and communities as sustainable as possible. Our policies take account of the Programme for Government’s recognition that public procurement in Scotland can drive change and build responsible supply chains, helping to tackle the climate emergency, reduce emissions, minimise waste and allow for re-use or recycling wherever appropriate. The need to ensure compliance and commitment is further reinforced in Renfrewshire Council’s Standing Orders relating to Contracts. This requires sustainable procurement is considered at the outset as part of the development of every contract strategy for regulated and above GPA threshold procurements. The approach adopted supports identifying potential environmental, social and economic aspects requiring to be incorporated within the procurement process through the development of a relevant specification or through the contract Terms and Conditions. This approach also helps to support spending decisions based on sustainable choices. Another example of the procurement policy directly contributing to climate change duties includes the requirement to assess the resource being purchased, consider whole life costing, origins of materials, operating costs and disposal and end of life implications; all contributing to minimising impact on the environment. The five environmental aspects embedded in the contract strategy are: 1. Reduction in emissions to air, water, impact on climate change and the impact on population’s health; 2. Waste reduction in solid wastes, liquids, hazardous packaging and landfill; 3. Reduction in energy use and business travel; 4. Loss of biodiversity and the impact on habitat; 5. Promotion of energy efficient products, renewable energy and sustainable resources. To meet the requirements of the Sustainable Procurement Duty specified in section 9 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 the council’s procurement process has incorporated the four sustainable tools: 1. Prioritisation tool, which is supporting implement and adopt a standard, structured approach to assessing spend categories and focussing on increasing sustainable economic growth; 2. Sustainability test is embedded and considered as part of the contract strategy development, this helps identify relevant sustainability risks such as climate which can then be considered in the contract strategy and if appropriate relevant climate questions can be built into the tender documentation;
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3. The life cycle impact mapping is actively used to help with the identification of sustainable risks and opportunities as part of the procurement process; 4. Utilised and completed the self-assessment using the Flexible Framework and actions identified are being progressed. In order to ensure that Suppliers are fully aware of the commitment to climate change duties, clear instructions and clauses are incorporated in the Invitation to Tender documents. 5b How has procurement activity contributed to compliance with climate change duties? Provide information relating to how procurement activity by the body has contributed to its compliance with climate changes duties: The range of policies and procedures adopted by Renfrewshire Council’s Corporate Procurement Unit make a significant positive contribution to compliance with climate change duties by actively considering the reduction of greenhouse emissions, energy efficiency and recycling responsibly. Procurement work with key stakeholders to develop strategies which carefully consider the impact of what the Council buys and takes account of all opportunities to promote sustainable procurement. The publishing of the Sustainable Procurement Strategy and the targeted training that has been rolled out has fed the continuous improvement approach that the CPU has in relation to inclusion of climate outcomes in contracts. Renfrewshire Council’s Annual Procurement Report 23/24 demonstrates this and includes a snapshot of 19 contracts/projects awarded in the last financial year that included climate outcomes. These ranged from requirement of environmental management and sustainability accreditations such as ISO14001 to scored questions on the tenderers approach to sustainability to waste management and circular economy considerations. The evidence-based information/examples below demonstrate the strong approach taken by procurement to contributing to the climate change duties, for example: Renfrewshire Council has entered an Inter Authority Agreement as a key partner on the Clyde Valley Residual Waste Project. The 25-year contract has been awarded to Viridor to design, construct, finance and operate the facilities to treat waste which would otherwise go to landfill. It is anticipated that because of the contract Viridor will process approximately 190,000 tonnes of residual waste per year. These measures will make a significant contribution to the national targets for recycling and landfill diversion by 2025. The Clyde Valley Waste Management Project, Treatment & Disposal of Residual Waste commenced operation on 7th January 2020. This will assist the Council in meeting its landfill diversion targets, with over 90% of the Councils' waste becoming refuse derived fuel which will be used to generate renewable energy. To ensure its long-term vision to create a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy, a wide range of activities are being undertaken by the Council to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill. These include the collection of many waste- related materials both at the kerbside and from the Councils Household Waste Recycling Centres. Corporate Procurement have supported the Council’s ambitions to reduce waste to landfill and increase recycling by implementing an overarching Waste Strategy to support the ambitious programme to introduce new collection services to over 90,000 households in Renfrewshire. Renfrewshire Council is also part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal (GCRCD) which is an agreement between the UK Government, the Scottish Government and eight local authorities across the Glasgow City Region. The Council is the lead contracting authority on both the Clyde Waterfront & Renfrew Riverside (CWRR) and Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). Both of these projects have climate ambitions at their heart, and this has been embedded into the project strategies. The AMIDS project includes the procurement of a Joint Venture Private Sector Partner and will assess the bidders on their approach to
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developing a carbon reduction plan (2% of the tender evaluation). As part of the JV requirements, they will have to update the carbon reduction plan annually and publish it on their website. The AMIDS project has also included the construction of the first 5th generation renewable energy heat network in Scotland at the site. This is now operational and provides anchor tenants with heat, leading to a carbon reduction of 90% compared with a traditional gas boiler. Both the AMIDS and CWRR projects include active travel elements that will make low carbon active travel a more attractive prospect across Renfrewshire and reduce related carbon emissions. The Procurement team are actively supporting the ongoing Council fleet replacement programme with the purchase of new electric light commercial vehicles. The procurement team are also helping facilitate the sustainable travel plan with a number of tenders that focus on active travel solutions and encouraging the public to be more engaged with using these active travel forms of transport. Renfrewshire Council is embarking on an ambitious programme of investment in housing led regeneration and renewal in Renfrewshire. The Housing Regeneration and Renewal Programme will see the investment of at least £100 million over a ten-year period will deliver modern, high quality, energy efficient, affordable housing. Contract requirements will include building of new homes; retrofit and refurbishment of existing properties and associated design services. Climate is at the heart of this project with the works focusing on reducing carbon emissions as well as providing high quality affordable homes. This means an increase in energy efficiency of council owned properties across Renfrewshire. Sustainability and Climate considerations are also key to the project strategy development and will be built into each contract for the programme. The Council is benefiting from funded consultancy support from Sustainable Procurement Limited for this project with contract specific climate targets being included where appropriate. Sustainability scorecards are being used in the contract management for relevant contracts in this programme process to track progress on agreed upon sustainability KPIs, including climate focused ones. The Council is also engaged in a programme to create a new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus. The school will be of a Passivhaus standard, and the school and community campus will contribute to the improvement in learning and wellbeing outcomes for young people and the wider community, helping to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Renfrewshire. The Passivhaus standard of the building means that climate is embedded into the entire project build and therefore the project strategy subsequently has a key focus on sustainability and climate. Renfrewshire Council’s Cultural Infrastructure Programme is another key priority of the council that procurement is helping to deliver, ensuring that climate and sustainability are embedded in the projects and that outcomes are contributing to the Council’s Net Zero targets. 5c Further Information Provide any other relevant supporting information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to procurement: The Corporate Procurement Unit takes a proactive approach towards the legislative and policy requirements which has been developed and embedded within the procurement process. The contract examples above in section 5(b) demonstrate best practice and continuous improvement internally and externally to address the requirements of the Climate Change Duties. The procurement team have all completed the Climate Literacy for Procurers eLearning on the Scottish Government Sustainable Procurement Tools platform and embed this learning, and the use of the tools, into all procurement processes. Additionally, the team have also participated in a number of specialised sustainability training sessions, both internally and with support from Sustainable Procurement Ltd, to build
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confidence in including climate, circular economy, and sustainability requirements in tenders and challenging the client service on climate considerations. There is a robust onboarding programme for new procurement officers that includes ensuring that they are up to date on climate literacy and detail on how climate considerations are embedded into the procurement process in Renfrewshire. The prominence of sustainability and climate action across the procurement landscape indicated that a dedicated officer for sustainable procurement would be of benefit in order to ensure that the Council keeps abreast of best practice, embeds sustainability into all procurement actions and fosters innovation and creative solutions around sustainable procurement practice. As previously reported in February 2022 the Climate Change Sub Committee approved allocation of funding from the Climate Change Action Fund to support the development of a Renfrewshire Sustainable Procurement programme which would strengthen and accelerate the local approach and support Net Zero ambitions across Renfrewshire. In April 2022 the Climate Emergency Advisor for procurement commenced their post with an initial 1-year commitment to funding, funding has subsequently been sourced to continue this post into March 2025. Their role is to support procurements response to the Climate Emergency, writing and actioning sustainability policy and practice, running a robust training regime to ensure all officers are confident in building sustainability requirements into strategies and contracts, engaging in cross-functional work across the Council (and beyond) to support the climate response, and actively engage in practice sharing across the Scottish Public Procurement sector. The CPU are also actively engaging with the Council’s Climate Emergency Lead Officer and the Green Economy Officer to help maximise the impact of procurement, exploring opportunities for procurement to support with the delivery of our climate goals and our community wealth building aspirations for our local economy. The procurement team requests the advice/support/expertise of these stakeholders where necessary as climate requirements in tenders become more technical and/or specialised in nature to ensure confidence in these requirements. In partnership with Economic Development, the CPU is also engaging in regular events/workshops aimed at SMEs and local businesses as part of the Community Wealth Building agenda, these events include the opportunity for suppliers and stakeholders to receive a variety of advice and support including around climate and sustainability requirements.
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PART 6: VALIDATION & DECLARATION 6a Internal validation process Briefly describe the body’s internal validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. The Climate Emergency Lead Officer was identified for coordinating data compilation for the report, with data being collated from across all Services by members within the Policy and Commissioning team. The report was reviewed and signed off by the Head of Climate, Public Protection and Roads. The Planning and Climate Change Board reviewed, validated and approved this report on 5th November 2024. 6b Peer validation process Briefly describe the body’s peer validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. n/a – exploring working with other Local Authorities to create a peer validation network for coming years. 6c External validation process Briefly describe the body’s external validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. The emissions data used within the Council's Plan for Net Zero was validated by Aether consultants as part of an emissions baselining and trajectory exercise. Strategic Environmental Assessment: As a responsible authority the Council is required to assess, consult and monitor the likely impacts of its plans, programmes and strategies on the environment. Strategic Environmental Assessment is a key component of sustainable development, establishing important methods for protecting the environment and extending opportunities for public participation in decision making. Strategic Environmental Assessment achieves this by systematically assessing and monitoring the significant environmental effects of public sector strategies, plans and programmes ensuring that expertise and views are sought at various points in the process from NatureScot, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Historic Environment Scotland and the public. The Local Development Plan and other strategies and plans that have evolved from the Local Development Plan have been the subject of a Strategic Environmental Assessment, where climate change and associated factors such as flooding were specific considerations of the assessment. The Strategic Environmental Assessment ensures that the environment is given the same level of consideration as social and economic factors. 6d No validation process If any information provided in this report has not been validated, identify the information in question and explain why it has not been validated. n/a 6e Declaration I confirm that the information in this report is accurate and provides a fair representation of the body’s performance in relation to climate change. Name: Gerard Hannah Role in the body: Head of Climate, Public Protection & Roads Date: 28th October 2024
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