Agenda Document Pack - Climate Change and Sustainability Committee - 03/09/2025
South Lanarkshire Council · 3 September 2025
Back to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee — 3 September 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Council Offices, Almada Street Hamilton, ML3 0AA Tuesday, 26 August 2025 Dear Councillor Climate Change and Sustainability Committee The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the Committee to be held as follows:- Date: Wednesday, 03 September 2025 Time: 10:00 Venue: Hybrid - Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Chief Executive Members Norman Rae (Chair), Kirsten Robb (Depute Chair), Joe Fagan (ex officio), Alex Allison, John Anderson, Ralph Barker, Maureen Chalmers, Ross Clark, Margaret Cooper, Colin Dewar, Monique Equi, Ross Gowland, Gavin Keatt, Ross Lambie, Richard Lockhart, Katy Loudon, Julia Marrs, Lesley McDonald, Elaine McDougall, Carol Nugent, Mo Razzaq, John Ross, Graham Scott, Bert Thomson, Helen Toner, Margaret B Walker, Kirsty Williams Substitutes Walter Brogan, Robert Brown, Andy Carmichael, Gerry Convery, Poppy Corbett, Andrea Cowan, Allan Falconer, Gladys Ferguson-Miller, Elise Frame, Geri Gray, Martin Hose, Richard Nelson, David Watson 1
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held on 4 June 2025 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 10 Item(s) for Noting 3 Scottish Government Consultation on Draft Statutory Guidance for Public Bodies Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 11 - 36 4 Scottish Government Consultation on Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport Report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 37 - 50 5 Full Term Report on the implementation of the Climate Emergency Fund Part 2 - Funded Projects (2021-2025) Report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 51 - 100 6 Climate Emergency Fund 2025/2026 - Project Update Report dated 14 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 101 - 106 7 Nature Emergency Declaration Report dated 13 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 107 - 126 8 Progress Report: Making Space for Pollinators Report dated 13 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources). (Copy attached) 127 - 148 9 Annual Review of the South Lanarkshire Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy Report dated 6 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources). (Copy attached) 149 - 156 10 Interim Update - 10-Year Estates Strategy Report dated 14 August 2025 by the Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources). (Copy attached) 157 - 162 Urgent Business 11 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. 2
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Clerk Name: Susan Somerville Clerk Telephone: 07557 323097 Clerk Email: susan.somerville@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3
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CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Minutes of meeting held via Confero and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 4 June 2025 Chair: Councillor Norman Rae Councillors Present: Councillor John Anderson, Councillor Ralph Barker, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Monique Equi, Councillor Ross Gowland, Councillor Richard Lockhart, Councillor Julia Marrs, Councillor Lesley McDonald, Councillor Elaine McDougall, Councillor Mo Razzaq, Councillor Kirsten Robb (Depute), Councillor John Ross, Councillor Graham Scott, Councillor Bert Thomson, Councillor Helen Toner, Councillor Margaret B Walker, Councillor Kirsty Williams Councillors' Apologies: Councillor Alex Allison, Councillor Margaret Cooper, Councillor Joe Fagan (ex officio), Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, Councillor Gavin Keatt, Councillor Ross Lambie, Councillor Katy Loudon, Councillor Carol Nugent Attending: Community and Enterprise Resources D Booth, Executive Director; A Brown, Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development; K Carr, Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services; G Dodds, Sustainable Development Officer; K McCafferty, Carbon Management Officer; C Park, Head of Roads, Transportation and Fleet Services; A Wallace, Sustainability Adviser Education Resources D Hinshelwood, Support Services Manager Finance and Corporate Resources K McLeod, Administration Assistant; S Somerville, Administration Manager Housing and Technical Resources S Turner, Section Leader (Legislative) Also Attending: Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub A Limbert, Strategic Lead Officer 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee held on 19 March 2025 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Committee decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 3 Lanarkshire Climate Hub Presentation A Limbert, Strategic Lead Officer gave a presentation on the Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub. 2 5
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Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub, which was formed in December 2023, was part of the network of community climate action hubs across Scotland. The hubs were a Scottish Government initiative to support groups and people in communities to take climate action. Information was given on:- the causes of Climate Change the outcomes from community-level action connecting communities across South Lanarkshire the Climate Action Festival event funding and support, via the Small Grants Programme, including examples of successful projects how the Hub informed and educated communities on climate action Having responded to members’ questions, A Limbert was thanked for her informative presentation. The Committee decided: that the presentation be noted. 4 Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Action Plan 2024/2025 - Quarter 4 Progress Report A report dated 12 May 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on the status of the actions and measures contained in the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy (SDCCS) at Quarter 4 of 2024/2025. At its meeting on 15 June 2022, the Council approved the Council’s SDCCS which covered a 5- year period from 2022 to 2027. Delivery of actions within the Strategy provided the main focus for sustainable development activity over the period and enabled the Council to fulfil its duties under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2003, the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The SDCCS Action Plan for 2024/2025 contained 17 performance measures towards the Strategy’s outcomes together with 93 improvement actions. The measures were rated using a traffic light system of green, amber or red, while the improvement actions were rated using green, amber or red as well as blue which indicated that an action had been completed. Of the 17 measures within the SDCCS:- 7 had seen the timescale or target met according to expectations (green) 2 had minor slippage against timescale or minor shortfall against target (amber) 1 had seen major slippage against timescale or major shortfall against target (red) 2 would be reported later when data was available 5 were contextual and provided a health check for South Lanarkshire The red measure related to the percentage of household waste recycled which remained below the target of 50%. Performance against this measure would continue to be monitored and the work undertaken to address this issue was included in Appendix 1 to the report. There were also 2 amber improvement measures that had seen minor slippage. Details on those were provided at paragraph 4.3 of the report, with more information included in Appendix 1 to the report. Of the 93 improvement actions, 1 was marked as red at Quarter 4. This related to the development of the business case for demonstrator Internet of Things projects which was on hold to better align with IT Services’ Digital Transformation timeline. There were also 4 amber actions, details of which were provided in paragraph 4.5 of the report. 6
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Progress on all objectives, actions and measures was detailed in the Quarter 4 performance report for 2024/2025, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, with key highlights outlined in paragraph 4.6 of the report. There followed a discussion during which officers responded to members’ questions on various aspects of the report. The Committee decided: that the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Action Plan Quarter 4 Progress Report 2024/2025 be noted. [Reference: Minutes of South Lanarkshire Council of 15 June 2022 (Paragraph 6)] 5 Climate Change and Sustainability Communications Approach and New Logo A report dated 12 May 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted on a newly developed logo, designed to support the promotion of the Council’s work in recognising and addressing the climate emergency, and to encourage appropriate actions by residents and stakeholders. The Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022 to 2027 identified community empowerment as a key priority. The Strategy recognised that people and communities played a central role in creating a sustainable and inclusive South Lanarkshire. A principal objective of the Strategy was to enhance public understanding of sustainable development and the climate emergency in order to influence positive behavioural change. In support of those objectives, the Communications and Strategy Service had incorporated Climate Change into its suite of formal communications campaigns. The Council’s communications approach in 2025/2026 for climate change and sustainability would focus on the following priorities:- increase understanding empower action foster engagement collaborate for broader reach Throughout 2025/2026, the Council’s climate communications would aim to share real stories, practical actions and local progress to inspire engagement and collective action. In support of the 2025/2026 communications approach, the Sustainable Development and Climate Change (SDCC) Team, in partnership with Communications and Strategy and in consultation with the Youth Forum, had undertaken a refresh of the Council’s climate change branding which had been updated to reflect the overarching narrative of shared vision, community progress and achievable change. The Committee decided: that the new climate change and sustainability logo, as attached at Appendix 1, and the intended approach to its use across Council materials, be approved. 6 Full Term Report on the Climate Emergency Fund (2021 to 2025) A report dated 12 May 2025 by the Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) was submitted providing an update on South Lanarkshire Council’s Climate Emergency Fund and the progress of the projects that had been funded. 7
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The Climate Emergency Fund had been introduced to provide a range of opportunities for Council Resources, external partners and community groups to source funding to help prepare for, and deliver on, national climate change targets, and to enable the development of a detailed action plan for the Sustainability Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022 to 2027. The Climate Emergency Fund had been split into the following 5 key areas:- staffing Development Fund match fund projects and pilots Community Grant Fund The Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group had identified the following cross-cutting themes where the project budget should be directed:- natural environment built environment active travel and transport waste and recycling sustainable communities green economy Details were provided, at paragraph 4.5 of the report, on the final spend profile over the 4 financial years, 2021/2022 to 2024/2025, covered by the Climate Emergency Fund. A total of 28 projects had been approved since the introduction of the Fund, details of which were included in Appendix 1 to the report. A full list of the community grants that had been approved for funding in each financial year was provided in appendices 2 to 5 of the report. The Climate Emergency Fund had been an essential resource to facilitate the development of climate change projects throughout the Council and instrumental in enabling Services to secure additional external funding to deliver projects. The Sustainability Team would continue to monitor projects which had been awarded funding to ensure continued alignment with, and achievement of, the outcomes and benefits outlined by the Climate Emergency Fund. A further update on specific project outcomes, case studies and outcomes for individual internal projects and community grants would be provided at the next meeting of the Committee. The Committee decided: (1) that the position in respect of the implementation of the Climate Emergency Fund be noted; and (2) that it be noted that a further report would be presented to this Committee in September 2025 providing further details on the projects funded, including case studies, outputs and outcomes. [Reference: Minutes of South Lanarkshire Council of 24 February 2021 (Paragraph 2), Minutes of 28 April 2021 (Paragraph 6) and 3 November 2021 (Paragraph 8)] 8
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7 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 9
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Scottish Government Consultation on Draft Statutory Guidance for Public Bodies Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an overview of the Scottish Government’s proposed new draft statutory guidance under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Provide a summary of the Council’s response to the consultation submitted to the Scottish Government on 23 May 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the overview of the contents of the proposed new draft statutory guidance for public bodies be noted; and (2) that the summary of the Council’s response to the consultation be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 places duties on relevant public bodies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to delivery of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan, and to act in the most sustainable way. These duties are known as the climate change duties, or the public bodies climate change duties. 3.2. Under the 2009 Act, Scottish Ministers are required to provide public bodies with guidance, to support them in putting their climate change duties into practice. Statutory guidance was originally published in 2011 and now requires to be updated. The consultation sought the views of public bodies on the new draft statutory guidance to ensure that it is informed by, and tailored to, their needs. 3.3. By law, public bodies subject to the climate change duties are required to have regard to the statutory guidance. 4. Overview of the new draft guidance 4.1. The draft guidance highlights the critical role the public sector has in helping Scotland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make a just transition to a low carbon economy and prepare for the future climate. Public bodies have an important leadership role to play as corporate organisations with estates, fleet and staff; bodies delivering national, regional and local services; as anchor organisations with significant influence on local places and communities; as bodies with significant collective annual budgets and buying power; as partner organisations and as trusted messengers. It should be noted 3 11
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that the Council already complies with many of the recommendations within the proposed new guidance, however the updated guidance offers opportunities for further improvement. 4.2. The draft guidance provides detailed chapters on its contextual and strategic framework; the intersection of equalities and climate change; leadership and governance; implementation of the duties themselves; and reporting. These are summarised below. 4.3. Leadership and Governance Strong governance, leadership and commitment within the public sector is vital to ensure that Scotland meets its targets and commitments. The guidance sets out a number of key outcomes on the part of bodies such as South Lanarkshire Council that will help demonstrate that such leadership is in place, including: publishing a formal declared commitment to action on climate change ensuring climate change governance is integrated into the existing corporate governance approach embedding climate change into the management of risks and opportunities across the organisation reflecting climate action in the organisation's corporate plans and annual reporting mechanisms ensuring that climate change considerations are mainstreamed across the organisation ensuring that climate change systemically informs strategic investment planning and decision-making processes ensuring that taking effective climate action is a corporate priority, with commitment across the organisation actively seeking opportunities for partnership working with other public bodies embedding climate change and sustainable development within corporate learning and development programmes. 4.4. Implementing the first duty: reducing emissions The first of the climate change duties set out in section 44 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 requires public bodies, in exercising their functions, to act in the way best calculated to contribute to the delivery of national emission reduction targets, i.e. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, also known as climate change mitigation. In the context of the duties, 'targets' means both the national five-yearly carbon budgets and the 2045 target. 4.5. To support the duty to reduce emissions, the guidance sets out for public bodies: the importance of taking action to mitigate emissions the net zero approach to mitigation decarbonisation pathways reducing emissions in practice – climate strategies, target setting, carbon management plans, monitoring and reporting. 4.6. Implementing the second duty: adaptation Under section 44 of the 2009 Act, relevant public bodies have a duty, in exercising their functions, to act in the way best calculated to help deliver the Scottish National Adaptation Plan (SNAP). 4.7. All public bodies must identify the national adaptation objectives from SNAP relevant to their functions and act in a way that supports the delivery of these objectives. 12
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4.8. Organisations will have varying degrees of influence in relation to adaptation in Scotland depending on their particular role, functions and responsibilities, but all public bodies need to be resilient to the future climate and to plan for business continuity in relation to delivery of their functions and the services they deliver to the wider community. 4.9. To support the duty to adapt to climate change, the guidance sets out for public bodies: Key principles for effective adaptation A whole systems approach to understanding climate risk Climate change risk assessments: best practice Climate change scenario analysis Adaptation strategy and planning Financial planning for adaptation 4.10. Implementing the third duty: acting in the most sustainable way The third of the climate change duties set out in section 44 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 requires public bodies, in exercising their functions, to act in the way that they consider to be most sustainable. 4.11. The National Performance Framework (NPF) is the overarching framework within which the work of central and local government, and the wider public sector, takes place. The NPF National Outcomes are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Section 1 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 requires public authorities, in carrying out their functions, to have regard to the National Outcomes. 4.12. To support the duty to act sustainably, the guidance sets out for public bodies: Sustainable development: background and context The UK Shared Framework for Sustainable Development Environmental limits to planetary boundaries Wellbeing and a sustainable economy Mainstreaming sustainable development Impact assessments Sustainable procurement duty 4.13. The guidance sets out actions public bodies should take in implementing the three duties alongside outcomes they should aim to achieve to demonstrate that they are making progress. The executive summary of the guidance can be found in Appendix 1 and provides abridged detail on the recommended actions for bodies and the desired outcomes. 4.14. Reporting The guidance reiterates the importance of public bodies’ annual reporting. The Council complies with the statutory duty under The Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015, as amended, to report annually on its compliance with the climate change duties. Recording greenhouse gas emissions, and the actions taken to contribute to adaptation and sustainability, allows public bodies to set targets and monitor progress towards achieving these targets. In order to reduce emissions and work towards net zero and other targets, bodies need to understand how their emissions arise. 13
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4.15. To date, emissions reporting by public bodies has focused primarily on scope 1 and 2 emissions: from heating and power used in buildings, and on the emissions from fleet vehicles. The guidance states the ambition that public bodies also start to measure, monitor and reduce scope 3 emissions from the wider value chain. 4.16. As a baseline, public bodies subject to the reporting duty will be expected, as part of best practice, to include scope 3 emissions from: consumption of mains water waste and waste water business travel including, where appropriate, overnight stays commuting and homeworking fuel and energy-related emissions not included in scopes 1 and 2 4.17. Over time those subject to the reporting duties, in particular bodies with larger spend and influence, are expected to expand reporting of scope 3 emissions to include all relevant categories. The Council already intends to submit the above scope 3 data as part of its 2025 reporting. 5. Summary of consultation response 5.1. The Council submitted a response to the consultation on 23 May 2025. The full response can be found in Appendix 2, with a summary provided below: The guidance could include more examples that outline the impacts of climate action relating to protected characteristics and socio-economic factors. This could help public bodies understand how to deliver the ‘intersectional approach’ mentioned within the guidance. As South Lanarkshire comprises a 25%/75% rural/urban split it would be useful for the guidance to include more rural based examples that consider common issues experienced by rural residents such as fuel poverty. The guidance could be clearer on how public bodies can fulfil the requirement to ‘best calculate’ the climate impact of their actions. Currently, this is unclear and is left to bodies themselves to determine what they consider to be ‘best calculated’ which leaves significant ambiguity. Further detail on the use of future climate scenarios in planning and investment decisions would be useful. With regard to the first duty the guidance is generally in line with what was expected. However, local authorities require further guidance and support on how to fund major decarbonisation projects, and more co-ordination and central government support is also required to tackle area wide emissions. The Council supports the focus on maximising co-benefits for other areas such as health and wellbeing and economic development. The Carbon Management Plan template is suitable for its intended purpose and the Council welcomes that the template aligns with the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Reporting. The Council welcomes the proposed Climate Change Plan template as it covers the three duties, recognises organisational and area wide targets, and offers a standardised approach to reporting across Scottish public bodies. With regard to the second duty, the guidance’s alignment with the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 (SNAP3) is appropriate, however the potential reporting burden on public bodies should be considered. Clarity on how bodies should respond to, and adapt, post-severe weather events would be useful. Better understanding of what represents best practice in this situation would be helpful in supporting bodies to adapt appropriately and avoid maladaptation. 14
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With regard to the third duty, the guidance is very broad and detailed. The Council suggests that this information may be better presented as useful background information and that the guidance should focus on the practical steps and actions public bodies should take. With regard to the proposed baseline reporting of scope 3 emissions the Council is supportive and intends on providing this data within its 2025 submission. However, clear guidance and methodologies should be developed for each emissions category in order to ensure standard reporting is used across public bodies. Overall, the guidance is too complex and lengthy to be meaningfully engaged with by officers across the Council. The size of the guidance, at 270 pages, presents challenges in terms of ensuring officers across the Council have the capacity to fully understand the duties placed upon bodies. The suggestion of a more concise version was made which could be more easily distributed and read by multiple officers across public bodies who have influence over delivering the duties. Strength of wording across the guidance is sometimes unhelpful in demonstrating the necessity and urgency of action – ‘could’ and ‘encouraged to’ – with regard to the consideration of milestones and area wide emissions for example suggests that these are optional approaches. Clarity on this would be helpful. Finally, it would be useful for further detail on how to determine whether duties are being achieved or not. In some sections this is clear, however it is harder to determine elsewhere with unclear required actions or targets. 6. Next steps 6.1. Once the full statutory guidance for public bodies on implementing the climate change duties is made available, this will be presented to the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee. It is intended that the final guidance will be published by the Scottish Government by the end of this year. 7. Employee Implications 7.1. There will be employee implications from the proposals detailed in the proposed guidance, with relevant officers requiring time to review and understand the guidance in full, and potential requirement for additional training to enable officers to appropriately implement the guidance. 8. Financial Implications 8.1. The financial implications of complying with and implementing the recommendations within the proposed guidance will be significant for the Council. It is estimated that the transitioning of non-domestic Council properties to zero emissions heating systems alone could be up to £900 million. 8.2. The Council is clear in its response to the consultation that any additional burdens placed on Council services as a result of the guidance will require to be fully funded by the Scottish Government. 9. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 9.1. The climate change, sustainability and environmental implications of the proposed guidance will be significant. The guidance sets out in detail how public bodies should be operating to ensure compliance with the three climate change duties detailed within the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. 9.2. If the Council is to fulfil its obligations it is essential that it takes steps to implement the guidance as fully as practically possible. In doing so, we can ensure positive environmental and sustainability impacts across the local authority area. Failure to 15
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implement the guidance however will have significant negative impacts and represents a top risk to the Council. 10. Other Implications 10.1. There are no other implications or risks associated with this report. 11. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 11.1. The guidance highlights the best practice requirement for public bodies to implement a sustainable impact assessment process. South Lanarkshire Council has already introduced this measure and in line with the proposed guidance this should be applied across all Council projects. 11.2. Within its response to the consultation, the Council suggests it would be appropriate for the Scottish Government to further consider the impact to vulnerable groups and households from the proposals. 11.3. All officers attending the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Officers and Steering Groups were asked for their input on the consultation document and their feedback incorporated. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 6 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Adam Wallace, Sustainability Adviser E-mail: adam.wallace@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 16
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Appendix 1 Draft Statutory Guidance - Executive Summary This statutory guidance is issued by the Scottish Ministers to Scottish public bodies under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (‘the 2009 Act’). The 2009 Act places a legal responsibility on relevant public bodies in Scotland to meet the climate change duties. The duties are set out in section 44(1) of the 2009 Act and require that a public body must, in exercising its functions, act (a) in the way best calculated to contribute to the delivery of emissions reduction targets (i.e. mitigation) (b) in the way best calculated to help deliver the Adaptation Programme (c) in a way that it considers most sustainable. Under the 2009 Act, public bodies subject to the climate change duties are required to have regard to the statutory guidance. This guidance is an advisory document only, not a definitive statement of the law, and responsibility for compliance with the climate change duties rests with public bodies themselves. The purpose of this statutory guidance is to support public bodies in performing their climate change duties. It aims to help public bodies to minimise their operational emissions, adapt and become resilient to the current and future impacts of the changing climate, live within environmental limits and ensure a strong, healthy and just society. This guidance will replace the statutory guidance published in 2011. Within the guidance, while certain actions are recommended or encouraged, these should be undertaken in a way that is proportionate to the climate impact that the body has in terms of its size, assets, function and influence. Bodies are responsible for determining what is appropriate for their own organisation, and for taking such measures and actions forward in the most effective way. The public sector has a critical role in helping Scotland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make a just transition to a low carbon economy and prepare for the future climate. Public bodies have an important leadership role to play as corporate organisations with estates, fleet and staff; bodies delivering national, regional and local services; as anchor organisations with significant influence on local places and communities; as bodies with significant collective annual budgets and buying power; as partner organisations and as trusted messengers. Leadership and Governance Strong governance, leadership and commitment within the public sector is vital to ensure that Scotland meets its targets and commitments. Key outcomes that will help demonstrate that such leadership is in place within the body are: • publishing a formal declared commitment to action on climate change. Making a public body's commitment to deliver against the climate change duties visible and transparent, both to those who work within the organisation and to stakeholders, suppliers and service users, will increase the level of scrutiny of climate change actions, and public bodies will begin to exert positive influence over the behaviours of their stakeholders, suppliers and service users • ensuring climate change governance is integrated into the existing corporate governance approach, and that this is both robust and effective. By ensuring that responsibility for leadership on climate change is clear within the organisation, both at management level and cascaded throughout, accountability for climate change action will be increased • embedding climate change into the management of risks and opportunities across the organisation 17
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• reflecting climate action in the organisation's corporate plans and annual reporting mechanisms. These may include dedicated climate change strategies and carbon management plans to address carbon emissions reduction and adaptation plans. Climate and sustainability should be included in other relevant statutory plans including, where relevant, Local Outcome Improvement Plans and Locality Plans. Corporate strategies and plans should include targets; performance against these targets should be included in annual reports • ensuring that climate change considerations are mainstreamed across the organisation (mainstreaming means ensuring that climate and sustainability issues are considered in everything that the body does, and in how it makes decisions) • ensuring that climate change systemically informs strategic investment planning and decision- making processes. By integrating climate change within business and financial planning, for example through policy appraisal, impact assessment or Strategic Environmental Assessment, the body will develop a process whereby the 'climate change question' and 'sustainability question' is routinely asked as part of the decision-making process. This will ensure the impact of that decision on climate change is considered and public bodies are seeking to act sustainably • ensure that taking effective climate action is a corporate priority, with commitment across the organisation. Investment should follow priority • actively seeking opportunities for partnership working with other public bodies, for example those in the same or adjacent geographical area or working in the same sector, to share best practice, maximise efficiency and increase the impact of climate change action and acting sustainably. Where possible, public bodies should put formal declarations of partnership in place to encourage formal working together at a strategic level. Such opportunities are more likely to contribute to multiple outcomes encompassing sustainability, health, equity and economic development. • embedding climate change and sustainable development within corporate learning and development programmes. Implementing the first duty: reducing emissions The first of the climate change duties set out in section 44 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 requires public bodies, in exercising their functions, to act in the way best calculated to contribute to the delivery of national emission reduction targets, i.e. to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, also known as climate change mitigation. In the context of the duties, 'targets' means both the national five-yearly carbon budgets and the 2045 target. To help demonstrate compliance with this duty, public bodies should: • develop a climate change strategy that includes net zero and other relevant targets and has regard to just transition principles • develop and implement a carbon management plan or equivalent • develop action plans to deliver key elements of the carbon management plan, detailing interim steps, costs, timescales and dependencies • set up a process of monitoring and reporting, to report on performance against their targets and action plans • ensure that mitigation actions maximise co-benefits, such as improved public health, reduced inequalities and enhanced biodiversity, and minimise unintended consequences such as maladaptation and negative environmental impacts 18
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• undertake the above giving due consideration to their physical assets including buildings, land and fleet; their staff and service users; the services they deliver; the investments they manage; and the functions they exercise. Key outcomes will be that public bodies: • focus efforts on the material decarbonisation opportunities in each of their areas of wider influence, scopes 1 and 2, and scope 3 • work with urgency to reduce GHG emissions as quickly as possible in order to get under and stay under 1.5°C aligned decarbonisation pathways, i.e. to go as far as possible as fast as possible, and minimise cumulative emissions • put governance processes, systems and senior level accountability in place that ensure policy and project development is aligned to national emission reduction targets • measure, monitor and report on annual progress against their targets and decarbonisation pathway. Implementing the second duty: adaptation Under section 44 of the 2009 Act, relevant public bodies have a duty, in exercising their functions, to act in the way best calculated to help deliver the Scottish National Adaptation Plan (SNAP). All public bodies must identify the national adaptation objectives from SNAP relevant to their functions and act in a way that supports the delivery of these objectives. Organisations will have varying degrees of influence in relation to adaptation in Scotland depending on their particular role, functions and responsibilities, but all public bodies need to be resilient to the future climate and to plan for business continuity in relation to delivery of their functions and the services they deliver to the wider community. To help demonstrate compliance with this duty, public bodies should: • undertake a climate related risk assessment or assessments • develop and implement an adaptation plan or plans with, as best practice, regard to just transition principles • ensure that appropriate climate risks are included on corporate risk registers • where applicable, note the specific adaptation action assigned to them in the SNAP and align their work with these • actively seek to work in partnership with other organisations to develop and implement wider placed-based adaptation plans • undertake the above giving due consideration to their physical assets including buildings, land and fleet; their staff and service users; the services they deliver; and the functions they exercise. Key outcomes will be that public bodies: • have a sound understanding of why adaptation is important for their organisation and what the impacts of climate change could mean, and will have identified and assessed their risks, vulnerabilities and any potential opportunities • have identified and assessed the adaptation options, and have measures in place to implement their chosen strategies so that their physical assets, daily operations and service delivery are adapted to the changing climate and are resilient to its impacts • monitor and evaluate implemented measures to ensure that adaptation efforts remain sufficient and responsive to changing conditions 19
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• where applicable, contribute to the achievement of the specific adaptation outcomes assigned to them in the SNAP, and are able to track and report on delivery • contribute to the effective adaptation of the places in which their sites, operations and services are located and delivered. Implementing the third duty: acting in the most sustainable way The third of the climate change duties set out in section 44 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 requires public bodies, in exercising their functions, to act in the way that they consider to be most sustainable. The National Performance Framework (NPF) is the overarching framework within which the work of central and local government, and the wider public sector, takes place. The NPF National Outcomes are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Section 1 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 requires public authorities, in carrying out their functions, to have regard to the National Outcomes. To help demonstrate compliance with the third duty, public bodies should: • align their work to the NPF and delivery of the National Outcomes and, as best practice, to the just transition principles • ensure that sustainable development is embedded in strategies, policies, plans and projects • integrate a sustainable development impact assessment, or equivalent, process into decision- making processes, including financial decisions • ensure that procurement activities are undertaken in line with relevant legislation and the Sustainable Procurement Duty • monitor and evaluate policy implementation and outcomes against the five principles of the UK Shared Framework for Sustainable Development. Key outcomes for public bodies will be that: • potential policies and decisions are, before they are finalised, assessed for fairness, ecological impact, economic sustainability, whether they are based on good evidence, and whether those who are likely to be affected have had a chance to participate in the decision-making process • activities remain within planetary boundaries, and focus on the fair distribution of both benefits and disbenefits • good governance for sustainable development ensures participation, accountability and transparency • the procurement process is used as an opportunity to maximise social and environmental, as well as economic, benefits; and to ensure that environmental and other harms are minimised • they contribute, through their functions, to the National Outcomes and achievement of the UN SDGs. Reporting All public bodies subject to the climate change duties should include climate change and sustainability reporting as part of their annual corporate reporting process. Over 180 public bodies deemed to be 'major players' have a statutory duty under The Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015, as amended, to report annually on their compliance with the climate change duties. These bodies are listed in schedule 1 of the Order. Recording greenhouse gas emissions, and the actions taken to contribute to adaptation and sustainability, allows public bodies to set targets and monitor progress towards achieving these targets. In order to reduce emissions and work towards net zero and other targets, bodies need to understand how their emissions arise. 20
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To date, emissions reporting by public bodies has focused primarily on scope 1 and 2 emissions: from heating and power used in buildings, and on the emissions from fleet vehicles. It is important, moving forwards, that while bodies continue to focus efforts on reducing their scope 1 and 2 emissions, they also start to measure, monitor and reduce scope 3 emissions from the wider value chain. As a baseline, public bodies subject to the reporting duty are expected, as part of best practice, to include scope 3 emissions from: • consumption of mains water • waste and waste water • business travel including, where appropriate, overnight stays • commuting and homeworking • fuel and energy-related emissions not included in scopes 1 and 2 Over time those subject to the reporting duties, in particular bodies with larger spend and influence, are expected to expand reporting of scope 3 emissions to include all relevant categories. For most public bodies, indirect emissions from the wider value chain will be where their greatest climate impact lies – typically from the procurement of goods, works and services, from construction, and from investments. It is important that public bodies work towards fuller reporting of scope 3 emissions, to provide a more complete picture of their climate impact. In turn, this will enable bodies to focus resource to where they can achieve the greatest emissions reductions. 21
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Appendix 2 1. With respect to the protected characteristics, could the content of the statutory guidance be changed or added to, to strengthen any positive impacts or lessen any negative impacts as it is implemented by public bodies? Yes The guidance clearly sets out expectations for public bodies to consider socio-economic inequality and protected characteristics when implementing climate policies, plans, and projects, and highlights the positive outcomes that equality assessments such as EQIAs and FSDAs can bring. However, the guidance could include more examples that outline the impacts of climate action relating to both protected characteristics and socio-economic factors. This could help public bodies understand how to deliver the ‘intersectional approach’ mentioned within the guidance. As South Lanarkshire comprises a 25%/75% rural/urban split it would be useful for the guidance to include a rural based example that considers common issues experienced by rural residents such as fuel poverty. Some sections (such as the second duty - adaptation) provide very prescriptive actions, similar detail is lacking in relation to equalities considerations. More guidance on engaging with underrepresented communities and assessing if equality duties have been met would be helpful. This could be embedded across all the duties. It is stated that ‘an equality impact assessment (EQIA) – must be made for all protected characteristics, bearing in mind that it is the degree of impact, rather than the number of people affected that is relevant.’ Clarity is needed on how to accurately assess ‘degree of impact’ to ensure consistency across all public bodies. 22
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2. With respect to inequality caused by socio-economic disadvantage, could the content of the statutory guidance be changed or added to, to strengthen any positive impacts or lessen any negative impacts as it is implemented by public bodies? Yes The guidance identifies that some sustainability focused policies, projects and plans can still have negative impacts for particular groups and that these policies, projects and plans should be properly assessed to avoid these. The inclusion of examples is useful, showing that the use of EQIAs and FSDAs can improve the design and delivery of climate initiatives. More advice and guidance is needed on how to assess risk multipliers (socio-economic factors and protected characteristics) under the second duty – adaptation. This is relevant again to the rural context as geography and service provision for example can worsen existing inequalities. As mentioned in question 1, more rural examples would be helpful. The detail provided in section 7.3.4 relating to wellbeing and a sustainable economy provides some useful detail on assessing how sustainable measures and considerations can be in-built to ensure equality in implementing the duties. By supporting public bodies to move towards operating within safe environmental limits, the wellbeing of current and future generations can be better safeguarded 23
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3. Does the guidance make it clear how public bodies can fulfil the requirement to 'best calculate' the climate impact of their actions? The guidance is not clear enough on how public bodies can fulfil the requirement to ‘best calculate’ the climate impact of their actions. How public bodies can best calculate is unclear and is left up to bodies themselves to determine what they consider to be ‘best calculated’ which leaves significant ambiguity in determining what is an appropriate level of action to undertake. While many bodies do strive to be ambitious in the efforts they undertake to meet the duties, without clear guidance on how to determine what is ‘best calculated’ there is likely to be reluctance to over commit, therefore limiting the extent and impact of their actions. The ambiguity also leaves space for bodies to calculate the impact of their action to be minimal, and a less ambitious target as the best they are able to achieve. Without clearer guidance on the appropriate way to determine ‘best calculated’ this would presumably be acceptable. A challenge to understanding how to best calculate the impact of actions also lies in the lack of targets within the guidance as it is difficult to therefore determine what we are calculating against/towards. Carrying out ‘calculations’ would suggest that there are quantifiable parameters or targets involved and the guidance does not provide this. It is challenging for public bodies to be ambitious when the Scottish Government itself continues to revise targets and deadlines, this does not engender a culture of ambition. Further, the delay in provision of updated legislative targets and 5-yearly budgets makes it difficult for bodies to implement measures ‘best calculated’ to reach targets, as at present there is no detail provided on what to expect from those targets. This uncertainty further leads to hesitation on the part of bodies for fear of overcommitting, the guidance should provide clear instruction to help overcome any potential risk adversity within public bodies. We don’t have a standardised tool to measure and balance positive and negative impacts of proposals, it is therefore not possible to easily balance the sum of these not only within bodies, but nationally too. This further complicated the challenge of assessing what constitutes ‘best calculated’. Further clarity on how bodies should calculate impacts would be beneficial, for example requirement for specific assessments. 24
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4. Does the guidance make it clear how public bodies should take future climate scenarios into account when making plans and investment decisions? Partially The guidance provides some information on the use of future climate scenarios in planning and investment decisions, but more detail is needed. This is essential for public bodies in the early stages of maturity with respect to their adaptation planning. South Lanarkshire Council has benefitted significantly from its membership in Climate Ready Clyde, which has allowed for climate scenario work to be completed. However, not all public bodies benefit from this level of support or access to mature partnerships. On top of this, many public bodies lack the internal skills or resource needed to undertake complex scenario analysis without external consultancy support. To make the guidance more useful, it should offer a clearer introduction to scenario analysis, including definitions of terms such as ‘transition risks’ and ‘physical risks’. Examples would also help build understanding and confidence in applying scenario planning. The guidance should assume no prior expertise and provide step-by-step support on how scenario planning can be completed and inform plans, policies and projects. Further, gaps in the existing data at a local level to help inform public bodies in analysing future climate scenarios make it challenging to fully take this into account. Further training to bodies to embed knowledge and understanding around future climate scenarios within organisations would be welcomed. This would further support upskilling within bodies, and help move away from overreliance on consultants to deliver this action. 25
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5. Do you have any comments about the guidance provided in this chapter on complying with the first duty? The guidance in Chapter 5 is generally in line with previous guidance and as expected. Legislating duties to reinforce the importance of climate change mitigation are welcome. Strong and clear guidance on the expectation on public authorities is required. Further resources and help to deliver on these priorities will be required alongside the guidance for the duties. We support the focus on maximising co-benefits for other areas such as health and wellbeing and economic development. The examples of decarbonisation pathways and carbon budgets provided in Section 5.2 of the guidance are useful. While decarbonisation of public buildings guidance is welcome, as noted in the guidance, the electrification of heat for public buildings will lead to increased utility costs for organisations that are already facing budget deficits. The type of large-scale measures that are referenced in the guidance are difficult to implement. Large scale onsite energy generation is mentioned in the paper; however, it is expensive to set up such schemes and resource intensive to administer. More thought needs to go into the requirements that are being asked of already stretched local authorities. Introducing multiple private investment models into public bodies can result in years of debt repayment. Local authorities require further guidance and support on how to fund major decarbonisation projects. Central government multi-year funding must be available to assist and guide local authorities. More co-ordination and central government support is also required to tackle area wide emissions. Local authorities with limited resources cannot tackle this alone - as noted in the draft guidance ‘Influencing area wide emissions is a complex, multi stakeholder challenge’. Support and resourcing will be required to address barriers to projects, and technical support and expertise will be required to implement major infrastructure changes. While the support of the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service (SCIS) mentioned at section 5.5.6. is noted and welcome there is an ongoing resource implication for local authorities who are being asked to lead on area wide emissions reductions. This is a multi-stakeholder area and needs national guidance and collaboration. 26
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6. Do you think the Carbon Management Plan template is suitable for its intended purpose? (Annex A - template Carbon Management Plan: 'baseline' plan aimed at smaller public bodies) The Carbon Management Plan template is suitable for its intended purpose. We welcome that the template aligns with the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Reporting. A standardised approach to reporting across Scottish local authorities is welcomed as it creates a baseline of what information should be included. The suggested template is broadly in line with South Lanarkshire Council’s current carbon management reporting and will allow the development of the reporting in future years. 27
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7. Do you think the Climate Change Plan template for local authorities is suitable for its intended purpose? (Annex B – template Climate Change Plan for local authorities) As above we welcome a standardised approach to reporting across Scottish public bodies. The Climate Change Plan template is useful as it covers the three duties and recognises organisational and area wide targets. As the guidance is a guide only, it is welcomed, as public bodies who have already developed Climate or Sustainability Plans can continue to develop and structure their CCP, or equivalent, as best suits their own organisation as a single overarching plan or a series of linked plans covering different areas. The guidance, however should be supported by methodologies for reporting, for example on commuting, business travel, overnight stays etc. Without standardised reporting across all public bodies the information reported will be inconsistent. There is also greater focus on area wide targets, and it should be noted that while local authorities can influence area wide emissions, they do not control these emissions and will have difficulty setting realistic emissions reduction targets without further national guidance and collaboration. 28
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8. The guidance lays out an approach whereby public bodies should review the Scottish National Adaptation Plan (SNAP); identify the objectives relevant to them; contribute towards those objectives; and, where relevant, report annually on progress in their public bodies' climate change duties report. To what extent do you agree with this proposed approach? Somewhat agree The proposed alignment between public bodies’ activity in this area with the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 (SNAP3) makes sense and could standardise reporting expectations across public bodies. However, it should be acknowledged that many of these SNAP objectives are relevant to public bodies. There’s a risk therefore that this could result in increased time and resources spent meeting reporting obligations. To reduce excessive reporting burden, reporting cycles could be extended for adaptation. This could give public bodies the time needed to initiate and deliver long-term plans and projects. This possibly also reflects the stage most public bodies are at in adaptation planning. More guidance could be provided on what is realistically expected to be achieved and submitted as evidence within each annual reporting cycle and Public Bodies Climate Change Duties submission. 29
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9. Do you have any other comments about the guidance provided in this chapter about complying with the second duty? The Adaptation Guidance Chapter clearly sets out expectations by providing detailed actions. This is beneficial as it helps standardise approaches to adaptation work across the public sector, especially as there are vast differences in capacity and partnership maturity. However, the guidance could include opportunities associated with adaptation to a greater extent. Consideration of the risks of maladaptation, and examples of this, would be helpful and strengthen the guidance’s consideration of protected characteristics and socio-economic factors in adaptation work. On adaptation, clarity on what assets are to be considered by bodies would be welcomed. At present, for example trees are not considered assets, however it could clearly be argued that they are. In supporting bodies to manage assets and futureproof them for future climate scenarios, clarity on the scope of what should be considered would be useful. Furthermore, a mechanism for sharing regional/national learning around adaptation implementation would be useful. For example the brief case study sections within Public Bodies Climate Change Duties annual report are useful and could be expanded. Finally, specific clarity on how bodies should respond to, and adapt to, post-severe weather events would be useful. Better understanding of what represents best practice in this situation would be helpful in supporting bodies to adapt appropriately, and avoid maladaptation. 30
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10. Having considered the content of the chapter, is it clear how public bodies should implement the third duty, to act in the most sustainable way? Yes, the guidance is clear on how public bodies should implement the third duty, particularly the information relating to the UK Shared Framework for Sustainable Development in terms of understanding this, more holistic, duty. The content of the chapter is however, extremely broad and touches on a number of areas which may be better presented as background information, separate from key guidance which is most useful when it is practical. The most useful parts of the guidance relating to the third duty are those which clearly state what bodies should do in terms of practical action, namely around implementing a sustainable development impact assessment process and a sustainable procurement process. This clearly lays out what bodies are expected to do with regards to ‘acting sustainably’ by providing two practical actions/processes to undertake. Regarding sustainable procurement, further detail would be welcomed on how bodies can integrate this, particularly a whole-system approach. The level and breadth of detail and topic area covered within this chapter also presents a challenge in terms of prioritisation for public bodies. It is difficult in some sub-chapters to draw out easily what are the most important parts of the guidance, and what is more useful as background reading or contextual information. Again, stronger wording or clear required actions within the section would help to focus attention within public bodies on what to prioritise within work plans to help deliver against this duty. Although useful to have this information, the guidance stresses the importance of collaboration and upskilling and educating across public bodies and building collaborative partnerships to achieve positive action and progress, however the density of the guidance makes it extremely difficult to get colleagues to engage with and understand the guidance fully. It therefore will likely end up relying on sustainability teams to disseminate the content of the guidance, which itself presents potential resourcing issues, and meaning that much of the information is retained within these teams, potentially entrenching the siloed approach bodies are trying to address. Where the guidance is so detailed, it can be inaccessible, particularly when it employs more scientific and technical language, making engagement with it difficult and undermines ability to build collaboration across and between bodies. To address this a more concise and accessible version of the guidance would be beneficial. The detail contained within the sections covering planetary boundaries is particularly useful, and presents a broad and easily understandable rationale for all of the work public bodies, and society more generally, are undertaking to address the climate emergency. Section 7.3.2.1 is a useful section in understanding the process of how we can address climate change from a planetary boundaries approach. More prominence of this section could be useful as it has potential to provide a ‘toolkit’ for bodies to think about how they can influence change. Under section 7.6 ‘Sector specific approaches’ it would be useful to have some detail, examples or case studies, provided for local authorities as well. 31
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11. Do you have any other comments about this chapter? The breadth of information and background reports contained in this section is significant and presents a challenge for users to fully interrogate, understand, and implement the breadth of recommendations and guidance contained within this. To fully understand the content and references noted would require significant additional reading alongside an already significant guidance document. For example, references to SNAP3, itself 180 pages, could make the information inaccessible for officers and services with limited resource to review, digest, and implement. Guidance for bodies to determine the prioritisation of actions, processes, and background information would be useful. This would help bodies to focus resource on key areas. Examples of good practice, and bad practice, in implementing this more nuanced duty would be useful within the section. Something more practical in terms of a tool to show ‘how to’ do this duty would be useful, as it is very theory based currently. For example, is there scope for section 7.3.2.1 to provide this? Finally, it is important to consider who this guidance is for. At present it covers lots of science, theory and complex terminology relating to sustainability which is not the focus of many potential users’ work but who have significant influence over activity to achieve the duty. A concise, accessible guidance document would be beneficial for them as the complexity of the language and theory is potentially prohibitive. This should be accessible for everyone, not just sustainability teams. 32
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12. To what extent do you agree with the proposed baseline reporting of the scope 3 emission categories as outlined? Somewhat agree South Lanarkshire Council attended the SSN workshops on the mandatory reporting of Scope 3 emissions. The purpose of the workshops was to inform on proposed Scope 3 emissions for inclusion in an Improvement Plan in response to the ESS Investigation: Climate Change Delivery Improvement Report. While we agree with the proposed baselines, as mentioned above, any guidance should outline the reporting methodology for that area to allow consistency in reporting. The above areas will be reported on at present by many public bodies and robust data will be available in most cases. 33
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13. Do you think that any other categories of scope 3 emissions should be included in the recommended baseline for reporting, where these are relevant and applicable? Please indicate which other categories of scope 3 emissions you think should be included, and provide an explanation. No – We don’t think any other categories should be included in this guidance. As mentioned in Qu 12, South Lanarkshire Council attended the SSN workshops on the mandatory reporting of Scope 3 emissions. As noted at the workshops, local authorities have increasingly stretched resources, and any introduction of additional reporting of emissions will need to acknowledge the amount of resource required, the limited data which is available, and the current lack of availability of calculation tools that would be required to accurately report on the Scope 3 emission categories. As such we do not believe that even further categories should be included in the guidance at this time. Mandating on reporting these would result in assumptions, estimates and inaccurate calculations and would add no or little value to the reporting. Clear guidance and methodologies would have to be developed for each emissions category in order to make this fit for purpose and to ensure standard reporting is used across public bodies. Extending emissions reporting to all scope 3 emissions categories is not necessarily an effective use of resources for public bodies. The GHG Protocol guidance for Scope 3 emissions has been created for corporate bodies and may not be suitable or necessary for public bodies. 34
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14. Do you think that the guidance fulfils its stated purpose of providing support to public bodies in putting the climate change duties into practice? Yes, the guidance does provide effective guidance in supporting public bodies to implement their climate change duties. However, there are a number of points to note in terms of the accessibility and usefulness of the guidance, as noted in the responses to the previous questions. Overall the guidance is too complex and lengthy to be meaningfully engaged with by officers across the Council. The size of the guidance makes it unlikely that all services who should engage with and understand the guidance in full, will have the capacity to do so. The responsibility may therefore fall on a small number of Council officers, not only to review the guidance, but also to disseminate key information and ensure alignment with the guidance across the Council. This could reinforce siloed approaches to climate action, which as noted in the guidance we are trying to avoid. More accessible, concise guidance would be more useful for officers for whom climate is not their primary focus. The guidance could also be clearer on the ‘dos and don’ts’ regarding implementation of the three duties. Again, this would make it clear and accessible for officers to quickly understand what they should and should not to with regards to each duty or subject within the guidance. Such ‘bitesize’ information could be included in a concise version of the guidance mentioned above. Strength of wording across the guidance is sometimes unhelpful in demonstrating the necessity and urgency of action – ‘could’ and ‘encouraged to’ – with regard to the consideration of milestones and area wide emissions for example suggests that these are optional approaches and when there are other priorities with stronger legislative requirements, as opposed to suggestions, these will likely be prioritised. The choice of wording throughout the guidance with regard to the various suggestions and recommendations also makes it difficult to prioritise even sustainability focused action. Where everything is recommended then it is difficult to determine what is the most important or impactful action to take among the vast amount of suggested actions. To address this, clearer prioritisation of the most important action/activity would be useful, particularly with resource challenges faced by many public bodies. Knowing what has the most significant impact would be useful. The guidance in its current form potentially leaves public bodies in a similar position to the current situation, where limited clarity on what is required and what is optional can present obstacles to progress. Ambiguity on what is mandated by the guidance can present challenges in securing resource to move forward work in key areas covered. If everything is recommended, with no clear prioritisation, it can be incredibly difficult to focus resource and attention on specific areas or issues. Finally, it would be useful for further detail on how to determine whether duties are being achieved or not. In some sections this is clear, however it is harder to determine elsewhere, with unclear required actions or targets. It also seems that in parts it is up to bodies to satisfy themselves that they are achieving. For example, asking bodies to set targets with no parameters leaves it very open-ended with no guidance on how ambitious these should be, therefore potentially enabling limited ambition and low target setting. 35
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15. Do you have any further comments about the guidance? The guidance is extremely detailed and provides lots of useful reference information for users, however the sheer size of the document and the density and detail of information contained makes it impractical for users to fully engage with and implement. This is particularly the case for users who are not engaged with climate action and for whom sustainability in not a key focus of their role. A shorter, more engaging version of the document would be extremely helpful in communicating the key messages and guidance across the council, particularly among senior leadership. The guidance contains significant amounts of background theory which may be better presented as a supplementary context document separate from the more practical, action/activity focused document mentioned above. Making recommendations and requirements clearer and more easily identifiable would also be useful. The bullet points at 7.3.1 provide a good example of clear, practical recommendations on how bodies can take steps to meet this duty – while not comprehensive they clearly articulate the initial steps needed. Extending this type of approach throughout the guidance document would be welcomed. It would also be useful to understand how the information and recommendations within the guidance are going to be communicated to citizens. For authorities to undertake all of the recommendations would likely represent a noted change in service delivery. The national government should support public bodies by raising awareness of the principles of the guidance among the public, this will facilitate delivery at a local level as residents will better understand the rationale behind certain choices, for example relating to climate resilient landscapes. 36
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Scottish Government Consultation on Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an overview of the Scottish Government’s draft Just Transition Plan for Transport provide a summary of the response to the consultation which was submitted to the Scottish Government on 19 May 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the overview of the contents of the draft Just Transition Plan for Transport be noted; and (2) that the summary of the Council’s response to the consultation be noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. Since the publication of the National Transport Strategy in 2020, the Scottish Government has taken action to deliver on the priorities it sets out – of reducing inequalities, taking climate action, helping to deliver inclusive economic growth, and improving health and wellbeing. Additionally, action has been taken to prepare Scotland’s transport system for the current and future impacts of climate change. Focus throughout has been on ensuring a transition to a net zero transport system that is fair and just. 3.2. The Scottish Government defines a just transition as both the outcome – a fairer, greener future for all – and the process of delivering net zero – in partnership with those affected. It describes how we intend to get to a net zero and climate resilient economy, in a way that delivers fairness and tackles inequality and injustice. 3.3. In 2019, Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Just Transition Commission – a group of experts tasked with providing independent advice on our journey to net zero. In its March 2021 report, the Commission called for the creation of Just Transition Plans for sectors with the highest emissions, such as transport. 3.4. The draft Just Transition Plan for Transport is based on that framework and has been informed by the Commission’s ongoing advice. It is fully aligned with the priorities of the Scottish Government’s National Transport Strategy and sits alongside the other 4 37
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Just Transition Plans for specific sectors, sites or regions that the Scottish Government are developing, or which have already been published. 4. Overview of Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport 4.1. The draft Plan is not intended to set out new, standalone policies. Instead, it is designed to make the connections between existing and developing policy and serve as a guide for people and organisations across Scotland, to understand what a just transition means for transport. It is intended that the Plan will help to establish a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the transport transition, while empowering people to play their part, and access the support that they need. The draft plan focuses on the transport sub sectors which are the most pressing areas for significant decarbonisation action in the near term, predominantly road sectors, this includes cars and vans, and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs) including heavy goods vehicles and buses. 4.2. The draft Just Transition Plan for Transport is centred around the vision and outcomes set out below. Vision By 2045, we will have a net-zero sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system helping deliver a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland for communities, businesses workers and visitors. Jobs, Skills and Economic Opportunities outcomes 1. The net zero transition supports new and existing well-paid jobs across Scotland, within transport services, supply chains and in the wider economy. 2. The transport sector supports diversity in the workforce, advances equality of opportunities for all, and is underpinned by a commitment to fair work. 3. Businesses currently relying on fossil fuel vehicles are supported to transition to zero emissions alternatives. 4. Scottish zero emission vehicle manufacturers and their supply chain can access growing domestic and international markets for their products. Communities and Places outcomes 5. Communities (including in rural and suburban areas) are well connected, having better digital connectivity and shared transport options that meet their local needs. 6. Transport and the planning systems give communities access to the local services and amenities they need. 7. Island communities are well connected on-island, to other islands, and to the mainland, with affordable and low carbon transport options. 8. Communities are actively involved in decision-making processes around their transport and connectivity needs. People and Equity outcomes 9. Transport options are safe and secure for all, especially vulnerable people. 10. Transport is accessible and easy to use for all, especially those with additional accessibility needs and isolated people. 11. Transport options are affordable and the transition to decarbonised transport does not disproportionately burden on those with least choice and ability to pay. 12. Access and support for active travel options leads to healthier outcomes. 38
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Adaptation, Biodiversity and Environment outcomes 13. Transport infrastructure is, where practicable, designed and operated to maintain and increase biodiversity levels and improve habitats. 14. The transport transition has contributed to improvements in air quality across Scotland. 15. The transport system is prepared for the current and future impacts of climate change and is safe for all users, reliable for everyday journeys and resilient to weather-related disruption. 16. Scotland’s supply chain has minimised and mitigated embedded carbon and the wider environmental impacts associated with vehicle production, use and disposal. 4.3. The draft Just Transition Plan sets out the Scottish Government’s initial assessment of how Scotland can achieve this vision. The draft Plan considers the key challenges and opportunities, as they relate to three broad groupings. These are: People and Communities; Workers; and Businesses and Organisations. 4.4. The Plan is designed to identify the major issues, highlight work that is already taking place, and explore next steps. For each of these groups, the draft Plan therefore sets out (and sought views on): what a successful just transition by 2045 will mean; the current context; action to date; and potential future priorities. 4.5. The draft Just Transition Plan for Transport can be found in full on the Scottish Government’s website. 5. Summary of consultation response 5.1. The Council submitted a response to the consultation on 19 May 2025. The full response can be found in Appendix 1, with a summary provided below: The Council agrees that the draft outcomes are understandable and that they reflect what the Plan should be aiming to achieve. The Council agreed that the Plan is easy to understand, that it is easy to use, and that the information it contains is helpful, relevant and accessible to the Council. Further detail should be provided on how improved use of technology can support a just transition. Improved demonstration of the Plan’s linkages with National Transport Strategy and National Transport Strategy Delivery Plan outcomes and actions would be beneficial. The outcomes make reference to supporting businesses relying on fossil fuels to transition to zero emissions alternatives; however, there is no comparable, explicit reference to supporting individuals to make this change. Outcome 16 references embedded carbon relating to vehicle production, use and disposal. Consideration should be paid to the embodied carbon of wider transportation upgrades and improvements – for example embedded carbon associated with path/road resurfacing – within the Plan. Clarity on targets would be welcomed throughout the Plan. 39
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Reference to any expectations placed on local authorities should be clearly identifiable within the Plan, alongside reference to additional resources for local authorities should they be expected to deliver on any new expectations. The Plan should engage existing transport groups to support knowledge sharing and assistance in policy development, alongside engagement with communities and third sector organisations. In terms of gaps in priority actions supporting people and communities, further detail on delivery mechanisms and partnership working between local authorities and regional transport partnerships would be welcomed. The Council suggests that any cost increases need to be carefully thought out and balanced in relation to the people and equity outcome, ensuring that transport options are affordable and the transition to decarbonised transport does not disproportionately burden those with least choice and ability to pay. Realistic alternatives to private car use are needed – more reliable, affordable, and frequent public transport services will be key in engendering behaviour shift to more sustainable transport options. Affordability is a key concern for all groups, however those living in poverty or on lower incomes potentially more so, therefore further detail on how the economic aspects of how a just transition in transport will be managed would be welcomed. Decarbonisation of transport is a priority for local authorities; however this represents a significant financial challenge for already stretched authorities. Alongside targets and actions noted within the plan, a financial plan for enabling authorities to deliver decarbonised transport would be welcomed. Increase focus on ensuring affordable transport options are available for those who reside in areas of multiple deprivation, or rural communities that are adversely impacted when public transport is reduced or removed. Infrastructure required to facilitate a green transition needs further consideration, including extension of active travel networks and EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, support for businesses and individuals to access and utilise this is required. 6. Next steps 6.1. Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed and considered along with any other available evidence by the Scottish Government. Responses will be published by the Scottish Government where they have been given permission to do so. No timescale has been provided for the publication of the final version of the Just Transition Plan for Transport in Scotland. 6.2. When the final version of the Plan is published, the Council will consider its recommendations and ensure alignment with the Council’s own plans and polices going forward. 7. Employee Implications 7.1. There will likely be employee implications in terms of staff time taken to review the final version of the plan and in terms of ensuring alignment with the Council’s own plans and policies going forward. 8. Financial Implications 8.1. The Council has been clear in its response to the consultation that any additional burdens placed on Council services as a result of the proposals will require to be fully funded by the Scottish Government. 40
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9. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 9.1. In delivering against the outcomes detailed within the Plan, the Council has the potential to make significant progress in delivering positive change in terms of addressing climate change and its impacts, alongside sustainability and environmental considerations. 9.2. In particular, implementation of the actions noted within the plan will make a considerable contribution towards the Council’s net zero ambitions, biodiversity and air quality targets, and ensure that transport infrastructure is more resilient to the impacts of more frequent and extreme adverse weather events. 10. Other Implications 10.1. There are no other implications or risks associated with this report. 11. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 11.1. In preparation of the Council’s response to the consultation, input was sought from Enterprise and Sustainable Development Service; Roads, Transportation and Fleet Service; and Housing Service. 11.2 In implementing any of the actions or recommendations of the Just Transition Plan for Transport, the Council should undertake all necessary integrated impact assessment and consultation requirements as appropriate. David Booth, Executive Director (Community and Enterprise) 6 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Thriving business, fair jobs and vibrant town centres Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Adam Wallace, Sustainability Adviser E-mail: adam.wallace@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 41
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Appendix 1 Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport – SLC Consultation Response 1. Do the draft outcomes reflect what the Plan should be aiming to achieve? Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know I understand the draft outcomes x The draft outcomes reflect what the Plan should be aiming to achieve x Is anything missing from the draft outcomes in the Plan? (optional) 2. Please look at the draft Transport Just Transition Plan, and tell us whether you agree or disagree with the following statements. Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know The Plan is easy to understand x The Plan is easy to use x The information in the Plan is helpful x The information in the Plan is relevant to me x The Plan is accessible to me x Use of technology in supporting just transition. Improved demonstration of clear linkages with National Transport Strategy and National Transport Strategy Delivery Plan outcomes and actions. The outcomes make reference to supporting businesses relying on fossil fuels to transition to zero emissions alternatives; however there is no comparable, explicit reference to supporting individuals to make this change. Outcome 11 comes closest to articulating this, however clarity of wording relating to support welcomed. Outcome 16 references embedded carbon relating to vehicle production, use and disposal. Has consideration been paid to the embodied carbon of wider transportation upgrades and improvements – for example embedded carbon associated with path/road resurfacing? Can this also be reflected in the Plan? 42
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Please give us any comments below (optional) 3. Are you involved in any type of organised group which considers how the transport system is changing, or could change in future? YES / NO An organised group could be a campaigning group, industry working group or public sector forum (which does not have to be climate-related). Examples: • a passenger or transport user group for any mode of transport, for example a bus passenger group • a Community Planning Partnership or community council, does not have to be a statutory body • a transport campaigning group, this does not have to be climate or nature related, for example it might be an accessibility campaign • an industry forum or working group, does not have to include government representation How could existing transport groups consider just transition issues? 4. Are there any gaps in our priority actions to support people and communities in the transition of the transport sector? This question relates to all the content in the section on People and Communities. YES / NO / DON’T KNOW If yes, please comment here: Clarity on targets throughout would be welcomed – for example the 20% reduction in car use by 2030 by the Scottish Government is still referenced, despite this being recently reviewed as unachievable. Clarity on new targets and timescales for achieving these would be welcomed. There are challenges for local authorities in setting ambitious but realistic targets when the wider picture is regularly changing. Clear reference to expectations for local authorities would be welcomed – can this be provided separately? The plan should also contain reference to the resources local authorities should expect to deliver on any new expectations. Knowledge sharing and assistance in policy development. Engagement with communities and third sector organisations. Future priority actions should include further details on delivery mechanisms and partnership working with local authorities and Regional Transport Partnerships. 43
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5. Which of the priorities we have set out in the draft Plan do you think would be most helpful for people like you to reduce how often, or how far, they drive in a private car? You do not need to own or drive a car to answer the question, because reliance on private cars impacts everyone. Very helpful Helpful Neither helpful nor unhelpful Unhelpful Very unhelpful Don't know More access to online services so people don't need to travel unnecessarily. x Access to ‘car clubs’ which allow people to hire a car or van for shorter trips. x Availability of demand responsive transport for some areas for example dial-a-bus services. x Better use of space for active travel and public transport. x Increasing costs to make driving a less attractive option in some circumstances, especially where there will be other benefits such as reducing pollution and congestion. x Comment: Cost increases need to be carefully thought out and balanced in relation to the people and equity outcome - that transport options are affordable and the transition to decarbonised transport does not disproportionately burden those with least choice and ability to pay. Realistic alternatives to private car use needed – more reliable, affordable, and frequent public transport services are key to engendering behaviour shift. Options above potentially offer solutions, however fundamentally improvements in the infrastructure and current service provision are most important – improve what is already in place (improve reliability, accessibility etc.) as a priority before introducing new measures. Prioritise resource on upgrading existing provision before new. 44
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6. Does the draft Plan take all groups in society into account in setting out a vision for a future transport system for people and communities? Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know The Plan considers the impacts of decarbonising transport on all groups in our society x The Plan considers the impacts of decarbonising transport on people like me x Comment: The guidance rightfully makes reference to personal safety considerations of women and girls in using public transport and the actions taken forward to address this on page 20. Detail on the actions taken to address safety concerns of other groups noted within the Plan would be welcomed. In terms of the decarbonisation of transport, affordability is a key concern for all groups, however those living in poverty or on lower incomes potentially more so, therefore further detail on how the economic aspects of how a just transition will be managed would be welcomed. Particularly with reference to personal finances and potential for ‘transport poverty’. Decarbonisation of transport is a priority for local authorities, however this represents a significant financial challenge for already stretched authorities. Alongside targets and actions noted within the plan, a financial plan for enabling authorities to deliver decarbonised transport would be welcomed. This should be delivered alongside additional financial resources for local authorities to decarbonise their transport. In particular, heavy fleet vehicles present challenges, not only financially, but in terms of technology availability. Detail on plans for decarbonising more challenging heavy fleet vehicles is needed. 45
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7. Is there anything else you would like to see in the draft Plan for people who are more likely to face challenges accessing affordable, convenient and safe travel options? 8. Which of the following principles do you think should be the most important to guide the development of a fair system of payment, to deliver a just transition to net zero in Scotland? Please select only one principle, which would be your most preferred option. ☐ Those who emit the most pay the most, with protections for low-income groups. ☐ Those who earn the most pay the most, without disadvantaging middle-income groups. ☐ Costs shared through taxation and incentives, such as reduced costs, will support low-carbon choices. ☒ None of the above. Additional comments 9. Are there any gaps in our priority actions to support workers in the transition of the transport sector It would be helpful if you could say whether your answer relates to all workers or transport workers. YES / NO / DON’T KNOW South Lanarkshire Council would suggest that three key considerations in ensuring a just transition for transport across Scotland is realised, would be: • The need to focus on ensuring affordable transport options are available for those who reside in areas of multiple deprivation, or rural communities that are adversely impacted when public transport is reduced or removed. • The need to ensure public transport remains affordable for those on the lowest incomes, as slight increases or fluctuations in the cost can be the difference between being able to afford a journey or not, particularly when that journey is for work or education purposes. • The need to ensure affordable, sustainable transport options are considered as part of any large scale new residential or mixed-use development, particularly where affordable housing is being provided, to reduce requirements (or assumptions) that all residents and tenants would have access to a private vehicle. Consider distribution of funding to public transport that is based upon level of usage to enhance bus services and ultimately usage. Consideration of the polluter pays principle would be welcomed. Industry emitting most GHGs should be responsible for bearing the costs associated with preventing, controlling, and remediating that pollution, rather than the wider community or those affected by it. 46
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10. How important are the following actions to make transport jobs more attractive to people who are not as likely to work in the sector, such as women and younger people? There is a long-standing diversity problem facing our transport industry. For example, the latest figures show that women make up just 18% of the transport workforce, and just 4% of those starting transport- related Modern Apprenticeships. To build the workforce required for the transition, and become more inclusive, it is vital that the sector is able to attract more people from groups that are currently under-represented – such as women and young people. We have set out some actions in the draft Plan which we hope will address transport workforce challenges. Very important Important Not sure Unimportant Very unimportant Programmes which encourage women and girls to enter science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) courses at school and college or university. x Actions to promote diversity and inclusion within the industry, including workplace culture changes. x Actions that address existing pay gaps for certain groups. x Actions to increase access to childcare. x Other (please specify). 11. Actions to improve diversity in the transport sector would be most effective if they were mostly led by: ☒Business ☒Public sector ☒Third sector ☐Individuals ☐None of the above ☐Don't know 47
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12. Does the summary of priorities for workers in the draft Just Transition Plan address future workforce and skills challenges you expect to have, as the transport sector decarbonises? Summary of priorities for workers • so far as possible, workers and businesses need to prepare for the transition and gain the skills that will be required for a net zero transport system • the Scottish Government will support further work to improve capacity and capability of Scotland colleges, in supporting the skills needs of the workforce • the Scottish Government/industry will explore options for supporting the workers/businesses who face the biggest challenges from the transition, and improve signposting of information about green transport skills/jobs • industry will take forward the Zero Emissions Truck Taskforce actions to map workers’ skills needs for the transition in the heavy duty vehicles sector • further industry efforts are required to address the lack of diversity in the sector • the Scottish Government will take forward reform of the post- schools education and skills system, to ensure it meets the needs of existing workers and potential new workers Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know The draft priorities for workers will address future skills challenges. x The draft priorities for workers will address transport workforce diversity. x The draft priorities will encourage new entrants to the transport workforce. x Comment: Infrastructure required to facilitate a green transition needs further consideration, including extension of active travel networks and EV charging infrastructure. Additionally support for businesses and individuals to access and utilise this is required. As transport systems become more integrated with digital technologies, there will be an increased need for jobs outside of a traditional ‘transport sector’ for example. data scientists, software engineers, and experts in artificial intelligence (AI) to design and manage smart, sustainable transport systems. This may lead to a shortage of skilled workers in these areas. Equitable geographic distribution of jobs is essential to ensure that the transition is indeed just. Scotland’s rural and island communities should not be disadvantaged or left behind. 48
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13. Are there any gaps in our approach to setting out opportunities and priorities for businesses and other organisations in the transition of the transport sector? It would be helpful if you could say whether your response relates to businesses and organisations operating directly in the Transport sector (for example a bus company, a parcel delivery service or a community transport association) or a business/ organisation that relies on Transport more generally (for example, so that employees can get to work). YES / NO / DON’T KNOW If yes, please comment here: 14. What does just transition planning mean for your organisation or industry? Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know A just transition for the transport sector is important x Just Transition planning is important for my organisation x Just Transition planning is happening in my organisation x My organisation needs more support for just transition planning x Please tell us more about just transition planning in your organisation (optional) Ensuring a Just Transition is a key priority within the Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy and principles of a just transition underpin the work therein. Further support and guidance from the Scottish Government on how to best ensure a just transition across different service areas is welcomed. The detail within this Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport is welcomed and similar thematic or sector specific guidance would be useful in other areas. South Lanarkshire Council is currently working with a PhD student undertaking research into how a just transition can be ensured within South Lanarkshire. The learning from this piece of work will influence the development of future strategies and plans taken forward by the Council. 49
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15. Which of the following priorities would you consider to be most important to enable you to transition your vehicles to zero emission alternatives? Understanding what actions or conditions organisations see as the highest priority for decarbonisation will help us to direct finite government resources and shape future policy. Please rate your choices from highest to lowest priority, where 1 is the highest priority. Please give only one ranking to each option. 1. Cost of replacement vehicles needs to come down 2. Mechanisms to work with other businesses on fleet transition 3. Access to low-cost finance 4. Reliable infrastructure for vehicles (such as fuel or charging networks) 5. Certainty about availability of parts and maintenance services 6. Technology for replacing vehicles needs to be proven -- If you selected other, please tell us more 16. What are your views on the draft indicators we have set out for measuring our progress toward delivering the just transition outcomes for the transport sector? Strongly Agree Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know The indicators will help measure progress towards delivering the just transition outcomes x Make a comment about a specific indicator or indicators (optional) All the above are a priority and are interlinked. Outcome 1 references net zero – however none of the indicators which sit under this relate to net zero e.g. there is no way to determine the indicator for ‘Total transport employment’ relates to net zero transition. Outcome 3 references the support to be provided to businesses – there is no indicator on the support provision element of this outcome. There is no way to tell whether the support is sufficient and appropriate to affect change in the proportion of low carbon vehicles. Indicator 4.2 – if data cannot be isolated for net zero innovation as stated within the description of the indicator, then unsure how Outcome 4 can be tracked, as the outcome makes specific reference to zero emission manufacturers. Outcome 11 – no reference or indicator currently under this outcome which is able to track specifically against decarbonised transport, the key focus of the outcome. Outcomes 13 – there is only one indicator referencing Scotland’s trunk road network. Indicators relating to Scotland’s marine environment (ferries), and air should be considered. Outcome 15 – indicator referencing investment in climate resilience may be useful. 50
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director, Community and Enterprise Resources Subject: Full Term Report on the Implementation of the Climate Emergency Fund Part 2 – Funded Projects (2021-2025) 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: - [purpose] update the Committee on the individual projects funded by South Lanarkshire Council’s Climate Emergency Fund [1recs] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): (1) that the position in respect of the full implementation of the Climate Emergency Fund and the projects funded are noted. (2) p 3. Background 3.1. This report follows a report presented to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee on 4 June 2025 which outlined the overall position in respect of the full implementation of the Council’s Climate Emergency Fund (2021-2025). 3.2. The June report provided background to the Climate Emergency Fund: that it was funded via the 2021/22 Revenue Budget, that it was approved by members at full Council meeting on 24 February 2021 and that the £2 million allocation was committed for a four-year period (2021-2025). 3.3. The report in June provided an overview of the spend profile. This report will provide more information on the individual projects funded by the Climate Emergency Fund, including the individual outputs, outcomes and benefits. 4. Sustainable Development and Climate Change Projects (Internal) 4.1. Climate Emergency Funding was made available to all Council Resources to progress Sustainable Development and Climate Change projects. Projects were required to demonstrate their alignment with the Council’s climate change, sustainability, and climate adaptation objectives: Improved air quality Increased climate resilience Improved resource efficiency Increased active travel opportunities Increased/enhanced urban greenspace 5 51
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Improved outdoor access Reduction in the reliance of fossil fuels Improved energy efficiency The use of renewable technology Increased renewable energy generation Reduction in waste Supporting the circular economy Adapting to climate change e.g. flood protection 4.2. A key aim of the Climate Emergency funding was to facilitate new and innovative climate change projects. Fund guidance and an application process were developed to allow Resources and Services to apply for funding for projects which matched the above criteria. 4.3. A total of 28 projects were approved for funding through the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Steering Group including: 10 Development Fund Projects 9 Match Fund Projects 9 Pilot Projects 4.4. Some highlights of the projects funded through the Climate Emergency Fund include: 13 feasibility studies have been completed 6 active travel projects have been funded 4 biodiversity and nature restoration projects have been supported 3 education and training projects were funded 3 air quality supporting projects have been match funded 2 recycling and waste reduction projects have been carried out 4.5. Due to the technical nature of many projects, there have been a variety of projects which have involved the procurement of external consultants to conduct feasibility studies. It has been noted that this type of work is essential in order to progress projects to the investment ready stage for external funds, where detailed feasibility studies and outline business cases are often a requirement. 4.6. A full list of the projects that were approved for funding by the Climate Change and Sustainability Steering Group is included in Appendix 1 with case studies on those projects provided in Appendix 2. 5. Climate Emergency Community Grants 5.1. Empowering communities to take climate action and be more environmentally sustainable is one of the Council’s priority actions contained in the Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027. The strategy recognises that people are at the heart of sustainable South Lanarkshire and communities should be empowered and supported to create sustainable, inclusive and thriving places and that communities are central to creating a just and fair transition to net zero. The grant scheme was designed to support projects which make South Lanarkshire a more sustainable and climate-resilient place, that deliver our Net Zero ambitions and do this in a fair and inclusive way. Grants were allocated to community projects which contributed to the Council’s climate change, sustainability, and climate adaptation objectives, noted at 4.1. 52
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5.2. The initiative was delivered by the Sustainability Team with support from the Community Engagement Team and key partners. A Sustainable Communities Engagement Officer was employed on a temporary basis to encourage community participation and buy-in, as well as providing support to groups wishing to access grants. 5.3. These grants have helped to engage and empower our communities to act and provide solutions to make South Lanarkshire more climate resilient. The projects engage with all demographics through links with educational establishments and youth groups, community actions groups, Men’s Sheds, local gardening and allotment groups and local sports clubs. 5.4. Some highlights of the projects funded through the Climate Emergency Fund Community Grants include: 118 grants have been awarded in total. 90 community groups and partner organisations have received funding 30 school and nursery gardens have been developed 18 community growing projects have been supported 15 cycling and cycle maintenance projects have been developed 9 groups have installed solar photovoltaic panels 5 grants have supported recycling or circular economy projects 2 beekeeping projects have been funded. 5.5. All applications were assessed to ensure that projects were sustainable and would provide long-term community outcomes. Projects were approved on the basis that the grant funding would be the ‘seed money’ for the project or idea, and that the project would have the capacity to continue to operate and provide community benefits after the funding had been utilised. Groups have invested in raised beds and polytunnels for community growing projects, solar panels and battery systems for community buildings and sheds. This infrastructure will be operational for years to come and has the potential to generate income for groups to sustain their operations or reinvest. 5.6. A full list of the community grants that have been approved for funding in each financial year is provided in Appendix 3, with case studies on those projects provided in Appendix 4. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. Community climate action is now supported through the recently established Lanarkshire Climate Hub. The Enterprise and Sustainable Development Service will continue to engage with Climate Hub and other local groups to ensure that communities across South Lanarkshire are provided with support to realise their ambitions to address the climate emergency. 7. Financial Implications 7.1. The amended order for the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 introduced a Statutory Instrument highlighting the need to report how Public Bodies align spending plans and use of resources to contribute to national Climate Change Duties. This was introduced from 2020-21 onwards and is required to be included each year in the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Compliance report. 53
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7.2. The Climate Emergency Fund has been widely utilised for various feasibility studies. This type of work is essential to conduct preliminary scoping work for projects and is often a requirement for external funding applications. Without further investment of this type, the Council will be unable to take forward similar projects which are essential to meet the challenging national net zero and climate adaptation targets. 7.3. Community groups have also utilised the Fund through the Community Grants Scheme and are reliant on this type of funding to continue to facilitate climate action projects in the community. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. Public bodies, including South Lanarkshire Council, are expected to contribute to national targets, with the statutory framework for their climate action and reporting outlined in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. This states that a public body must, in exercising its functions, act: in the way best calculated to contribute to the delivery of Scotland’s national emissions reduction targets. in the way best calculated to help deliver Scotland’s statutory climate change adaptation programme; and in a way that it considers is most sustainable. 8.2. The Climate Emergency Fund has helped the Council contribute to these national targets and has had a tangible impact on climate change action throughout the Council and in the wider South Lanarkshire community. Projects have been funded which have reduced carbon emissions, generated renewable electricity, improved the energy efficiency of buildings and enhanced the local environment through tree planting and food growing initiatives. The fund has also been a key factor in engaging local communities in climate action projects. 9. Other Implications 9.1. Failure to meet sustainable development and climate change objectives’ is one of the top risks for the council. Without a plan in place and a financial plan to support it, then this risk will continue to be one of the Council’s top risks. 10. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 10.1. Consultation has been undertaken with relevant Council Resources and Services in the preparation of this report. 10.2. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function, or strategy and, therefore, no integrated impact assessment is required. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 6 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Ambitious, self-aware and improving 54
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Fair, open and sustainable We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Our children and young people thrive Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, 28 April 2021, Climate Challenge South Lanarkshire Fund Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, 3 November 2021, Community Grants (Climate Emergency Fund & Food Strategy Support Fund) Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, 09 November 2022, Mid-Term Report on the Climate Emergency Fund 2021-24 Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Report, 28 February 2024, Community Climate Action in South Lanarkshire Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Report, 15 May 2024, Non-Domestic Buildings - Net Zero Feasibilities Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Report, 4 June 2025, Full Term Report on the Climate Emergency Fund (2021-25) List of Background Papers Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report 2018. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-2027 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: - Kathryn McCafferty, Carbon Management Officer E-mail: kathryn.mccafferty@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 55
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Appendix 1 – Climate Emergency Fund Internal Projects 2021-2024 Projects Project Details Funding Approved Benefits and Outcomes Active Travel Enhancement A consultant was appointed to undertake an assessment of various active travel options in South Lanarkshire towns. Public consultation was undertaken, and the consultant helped develop a UK Levelling Up Fund bid. £48,000 • Progressed key active travel infrastructure improvement priorities for South Lanarkshire • Identified priority projects for a Levelling Up Fund bid Area-wide emissions route map A route map which sets a pathway to net- zero for South Lanarkshire area wide emissions. £35,000 • Identified the biggest contributors to South Lanarkshire’s emissions • Outlined the scale of reduction required to meet net-zero by 2045 • Provided details of cost effective and transformational action required to meet net-zero. • Outlined the investment required to meet net-zero • Report provided to the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service for inclusion on ClimateView platform • A full report on the Route Map was presented to CC&S Committee on 14 June 2023 Document. 56
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Ash Dieback Disease (ADD) – Recovery and adaption Ash Dieback Disease (ADD) Recovery and adaption on council land by planting >1,000 replacement trees for circa 333 trees removed. The funds also supported the ‘awareness’ raising stage. £100,000 • Informed the start of the recovery and adaptation stage for ADD on Council land and contributed to the longer- term Tree Canopy Cover Strategy • An initial ADD Recovery and adaptation project was progressed. • A full report on ADD and the associated action plan was presented to the CC&S Committee on 18 December 2024 • Document.ashx • Ash Dieback Action Plan Template Better Points active travel project Match funding with Scottish Government Air Quality Action Plan grant established a travel behaviour change project which focused on residents, schools, and workplaces to increase active and sustainable travel within our local communities. £18,000 • Encouraged travel behaviour change • Supported a higher uptake of active and sustainable options, especially for local journeys • Reduced single occupancy car journeys • Impacted emissions levels • Supported the Council to meet air quality objectives • 1,306 registered users • 160,739 active and sustainable journeys recorded. • Approximately 107,700 active and sustainable journeys have directly replaced single occupancy car trips. • Equates to approximately 76,000 lbs of CO2 saved. • 44% of users who drove at baseline now report driving less often 57
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Calderwood Multi Storey Blocks district heating feasibility RIBA Stage 2 feasibility for a potential Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) and district heating project centred around six tower blocks in East Kilbride which are currently heated by aging electric storage heating. £22,000 • Demonstrated that technologies such as GSHPs and local district heating networks can be scaled to work in the domestic sector throughout South Lanarkshire. • Identified the project’s environmental benefits, costs and potential challenges • Provided recommendations for future works which could be scaled across Council’s domestic and non-domestic properties. • The Council were awarded £5.49 million funding from Scotland’s Heat Network Fund for a close loop ground source heat pump array for Calderwood multi storey blocks. This project would not have been suitably progressed without having firstly carried out a RIBA Stage 2 feasibility. Climate Training Develop a programme of climate emergency training across the Council. This involved the design of a climate emergency training course bespoke to South Lanarkshire primarily aimed at elected members and senior management. £22,150 • Progressed mainstreaming of climate action in decision making across the Council. • Increased understanding of the global, national and local climate emergency Clyde Climate Forest Match funding for the supply and planting of 4,000 trees £4,500 • Increased tree canopy cover • Clyde Climate Forest and its partners engaged with volunteers and community groups to plant the trees Clydesdale Way Pathways Project Project carried out a feasibility study to create Southwest Scotland Green Action Travel Project connecting paths and cycle networks in South Lanarkshire to neighbouring authorities in Borders and Dumfries and Galloway creating a complete network of local, regional, and national routes. £30,000 • Provided mapping and design to enable the submission of a Levelling Up Fund bid • Strategic Business Case for the project was developed. 58
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Cycle Hire Feasibility Study Feasibility study into developing a bike hire scheme in South Lanarkshire. Various options of bike hire scheme were considered in the study including the business case potential for joining Glasgow City Council’s Nextbike scheme. £19,000 • Identified potential funding and contract models using successful schemes from around the country • Identified key areas and key benefits of the bike hire scheme • Enabled development of a bike hire business case and model for South Lanarkshire. • Identified priorities in relation to providing or improving active travel infrastructure ECO stars Match funding with Scottish Government continued EcoStars within South Lanarkshire Fleet and the Taxi and Private Hire Scheme. Both schemes engage with a network of fleet operators . £20,000 • Promoted sustainable and environmentally responsible transport • Improved local air quality • Reduced fuel consumption • Raised fuel efficiency awareness • Promoted cleaner vehicles • Encouraged positive action against contributions to local transport related emissions Fleet Electric Vehicle transition Accelerate the introduction of Electric Vehicles (EVs) £149,000 • Two staff members were appointed to carry out these duties on a 2-year contract. • Reduced emissions • EV user familiarisation • Better enabled management of the EV charging/charging network 59
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Green Belt Review A comprehensive review of the existing South Lanarkshire Green Belt. The outcomes will be used in considering the Spatial Strategy for LDP3 as well as the assessment of proposed development sites and the preparation of the Open Space Strategy. £11,000 • The Green Belt Review is still being carried out. Once complete, it will inform the Council’s evidence report for Local Development Plan 3 and help develop a spatial policy context for the Green Belt • Delineate a strong defensible strategic Green Belt boundary (outer edge) for South Lanarkshire. • Define long term sustainable and defensible boundaries for each settlement within the strategic boundary • Consider the green belt’s contribution to NPF4’s policy outcomes Larkhall Leisure Centre - Net Zero Feasibility Feasibility study into the works required to meet zero emissions targets by 2038 and reduce heat demand in the property. This allowed an assessment of how the building could be retrofitted and retained. £14,700 • Investigated options to improve the performance of the thermal envelope • Considered renewable energy options such as solar hot water, solar electricity (PV) and heat pumps • Reviewed options to remove gas fired heating and hot water systems • Considered holistic energy supply options including use of thermal and battery storage • Considered the impact of district heating options and impact of a future connection 60
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Love to Ride South Lanarkshire Match funding with Smarter Choices, Smarter Places extended the ‘Love to Ride’ online behaviour change programme and platform which supports inclusive cycling. £8,949 • Encouraged travel behaviour change • Supported the uptake of cycling • Supported a higher uptake of active and sustainable options, especially for local journeys • Reduced single occupancy car journeys • Helped to meet air quality objectives • Project encouraged 18% of new riders to become occasional / regular cyclists • 9% of occasional riders were encouraged to become regular riders • 15,138 cycle trips were undertaken with almost a third of those trips for transport purposes. • 219,511 miles were cycled • Equated to 20,497lbs of CO2 saved. Nature Restoration Fund Match funding for Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund to: • Deliver positive effects for biodiversity and enhance local ecosystems • Address the climate emergency by promoting nature-based solutions • Promote the health and well-being of local communities £146,000 • 16 new Local Nature Reserves sites have been developed encompassing a broad spectrum of habitats including ancient woodland, open water, wetlands, peatland and grassland • The projects delivered have helped to meet objectives identified through the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy, the Councils’ Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan, as well as contributing to national policies such as Scotland’s Pollinator Strategy. Open Space Strategy for South Lanarkshire Consultancy work for the preparation of an Open Space Strategy and associated consultation. £23,000 • Audit of existing open space provision • Assessment of current and future requirements • The consultancy work has allowed a full assessment of the quantity, quality and accessibility to existing open space provision to be carried out. This in turn will inform the preparation of the Open Space Strategy. 61
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Our Lady of Lourdes primary net zero project Retrofit and refurbishment works to Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School. Match fund for the bid to the Scottish Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund £100,000 • This project is the Net Zero Schools demonstrator project. It is intended that the outcome of this work will inform the future planning for the ongoing decarbonisation of the wider school estate, and other SLC assets. Primary school heating and fabric upgrade feasibility A consultant was appointed to carry out a feasibility study into the scope of work required to upgrade the primary school estate to zero carbon by 2038. The feasibility looked at five primary schools of different ages, results of which to be rolled out for the primary school estate. £60,000 • Identified measures and suitable technologies to be implemented across the primary school estate • Established priorities for future investments required to meet net zero • Outputs to be used to develop future bids to funds such as the Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Scheme and the Heat Network Fund. Primary school PV feasibility A Building Services consultant was appointed to carry out desktop study of the Primary School Estate. Existing data was used to assess the schools, consider if the roofs can have PV panels installed, or in the case of the existing PV arrays on the school roofs, if could these be expanded or increased. £7,500 • Calculated a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions • Modelled energy savings generated by the PV panels • The findings will be used to inform future programmes of works through various funding streams to install or expand the installation of PV panels on primary school roofs • Funding enabled the creation of a prioritised pipeline of PV projects across the Primary School Estate that can be funded via the Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) in future. • Future is bright for primary schools - South Lanarkshire View Primary Science and Sustainability Development Officer post Extended the Primary Science and Sustainability Development Officer post within Education Resources. £98,000 • Promoted the development of learning for sustainability across all education sectors i.e. nursery, primary and secondary and within all curricular subject areas • Ensured that learning for sustainability becomes a focus for all teachers within our establishments 62
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Reverse Vending Machine for St Andrews and St Brides High School A Reverse Vending Machine was purchased for trialling the Return Deposit Scheme in St Andrews and St Brides High School. £14,000 • Reduces the number of plastic bottles going to landfill or being discarded • Minimises staff time associated with the manual processing of returned containers • The device securely compacts the containers minimising the storage space required meaning the material is collected as efficiently as possible • Reduction in litter internally & externally • Educating for sustainability is part of the Curriculum for Excellence therefore links to the curriculum. • STEM leadership e.g. school sustainability ambassadors can use this to influence their peers Right Stuff Right Bin Adhesive stickers attached to wheeled bins in flats throughout South Lanarkshire to advise householder of changes to the service. Stickers also used in problematic areas to remind householder of correct recycling practices. Leaflets issued to all flats. £22,000 • Improved recycling rates and reduced rubbish going to landfill • Reduction in the levels of contamination thus improving the quality of material collected for recycling. • Environmental benefits included reduction in quantities of waste going to landfill. • Cost benefit to the Council, i.e. landfilling of waste comes at a significant cost, compared with recycling good quality materials which the Council receives an income – Paper & card; Glass, metals & plastics mix Social Housing Net- Zero Pathways Project High-level Net Zero Pathways assessment of the SLC social housing estate. The results of the assessment were used to update the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency delivery plan to reflect the analysis. £40,000 • Housing stock construction categorisation • Identification of proposed retrofit measures • Development of retrofit delivery planning tools • This analysis of the council’s domestic estate outlined key actions required to achieve the new Social Housing Net- Zero Standard. In addition to informing future investment works to meet the new standards, the analysis provides evidence-based data to support further analysis to develop wider estate management decisions. 63
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Town Centres Transition to Net Zero Programme to secure the transition to Net Zero for South Lanarkshire’s Towns. Consultant was appointed to identify and develop a portfolio of projects for future green infrastructure investments and to support bids for major funding opportunities. £25,500 • Progressed key infrastructure improvement priorities for South Lanarkshire towns to achieve net zero • Identified priority projects for Levelling Up Fund, Green Growth Accelerator, UK Shared Prosperity Fund bids Tree canopy analysis Match funding for the analysis of aerial photography funded by the Green Network Partnership and Clydeplan. £7,500 • Evaluated carbon offset from tree canopy cover • Increased understanding of existing tree canopy cover in South Lanarkshire • Information obtained will support future external funding bids • The information is specific to South Lanarkshire and will help better understand existing canopy cover and where projects need to be targeted in the future. Universal Connections Electric Bikes Funding to purchase two electric bicycles and secure storage at each of the nine Universal Connections sites across South Lanarkshire. Staff use the bikes to deliver youth outreach work in the community. £50,600 • Reduced the use of vehicles for both outreach activity and for delivering Council business, moving around communities, achieving changes in habits to both active travel and the use of sustainable transport • Reduced emissions • Promoted sustainable transport within the community • Increased active travel opportunities 64
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Youth Forum Project to set up a Climate Change & Sustainability Youth Forum. Members of the Forum also attended COP26 and hosted an SLC COP26 event to raise awareness. £33,000 • Raised awareness of climate change within the school community • Members of the Youth Forum attended COP26 • The Youth Forum developed and hosted a series of ‘Conference of Schools’ events to raise awareness • Secondary school waste recycling pilot, primary school food waste project established • JUMP App launched and piloted in four secondary schools. • The Youth Forum provides secondary school pupils with a platform to engage with peers from across the authority. This forum gives students a voice in driving change. • The Education Resources Sustainability Report was presented to the CC&S Committee on 28 February 2024 Document.ashx 65
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Zero emissions upgrades to wet leisure properties Feasibility study into the works required to meet the Scottish Government zero emissions targets by 2038 and reduce heat demand in the properties at wet leisure properties. £27,500 • Identified measures and suitable technologies to be implemented across the council’s wet leisure properties, • Established priorities for future investments required to meet net zero • Provided information to support development of future bids to funds such as the Public Sector Estate Decarbonisation Scheme and the Heat Network Fund • The outcome of the feasibility studies, conducted to assess the investment required to achieve national net zero standards for the council’s primary school and wet leisure estate, were reported to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee on 15 May 2024. This report provided an updated estimate of total capital investment required to meet national net zero standards for the council’s non-domestic property estate based on the outcome of the feasibility studies. • Document.ashx 66
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Appendix 2: Climate Emergency Fund Internal Projects – Case Studies Internal Projects Project Information Better Points Active Travel project Think, Move, Breathe was commissioned by South Lanarkshire Council and funded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and the Climate Emergency Fund. Think, Move, Breathe was designed to move residents and workers in South Lanarkshire away from a reliance on private motor vehicles to more active and sustainable modes of travel. Think, Move, Breathe was delivered via the BetterPoints app with supporting marketing and promotions. It rewards physical activity, such as walking, wheeling, running, and cycling, as well as bus and train journeys within the South Lanarkshire Council area. • Encouraged travel behaviour change • Support a higher uptake of active and sustainable options, especially for local journeys • Reduced single occupancy car journeys • Impacted emissions levels • Helped the Council to meet our air quality objectives • 1,306 registered users • 160,739 active and sustainable journeys recorded. • Approximately 107,700 active and sustainable journeys have directly replaced single occupancy car trips. • Equates to approximately 76,000 lbs of CO2 saved. • 44% of users who drove at baseline now report driving less often 67
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Internal Projects Project Information Carbon Literacy and Climate Emergency Training Funding was provided to develop a programme of climate emergency training across the Council. A bespoke Carbon Literacy Training Programme was developed for South Lanarkshire with Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB). KSB Carbon Literacy Training was rolled out to Council staff and elected members in 2022 and 2023: • 111 members of staff attended the training with 84 completing the assessment and achieving accreditation. • 30 Elected Members attended a workshop with KSB in January 2023. KSB climate literacy training was available to all Elected Members and was delivered in summer 2023. • 14 Elected Members attended the climate literacy training, with 6 going on to complete the assessment and receive Climate Literacy accreditation. • Some feedback from participants: “Very interesting and thought-provoking course and the speakers came across as very knowledgeable” “I really enjoyed the course and learned a lot but wondering how I will fit in time for assignment. I would have liked some tips as to how as an individual I can reduce my carbon footprint” “I very much enjoyed the training including the background science stuff. It could be more tailored to South Lanarkshire in terms of what we have been doing and what we could and should be doing” “I thought the pace/content / timing was spot on. It certainly kept me engaged throughout, and the level of ‘homework’ wasn’t too onerous, and it complimented the main sessions • A three part e-learning course was also developed with KSB to provide a learning resource for all Council employees: ➢ Part 1 - What is the Climate Emergency ➢ Part 2 - What are the impacts of climate change ➢ Part 3 - What are the solutions to climate change • A total of 1,669 staff have completed the online modules to date. 68
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Internal Projects Project Information Clyde Climate Forest Project to provide match funding with Clyde Climate Forest for the supply and planting of 4,000 trees to increase tree canopy cover in the area. The Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) was launched in June 2021 and since then the project has seen over 1.2 million trees planted in both urban and rural areas. The authority is one of eight across Glasgow City Region aiming to connect existing woodlands, plant new forests and target urban tree plantings in areas vulnerable to climate impacts. To support some of this work, South Lanarkshire Countryside and Greenspace Rangers led a dedicated team of volunteers, New Roots - Neilsland and Earnock Heritage Group, as they learned skills to successfully plant almost 5000 trees over a series of sessions to create a new urban woodland, expending the existing established canopy. Volunteers continue to monitor and help to manage the new woodland. A Forest for the Future CCF - Clyde Climate Forest. 69
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Internal Projects Project Information Fleet Electric Vehicle Transition This project was awarded funding to support the council’s transition from diesel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). Two staff members were appointed to carry out these duties on a 2-year contract. Council powers 10 million greener miles - South Lanarkshire View • Staff have been trained to charge/drive EVs • Daily support was provided for staff during the transition including help with charging issues, vehicle familiarisation, fault support • 130 charge points have been installed across 25 geographical locations • Management of the EV charging projects, regular liaison with EV charging supplier and SLC site representative • This project has supported SLC’s ongoing transition from diesel vehicles to EVs 70
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Internal Projects Project Information Love to Ride South Lanarkshire This project provided match funding with Smarter Choices, Smarter Places to extend the ‘Love to Ride’ online behaviour change programme and platform which supports inclusive cycling. The project outcomes are: • Encouraged travel behaviour change • Supported the uptake of cycling • Supported a higher uptake of active and sustainable options, especially for local journeys • Reduced single occupancy car journeys • Helped to meet air quality objectives • Project encouraged 18% of new riders to become occasional / regular cyclists • 9% of occasional riders were encouraged to become regular riders • 15,138 cycle trips were undertaken with almost a third of those trips for transport purposes. • 219,511 miles were cycled • Equated to 20,497lbs of CO2 saved. 71
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Internal Projects Project Information Our Lady of Lourdes Retrofit Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School Retrofit project received £100,000 funding. The funding acted as a match for the successful Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund application which awarded £1.2 million to the project for the low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures of the project. The retrofit has resulted in a modern energy efficient retrofit of a modular prefabricated building. This project is the Net Zero Schools demonstrator project. It is expected that the outcomes of this work will inform the future planning for the ongoing decarbonisation of the wider school estate, and other SLC assets. The project has received praise from Salix Finance, who adminster the Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund on behalf of the UK and Scottish Government, and been used as a energy and decarbonisation case study: South Lanarkshire Schoolchildren benefit from decarbonisation project School receives modern upgrades thanks to Scottish Government scheme 72
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Internal Projects Project Information Nature Restoration Fund The Nature Restoration Fund brought together Scottish Governments Nature Restoration Funding (NRF) with South Lanarkshire Council’s Climate Emergency Fund during 2021 to 2023. The focus of the programme was to deliver positive effects for biodiversity, local ecosystems, mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote nature-bases solutions. Most of the groundwork was completed by seasonal grounds employees, to keep work in-house and be cost effective. The initial focus of the program was on pollinators, whose decline has been well documented in the media. Building on previous work on council land over the last few years, of improving grassland and other habitats. The project also included other nature-based solutions that have many benefits for our natural environment. Improvements made within the programme: • Local Nature Reserves, Country Park, and National Nature Reserve: created and improved wildflower areas, tree planting, small access repairs and removal of invasive and non-native species. • District Parks: old and degraded shrub beds were replaced with plants chosen to benefit pollinators throughout the year. Some of these plants are also noted to help improve air quality, which can be incorporated as appropriate. District parks were also chosen to host the covid memorial orchard, which contribute a biodiversity benefit to pollinators as well as enhancing tree canopy cover. • Development of plans and studies: invested in feasibility studies that will enable future site works that take advantage of various potential funding streams. The objectives for these studies will focus on multiple benefits; nature-based solutions that improve the site for people and wildlife as well as helping to offset the impacts of climate change such as flooding. • More than 900 trees were also planted to improve this large expanse of amenity grassland in the LNR for wildlife. 73
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Internal Projects Project Information Reverse Vending Machine for St Andrews and St Brides High School A Reverse Vending Machine was purchased for trialing the Return Deposit Scheme in St Andrews and St Brides High School, East Kilbride. The machine was purchased from East Kilbride Supplier, Excel Vending Ltd. The Reverse Vending machine helped to trial the whole concept in a school setting. Some of the benefits of Reverse Vending have been: • Reduced the number of plastic bottles going to landfill or being discarded • Helped schools reach their recycling targets • Minimised staff time associated with the manual processing of returned containers • The device securely compacts the containers minimising the storage space required meaning the material is collected as efficiently as possible. The school listed the following benefits from the pilot project: • Reduction in litter internally & externally • Minimises staff time associated with the manual processing of returned containers • Educating for sustainability is part of the Curriculum for Excellence therefore links to the curriculum. • STEM leadership e.g. school sustainability ambassadors can use this to influence their peers. 74
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Internal Projects Project Information Right Stuff, Right Bin This is an educational project to target problematic areas and to remind householders of correct recycling practices. Adhesive stickers have been attached to wheeled bins in flats throughout South Lanarkshire to advise householder of changes to the service. Information leaflets were produced for households to inform them of changes to their recycling services. The project has resulted in a reduction in the levels of contamination, thus improving the quality of material collected for recycling. This in turn has a cost benefit for the Council as landfilling of waste comes at a significant cost, compared with recycling good quality materials which the Council receives an income. 75
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Internal Projects Project Information Tree Canopy Analysis Match funding has been provided for the analysis of aerial photography funded by the Green Network Partnership and Clydeplan. The information is specific to South Lanarkshire and will help the Council to better understand existing canopy cover and where projects need to be targeted in the future. • The desktop evaluation of 3,485 individual Council trees (includes removed trees) has been completed, focusing on the Clyde Climate Forest target neighbourhoods. This is from resource of circa. 63,847 individual trees. • The calculation of total ecosystem benefits, value and savings in monetary terms (£126,080 pa) provided by the 3,185 subject trees has been completed. • An easy-to-use record of the subject tree demographics (including species composition, quantity, quality, and age diversity) has been created. • We now have statistics and evidence to start informing more resilient and diverse tree species selection and to help inform future funding bids. TreePlotter – South Lanarkshire Council (pg-cloud.com) 76
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Internal Projects Project Information Youth Forum on Climate Change and Sustainability Education Resources have established a Youth Forum on Sustainability and Climate Change, with representatives from all secondary schools. The Youth Forum has been actively involved in a range of impactful projects. Funding has been used to support the administration of the Youth Forum meetings, the newsroom hub (CEN- climate emergency newsroom) during COP26, Conference of School events, the secondary school waste recycling pilot, primary school food waste project and climate change app pilot. During COP26, 80 secondary pupils participated in a Climate Emergency Newsroom (CEN). Although the target audience was primary pupils, through their high-quality reporting, the young journalists gained a national and international audience. News content was hosted on a blog offering video and written interviews with politicians, scientific experts, climate activists and other organisations. The blog also covered the science behind climate change, the impact on our planet and what we can do about it. Due to the high-quality content produced, our primary schools, and many others, were able to feel connected to and learn from COP26, deepening their understanding of issues, encouraging them to speak out and find ways to work towards net zero. Educational professionals have reached out from across the country to commend the CEN on their work. 132 articles were published, including interviews with activists, scientists and politicians, generating more than 20,000 views. There were more than 1 million views of CEN tweets and the work was acknowledged in a motion to the Scottish Parliament. 77
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Internal Projects Project Information Inspired by COP The Youth Forum have established their own Conference of School (COS) events to further raise awareness of climate issues. The COS1 event was held in October 2022 for P5, P6 and P7 pupils across all primary schools. The event run over 3 days, involving approximately 500 pupils from over 100 schools and was a huge success. A second climate conference, COS2, was tailored for S1 to S3 students, thereby expanding the influence and importance of climate change and sustainability awareness. The conference welcomed 240 young individuals from 17 secondary schools across South Lanarkshire, featured key speakers and a supportive workshop on Green Careers, generously delivered by Scottish A third event was held in March 2025 for primary 5 – 7 pupils who engaged in exciting presentations and activities related to these important topics. In November 2022, four youth forum representatives presented at the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee to provide an update on the workings of the youth forum, the COP26 newsroom and the first COS event. COS2 Case Study Youth Forum gives presentation to Climate Change committee - South Lanarkshire View 78
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Appendix 3 - Climate Emergency Fund Community Grants Climate Emergency Fund Community Grant Applications 2022-23 Group/Partner Organisation Project details Grant Amount Allers Allotments Solar PV system for allotment shed £2,206 Ballerup Nursery Developed the nursery allotment and garden area £2,445 Biggar and District Men's Shed A polytunnel with irrigation for community allotment £1,805 Blackwood Primary Purchased scooters and bikes for children to travel to school / £2,500 Blantyre Soccer Academy Programme of cycle training, bike repair and prepare sessions delivered £2,500 Burnhill Action Group Purchase of a cabin providing the kitchen space for healthy eating sessions to be delivered £2,500 Calderwood Primary School/community garden project to create an outdoor classroom, bee and butterfly garden £2,500 Carluke Primary Created a greenhouse/ garden area in playground £2,500 Clyde Cycle Park SCIO Bought 5 adult bikes for the ‘On Yer Bike’ project £2,500 Families Like Us Created book for pre-school and lower primary school children to teach how we can be more environmentally friendly £2,500 Hareleeshill Primary Purchased and built raised beds / seeds and plants £2,500 Heathery Knowe Primary School and Nursery Inclusive sensory garden, tree, planting, bird boxes, shed, planters etc. created £2,500 ISKCON Scotland The funds were used for harvest festival. £2,500 Kirktonholme Primary School sustainability project focussing on recycling, composting renewable energy, tree planting, bee keeping £2,500 Lammermoor Allotments Association Purchased shed, shed base, solar lighting pack & wheelie bins £2,490 Lanarkshire Real Nappy Project Purchased new nappy kits to hire, marketing materials for project £800 79
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Group/Partner Organisation Project details Grant Amount LEAP Community Growing Space Installation of a wood workshop space within the community growing space, created raised beds and planters from recycled timber. £2,500 Royal Highland Education Trust Ran a Food and Farming Day at Museum for Rural life £2,500 St Bride’s Primary Opened a Community Farm Shop, and purchased polytunnel, gardening equipment £2,500 Stonehouse Eco Festival Programme/booklet and printed publicity materials created to support the Eco Festival £1,000 Udston Primary School Improvements made to outdoor space, including purchase of outdoor storage shed for the playground £2,500 Upper Clyde Parish Church Created a community orchard and allotment £2,000 Waist Not Want Not Purchase of equipment for the community reuse shop £1,500 Climate Emergency Fund Community Grant Applications 2023-24 Group/Partner Organisation Project details Grant Amount Carluke Golf Club Purchase of LED lights for clubhouse £2,500 Burnhill Action Group Creation of bike lending scheme and distribution of growing kits £2,500 Climate Action Strathaven eBike hire project £2,500 Douglas Primary School Gardening equipment for school growing project purchased £2,500 Grow 73 Composting facilities, water harvest system purchased and installed £2,500 St John's Primary School, Blackwood Replacement of paths and decking for the school garden £2,500 Ballerup Nursery Nursery allotment and garden area created £2,500 Hamilton and Blantyre Litter Pickers Litter picking equipment/ trollies purchased £893 Woolfords, Auchengray and Tarbrax Improvement Foundation (WATIF) Funded expansion of community growing project £2,500 Kirkstyle ELC Creation of community sensory garden and cycle project £2,500 80
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Group/Partner Organisation Project details Grant Amount Glenburn Nursery Purchase of equipment for sensory garden, food growing, waste reduction £2,500 St. John the Baptist Nursery Purchase of replacement planters for playground £500 St John's Primary, Hamilton Forest school project set up £2,500 St. Marks Nursery Class Nursery garden created £1,885 Hamilton Grammar Recycle/Reuse/Repurpose textiles project developed £2,500 Halfmerke Community Nursery Garden and growing project £2,500 St Elizabeth's Primary School Recycling project £2,500 Hallside Parents Council School cycling project - bikes and storage purchased £2,500 Kirklandpark Primary Gardening equipment, storage, bikes and swap shop £2,500 Playcare Out of School Care Planters and gardening equipment purchased £2,010 Lammermoor Allotments Association Shredder to aid/quicken composting £1,595 The Key People (nowhere to grow project) Community garden - raised beds and growing space £1,200 Biggar Food Growing Group CIC No dig growing beds installed £1,430 Wiston Lodge Kitchen garden created £2,490 Carstairs Primary School Community polytunnel within school grounds installed £2,500 Cathkin Community Nursery Planters to create a mini allotment £2,000 Leadhills Primary Cycling project and bike maintenance lessons £2,500 St. Paul's Primary School Outdoor classroom with planters £2,500 Calderside Academy Beekeeping project £2,000 Allers Allotments Association Rechargeable tools to replace old petrol models purchased £1,800 East Kilbride Community Litter Pickers Eco friendly hi-vis vests with logos for volunteers purchased £586 Cambuslang Apiary Project Infrastructure improvements and equipment for the apiary £2,465 South Park Primary School Community Garden and Food Waste project £2,500 Blantyre Soccer Academy Gardening and growing summer clubs £2,500 81
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Group/Partner Organisation Project details Grant Amount St. Vincent's Primary School Cycle club / Bikeability £2,500 Climate Emergency Fund Community Grant Applications 2023-24 (Round 2) Group/Partner Organisation Project details Grant Amount Kilbryde ELC Nursery biodiversity and growing garden £2,500 Supporting our Community (SOC) Phase 2 of community garden project £2,500 St Andrews and St Brides High School Education garden and growing area supporting green skills £2,500 Fernbrae Meadows Allotment Association Community hub for allotment £2,500 Rural Development Trust Renewables demonstrator hub (Battery Storage) £30,000 Climate Emergency Fund Community Grant Applications 2024-25 Group/Partner Organisation Project details Grant Amount Lightburn ELC Nursery garden and equipment £2,500 Woodhill ELC Nursery garden / eco school green flag £2,500 David Livingstone Trust Commercial composter for centre café £2,500 Biggar Food Growing Group PV irrigation system installed £11,830 Carluke Men’s shed Solar panels for Men's Shed installed £5,800 Clydesdale Community Initiatives Solar PVs at Langloch Farm installed £14,133 Carstairs Junction Welcome all hub Community garden/growing area £2,500 Universal Connections East Kilbride Nowhere to Grow garden project £2,500 Hollandbush Nursery Polytunnel and equipment £2,500 Waist not want not Sewing machines and steamers for reuse project £2,240 Crosshouse Primary School garden, planters, soil, seeds etc £2,000 82
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Group/Partner Organisation Project details Grant Amount Clyde Cycle Park SCIO Cycle repair programme. Workshops and tools £2,500 Royal Highland Education Trust Sustainable farming events for schools £2,500 Iskcon Eco Farm Repairs and maintenance of the wind turbine £2,500 Halfmerke Community Nursery Extension to eco community garden £1,400 Rutherglen Universal Connections - Breakthrough Youth Project Urban community allotments £2,500 Stonehouse men's shed PVs for Men's Shed £6,000 Fernbrae Meadows Allotment Association PV System for allotment hub £2,500 Wooddean ELC Nursery allotment £2,200 Larkhall Mens shed PVs for Men's Shed £2,500 The Kilbryde Hospice PV panels for hospice £20,000 Kirklandpark Primary School Sensory Garden and Growing Area £1,250 St John's Primary Blackwood Partnership Group Potting shed 'living roof' £2,500 Loco Home Retrofit Retrofit awareness and community education project £5,000 Blackwood Estate Community Association Tree planting and outdoor learning area £1,801 Millburn ELC Forest school equipment £2,500 Carluke Primary Nursery Nursery garden and growing area £2,340 St Mary's for all Structural survey for PVs £1,000 The LEAP Enterprise Roof insulation for community hub £2,500 Abington Primary Scoot to school project and equipment £2,500 Crawford primary Scoot to school project and equipment £2,500 Hunter Primary School Gardening /growing equipment for school garden £2,200 Agape Wellbeing LEDs for community centre £2,000 83
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Group/Partner Organisation Project details Grant Amount Blantyre Soccer Academy Loft insulation at Larkfield Hall £2,500 Cambuslang Rugby and Sports Club Solar PVs structural survey and gas cooker replacement £4,248 Calderglen High School Recycling stations £1,743 Sanderson High School Cycle safety and maintenance project £1,325 Lesmahagow Development Trust Paths and additional plots at allotment site £2,400 Woolfords, Auchengray and Tarbrax Improvement Foundation (WATIF) Community food growing - garden extension £2,500 East Kilbride Integration Network (EKin) Community Cycling Initiative £2,500 Avondale Community Beekeepers Beekeeping equipment £1,500 Climate Action Strathaven Active Travel projects support £2,500 Douglas Primary School weather station £2,500 Leadhills Community Company Limited (LCCL) in partnership with Leadhills Primary Tree planting equipment £587 Lanark Community Development Trust Community garden and allotments £2,000 84
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Appendix 4: Climate Emergency Community Grants – Case Studies Community Projects Project Information and Update Ballerup Nursery Garden Ballerup Nursery was awarded a grant to develop a nursery/community allotment and garden area. The project has been a huge success with children, staff and parents alike. • The garden area has been successfully developed with grant money used to purchase planters, tools, soil and seeds. • The children are very engaged in the outdoor environment and look forward to working in and maintaining the allotment area. • The nursery encourages parental engagement by hosting ‘stay and plant’ sessions within the nursery garden. • The allotment helps to promote healthy food choices and provides sustainable learning opportunities. • The project will continue to develop over the years and has had a positive impact on learning for the children, their families, and the nursery community. Nursery Team Leader at Ballerup Nursery, Kerry McCormack has said: ‘The grant has been a fantastic resource and we are very grateful for the opportunities it has provided. The project will continue to develop over the years and has already had a positive impact on learning for sustainability and climate change for our children, their families and the nursery community.’ 85
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Community Projects Project Information and Update The successful project was used to promote the second year of Climate Emergency Grants through a View article and video: BallerupNursery Allotment - Climate Emergency Grants 2023 - YouTube Biggar Men’s Shed Polytunnel and Irrigation System In March 2022, Biggar and District Men’s Shed were awarded £1,805 to purchase and install a polytunnel and irrigation system at their community allotment site. The project allowed the allotment to expand and flourish, encouraged more community participation, and members to grow their own produce. The gardening group are now a cohesive small group within the Shed who have engaged with other gardening groups and local schools on growing projects. 86
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Community Projects Project Information and Update Blantyre Soccer Academy & Blantyre Bikes Better Cycle Project Blantyre Soccer Academy and their partner organisation Blantyre Bikes Better were awarded funding to run a Spring programme of cycle training, bike repair sessions and group cycling sessions to encourage residents to get on their bikes. • A bike borrowing and bike repair scheme has been run from April 2022 to present, this has seen many people contact the group for simple repairs like punctures and chain problems. More complex repairs are referred to Halfords where the group have a partnership agreement to allow people to get their bikes fixed at a discounted rate. The Repairs service has an average of 10 requests each month. • The group ran a Bikeability course at Chatelherault Primary in Hamilton. They have also provided borrowing bikes to High Blantyre Primary and St Johns Primary (Hamilton) to allow them to deliver their own Bikeability and encourage pupils to cycle to school. • Throughout the Spring holiday in 2022 the group ran projects in the Hamilton and Hillhouse areas to allow children and families to take part in bike borrowing and challenges to increase the number of miles they could travel using active travel. This was very successful with an average of 60 participants each day with many parents joining in. 87
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Community Projects Project Information and Update Burnhill Action Group Community Garden Burnhill Action Group were awarded a grant of £2,500 to continue the development of land commonly known as The Highbacks. The group’s aim is to develop the land into a safe, welcoming outdoor space that the whole community can enjoy. Funds were used to build planters and raised beds to grow fruit and vegetables, and to build a cabin/shed to be used as a community space. At the time of the award the group had secured £4,200 in participatory budgeting funds and in June 2022 they were awarded £7,000 from The Asda Foundation. • The funds awarded have been used to continue the development of the land commonly known as ‘the Highbacks’. Raised beds have been built and fresh produce has been grown each year and the group have made jam and soup with products grown. • The group have erected the “Highbacks Hideaway” cabin which allows activities to run over the winter. A coffee hut is run as a social enterprise with any profits invested back into the project. • The group has hosted two large community events this year, welcoming around 300 residents as well as hosting coffee mornings, outdoor bingo and exercise sessions. • The development of the land has seen a massive reduction in fly tipping and anti-social behavior in the 88
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Community Projects Project Information and Update area. Young people are eager to get involved in the project, helping out with grass cutting, growing and building. • 24 local volunteers are dedicated to making the Highbacks a thriving community space with opportunities to plant, grow and harvest produce. They have identified several local residents who are very experienced gardeners and keen to share their knowledge with their neighbours. • All activities, courses and events are open to all in Burnhill and the surrounding areas. Volunteers offer a warm welcome and all local people are encouraged to get involved. Feedback from residents and users: “it’s all looking fabulous and keeps going from strength to strength, well done to every one of you” “such an enjoyable morning at the first coffee morning, the Highbacks have been totally transformed by local families, creating an amazing space where the community can come together all year round... community doing it for themselves” “thanks for organising this community day, my kids have had a ball and I have met people I haven’t seen for years, 89
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Community Projects Project Information and Update it’s been a great day” “ Calderwood Primary Outdoor Classroom A grant was awarded to Calderwood Primary to support their outdoor classroom project. Project outcomes achieved to date: • The outdoor classroom encourages teachers to take learning outdoors as much as possible, in all weathers. • The outdoor classroom and areas within the garden will be timetabled for use by the whole school. • Pupils will take part in class topics about the environment and climate change within the space. “Our children and staff have loved making use of this fantastic outdoor space and it is used regularly for a 90
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Community Projects Project Information and Update variety of different lessons. Our outdoor classroom is also well used at playtimes and lunchtimes as a reading nook for all our children.” Julie Kirkland, Depute Head Teacher Cambuslang Apiary Project The Cambuslang Apiary Project (CAP), based in the grounds of the Scottish Fire & Rescue Headquarters in the town, promotes the importance of supporting biodiversity in nature and how even the small things that everyone can do all adds up to help improve the climate. Grant funding was used to expand the size of the apiary using funds to purchase additional slabbing, buy a new extractor, a pop-up gazebo and educational materials for the public and community groups. Through the expansion of the apiary the group are now slowly building up the supply of honey to meet demand and provide additional income to help maintain the apiary. Bee aware - Climate Week starts today - South Lanarkshire View 91
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Community Projects Project Information and Update Carluke and Stonehouse Men’s Sheds – Solar PV Projects Both Carluke and Stonehouse Men’s Sheds were awarded grants to install solar photovoltaic panels (PVs). A 3kw PV system with battery storage was installed at each location. The PVs were supplied and installed by a small local business. The PVs will provide the shed with a source of renewable electricity and will reduce the running costs of the groups. Men’s Sheds – not just sociable but sustainable - South Lanarkshire View Clyde Cycle Park On Yer Bike Repair and Reuse Project The Clyde Cycle Park (CCP) is a community-led project to inspire everyone to cycle. Located in Cambuslang the project was established to promote community, competition and commuter cycling. The CCP seeks to encourage local changes in attitude and behaviour towards cycling in the community, by developing skills, building confidence, improving health and promoting physical activity. The community cycling programme, On Yer Bike, has three objectives: • To (re)introduce local people to cycling. • To develop basic cycling skills up to Bikeability Level 2 standard • To motivate people to cycle regularly with others, make friends, and enjoy outdoor exercise to improve physical and mental health. Funding supported delivery of the Repair & Reuse project which was undertaken in two ways: 92
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Community Projects Project Information and Update • a bike mechanic came to the Park on a regular basis for a few hours each month to do repairs for the public as needed • three ‘open day’ workshop sessions were held, promoted with banners and flyers in July 2024, September 2024, and March 2025 Feedback from participants indicated that the service helped overcome one of the barriers to cycling, a lack of knowledge of bike repair and maintenance. The sessions addressed the problem of personal bikes often being unused due to simple problems like punctures, broken chains, brakes sliding, gears slipping. Most users indicated that they were more confident in fixing minor issues on their own bike after learning from the mechanics. Several said that this allowed them to feel more at ease cycling longer journeys. Get on your bike and help make the environment more sustainable - South Lanarkshire View Fernbrae Meadows Allotment Association In 2023 – 2024 Fernbrae Meadows Allotments Association was awarded a grant to build a community hub at the allotments. The hub vision was to provide an accessible ‘heart of the allotment’ for the sharing of knowledge, tools, seeds, recipes and as a base for communal events. 93
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Community Projects Project Information and Update In 2024- 2025 a second grant was awarded to purchase an off-grid solar panel system which provides electricity to the hub and a charging station to charge battery operated tools. The space will reduce barriers to participation, allowing the allotment community to shelter from adverse weather, extend time on site and will also to function as an education centre for schools and the wider community. Hareleeshill Primary School Garden Hareleeshill Primary School in Larkhall have purchased a polytunnel, 10 raised beds, soil, plants and seed and gardening equipment to create a vegetable garden at the school. Pea, beans and strawberries to carrots, beetroot and potatoes have been grown. Primary school project is food for thought and the climate - South Lanarkshire View 94
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Community Projects Project Information and Update Kilbryde Hospice The Kilbryde Hospice (TKH) applied to the Climate Emergency Community Grants scheme for £20,000 to install solar PV panels at their hospice site in East Kilbride. TKH had secured £25,000 in funding for the project and applied for match funding. A 50kw PV system has recently been installed at the East Kilbride Hospice site at a cost of £53,700. While it is too early to show the actual savings of the project, the solar PV quote submitted with the application predicted electricity bill savings of approximately £12,000 per annum which will be a significant saving for the charity. By generating electricity onsite TKH have not only reduced the carbon emissions of the building but also have far greater control over their utility costs. 95
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Community Projects Project Information and Update Nowhere to Grow Project (East Kilbride Universal Connections) Universal Connections East Kilbride, Nowhere to Grow Projects has received two grants totaling £4,500. The grants have helped volunteers develop the garden and expand the growing areas. 12 new raised beds have been built using reclaimed paving slabs for the base by Universal Connections volunteers with help from the Council’s unpaid work service. The vegetables grown include tomatoes, onions, parsnips, kale and potatoes. Crops are used for cooking classes within the center. Other work being carried out in the thriving garden environment include creating a herb garden, an orchard and extending the raised decking for a second greenhouse which was donated to the project. A family group and a school group from St Andew’s and St Brides High School have also been involved in the project. Nowhere to Grow shares success story during Climate Week - South Lanarkshire View 96
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Community Projects Project Information and Update Royal Highland Education Trust Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) used their grant to facilitate Sustainable Food and Farming Days across the South Lanarkshire area. The series of events were held at The National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride and, in collaboration with the Museum, RHET Clyde invited local schools to attend. The event helped to inform attendees on how food production methods in the surrounding area had changed to allow their practices to become more sustainable and therefore more environmentally friendly. The pupils learned about various topics including: • bee keeping by Lanarkshire Beekeepers • beef production involving a beef cow, with Quality Meat Scotland discussing packaging and products • dairy production involving the farms dairy company First Milk, and dairy cattle from the farm • the museum's own heavy horse was on site in order to discuss the difference between farming in the past and farming in the future, where Gordon’s Agricultural Dealers brought a brand new tractor and showed the technology used. • the museum’s gardener Juliet showed the vegetables grown in the garden • sheepdog training and trials went on with the museum’s sheep, plus education about wool and food production. Feedback from the schools Mrs. MacRitchie from South Park Primary School said “really well organised and the farmers were excellent representatives to educate the children” Murray Constable from, Kirktonholme Primary School said “The kids loved the day and loved all the experiences. 97
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Community Projects Project Information and Update Very well run by all the RHET staff and volunteers.” Jennifer Mathieson from East Milton Primary School said “A well organised and overall, a very interesting experience for everyone.” In another event 100 children from primary 5 - 7 at St Mark’s Primary headed to Park Farm Dairies for a tour of the farm, seeing how the milk was produced, how sustainable the process is and seeing it put into cartons and bottles in the milk processing unit. Stonehouse Eco Festival A grant was awarded to the Stonehouse Eco Festival which took place in May 2022. This was a community led initiative to share ideas and promote a greater awareness of climate change issues. The grant allowed the group to produce an informative programme and publicity materials to promote the event. • The event had a big community turnout from around Lanarkshire with councillors, leaders of the Council, MSPs and MPs attending. • Over 20 national and local organisations attended the event. • The organisers have produced an event guide for communities seeking to establish their own events. • Some feedback from participants: “Loved the event, inspiring”. 98
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Community Projects Project Information and Update “As your first Eco Festival, and being unable to determine attendance numbers, you covered all bases well” “Great for networking and also support from local councillors and MSP” “Fantastic event, the event co-ordinators were very friendly and helpful, I had a fantastic day” “I thought the whole event was excellently run and was very happy to have been part of it!” Waste Not Want Not Community Reuse Shop A grant was awarded to reuse shop Waist Not Want Not to purchase essential equipment including washing machine, scales and storage to increase the capacity of the reuse shop and reduce items going to landfill. “The Climate Emergency Fund allowed us to purchase a 12kg washing machine and tumble dryer, scales and more storage for our stock room for sorting items. We are now able to wash items that would previously have gone to Cash for Clothes or to landfill. In July we saved 1254.8kg of clothing and textiles that would otherwise have gone to landfill. These items have either been reused, repaired and re-loved. The scales enable us to keep statistics, any items that are donated are weighed before they enter the stock room. We now have over 400 members of our clothes swap service and on top of that we have many people who use the shop to purchase items which are donated”. Jan Thomson, Project Manager, Waist Not Want Not. Support available for groups as Climate Week gets underway - South Lanarkshire View 99
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Climate Emergency Fund 2025/2026 – Project Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: - [purpose] provide Committee with an update on the recently announced Scottish Government funded Climate Emergency Fund 2025/2026 provide Committee with an update on the progress of the projects approved by the Executive Committee in May 2025 [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Climate Change and Sustainability Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): [recs] (1) That the contents of the report with regard to the delivery of the Climate Emergency Fund 2025/26 allocation are noted. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The 2025/26 Scottish Government Budget on 4 December 2024 announced, as part of the Local Government Settlement, an allocation of £40 million nationally for Climate Emergency Funding (CEF). This is fully funded from one-off ScotWind funding. 3.2. The Council’s share of this funding is £2.198 million and is included in the General Capital Grant funding from the Scottish Government. Details of the climate fund were presented to full Council on 26 February 2025 as part of the 2025/2026 Capital Programme Update, and the project list and spend profile was approved at Executive Committee on 28 May 2025. 3.3. In March 2025, the Council was advised that the purpose of this funding is to scale up existing projects such as renewable energy, public transport and active travel networks; this is not an exhaustive list of eligible project areas and other suggestions with a clear benefit in terms of addressing the climate emergency were considered. Local authorities were encouraged to invest in new and innovative projects that will tackle the climate emergency, particularly opportunities that will also stimulate the economy and provide additional jobs 3.4. In terms of reporting requirements, the Council has been advised that the Scottish Government will likely require feedback on the outcomes being delivered by the spend. Although the Council has control over how this allocation is spent, the fund must be spent on projects which fit the criteria and for which evidence can be provided, enabling transparent reporting to the Scottish Government. 6 101
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4. Project Proposals 4.1. In identifying the list of projects within South Lanarkshire, a series of meetings and discussions were held with Resources to better understand project scope, costs and timescales. Discussions also took place with Finance and Corporate Resources to confirm proposal eligibility. 4.2. The table below details the list of approved projects with lead Service, cost, any substitution arrangements, and timeline for delivery noted against each project. Deliverability of the projects, and eligibility in line with the fund priorities, were key to their selection: Project Progress to Date Lead Cost £m Clyde Walkway repairs – Four structures on the Clyde Walkway identified for repair, two sets of stairs and two paths. Structural engineer will be contracted to develop the works specification with a view to procurement of works. Works intended to be completed over winter 2025/26 when the Walkway is quieter. No issues identified in achieving full spend by year end. FWG Services 0.540 Nature Restoration Fund top-up – Delivery of key preparatory studies in Local Nature Reserves aligning with existing NRF spend. Tenders will be submitted during September for: • Woodland management plans • LNR management plans • Peatland feasibility surveys for • Mossneuk and Langlands Moss LNR’s • Site surveys for 62 potential Local Nature Conservation Sites (LNCS) Studies will enable the Council to facilitate the longer term vision for the noted sites through up to date management plans etc. No issues identified in achieving full spend by year end. FWG Services 0.200 Country parks upgrades - Funding to carry out upgrade works in two country parks in line with Country Parks Masterplans. One path in each of Calderglen and Chatelherault Country Parks have been identified for upgrade. Works yet to be procured and Council officers are currently developing a project specification to enable procurement to be progressed. No issues identified in achieving full spend by year end. FWG Services 0.140 Low carbon road resurfacing - Warm-mix asphalt trials at three sites. RTF Services have engaged with key suppliers to develop specification works and identified three sites – Carluke, Hamilton, and East Kilbride – for the trial. A procurement route has been identified with a mini tender to be issued. No issues identified in achieving full spend by year end. RTF Services 0.462 Traffic signal replacement - Replacement of halogen traffic signals with LED alternatives in locations where full crossing/junction replacement is required. Provisionally the Ayr Road / Burnhead Road junction in Larkhall has been identified for this project. RTF Services are currently liaising with the service contractor to programme works and to develop detailed designs. Full works programme anticipated by end of September 2025. No issues identified in achieving full spend by year end. RTF Services 0.250 New EV charging installation- Installation of electric fleet charging infrastructure at key SLC sites. Initial challenge in progressing works due to previous approved supplier (Scottish Power Energy Networks) no longer carrying out this type of works. Project now progressing with a tender issued in July 2025 to procure a new contract for works. RTF Services 0.150 102
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Project Progress to Date Lead Cost £m Full £150k intended to be spent on capital install. HTR are carrying out road checks at three depots which have been identified for upgrades to assess capacity for EV install. Provisionally planning installation of eight double chargers at Montrose Crescent, and one each at Summerlee House and Lesmahagow. Composting pilot - Fully fund pilot and subsequent roll-out of composting pilot for garden waste. In July 2025 the Council took delivery of 360 compost bins for the project. All composters have now been allocated to residents, and a promotional communications campaign is being developed to support delivery of the pilot. Approximately £5000 has been spent so far. FWG Services 0.015 Disposable dishware reduction pilot - Pilot the removal of disposable plates and cutlery in high schools, replacing with re- usable plates, cups and cutlery. Facilities Services consulted with Education Resources in advance of the roll-out of the project to identify suitable sites. The pilots commenced in new August 2025 in St John Ogilvie High and Lesmahagow. The project includes lead in time for communication for the whole school community in order to promote initiative. All goods for the project have been purchased and this project has achieved full spend. FWG Services 0.011 Sports floodlighting upgrade - Upgrade of floodlighting from metal halide to LED at three sports facilities – Bent Pavilion; Ballerup Pavilion; and Jock Stein Centre. Works have been procured and awaiting start date, approximately 8-week lead in time for materials from June 2025. Works programmed to begin during September 2025 at Ballerup Pavillion, October at Bent Pavillion, and November at Jock Stein Centre. No spend to date, however no issues identified in achieving full spend by year end. Property Services 0.114 PV installation – South Lanarkshire Lifestyles Carluke - Installation of PV panels following SPF 24/25 feasibility work on non-school council buildings. PV Panels Installation site start programmed for 22 September 2025. Project has the potential for 14.84% monthly saving on energy bills. Property Services 0.066 Smart storage heating controls - Installation of Connected Response smart controls in flats which have storage heating systems Project estimated to be rolled out to approximately 250 SLC housing stock properties. Estimate of 35% saving for tenants across their heating and hot water, from the efficiency of dynamic weather compensation. Project is awaiting the outcome of a bid for £70k match from Social Housing Net Zero Fund. HTR are working with SLC Procurement to develop a direct award for contract. No issues identified in achieving full spend by year end. Housing Services 0.070 Heat Network / Heat Pump Feasibility Studies - Funding to enable further development of heat network and heat pump opportunities across South Lanarkshire Three feasibility studies are being progressed and all were out for tender as of mid-August. The three feasibilities cover the following: • a heat pump accelerator project in partnership with Glasgow City Council. SLC Procurement have been engaged to identify a route to market for this proposal • an options appraisal for a heat network in Cambuslang • one heat network feasibility study at an LHEES site – site selection yet to be finalised. Housing Services 0.090 103
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Project Progress to Date Lead Cost £m No issues identified in achieving full spend by year end. KEAR Campus Sustainability Measures – costs to carry out feasibility study and options analysis for low carbon upgrades and low carbon capital works. In July 2025 HTR appointed a project manager, structural engineer and mechanical and electrical engineer to develop the project specification. A site visit was carried out to assess the structural capacity of the roof to accommodate the PV panels. The roof was found to be unsuitable for PV install, therefore a design is being developed for installation of LED lighting on site as an alternative low carbon capital project. Separately HTR are progressing the wider feasibility study. The purpose of the study is to determine the full scope of possible sustainable/net zero works at KEAR Campus. Hub Sout West Scotland are supporting the Council in the development of the feasibility study. No issues identified in achieving full spend by year end. Education Resources 0.070 School uniform recycling pilot - Develop online system/app to allow families to access free reusable school uniforms. Education Resource have contacted Parent Pay who administer the existing parent catalogue to establish if it would be possible to add free uniforms for recycling to the catalogue with collection from schools. Awaiting outcome from this enquiry. Funding to be spent on admin costs in set up of the new catalogue and on a communications campaign to publicise the new initiative. No spend to date, Education Resources 0.020 Total cost 2.198 4.3. The approved spend profile for the Climate Emergency Fund 2025/26 allocation is equal to the allocated amount of £2.198 million. The budget will be managed throughout the year to ensure that the fund achieves full spend, and that there is no overspend. A flexible approach will be taken to the management of the Fund, ensuring that where risk of overspend or underspend is identified the spend profile can be adjusted accordingly to ensure full spend within budget and timescales, potentially bringing in replacement projects aligning with Fund criteria. Regular progress meetings have been scheduled with project lead officers to facilitate this. Individual projects will be managed by the project leads over the course of the delivery timeline. 5. Progress to date 5.1. The table at 4.2 provides details on the progress made against spend for each of the 14 projects. In summary, two of the projects have achieved spend by July 2025 – the composting pilot and school dishware pilot – totalling approximately £0.016m. The remaining projects have all made progress in terms of delivery and there are no issues currently identified in the Council’s ability to achieve full spend by year end 2025/26. 5.2. Progress so far has focused on developing project specifications, given the technical nature of many of the projects, and on engagement with the Council’s Procurement Services to develop tender documentation and appropriate routes to market for the various works. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. In terms of employee implications, lead officers are providing regular updates to Sustainability Team officers coordinating the Climate Emergency Fund 2025/26 allocation. This includes any project changes or issues such as underspend and overspend concerns, and substitutions. 104
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7 Financial Implications 7.1. Paragraph 3.2. details the funding available in-year of £2.198 million with a breakdown of proposed spend included at paragraph 4.2. There are financial risks related to ability to procure contracts/materials within required timescales. This will be monitored and managed as part of the overall spend of the fund, as set out in paragraph 4.3. 7.2. Council-wide, the risk of underspend/overspend of the full Capital Programme is managed through four weekly Investment management meetings. Regular updates on spend associated with the Climate Emergency Funding will be provided to Finance and Corporate Resources and reported as part of the overall Council Capital Programme to Committee. 8 Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. Projects noted at Section 4 have been all been proposed in alignment with the specified priorities of the Climate Emergency Fund, notably the ambition to accelerate and scale up action to address the climate emergency. 8.2. The proposed projects will make a significant contribution towards delivering the priorities identified within South Lanarkshire Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. Further, the projects also align with the Council’s commitment to the three duties of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009: to contribute to national emissions reduction targets; help deliver the national adaptation programme; and to act sustainably. 9. Other Implications 9.1. The main risk associated with the Council’s Capital Programme, which includes the Climate Emergency Funding, is an underspend/overspend. The risk has been assessed as low given the detailed project management plans prepared and monitored for each project. 10. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 10.1. An IIA has been undertaken as part of the full Capital Programme which includes the Climate Emergency Fund allocation. Project specific IIAs should be undertaken where determined to be appropriate and at the appropriate point in development for the agreed projects. 10.2. Consultation was undertaken with relevant Resources to identify project options for the 2025/26 Climate Emergency Fund allocation. David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 14 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Our children and young people thrive Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live 105
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Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References 2025/2026 Capital Programme Update, South Lanarkshire Council - 26 February 2025 Climate Emergency Fund 2025/26 – Project List, Executive Committee - 28 May 2025 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Adam Wallace – Sustainability Adviser E-mail: adam.wallace@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 106
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Nature Emergency Declaration 1. Purpose of Reports 1.1. The purpose of the report is to: - [purpose] highlight the body of evidence outlining the extent of the global nature and biodiversity crisis, which is driven by direct exploitation, development, pollution, climate change and the presence of invasive non-native species recognise the inherent value of nature as an integral part of culture and society, as well as its crucial importance for our health, wellbeing, and economy acknowledge the key role nature will play in meeting climate targets, and for climate adaptation and resilience provide examples of the work, projects and actions aimed at mitigating the nature emergency set out the objectives within the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045: Tackling the Nature Emergency in Scotland 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): [r] (1) that the action the Council is taking in support of the Nature Emergency is noted. 3. Background 3.1. We are facing a climate and nature emergency. Biodiversity has declined dramatically in recent decades; strong and bold action is now required to bring about the transformative change needed to halt this loss. Scotland is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, ranking 28th from the bottom out of more than 240 countries and territories in terms of the biodiversity it has remaining. 3.2. Biodiversity loss is in part driven by five key drivers: direct exploitation, development, pollution, climate change and invasive non-native species (INNS). It is important that all society’s activities not only avoid further damage and loss of nature, but help to protect, monitor, and restore it. 3.3. The State of Nature Report 2023 provides compelling evidence that Scotland’s wildlife continues to decline. The report reveals one in nine species are threatened with national extinction, with a 15% decline in average species abundance across closely monitored wildlife since 1994. 3.4. Biodiversity provides us with all the ecosystem services we need to survive, 7 107
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including the clean air that we breathe, water, food, shelter and medicine. It provides employment, recreational, leisure and learning opportunities and helps us to both mitigate and adapt to climate change. 3.5. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and the Edinburgh Declaration, of which South Lanarkshire Council is a signatory, place duties on public bodies to further the conservation of biodiversity. The South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy (SLBS) and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (BDIP) set out how the Council and the biodiversity partnership will contribute to the targets in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 and the Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan 2024 to 2030. The Framework Delivery Plan sets clear ambitions for Scotland to be nature positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045. 3.6. The Council, as a major landowner, a Planning Authority, and through the impacts of its wider service delivery, has a significant influence on biodiversity. Delivery of the Council’s biodiversity duty is managed and monitored through the BDIP. 3.7 South Lanarkshire Council declared a Nature Emergency in January 2024 and this paper responds to the issues raised and highlights specific progress to tackle the nature emergency. 4. Actions that tackle the nature emergency. 4.1. The South Lanarkshire Nature Emergency Declaration report highlights the body of evidence outlining the extent of the global nature and biodiversity crisis, and highlights Scotland’s current approach to address the crisis, including the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 along with the Scottish Biodiversity Delivery Plan 2024- 2030. 4.2. In 2024, the Council produced its fourth Biodiversity Strategy 2024 to 2030 (SLBS) and the BDIP 2024-2026, which set out South Lanarkshire’s aims and objectives with regard to protecting and enhancing local biodiversity. 4.3. Every three years, the Council submits a Biodiversity Duty Report to the Scottish Government which details the actions and outcomes achieved in respect to biodiversity. 4.4. All the Council’s principal strategies and plans are subject to full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as they are developed. This is one of the primary ways in which potentially significant negative and positive effects on South Lanarkshire’s biodiversity, fauna and flora are considered. Where impacts are identified, recommendations are provided to avoid negative impacts and to promote positive impacts. 4.5. The Council’s partnership approach, which brings together expertise and resources, creates links between sectors to raise awareness and to promote and enhance biodiversity on a landscape scale. Key external partners include NatureScot, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network, Butterfly Conservation, and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Internal partners include Countryside and Greenspace (CAG), Planning, Enterprise and Sustainable Development, and the Council’s Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Working Group. 4.6. The report provides examples of partnership working and highlights the importance of working together on nationwide biodiversity projects, with groups such as: Butterfly Conservation; Froglife; RSPB; and Buglife. These projects highlight the 108
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plight of particular species and habitats. Working in partnership facilitates the sharing of resources (including sharing volunteers), funding and expertise, allowing the initiatives to reach a wider audience and improve the land for nature on a landscape scale. Sharing resources is also important in the development and roll out of training for volunteers and staff. Projects delivered in conjunction with our partners include peat restoration project (aimed at helping UK Biodiversity priority species); monitoring river networks for pollution incidents; creating ponds and wetlands to provide important refuge sites for amphibians. The data collated from partnership projects is used determine the health and distribution of species throughout the country. 4.7. In January 2025, the Council’s Biodiversity Officer worked in partnership with officers from Glasgow City Region Green Network to produce an evidence report for the Council’s Local Development Plan (LDP) highlighting the proposed Nature Networks within South Lanarkshire. The work to develop Nature Networks across South Lanarkshire commenced in 2024. The CAG team is currently in the process of identifying opportunities to create and enhance key habitats (i.e. woodland, peatland, wetland and grassland) which will strengthen nature networks through South Lanarkshire. The project which mapped the wetlands, was featured as an online article in the South Lanarkshire Council View. A link to the project can be found here: Clyde Wetlands project. 4.8. In terms of re-establishing the link to the Biodiversity Partnership, the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) has paused work on reviewing the CPP performance framework until the Marmot Place Principles have been embedded within the Community Plan. In the meantime, minutes of the Biodiversity Partnership will be shared with the CPP as required. The CPP will prioritise, align policy and delivery within the statutory requirements of community planning whilst taking action to address the climate crisis which focuses on climate, nature change and ensuring that no-one is left behind. 4.9. In 2024, the CAG team designated 104 Local Nature Conservation Sites (LNCS), covering a total of approximately 2355 ha of land and water, throughout South Lanarkshire. These sites, which were designated after completion of detailed assessments by the CAG team, feature in the current Local Development Plan. These sites support a range of priority and species rich habitats including ancient woodland, grassland, wetland and significant areas of peatland and are key in the development of our nature networks. A further 70 sites have now been identified as potential future LNCS sites and plans to carry out the necessary assessments are currently being developed. 4.10. The Nature Emergency report also highlights the work undertaken by the CAG team, volunteers, local community and friends groups as well as school groups, to promote biodiversity through events, activities, training days and practical conservation projects. In this way, 900 hectares of South Lanarkshire’s land has been improved for nature and for access to nature. The Council acknowledges that working with volunteers is vital in the promotion and enhancement of local wildlife and recognises the many health and wellbeing benefits these projects bring to local communities. 4.11. The Council is committed to using and purchasing peat free products; instead using peat free alternatives, such as tree planting compost and recycled green materials derived from green waste and food. 4.12. In terms of training on biodiversity, the CAG team attend meetings, conferences and webinars throughout the year to expand their knowledge, skills and share good 109
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practices. During 2025, the CAG team will be facilitating conservation and volunteering opportunities for Council employees. The team has developed a ‘learn online’ course entitled ‘Biodiversity it’s your duty’. The course contains information about the SBDS and SLBS as well as useful tips and links to help people get involved in providing for nature. To date, 538 people have completed the course. 4.13. The Council’s website provides information on INNS, wildflower grasslands as well as links to the important documents and volunteering opportunities. The Council’s social media accounts are utilised to promote projects and activities aimed at improving biodiversity. 4.14. In addition, following the success of Carluke and Holy Cross High Schools in the Forest and Outdoor Learning Awards (FOLA), the Education service will promote the scheme across remaining schools in the new school term. 4.15. A copy of the Nature Emergency Declaration Report can be found in the appendix to this report. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no direct employee implications with this report at this point in time. The Biodiversity Officer works in conjunction with other Services to deliver the Council’s biodiversity objectives. External partnerships and volunteer projects have provided additional staff and resources to deliver the outcomes referred to in the report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no additional financial implications associated with this report. The Council was awarded £0.535m from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund for financial year 2025-26. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. Improvements to biodiversity have the potential to help mitigate the effects of climate change, for example through natural flood management and carbon storage. There is also a need for biodiversity to be improved to make natural systems better able to cope with the impacts of a changing climate, such as improving habitat networks to increase species resilience. 7.2. Biodiversity actions are incorporated in the Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. Measures are reported on though statutory Climate Change Duties. 8. Other Implications 8.1. Reporting requirements under the biodiversity duty have implications for all Resources. Targets and measures set out in the Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan are agreed with all resources. The Countryside and Greenspace Section offer support and guidance for all Resources and undertake the collation of measures and preparation of the statutory reports. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. Equality impact assessments were carried out for the existing SL Biodiversity Strategy and the SLC Biodiversity Implementation Plan. 110
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David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 13 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Objectives and Values Improve the quality of life of everyone in South Lanarkshire Make communities safer, stronger and sustainable Improve achievement, raise educational attainment and support lifelong learning Encourage participation in physical and cultural activities Work with communities and partners to promote high quality, thriving and sustainable communities Improve achievement, raise educational attainment and support lifelong learning Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Previous References South Lanarkshire’s Nature Emergency Motion, South Lanarkshire Council – 31 January 2024 The Biodiversity Strategy (2024 to 2030) and Biodiversity Implementation Plan (2024 to 2026), Climate Change and Sustainability Committee – 28 February 2024 Edinburgh Declaration, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee – 28 April 2021 Biodiversity Duty Report 2021 to 2023, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee – 20 November 2023 List of Background Papers State of Nature Report The Edinburgh Declaration. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy. Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan Biodiversity Duty Report Making Space for Pollinators report South Lanarkshire Nature Emergency Motion January 2024 Clydeplanforestryandwoodlandstrategy.pdf (storyblok.com) Clyde Grasslands - GCV Green Network Clyde Wetlands - GCV Green Network Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Joanna Birkin, Biodiversity Officer Tel: 07788 351841 Email : joanna.birkin@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 111
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SOUTH LANARKSHIRE’S NATURE EMERGENCY DECLARATION If you want this information in a different format or language, phone 0303 123 1015 or email equalities@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 7 113
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Content Background National targets Current approach in South Lanarkshire Actions to support the nature emergency References 114
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Background We are facing a climate and nature emergency. Biodiversity has declined dramatically in recent decades. Strong and bold action is now required to bring about the transformative change needed to halt this loss. It is important that all society’s activities not only avoids further damage and loss of nature, but helps to protect, monitor, and restore it. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES) 2019 Global Assessment identified land and sea use change, is in part driven by five key drivers: direct exploitation, development, pollution, climate change and invasive non-native species. These direct drivers are associated with a range of indirect drivers of biodiversity loss, including socio-cultural values and behaviours, demographic and consumption factors, poor governance and the impacts of some technological innovations. Centuries of habitat loss, over exploitation, intensification of farming, development, invasive species and persecution means Scotland is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, ranking 28th from the bottom out of more than 240 countries and territories in terms of the biodiversity it has remaining. The State of Nature Report 2023 provides compelling evidence that Scotland’s wildlife continues to decline. The report reveals one in nine species are threatened with national extinction, with a 15% decline in average species abundance across closely monitored wildlife since 1994. In the last decade alone 43% of species have declined strongly with some of the worst declines in familiar species like swift, greenfinch, kestrel and lapwing. Lichens, bryophytes and flowering plants have suffered massive declines in distribution since 1970, showing the importance of restoring key ecosystems, expanding native woodlands in tackling climate change and helping wildlife withstand its effects. Species are the building blocks of our ecosystems. Every time we allow a species to go into decline, we progressively undermine the health and functions of our ecosystems. We must not forget that these ecosystems are not only a fundamental part of the natural world but also provide us with the essential basics of life: our food, water and the air we that we breathe. A set of international biodiversity targets have been agreed under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity through the Global Biodiversity Framework 2022. The Framework aims to address the biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems. The plan includes measures to halt and reverse nature loss, putting 30% of the planet and 30% of degraded ecosystems under protection by 2030. The Scottish Government played a leading role in highlighting the role of sub-national governments in securing these global aims, via The Edinburgh Declaration. To support the delivery of these, the Scottish Government has committed to a national biodiversity strategy, the Nature Restoration Fund and to putting in place legally binding targets to restore nature, these aim to halt and reverse long-standing national declines in biodiversity. Guidance from the Scottish Government states that we need to be nature positive by 2030. Where there is more nature than there is today, and by 2045 Scotland’s nature is well on its way to full recovery. Net zero and nature positive can and must be achieved together: restoring nature can be a huge part of the climate solution, as restoring our peatlands, native woodland, and grasslands to a healthy state will help lock up carbon, as well as helping our wildlife to thrive. We all benefit from and depend on biodiversity to stay alive, and we all contribute to biodiversity loss through our actions and choices – so the Nature Emergency is everybody’s problem. At the same time, that means it’s in our hands to make the choices which will reverse biodiversity loss in Scotland by 2045. 115
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National Targets The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 along with the Scottish Biodiversity Delivery Plan 2024-2030 articulate a vision for a future where Scotland’s natural environment is restored and is supporting thriving communities and wildlife alike. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy sets out clear ambitions for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045. Figure 1: A Nature Positive Scotland by 2030, adapted from the Global Goal for Nature. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy identifies the following six objectives which have shaped the development of actions to deliver the aim of halting the loss of biodiversity and being nature positive by 2030. These actions will: • Accelerate restoration and regeneration. • Protect nature on land and sea, across and beyond protected areas. • Embed nature positive farming, fishing and forestry. • Protect and support the recovery of vulnerable and important species and habitats. • Invest in nature. • Act on the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss. 116
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The vision by 2045 “Scotland will have restored and regenerated biodiversity across our land, freshwater, and seas. Our natural environment, our habitats, ecosystems, and species, will be diverse, thriving, resilient and adapting to climate change. Regenerated biodiversity will drive a sustainable economy and support thriving communities and people will play their part in the stewardship of nature for future generations”. The vision encapsulates three core ideas: • that urgent action is needed at scale across our land and seascapes. • that we are looking to the future regenerating biodiversity and building resilience to climate change. • that people and communities are central to a nature positive future. where: • Ecosystems will be diverse, healthy, resilient and deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. • Protected areas will be larger, better connected and in good condition. • The abundance and distribution of species will have recovered and there will be no loss of diversity within species. • Scotland’s internationally important species will have increased in numbers and have healthy resilient populations. • Natural capital will be embedded in policy making. • Nature-based solutions, such as tree planting, peatland and blue carbon habitat restoration, will be central to our efforts to deliver Net Zero and adapt climate change. • Harmful invasive non-native species will be managed so that established INNS no longer degrade native habitats and species or impede their restoration and regeneration, and new introductions are managed quickly and effectively. • Biodiversity as a concept will be understood and valued across the population and embedded in educational curriculums. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy state that to achieve the targets within the plan “We want all levels of government to participate fully in the delivery of our goals for biodiversity, in line with the principles identified in the Edinburgh Process led by the Scottish Government for the Convention on Biological Diversity for COP15, and with the Edinburgh Declaration. In particular, cities and local authorities play key roles in conserving, restoring and reducing threats to biodiversity, in meeting people’s needs through sustainable use and equitable benefit-sharing, in developing the tools and solutions needed for implementing biodiversity protection actions, and in monitoring and reporting. Their actions in mainstreaming biodiversity ensure that support is in place at all levels. They are uniquely positioned to deliver the outreach, awareness, and uptake of our goals for biodiversity across the whole of society, facilitating engagement with key stakeholders to implement our Strategic Framework”. 117
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Key Actions identified within the Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan 2024 to 2030 for local delivery are to: • Ensure spatially defined Nature Networks are being implemented in every Local Authority area to provide connectivity between important places for biodiversity, deliver local priorities and contribute to strategic priorities at local, regional and national scales. • Undertake mapping of opportunities for creating Local Authority wide nature networks that connect locally important areas for biodiversity, provide linkages with 30 by 30 sites, and address local and regional priorities for climate and nature. • Ensure that development provides positive effects for biodiversity, by developing clear guidance on the implementation and delivery of NPF4 policies which support the cross- cutting outcome ‘improving biodiversity’. • Ensure that by 2030 every park, reserve or publicly owned green space has a management and maintenance plan that reflects the Open Space Strategy and Local Biodiversity Action Plan outcomes. • Ensure every new transport and active travel infrastructure project incorporates elements of blue-green infrastructure and seek opportunities for enhancing/ expanding blue-green infrastructure. The strategy highlights that we are at a critical juncture. The global climate emergency and the nature emergency are twin reinforcing crises: our failure to address biodiversity loss and climate change is already impacting on our economy, society, and wider wellbeing. There is now an indisputable body of evidence that biodiversity, both globally and in Scotland, is in real trouble, our natural environment has been heavily degraded, with continued declines across much of our land and seascapes. Our efforts to address the crisis to date have generated some successes, but we urgently need to accelerate and scale up those efforts to drive a landscape scale recovery. No one can tackle these emergencies alone, so we need to have an inclusive nature positive approach that engages with communities, businesses, landowners, managers and decision makers, recognises the fundamental importance of our natural environment and to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, where we regenerate our ecosystems, protect our most important nature sites and create wider nature networks, so nature thrives everywhere. 118
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Current approach in South Lanarkshire The Nature Conservation Act (Scotland) 2004 creates a duty on public bodies to “further the conservation of biodiversity “ Our role is to support biodiversity through • direct action • educating others • raising awareness • The fourth South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy 2024 to 2030 (SLBS) sets out aims and objectives to protect and enhance local biodiversity where we: o Provide a partnership approach to guide the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in South Lanarkshire to 2030, to ensures a focus on being nature positive. o Outline how our local biodiversity can contribute to national and global priorities. o Help promote the protection, enhancement, and creation of habitats. o Facilitate a wider understanding of locally important habitats and species. o Create wider nature networks, so nature thrives everywhere. wider nature networks, so nature thrives everywhere. • The SLBS was produced through the South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Partnership, which includes representatives from both national environmental agencies and local biodiversity organisations partners include: SLC, NatureScot, RSPB, SWT, GCV Green Network, The Clyde River Foundation, Glasgow Museums Biological Recording Centre, SEPA, Scottish Forestry, The Tweed Forum and Butterfly Conservation. The partnership brings together expertise and resources, creating links between sectors to raise awareness, promote biodiversity and work together where biodiversity is enhanced and better connected on a landscape scale. • The partnership meets annually to provide information and progress on biodiversity projects. Individuals from the partnership meet throughout the year to discuss and develop projects including the creation and enhancement of our designated sites, Clyde Grasslands, Clyde Wetlands, Clyde Climate Forest and expansion of the Clyde Waders project, all helping to expand our regional and cross boundary nature networks. • Our Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (BDIP) 2024-2026 reflects the Council’s duty to biodiversity and reflects the principles and outcomes set within the SLBS and articulates how we can achieve our duty to conserve biodiversity. • We report every three years to the Scottish Government through the SL Biodiversity Duty Report on the actions and outcomes achieved by the council for biodiversity, each resource is contacted highlighting the work they have achieved for biodiversity. • The Countryside and Greenspace Service currently employs 17 staff: a Countryside and Greenspace Manager, a Biodiversity Officer, a Countryside Ranger Team Leader, four Countryside Rangers, an Access Development Officer, Arboricultural Officer (strategic), 119
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Arboricultural Assistant, a Sites and Volunteers Officer, two Landscape Development Officers, a Senior Landscape Officer and three Landscape Support Officers. • In 2023 The Making Space for Pollinators report was written to support the national Pollinator Strategy 2017-2027 and our aims within the SLBS. The report highlights the work we have achieved for pollinators, expanding our areas of wildflower meadows and naturalised grass and our commitment for the future. The report reviews grassland management, the use of glyphosate, the planting of pollinator friendly species, and highlights project working with other organisations and volunteers. • We report annually to NatureScot on our achievements for pollinators. In 2024 we embarked on a pilot project in East Kilbride, working with Grounds Services and volunteers in converting amenity grassland to naturalised grassland. Initial results showed a 300% increase in plant species diversity in the longer grass after one growing season. The pollinator project in East Kilbride has provided an opportunity to work with other services, allowing the transfer of knowledge and skills to widen the understanding and importance of biodiversity. • We will continue to review our use of herbicides. Since 2023 there has been a 30% reduction in the use of herbicides. Grounds Services have purchased equipment, using Frontline First funding, which will be used throughout the authority as an alternative to weed control helping the service to reduce further in future years. • We provide annual updates for the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Action Plan, which includes actions to increase biodiversity across South Lanarkshire. The Biodiversity Officer attends the Climate Change and Sustainability Officers group meetings. • All the Council’s principal strategies and plans are subject to full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as they are prepared. This is one of the primary ways in which potential significant negative and positive effects on South Lanarkshire’s biodiversity, fauna and flora are considered. Where any effects are identified, recommendations are given to avoid or mitigate negative effects and suggestions given for enhancing positive effects. Council led plans which have been subject to full SEA include, the Council Plan ‘Connect’, the Community Plan, Local Development Plan, the Biodiversity Strategy and the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. • The Strategic Environmental Assessment Officers group meet throughout the year with officers representing each resource. Staff from the CAG team attend meetings and have shared presentations and progress on the Biodiversity Strategy, reports and projects. • The Council’s biennial State of the Environment Report is the main mechanism for monitoring changes within the local environment and includes five indicators within the biodiversity, fauna and flora chapter. The findings from the State of the Environment are reported to the Council’s Executive Committee following the completion of each edition. The data is used in the development of many strategies and plans and is also highlighted on the GLOW Educational platform. Listed below are a few examples of the work we are currently involved in promoting and enhancing biodiversity, for more information on our projects visit our current Biodiversity Duty Report and our Countryside Rangers Facebook page. 120
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• Continue to reduce the spread of Invasive and Non-Native Species (INNS) within our Local Nature Reserves (LNR) and greenspaces to lower the impact on our native species. Guidance is provided on our webpage Information on Invasive Non-Native Species providing information on identification, together with links to contacts for guidance on monitoring and control, along with a mission statement on how the council will respond to INNS. • Committed £2 million through the Governments Nature Restoration Funds, restoring and creating habitats in our Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), country parks and local greenspaces. Projects included removing INNS, tree planting, purchase of equipment to help create, maintain and manage wildflower meadows, production of woodland reports for future management plans and small infrastructure work to improve access to our designated sites. • Expanding our network of sites designated for nature: o 16 new Local Nature Reserves and the expansion of our original LNR. o In 2024 we completed the assessment and designated of 104 Local Nature Conservation Sites (LNCS) covering 2355 ha of land and water throughout South Lanarkshire. We also identified a further 70 potential sites for future assessment. These sites will feature within our next Local Development Plan. Designated sites are a key component of our commitment to expand and improve our nature networks and commitments to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. These sites support a range of priority and species rich habitats including ancient woodland, grassland, wetland and significant areas of peatland. The LNCS work has taken over five years to complete and through this process we have identified 27 sites owned by the council, so scope to improve these sites for nature in the future. • We continue to work with Glasgow City Region Green Network in the development of the Clyde Grasslands, Clyde Wetlands and Clyde Climate Forest initiatives, in the expansion of our Nature Networks. In 2024/5 we produced an Evidence Report for our next Local Development Plan highlighting our proposed Nature Networks. This has taken two years to produce and we are now identifying opportunities on the ground to physically create and enhance key habitats (woodland, peatland, wetland and grassland) to strengthen these networks throughout South Lanarkshire. We recently promoted the wetland project within an article in South Lanarkshire View on mapping wetlands for Clyde Wetlands project. • We continue to work with volunteers, local community, friends and school groups in promoting biodiversity through events, activities, training days and practical conservation projects. This work equates to an average of 4746 volunteer days each year, equivalent to almost £500,000. We have improved 900 hectares of land for nature and improve access to nature in this way, working with volunteers is vital in promoting and enhancing our local wildlife and provides many health and wellbeing benefits to our local communities. • We provide support and advice to schools and promote the use of their local greenspaces for education through the Countryside Ranger Service. We continue to support undergraduate and postgraduate students, allowing them to access our reserves and greenspaces for research purposes, projects include protect species monitoring to carbon dioxide and methane testing from our peatland reserves. 121
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• We are currently working with Butterfly Conservation in monitoring peatland sites with volunteers for large heath and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, both vulnerable species highlighted on the red species list in Great Britain and a high priority for conservation. • As part of a successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid (HLF), Froglife are now working with the CAG team over the next three years (2025-2028) creating and enriching habitats for biodiversity, with a focus on amphibians in South Lanarkshire. We are creating new ponds and enhancing existing wetlands within three of our LNRs and Chatelherault Country Park, expanding wetland habitat for wildlife. • Staff attend meetings, conferences and webinars throughout the year to expand their knowledge, skills and share good practices and case studies. Groups include the APSE Biodiversity sub-group, National Nature Reserve (NNR) Partnership, NNR Steering Group, Windfarm Habitat Management Plan groups, Strategic Environmental Assessment Officer Group, Climate Change and Sustainability Officer Group, the Biodiversity Officers Group. We also support and attend meetings with our local volunteers and Friends groups linked to our greenspaces and LNRs. We also co-ordinate the Biodiversity Partnership. • We continue to send our biological records to Glasgow Museum Biological Record Centre, the centre collects, collates and disseminates information about wildlife in the Greater Glasgow and surrounding area to help us understand species distribution and wildlife health. The centre also sends us monthly species records, this includes species data from iRecorder, iNaturalist, local surveyors, ecologists and volunteers throughout the region. The data highlights species of interest and UK Biodiversity priority species. • Buglife - 'Guardians of our rivers' A partnership project that connects communities across Scotland with their local rivers. Freshwater wildlife in the UK is under threat as our habitats have been damaged and or polluted. We have four locations in South Lanarkshire where we take monthly samples of the rivers invertebrate population to establish the health of the insect population, whilst giving us an idea on the quality of the water and help to identify any significant pollution incidents. • Peatland restoration projects: including a successful £200,000 Peatland Action Fund bid for Langlands Moss LNR. We continue to work with Butterfly Conservation’s ‘Bog Squad’; offering species identification training to practical conservation days where volunteers remove trees from the surface of the bog to protect the habitat for the large heath butterfly, a Scottish Biodiversity listed and GB RED endangered species. • In January 2025, the Ground Services Team removed approximately 200 trees from the surface of the raised bog at Langlands Moss Local Nature Reserve to help retain water within the peat. Through the process of evapotranspiration, the trees remove water from the peat and dry out the soil, active peat requires high water levels. We are going to install water monitoring probes later in the year to monitor the water levels at the reserve and hopefully the impact of removing the trees will have a significant impact on the water level at the reserve and protect the future of the peat. The management at the reserve will hopefully expand suitable habitat for our resident large heath butterfly. • We are committed to using and purchasing peat free products, using peat free alternatives instead such as tree planting compost and recycled green materials derived from green waste and food. • We work with and support the RSPB to increase the capacity of the Clyde Valley Waders project. Working in partnership with landowners, farmers, NatureScot and other 122
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organisations improving large areas of grassland and wetland from Elvanfoot to Tarbrax to increase breeding grounds for endangered wading bird species; lapwing, curlew and oystercatcher, whilst strengthening our Nature Networks in the rural landscape. • We will continue to utilise South Lanarkshire’s webpage and other social media outlets to highlight and promote projects and activities for biodiversity. Our webpage provides information on INNS, wildflower grasslands, links to national documents and volunteering opportunities. We also offer a Learning online course entitled ‘Biodiversity it’s your duty’ which relates to the information within the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and South Lanarkshire’s Biodiversity Strategy along with useful tips and links on how people can help and get involved in providing for nature. To date 538 people have completed this course and this will continue to be promoted to members and officers. • We will continue to identify projects and funding opportunities to enhance our nature reserves, and local greenspaces for biodiversity, access improvements and where nature plays a key role in meeting climate targets, particularly for climate change adaptation and resilience. For example, we are currently working with the regional peatland officer in identifying funding for peat depth and feasibility surveys at our two peatland Local Nature Reserves. This will allow us to access Peatland Action Funds, so we can further enhance our degraded peatland sites and protect our peatland soils for biodiversity. Actions to tackle the nature emergency • We will continue to note the body of evidence which outlines the extent of the global nature and biodiversity crisis due to in part driven by five key drivers: direct exploitation, development, pollution, climate change and invasive non-native species. • We will continue to recognise the statutory targets for public bodies to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and restore it by 2045 within the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 and the Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan 2024 to 2030 (published December 2024). Report every three years on the projects and actions achieved by the biodiversity partnership and council to further the conservation of biodiversity. Ensuring that the council plays its part in the national commitments to protect and restore nature, and to help tackle climate change and reduce its impacts. • We will continue to develop projects that identify key habitats and species that focus on enhancing and increasing suitable habitat for them to sustain a viable and healthy population. • We will continue to develop projects for pollinators and report annually to NatureScot on the projects we have achieved towards our commitment to the National Pollinator Strategy. • We will continue working in partnership with GCV Green Network and the Grounds Services team to identify projects and funds in the development of our nature networks to improve ecological connectivity across the region connecting to neighbouring local authorities. The network will be evolving, flexible and resilient connecting nature-rich areas, allowing wildlife and natural processes to move and adapt to land use and climate change pressures. The landscape scale project will help build people’s connection to nature, providing biodiversity-rich spaces that deliver benefits, and meet the priorities of local communities for nature. They will provide linkages with 30 by 30 sites (the commitment to protect at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030) and address local and regional priorities for climate and nature. 123
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• We will continue to ensure that all council principal strategies and plans are subject to full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as they are prepared. • We will continue to develop projects that act on the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss and strengthen the connection between people and nature by providing opportunities for people to experience and care for nature to increase the understanding of our relationship with nature and positive action needed to secure its sustainable use through education, training and events. • We will ensure that development provides positive effects for biodiversity, by developing clear guidance on the implementation and delivery of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) policies, which support the cross-cutting outcome ‘improving biodiversity’. Continue to attend workshops and meetings provided by NatureScot in the development of a Biodiversity Metric to deliver NPF4 Policy 3 and securing positive effects from local development to support NPF4 policy 3(c): Developing with Nature. In addition, specific actions such as minimising light pollution and inclusion of swift boxes/ bricks will be included in the Residential Design Guide. • We will develop and offer corporate conservation volunteering opportunities for all council employees and promote the online learning course to ensure that the current and future workforce understands the importance of biodiversity. • We will continue to build on existing communications to highlight biodiversity projects, utilising the council’s website, SLC and Countryside Ranger Facebook pages, View articles, installation of signage etc. to emphasis why projects are happening and what the benefits are to the environment and community. • We will continue to work with the Biodiversity Partnership and the Biodiversity Officer group in achieving the targets set within the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and Delivery Plan and investigate opportunities to contribute to the Community Planning Partnership Group. • We will identify resources to ensure that every park, reserve or publicly owned green space has a management and / or maintenance plan that reflects the Biodiversity Strategy outcomes. • We will continue to work with volunteers, local community, friends and school groups in promoting biodiversity through events, activities, training days and practical conservation projects. • We will continue to promote citizen science projects and offer qualifications and training in schools through various schemes for example: John Muir Award, Eco Schools, Forest Schools and the SCQF accredited training Forestry and Outdoor Learning Award. • We will continue to plant trees as part of our commitment to the Clyde Climate Forest over the next decade to increase canopy cover, connectivity and carbon store. • We will continue to remove damaged trees infected with ash-die back and plant suitable replacement trees. • We will continue to identify funding opportunities to target the delivery of biodiversity projects. 124
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References State of Nature Report The Edinburgh Declaration. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan 2024 to 2030 Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan Biodiversity Duty Report Making Space for Pollinators report South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2030. South Lanarkshire State of the Environment Report South Lanarkshire Countryside Rangers Facebook page Nature networks 30 by 30 Advising on peatland, carbon-rich soils and priority peatland habitats in development management | NatureScot Our Blueprint - GCV Green Network Clydeplanforestryandwoodlandstrategy.pdf (storyblok.com) Clyde Grasslands - GCV Green Network Clyde Wetlands - GCV Green Network Invasive non-native species position statement Green Networks and Greenspace NatureScot developing nature guidance National Planning Framework 4 125
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 03 September 2025 Report by: Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) Subject: Progress Report: Making Space for Pollinators 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- provide an update to the committee on the progress made since the approval of the ‘Making Space for Pollinators’ report in 2023 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the ‘Making Space for Pollinators’ progress report 2024/2025 be noted. 3. Background 3.1. The ‘Making Space for Pollinators’ report was approved by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee in November 2023. This progress report highlights the work that has been undertaken within South Lanarkshire for pollinators during 2024-25. 3.2. The Council reports annually to the Scottish Government on the progress made to improve land for pollinators. 3.3. The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 places a duty on public bodies in Scotland to further the conservation of biodiversity. This biodiversity duty is about taking care of nature all around us, not just in specific protected sites, or for a particular species. 3.4. The Scottish Government’s ‘Pollinator Strategy for Scotland 2017-2027’ (Pollinator Strategy) sets out how Scotland can continue to be a place where pollinators thrive and contains actions to meet the objectives. The Pollinator Strategy aims to address the causes of decline in populations, diversity and range of pollinator species, to help them thrive in the future. 3.5. Pollinators are critical to the function of our natural environment. The Pollinator Strategy is a priority in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy 2045 – ‘Tackling the Nature Emergency in Scotland’, published in December 2022, which sets out clear ambitions for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity by 2045. 3.6. The Council has a significant influence on biodiversity as a major landowner, as a Planning Authority and through the impacts of its wider service delivery. 8 127
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3.7. The ‘Making Space for Pollinators’ report sets out South Lanarkshire Council’s aims to help conserve and enhance pollinators and their habitats. The ‘Making Space for Pollinators’ Progress Report (Appendix 1) highlights the work undertaken during 2024- 25 and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to the national Pollinator Strategy. 3.8. The Pollinator Strategy brings together various groups, including Government agencies, advisory bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with an interest in biodiversity in South Lanarkshire. Key partners include NatureScot, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation and the Glasgow City Region Green Network Clyde Grasslands project 4. Making Space for Pollinators Progress Report (2024-25) 4.1 The Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (BDIP) provides a strategic focus for conservation work with inclusions that will contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland, focusing on making improvements to the way our land is managed. 4.2. There has been a dramatic decline in the abundance and distribution of many of our pollinators. In the UK, half of all 27 bumblebee species are in decline: three have become extinct and 71% of butterflies are in long term decline. Pollinators are a vital part of biodiversity. Loss of pollination services by insects, risks damaging not only plants and animals, but agricultural yields, our economy, and our wellbeing. 4.3. Over recent years, the Council has developed and improved 155 grassland sites for pollinators, covering 62.77 ha throughout South Lanarkshire. Naturalised grass is essential for pollinators. It is created by allowing the grass to grow longer and more naturally, enabling wildflowers to bloom and set seed. Examples of previous projects can be found within the Council’s 17 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) where improvement works were undertaken using NRF funding. 4.4. The Making Space for Pollinators Progress Report (Appendix 1) is the Council’s second report on the work undertaken to improve habitats for pollinators. The Progress Report covers the period 2024-2025 and provides details about the pilot projects within the East Kilbride Area. The report suggests other areas that could be included as future projects and provides examples of new signage installed in the pilot areas. 4.5. In total, the pilot areas in East Kilbride covered 2.54ha of land. Initial results showed that the longer grass supported (on average) an increase in plant species of over 300% after just one growing season. The sites at Benbecula Park and Scalpay saw the biggest increase of 400% and 416%, respectively. Flower species, including helleborine orchids and cuckooflower (the latter of which supports the eggs of the orange-tipped butterfly) were found amongst the long grass. 4.6. Naturalised grass can absorb approximately 0.397 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. In comparison, short grass will not sequester any carbon dioxide. Naturalised grass is more resilient to the impacts of climate change as it shades the soil and lower vegetation from extreme heat, and will withstand and absorb heavy rainfall, intercepts pollution and helps to reduce soil erosion. 4.7. In addition to benefiting nature, the project also provided opportunities to work with other services, helping facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills and promoting the 128
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importance of protecting and encouraging biodiversity. The pilot project referred to in the Progress Report, involved members of Countryside and Greenspace and Grounds Services working together to develop Nature Networks, improve ecological connectivity across the region, and connect to neighbouring local authorities. 4.8. The Council’s Countryside and Greenspace Team continue to develop projects aimed at supporting pollinators throughout South Lanarkshire and future progress will be reported to NatureScot on an annual basis. 4.9. During 2024-25, officers from CAG identified a further 201 amenity grassland sites throughout East Kilbride. Thirty-four sites (41% of all sites assessed) were identified as having opportunities for biodiversity. These sites cover approximately 57.75ha in total and could absorb up to 22.9 tonnes of carbon per year (or 84.04 tonnes of CO2 per year) if the grassland becomes naturalised. Discussions about naturalising these sites are currently ongoing. 4.10. A copy of the ‘Making Space Pollinators’ Progress Report for 2024-25 can be found in the appendix to this report. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There is currently no additional employee implications associated with this report. The Council’s Biodiversity Officer works in conjunction with other Council Services, as well as external partners, to deliver the Council’s objectives around biodiversity. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There is no additional revenue implications associated with this report at this time. The Council was awarded £0.535m from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund for financial year 2025-2026. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. Improvements to biodiversity have the potential to help mitigate the effects of climate change for example through natural flood management and carbon storage. There is also a need for biodiversity to be improved to make natural systems better able to cope with the impacts of a changing climate, such as improving habitat networks to increase species resilience. 7.2. Biodiversity actions are incorporated into the Council’s Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. Measures are reported on through statutory Climate Change Duties. 8. Other Implications 8.1. This report highlights the benefits of working with key partners to scope projects and identify funding opportunities. There are no risks associated with this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There was no requirement for consultation in terms of the content of this report. 129
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David Booth Executive Director (Community and Enterprise Resources) 13 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Values Focused on people and their needs Working with and respecting others Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Ambitious, self-aware and improving Fair, open and sustainable Priorities We will work to put people first and reduce inequality We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places We will work to recover, progress and improve Outcomes Good quality, suitable and sustainable places to live Caring, connected, sustainable communities People live the healthiest lives possible Inspiring learners, transforming learning, strengthening partnerships Previous References Edinburgh Declaration, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee – 28 April 2021 Making Space for Pollinators, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee – 29 November 2023 Biodiversity Duty Report 2021 to 2023, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee – 29 November 2023 The Biodiversity Strategy (2024 to 2030) and Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan (2024 to 2026), Climate Change and Sustainability Committee – 28 February 2024 List of Background Papers Making Space for Pollinators Report Pollinator Strategy Scotland State of Nature Report The Edinburgh Declaration. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Strategic Biodiversity Framework Delivery Plan South Lanarkshire Biodiversity Strategy. Biodiversity Duty Implementation Plan Biodiversity Duty Report South Lanarkshire Nature Emergency Motion January 2024 Clydeplanforestryandwoodlandstrategy.pdf (storyblok.com) Clyde Grasslands - GCV Green Network Clyde Wetlands - GCV Green Network 130
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Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact: Joanna Birkin, Biodiversity Officer Tel: 07788 351841 Email : joanna.birkin@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 131
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Progress Report 2025 Making Space for Pollinators in South Lanarkshire 8 133
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Background South Lanarkshire Council’s Making Space for Pollinators Report was approved by our Climate Change and Sustainability Committee in November 2023. As a result we are now working in partnership with local volunteers and Glasgow Cityregion Green Network as part of the Clyde Grasslands project in improving grassland habitat for pollinator species in South Lanarkshire. Across the UK 97% of our species rich grasslands have been lost since the 1940’s. Only scattered patches now remain, making it difficult for species to move through the landscape in search of food, breeding opportunities, and to escape further habitat loss. Providing new habitats and greater habitat connectivity will hopefully help reverse this trend. Amenity grassland that is closely mown generally consists of few species and offers little value to biodiversity. Whereas naturalised areas cut on an annual basis with cuttings either lifted or left in situ are flower and nectar rich, so great for increasing biodiversity and provide numerous other benefits such as carbon capture, flood prevention and increasing air quality. In May 2023, SLC Countryside and Greenspace Team (CAG) and Grounds Services (GS) were approached by a group of enthusiastic members of the local community in East Kilbride about improving several amenity grassland areas for wildlife. After a series of meetings and site visits, we identified eight areas in the St Leonards area covering approximately 2.5 ha of land. In 2024, we reduced the mowing regime to once a year (in September) and where possible will be removing the grass cuttings to reduce the nutrient levels to encourage the growth of wildflowers. The sites were surveyed for plants and animals in the spring and late summer months in the first year and this will be repeated in 2025. Wildflower seeds will be added where necessary and signage will be installed to inform the local community. The grasslands link to a network of greenspaces in the local area including Calderglen Country Park, Glen Esk Urban Park and many proposed Local Nature Conservation Sites. The report details the findings of the project and provides suggestions and improvements for the areas next year. We aim to continue to improve grasslands for wildlife and increase the green network for wildlife across the region. 134
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Map1: St Leonards Road Site 135
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Photos taken from a few of the pilot sites in East Kilbride St Leonards Road in April and below in June. Many common orchid spikes were notes throughout the site in the longer grass. 136
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An example of the signage placed in the pilot sites. Invertebrates noted on the flowers of devil’s-bit scabious which provides a nectar source later in the months of the year. A juvenile robin was observed in the hedgerow behind the longer grassland along St Leonards Road. Having a mixture of trees, shrubs and hedgerows will benefit many birds and animals; providing shelter and coverage from predators and the increase in invertebrate populations in the longer grass provides more feeding opportunities for wildlife. 137
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Cuckooflower is the main food plants for the caterpillar of the orange-tip butterfly. The tiny bright orange eggs were observed on many stems of the plant throughout the survey season. Orange-tip butterfly Spikes of the broadleaved helleborine orchid were noted during the summer along High Common Road. Retaining the longer grass has allowed this plant to seed and hopefully we will see more of this orchid next year. 138
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Table 1: Shows the results from the pilot project in 2024 and our proposals for future management. Site name Area (ha) No species in short grass No species in longer grass % increases Comments Proposed future management St Leonards 0.07 10 39 290 Good diversity, low growing swards, abundant with orchids. Approx.30 bees and hoverflies counted during one survey in late August 2024. Links to hedgerow providing further habitat for wildlife. Continue to cut swards once a year in September. Remove cuttings and leave final cut length to a minimum of 10cm for overwintering invertebrates. Glen Doll 0.03 16 29 81 Good diversity, low swards, supports yellow rattle, bees and butterflies. The site has been managed for biodiversity since 2019, so less increase in species diversity during survey period. Continue with longer grass and cut swards once a year in September. Remove cuttings and leave final cut length to a minimum of 10cm for overwintering invertebrates. Look at extending the site into greenspace. Calderglen Road 1 1.26 9 44 388 The longer grass adds to a site that supports a diversity of habitats: trees, running water and tall ruderals. Great floral diversity along the burn providing a wildlife corridor connecting to other sites. Continue with longer grass and cut swards once a year in September with selected areas. Remove cuttings and leave final cut length to a minimum of 10cm for overwintering invertebrates. Will extend along opposite bank of burn next year. Calderglen Road 2 0.38 - - - Good diversity of species, site has not been mown / managed for years. Open glade adjacent to Calderglen Country Park, which is wooded, so additional open habitat is great for invertebrates and birds. Site unmown – great abundance of species, removal of scrub via volunteers to retain open grassland area. Benbecula Park 0.46 6 31 416 Longer grass has been left on sloping ground and underneath the trees, resulting in low swards and good diversity. Continue with longer grass and cut swards once a year in September with selected areas. Remove cutting and leave final cut length to a minimum of 10cm for overwintering invertebrates. Could extend in locality. 139
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Benbecula football pitches 0.15 6 23 283 Species poor dominated by broadleaved dock in May 2024, then more species diversity as the season progressed. Move site to near the trees and along the school fence. Continue to cut swards once a year in September. Remove cuttings and leave final cut length to a minimum of 10cm for overwintering invertebrates. Could benefit from the addition of wildflower seed. High Common Road 0.04 9 25 177 Great site supporting helleborine orchids and good diversity of species considering the size of the area. Links to hedge and trees adds to diversity. Continue with longer grass and cut once a year and remove swards in September. Remove cuttings and leave final cut length to a minimum of 10cm for overwintering invertebrates. Scalpay 0.17 4 20 400 Great diversity once the long grass was established with an abundance of cuckooflower supporting the eggs of orange-tip butterfly. Now reduced to small area. Maybe good opportunity to plant more trees and leave grass longer underneath the trees only. Average - 7 30 328 NB – have not included Glen Doll (already managed) and Calderglen 2 (not cut in past) in averages. Total 2.54 Conclusion from the pilot project in East Kilbride. In the shorter unmown grass, we identified on average 7 plant species; however, when we left the grass to grow longer, the average number of plant species in the same sites increased to 30 (an increase of 328%). Overall, reducing the mowing regime to once a year and allowing the amenity grassland to become naturalised, produced an increase in floristic diversity and an increase in the number of invertebrates observed. 140
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Future opportunities Local authorities are facing significant challenges: • Budget – spending pressures and increasing demand for services and resources. • Net Zero and Climate change priorities – adapting our services to a changing climate and biodiversity crisis. • Changing the way we work with communities in the landscape of community empowerment and participatory budgeting. In recognising these challenges and thinking about services design we would like to recalibrate our amenity grassland cutting frequencies to achieve a more targeted approach to grassland management. The aim is to improve outcomes for communities and biodiversity where we: • Create capacity to provide additional cuts on priority sites. • Offset this by creating more naturalised networks within our greenspaces (cut once and where possible lifted at the end of the year), freeing up resources at peak growth times. • Build a more progressive, flexible approach to operations to become more responsive to climate change adaptation. • Continue to review and reduce the use of herbicides and find alternative methods to weed control. In 2024, we mapped all the amenity grassland and sites that could be potentially managed for nature within East Kilbride, (refer to map 2). The amenity grasslands were placed in the following categories: • G1 – sites that are mown short throughout the year that support high amenity areas, civic amenity areas, sports pitches and active burial grounds. • G3 – mown less frequently supporting road verges, play parks, greenspaces adjacent to local communities. • Wild G3 - have potential to become naturalised - margins / edges, banking, areas adjacent to nature reserves, parks and greenspaces. Naturalised grass Naturalised grass is significantly better for wildlife, it provides vital shelter and food for a wide range of animals including invertebrates, amphibians and mammals. Wildflowers provide a crucial source of nectar for pollinating insects like bumblebees and hoverflies. Naturalised grass is created by allowing the grass to grow longer and more naturally. Wildflowers already in the sward can flower and set seed. The grass is cut once a year at the end of the growing season (Sept / Oct) using a tractor driven flail. The cuttings can be left, but ideally, could be removed to provide better conditions for the growth of wildflowers. Naturalised grass can absorb approximately 0.397 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. In comparison short grass will not sequester any carbon dioxide. Naturalised grass is more resilient to the impacts of climate change as it shades the soil and lower vegetation from extreme heat, and will withstand and absorb heavy rainfall, intercepts pollution and helps to reduce soil erosion. There are many benefits to keeping areas of longer grass in our greenspaces. This does not mean that all the grass must be left unmown; having a mixture of different areas provides a variety of options to suit how people and wildlife use the site. In total, 201 amenity grassland sites were identified throughout East Kilbride. Thirty-four sites (41% of all sites assessed) were identified as having opportunities for biodiversity. These sites 141
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cover approximately 57.75ha in total and could absorb up to 22.9 tonnes of carbon per year (or 84.04 tonnes of CO2 per year) if the grassland becomes naturalised. Table 2 (below) sets out the no and description of grassland sites in East Kilbride and highlights the carbon value associated with converting 34 of these sites from G3 to Wild. naturalised grassland in the future. Description No of sites Area (ha) % CO2 absorption (tonnes) G1 (18 cuts per year) 8 21.174 20 0 G3 (14 cuts per year) 159 53.96 39 0 G3 to Wild (reduce from 14 to 1 cut per year) 34 57.75 41 84.04 Totals 201 138.89 100 84.04 In terms of impact, it is useful to know that one tonne of carbon is equivalent to 3.67 tonnes of CO2. One tonne of CO2 is equivalent to: • 2500 miles driven by an average fuel vehicle (so changes to our grasslands is equiv- alent to saving 210,000 car miles) • 500 litres of diesel consumed • 120,000 smartphone charges • 0.5 kilograms of HCFC-22 used in domestic and commercial refrigeration and air con- dition units released into the atmosphere National commitment and biodiversity duty. The national Biodiversity Strategy vision states that by 2030 Scotland will have evolving, flexible and resilient Nature Networks connecting nature-rich areas allowing wildlife and natural processes to move and adapt to land use and climate change pressures. The networks will help build people’s connection to nature, providing biodiversity-rich spaces that deliver local benefits, and meet the priorities of local communities for nature. Over the past two years we have been working in partnership with the Glasgow City Region Green Network in mapping our nature networks sites throughout South Lanarkshire, an evidence report has been submitted to our planning team so our nature networks can be highlighted within the council new Local Development Plan. The focus over the next few years is to develop our nature networks by conserving our priority habitats and creating new habitats. The following maps highlight the amenity grasslands throughout East Kilbride, priority species rich grassland and the proposed nature networks. An example of the signage we have recently installed at some of the sites can be found in Figure 1 of this report . 142
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Map 2 – Highlighting the areas of amenity grassland within East Kilbride. 143
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Figure 1 – An example of the pollinator signs installed in 2025. 146
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Figure 2 - Examples of social media articles promoting the Council’s commitment to the national pollinators strategy. 147
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 Report by: Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) Subject: Annual Review of the South Lanarkshire Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an overview of progress made during 2024/2025 against delivering the agreed outcomes set out in the South Lanarkshire Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy provide an overview of the key priorities and actions proposed for delivery as part of the strategy in 2025/2026 [purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s): - (1) that the overview of progress made during 2024/2025 against delivering the agreed outcomes be noted. (2) that the key priorities and actions proposed for delivery as part of the Strategy in 2025/2026 be noted. [purpose] 3. Background 3.1. The Scottish Parliament passed the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (Scotland) Order in May 2022. The Order places a duty on local authorities to prepare, publish, and update a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and associated Delivery Plan. 3.2. Executive Committee approved South Lanarkshire’s LHEES on 26 June 2024, including the requirement to conduct an annual review and report the outcomes of this to the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee for noting. 3.3. The LHEES sets out a long-term plan for decarbonising heat in buildings and improving their energy efficiency across an entire local authority area. The Delivery Plan sets out how the Council and its partners propose to support the implementation of the Strategy. 3.4. The creation of an LHEES brings together key priorities around the reduction of carbon emissions, improvement of domestic and non-domestic building stock, and the need for a reduction in fuel poverty. The LHEES considers these priorities to ensure that action addresses inequalities and supports a just transition to net-zero carbon by 2045. 9 149
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3.5. The priorities for South Lanarkshire’s LHEES are as follows: - Priority 1: Reduce heat demand using a fabric-first approach to improve the condition and energy efficiency of housing across all tenures to ensure that poor energy performance is removed as a driver of fuel poverty. Priority 2: Transition to zero direct emissions heating systems in buildings across South Lanarkshire to tackle climate change. Priority 3: Make greater use of heat networks as part of the wider just transition to net zero. 3.6. The Delivery Plan includes 28 actions across the five chapters. These are categorised into immediate actions (to be implemented in years 1-2) and medium-term actions (to be implemented in the years 2-5). 4. Annual Review 2024/25 4.1. Following the first full year of the Strategy, a review of progress has been conducted by Housing and Technical Resources in conjunction with Council and community planning partner services. 4.2. The review identified that positive progress has been made across all five chapters of the strategy, with 22 of the 28 Delivery Plan actions either underway or anticipated to commence on schedule. The six areas yet to be progressed will do so in 2025/2026 as intended. 4.3. Key highlights of activity under each of the chapters are provided in Appendix 1. 4.4. As well as monitoring the progress of the strategy, the review is an opportunity to amend or update priorities or actions that may have changed stemming from changes in legislation or wider policy context. Following discussions with relevant Council services, community planning partners and the Scottish Government, the review identified that there are no updates or changes required to be made to LHEES at this early stage of implementation. 5. Focus for 2025/26 5.1. Focus for the council and its partners in 2025/26 aims to ensure work is progressed across each of the three priorities set out in the strategy. These actions relate to:- Progressing feasibility studies for heat networks in Bothwell Road and Almada Street, Hamilton as well as assessing outcomes of feasibilities currently underway in Carluke and East Kilbride. Consideration of potential heat network or building decarbonisation opportunities within town centre regeneration capital projects at East Kilbride and Hamilton will also take place, as well as decarbonisation opportunities for the existing domestic buildings within central Cambuslang. Considering opportunities for heat network zoning as part of the Local Development Plan process, including the requirement to nominate a ‘heat network lead’, as set out in the Heat Networks Act (2021). Assessing the outcome of the analysis of the council’s domestic estate, acting as a baseline for identifying energy efficiency improvements as required by statutory targets and outlining high-level strategies to both meet and exceed these targets, setting out a pathway for net-zero emissions by 2045. Administering £2.976m of grant funding from the Scottish Government for 2025/26 under the Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Schemes (EES: ABS). The 150
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funding will be targeted to install energy efficiency measures, including external wall insulation, double glazing, and loft insulation to 289 privately owned properties. Implementing the agreed Central Energy Efficiency Fund Programme (CEEF) for 2025/26. This includes the installation of a range of energy saving lighting packages with the primary school estate, as well as the installation of solar PV’s on two schools. Considering decarbonisation opportunities within the Public Private Partnership secondary school estate, ensuring heating upgrades and replacements during the contract period take cognisance of the council’s requirements to meet future net- zero targets once partnerships come to an end. Consideration of engaging with private commercial and industrial sectors to understand opportunities for partnerships or where existing decarbonisation, energy generation, or energy efficiency works are already taking place or are planned. 5.2. In addition, the council awaits updates from the Scottish Government on updated targets, policy positions or legislative changes being proposed during 2025/26. This includes detail contained within the new Social Housing Net Zero Standard and the new Heat in Buildings Bill, which will confirm targets for installing clean heating systems across all building types. 6. Next Steps 6.1. The review identified that the Council and its partners have made good progress in 2024/2025 towards delivering against the three LHEES priorities. 6.2. The Council will continue to monitor, influence where possible and enact any national policy changes that relate to the LHEES in 2025/2026. 6.3. The second annual review of LHEES, covering the 2025/2026 period, will be presented to Climate Change and Sustainability Committee in early 2026/2027. 7. Employee Implications 7.1. All Resources will be required to contribute to the implementation of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy to ensure that actions and targets are met. 7.2. The Scottish Government has allocated each local authority £75,000 annually until 2027/2028 to support the development and delivery of the first iteration of LHEES. This funding has been utilised to recruit a dedicated officer established to act as the main point of contact for the council and partners concerning LHEES. 8. Financial Implications 8.1. The LHEES itself does not commit any expenditure. There will be additional costs associated with the delivery of projects identified through the LHEES, some of which will be eligible for external funding. Funding options will be developed and reported on a project-by-project basis. 8.2. Each local authority receives £75,000 annually to support the development of its LHEES. This funding will be paid by the Scottish Government at the end of March each year as a redetermination of the General Revenue Grant, until 2027/2028. As detailed in section 7.2 above, this funding will be utilised to cover the employee costs for the recently appointed Strategy Coordinator (Energy and Decarbonisation) and any associated tasks. 151
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9. Climate Change, Sustainability, and Environmental Implications 9.1. It is anticipated that there should be no new significant environmental implications that have not already been identified in either the national Heat in Buildings Strategy or council-led plans, for example, the Local Housing Strategy, Council Plan, Community Plan, Local Development Plan 2, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy. Any new effects should be minor and positive in nature. Where identified, appropriate enhancement or mitigation measures will be considered within the LHEES. 9.2. In formally determining whether a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required, the Council has considered the views of the Consultation Authorities, who agree that the LHEES is unlikely to have significant environmental effects and therefore a full SEA was not undertaken. 10. Other Implications 10.1. ‘Failure to meet sustainable development and climate change objectives’ is one of the top risks for the Council. Without a plan in place and a financial plan to support it then this risk will continue to be one of the Council's top risks. 11. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 11.1. An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) was undertaken as part of the development of the draft strategy. This identified that there would be no negative impact on the following categories: age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, and sexual orientation, whilst also highlighted that a key consideration of LHEES is to ensure a just transition concerning tackling climate change, contributing to a quality of life which is fair, inclusive, and does not disadvantage anyone. 11.2. A Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment was also undertaken as part of the development, concluding that South Lanarkshire’s LHEES will effectively support the delivery of the council’s wider goals of supporting those who are most vulnerable, reducing poverty, and decreasing carbon emissions. The assessment identified that those who are most vulnerable or faced socio-economic challenges would be the most adversely impacted by climate change, with the LHEES strategy acting as an engagement vehicle to ensure effective actions to tackle climate change are taken forward. 11.3. The implementation of LHEES is subject to ongoing consultation and engagement with key partners and stakeholders. Sharon Egan Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) 6 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Focused on people and their needs Fair, open, and sustainable Accountable, effective, efficient, and transparent We will work towards a sustainable future in sustainable places Good quality, suitable, and sustainable places to live Caring, connected, sustainable communities 152
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Previous References South Lanarkshire Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES), Executive Committee, 26 June 2024 Update on Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, 28 February 2024 List of Background Papers The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 South Lanarkshire Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy 2022-27 South Lanarkshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2023-28 South Lanarkshire Council Local Housing Strategy 2022-27 Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Name: John Smith Designation: Strategy Coordinator (Energy and Decarbonisation), Housing and Technical Resources E-mail: john.smith@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 153
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Appendix 1 Summary of progress Chapter 2 – Engagement The LHEES was developed in consultation with public sector stakeholders across South Lanarkshire alongside public engagement. Work with key stakeholders has continued to be progressed during the implementation of the strategy, including: • Housing and Technical Resources appointed a dedicated Strategy Co-ordinator for Energy and Decarbonisation to co-ordinate the delivery of the strategy with partners and support council services and partners to progress actions. • A new dedicated cross-Resource officer working group has been established with representation from across the council. As part of the group’s remit, lead officers will refine actions or initiatives, including the addition of timescales or milestones. • Discussions have taken place between the council and Police Scotland to explore opportunities to jointly progress decarbonisation or energy efficiency improvements within their assets and estate. • A joint working group with Registered Social Landlord partners has been established to explore energy efficiency and decarbonisation actions within the wider social rented sector. Chapter 3 - Heat Network Delivery Areas The strategy identified indicative heat network zones across South Lanarkshire, which are considered as potentially suitable for the construction and operation of a heat network. During 2024/25, work has progressed on understanding more about these opportunities, including: • The council’s application for capital support funding was approved by Scotland’s Heat Network Fund. The funding intends to support the council in the delivery of a shared ground source heat pump system to serve 522 properties spread across six multi- story tower blocks in Calderwood, East Kilbride. Work continues on determining the scope of the project, including focus on reducing risk of fuel poverty for tenants and residents within the buildings. • Funding from the Net Zero Innovation Fund was identified for two feasibility studies to investigate the potential for heat networks in Carluke and East Kilbride, these continue to be developed with outcomes to be reported in 2025/26. Chapter 4 - Social housing and mixed-tenure properties With a focus on tackling fuel poverty, the strategy sets out a range of actions that aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption within the social rented sector. In 2024/25, work progressed included: • Through the council’s Housing Investment Programme a range of energy efficiency and decarbonisation measures were installed across the council’s domestic estate. • Utilising the Climate Emergency Fund, Housing and Technical Resources have procured consultants to complete a detailed analysis of the council’s domestic estate to outline key actions the Council can take to achieve the proposed new 154
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Social Housing Net-Zero Standard. In addition to informing future investment works to meet the new standards, the exercise aims to provide evidence-based data to support further analysis to develop wider estate management decisions. • Through the new Registered Social Landlord group, alignment of investment plans to maximise opportunities to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise domestic buildings is considered, with a key aim to reduce delays in upgrades for mixed tenure blocks. • In conjunction with community planning partners and members of the Financial Inclusion Network’s Fuel Poverty Subgroup to identify fuel-poor areas to assist in targeting financial or property-led interventions. Chapter 5 - Private tenure housing properties The strategy aims to actively support, encourage, and enable owner-occupiers and private sector landlords to retrofit their properties to reduce energy consumption. Actions progressed in 2024/25 include: • Through locally administering the Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO4) in South Lanarkshire, the council enabled the installation of 295 energy efficiency and decarbonisation measures across 102 homes. • Funding from South Lanarkshire’s Climate Emergency Fund enabled the Council to work with Loco Home Retrofit CIC to promote green home improvements through a series of events in Cambuslang and Rutherglen. • The Scottish Government continues to provide grant funding under the Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Schemes (EES: ABS). The purpose of the funding is to help councils to develop and deliver fuel poverty programmes (mainly solid wall insulation) in the parts of their local authority area with high levels of fuel poverty. • Housing and Technical Resources procured a one-stop-shop domestic retrofit and energy advice service to provide advocacy and support for South Lanarkshire residents. The aim is to deliver a project that will act as a demonstrator project for the one-stop shop model, utilising £100,000 of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. • Housing and Technical Resources worked with the Glasgow City Region Housing Retrofit Delivery Group to prepare the Glasgow City Region Home Retrofit Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2028. This has been developed to promote the retrofitting of Glasgow City Region’s homes, including installing energy efficiency measures and clean heating systems. • Housing and Technical Resources continues to support landlords of privately rented properties to help them to understand and meet their obligations in relation to energy efficiency, fuel poverty and decarbonisation. This includes through the Private Landlord Forum which had over 50 private landlords in attendance at events in October 2024 and March 2025. Chapter 6 - Non-Domestic Delivery Areas A priority action for this section is to enable the identification of delivery areas to collect data on non-domestic buildings in South Lanarkshire. 155
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• The council will utilise the Central Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) Programme to undertake energy efficiency projects within its non-domestic estate. The 2024/25 programme included a number of projects for the installation of solar PV panels across the council estate, in eight primary schools, and a general services property. • Specialist consultants have been procured to complete a detailed analysis of the Council’s non-domestic estate of the requirements and implications of options to achieve net-zero across its public sector buildings. This aims to provide categorisation of buildings to help inform future discussions regarding their use or retention. The work to create a 10-year Estate Strategy is ongoing. The Council will continue to engage with all stakeholders as part of its development. 156
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Climate and Sustainability Committee Date of Meeting: 3 September 2025 Report by: Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) Subject: Interim Update: 10-Year Estate Strategy 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- provide a further update to members on the development and implementation of a cross-cutting review of the Council’s property asset base, which is linked to an intention to seek approval for a 10-Year Estate Strategy provide a summary of tasks undertaken to-date and confirm the timescales for the subsequent phase of this exercise 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Committee is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the progress made to date, and next steps of this report, be noted; (2) that the initial phase of public consultation feedback be noted; and (3) to note that the initial Interim Update 10-Year Estate Strategy Report was agreed at Executive Committee on 25 June 2025 and a final report on the proposed 10- Year Estate Strategy will be presented to the Executive Committee on 5 November 2025. 3. Background 3.1. As reported previously, the combination of changing population and service need, the delivery of the net zero agenda and ongoing financial challenges are shaping the approach to realising a smaller, but higher quality, more energy efficient, core estate in South Lanarkshire. 3.2 Since March 2025, work has continued to progress on a review that will promote a strategic and outcome focussed methodology to Asset Management, with the key aim of secure approval for a 10-year Estate Strategy. This long-term approach will inform and guide future land/property decisions on the investment, rationalisation, co- location, and disposal of assets, taking account of community, financial and service considerations. 3.2 When providing the report to the Executive Committee in March 2025, a commitment was made to provide a progress update to Committee in June 2025. The purpose of this report is to keep the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee updated. 4. Progress Update 4.1. The report presented to the Executive Committee in March 2025 advised that the approach to strategy development is split into three inter-related phases. 10 157
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4.2 Phase One is ongoing and was due to be completed by the end of June 2025. It comprises a comprehensive review of assets and properties within the Council’s public building estate. Using the proposed assessment and scoring criteria, assets will be categorised into either Core, Flex, or Tail using the following definitions: Core: Properties scoring highly across multiple criteria will be classified as 'Core' assets. These properties are considered essential to the Council's operations and are expected to be retained on a long-term basis supporting joined up service and anchoring place-based change. Flex: Properties with moderate scores, or those with potential for improvement, will be categorised as 'Flex' assets. These properties may require further intervention to determine their long-term future. Over time, the goal is to move flex assets to core or tail to strengthen service futures and/or place-based needs. Tail: Properties with consistently low scores across multiple criteria will be classified as 'Tail' assets. These properties will typically (but not universally) be considered suitable for disposal, demolition or repurposing. To this end, they will typically be maintained to a minimum standard until the future use is agreed, taking account of the wider needs and opportunities of the place. 4.3 Since March 2025, officers across all Resources have worked collaboratively to collate and analyse asset data and information, driving greater understanding of overall asset performance against the baseline criteria of cost effectiveness, sustainability, service deliver, place making, and use/utilisation. 4.4 To ensure that wider corporate and place making opportunities as well as the needs of services are captured, this analytical exercise is being supported by ongoing meetings with nominated leads across all Resources. 4.5 To provide consistency, transparency, and completeness across the asset assessment process, a series of standardised assumptions have been applied in instances where data was incomplete or unavailable. These assumptions underpin the robustness of the Estates Baseline information and ensure that all assets are evaluated on a comparable basis. In consultation with individual Resource Leads, the assumptions have been developed to reflect industry best practice, and local context. They are designed to support evidence-led decision-making and to ensure that the outputs of the assessment process remain objective and defensible. 4.6 Phase Two will explore and identify potential service transformation initiatives, making the case for investment. Using the information generated from Phase One, it will identify potential funding sources (in addition to the £24m agreed by Council) and create a potential list of prioritised real estate/project pipeline against each potential funding source, based on availability and achievability. 4.7 Phase Three is the development of the Estate Strategy and an associated 10-year Delivery plan. Subject to approval later this year, the final strategy will provide detailed objectives, timelines and financial projections and include future governance arrangements. 5. Development of Projects 5.1. By working with stakeholders across Resources, several potential initiatives will be identified to meets the council’s vision of a smaller, better, greener estate. 5.2 Whilst this is work in progress, examples of these projects will include: 158
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Maximise use of all primary school halls as community ‘hall’ assets where appropriate. The remodelling of other educational assets to accommodate evening/weekend use. Reduction in the leisure estate through colocation and consolidation of services, including, where appropriate, lease acquisition of retail premises for suitable services. Reduction in the footprint of the office estate through refurbishment SLC owned assets to increase desk capacity supported by lease acquisition of for ‘Front Office’ spaces where required. Accelerated community asset transfer of pavilions. Consider rationalisation of Depots into fewer, larger, better located sites, colocated across all relevant resources. At a town/local level, we will look to consolidate any ‘tail’ or ‘low flex’ assets into higher quality retained assets with sufficient space adopting a ‘One Public Estate’ approach. 5.3 Using evidence-based data to guide discussions, we will continue to engage with resource leads to develop the scope and priority of projects into a clear pipeline, noting the timescales agreed for the deployment of the £24m of capital that is already agreed. The consultation with Resources is now complete. 6. Initial Stakeholder Consultation 6.1. In approving the report in March 2025, it was noted that an engagement plan has been developed that will inform residents and others about the Council’s work to create a 10-year Estate Strategy and engage all audiences, and especially users of our properties/assets. 6.2 An initial, high-level public consultation exercise was launched immediately after Executive Committee approved the review on 22 April 2025. It ran until midnight on Friday 30 May 2025 and included a short survey which asked if people approved the approach being taken. This was always intended to be just the first stage of consultation, with further, more detailed exercises anticipated at key times as the review progressed. 6.3 The initial consultation showed general approval for the approach. With 298 responses, 96% of people agreed there was a need for the review and 68% agreed with the aims. 68% agreed that the outcome was likely to be a smaller estate, but one of higher quality and greater energy efficiency, while 69% agreed the review it was necessary to address the challenges of climate change and Net Zero. This feedback gives an initial sense of some community concerns which will help inform the next stage of public consultation. 7. Next Steps 7.1. This section outlines the steps which will progress this exercise to the final output. The Steps are described below: - Step Overview Service delivery mapping We will continue to engage with Resources and stakeholders across the Council and SLLC to clarify future service plans and accommodation needs, creating a visual representation of current and future service delivery across the estate. This map will include service and collaboration models, locations of key facilities, service catchment areas, wider place-based collaboration 159
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opportunities, foot traffic patterns, accessibility considerations, and the impact of digitisation. By analysing this map alongside the estate baseline and stakeholder feedback, we will identify opportunities to optimise service accessibility, such as co-locating services, redistributing resources, or enhancing remote service delivery. The next round of Resource consultation meetings will take place throughout July 2025 to help inform initial proposals. Operational Decarbonisation A costed implementation plan will be developed to manage carbon emissions across the Council. This involves analysing potential reductions in operational carbon, developing a costed decarbonisation pathway to net zero, and matching sites to funding opportunities. The plan will provide clear plans and funding routes for larger investments, enabling informed decisions about the council’s pathway to net zero. This work stream criteria will feed into Core, Flex and Tail decisions within the final report. Development of options Taking account of our people, place and sustainability objectives, this phase will explore options for investment and rationalisation, such as consolidating underutilised buildings, repurposing facilities, or strategic disposals. Environmental considerations will be integrated, exploring energy-efficient renovations, renewable energy sources, and green spaces. Each option will include a financial model considering capital expenditure, operational costs, revenue streams, and long-term sustainability. The next phase of Resource consultation during July 2025 will include Scottish Futures Trust to ensure we are covering options around the best possible place making decisions including maximising the use of building across all available times. Draft Estate Strategy The draft strategy will outline a detailed action plan with SMART objectives, timelines, responsible parties, and risk mitigation strategies. It will include updated financial projections and provide a comprehensive roadmap for the future of the estate, addressing challenges and incorporating stakeholder feedback. We will adopt the structure of three key sections; ‘Where are we now?’, ‘Where do we want to be?’, ‘How do we get there?’. An initial draft Estate Strategy will be prepared by the end of July 2025 for review and wider consultation. Draft Delivery Plan To meet the strategic vision, a detailed Delivery Plan will be developed for each real estate asset, including recommended interventions, responsible parties, timelines, and KPIs. The plan will explore potential funding opportunities and set out a prioritised list of investment interventions required to realise the asset management plan. An initial draft Delivery Plan will be prepared by the end of July 2025 for review and wider consultation. Consultation Shaping new futures in existing places requires a mix of engagement methods. The initial consultation exercise concluded on 30 May 2025 with the feedback detailed in section 6. The next round of public consultation will be held over the summer once proposals are developed. Presentation of Final Report to Executive Committee It is expected that a final Estate Strategy and Delivery Plan will be available for review by the end of September with a final report being presented to Executive Committee in November 2025. 160
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8. Employee Implications 8.1. There are no immediate employee implications at this stage however if the final proposal moves towards a smaller, higher quality Estate then there may be employee implications at that stage. 8.2. Trade Unions will be updated on the progress of the Estate Strategy through the JTUC Executive. Once employee implications are known consultation will take place through the Partnership Working arrangements. 9. Financial Implications 9.1. The financial implications of this exercise have not yet been quantified either in terms of savings realised from rationalising the number of buildings, or in terms of any additional costs of investment in the buildings being retained. These financial implications will be identified through the next phases of the review programme. 9.2. To meet any costs of investment in the estate, the Council has earmarked £24 million, with initial spend anticipated to commence in 2026/2027. 10. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 10.1. Public bodies are expected to contribute to national targets outlined in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. This states that a public body must, in exercising its functions, act in a way that:- best calculated to contribute to the delivery of Scotland’s national emissions reduction targets best calculated to help deliver Scotland’s statutory climate change adaptation programme it considers is most sustainable 10.2. To achieve the Council’s climate change commitments, significant action and investment is required to reduce the operational estate emissions as soon as is practically possible. This includes progressing measures to reduce, and/or mitigate carbon emissions to meet the statutory targets. 10.3. The Estate Strategy will also help the Council in delivering actions outlined in the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy Action Plan 2022 to 2027, including: - reducing South Lanarkshire Council’s carbon emissions developing a detailed action plan for how the Council will meet the national target being proposed in the Heat in Buildings Bill, that all buildings owned by a Scottish public authority must be using clean heating systems by the end of 2038 11. Other Implications 11.1. It is essential to note that the digital transformation programme underway within the Council will need to align with the Estate Strategy both during the defined phases and beyond. This alignment will ensure that digital initiatives support the strategic goals of the Estate Strategy, enhance service delivery, and improve operational efficiency. 11.2. The digital transformation programme will focus on integrating digital technologies, such as data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and smart building solutions, to optimise asset management and service delivery. 12. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 161
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12.1. An Integrated Impact Assessment will be carried out as part of the development work. Briefing sessions will be arranged with elected members and the SLLC Board at the appropriate time. 12.1. An Integrated Impact Assessment will be carried out as part of the development work. Briefing sessions will be arranged with elected members and the SLLC Board at the appropriate time. 12.2 Trade Union consultation will take place as detailed in section 8. Sharon Egan Interim Executive Director (Housing and Technical Resources) 14 August 2025 Link(s) to Council Values/Priorities/Outcomes Accountable, effective, efficient and transparent Caring, connected, sustainable communities. Previous References None List of Background Papers Interim Update 10-Year Estate Strategy, Executive Committee – 25 June 2025 Contact for Further Information If you would like further information, please contact: - Craig Jardine, Head of Property Services Ext: 4073 (Tel: 01698 454073) email: craig.jardine@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 162