Climate Change Board Update and De-Carbonisation Tracker
Argyll and Bute Council · 12 October 2023
Back to Policy and Resources Committee — 12 October 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD 12TH October 2023 CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD UPDATE AND DE-CARBONISATION TRACKER 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Argyll and Bute Council has been addressing climate change themes for over 7 years through its well established Climate Change Board. There has been a notable reduction in the overall carbon emissions generated by the Council since annual reporting commenced in 2015/16 - net reduction of 28.4% - through its Decarbonisation Plan. Whilst our region is well placed in terms of natural assets and relative low number of carbon emitting sources, a great deal of work still needs to be done to achieve Net Zero obligations by 2030 and 2045, in addition to increasing resilience to more severe weather events and sea level rises in coming years. 1.2 The purpose of this report is to summarise and highlight some of the main activities of the Climate Change Board over the previous quarter. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 The Policy and Resources Committee are asked to note and consider the updates contained at Section 5 of the report and the full Decarbonisation Tracker update attached at Appendix A.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD 12TH October 2023 CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD UPDATE AND DE-CARBONISATION TRACKER 3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 This report highlights recent activity of the Climate Change Board. 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 The Policy and Resources Committee are asked to note and consider the updates contained at Section 5 of the report and the full Decarbonisation Tracker update contained within Appendix A. 5.0 SUMMARY UPDATES OF CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD A – Argyll & Bute Council’s Net Zero Routemap 5.1 Progress continues towards securing a consultant to undertake the development of the Council’s Net Zero Routemap. The planned Net Zero Routemap will supplant the Council’s current Decarbonisation Plan which runs to 2025. 5.2 Council Officers continue to engage with Hub North Scotland to identify and engage suitable consultants. A productive meeting was held with a consultancy in July. Discussions between Council Officers, Hub North Scotland and the consultancy are continuing. B – Update on Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) 5.3 The Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (Scotland) Order 2022 came into force on 21st May 2022 and sets a legal requirement for local authorities to produce and publish a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and a Delivery Plan by 31st December 2023.
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5.4 The LHEES aims to set out a long-term plan to improve buildings’ energy efficiency and decarbonise the heat source in domestic and non-domestic buildings within an entire local authority area. The process of LHEES production is highly technical. It involves the analysis of heat consumption data across a whole Local Authority geographical area, and the identification of opportunities to reduce that heat consumption through improvements to building fabric, or improvements in the efficiency of heating systems, particularly the utilisation of established heat networks and waste heat. 5.5 The Scottish Government has provided resources to deliver this work. We have employed an LHEES officer, and engaged consultants through Hub North Scotland to assist with the highly technical data analysis and mapping that will be required. 5.6 There has been some delay in the production of the LHEES due to the scarcity of consultancy support available when all Local Authorities are requiring the same work at the same time. It is currently planned to deliver the LHEES by March 2024 and Scottish Government has been made aware of this timetable. Officers will continue to update the Council of progress through the Climate Change Board reporting route. C – Update on Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) 5.7 To the end of the Project Year in June 2023, the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme spent all of its 2022/23 allocation of £2,011,323 plus an additional £300,000 which was applied for by the Council and awarded by the Scottish Government to meet the demands of an increased number of applications. 5.8 281 homes have been insulated in all areas of Argyll and Bute, contributing to a reduction in harmful carbon emissions and in turn reducing fuel costs for householders. The programme covers the entire Argyll and Bute area with geography being no barrier to eligibility for the scheme. 5.9 In addition, a joint project between Argyll & Bute Council and Argyll Community Housing Association embarked on a programme of insulation works on mixed tenure properties in Tarbert, Bute and Cowal, utilising Scottish Government funded grants of £722,000, with applications pending to continue this joint project. 5.10 The Scheme continues to successfully deliver insulation measures throughout Argyll & Bute in accordance with the Scottish Governments “Fabric First” principle and had been awarded £1,979,827 to continue the Scheme in 2023/24. 5.11 The Energy Efficiency Team consists of a Project Officer and a Project Administrator. D – Update on Kilmory Solar PV Ground Array System
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5.12 The 50kW Solar PV ground array system is now on line and generating at Kilmory Castle with the formal handover ceremony having taken place on Monday 11th September. 5.13 A time-lapse camera has recorded the entire project from inception to finish. Aerial drone footage has also been organised, and will be shared with the Council once finalised. E – Update on Communications Team 5.14 The Council’s Communications Team continues to externally promote the Council’s climate actions, and actions that others can take, to develop the ‘Climate Friendly Argyll and Bute’ branding. 5.15 The Communications Team has ran a series of posts encouraging people to adopt small changes called the ‘Green Summer’ campaign. This included promoting school uniform recycling scheme, plastic free picnics, International Plastic Free Bag Day, Shop Local, Reduce fast fashion, active travel maps, National Marine Week and World Conservation Day. F – Update on Argyll and the Isles Coast & Countryside Trust (ACT) 5.16 ACT are working in partnership with Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership on the recruitment of a new Climate Change Action Project Manager. This new role will be hosted by ACT, with the postholder responsible for leading on delivery of a new regional Argyll and Bute Climate Action Plan. The post was advertised over the summer, with interviews scheduled for September 2023. 5.17 Additionally, ACT is working with partners to submit a proposal to the Scottish Government to host a new Argyll Climate Action Hub. G – Decarbonisation Tracker 5.18 The Council’s Decarbonisation Plan sets a 3 year framework to continue our climate journey and routemap to net zero. Our Council has made a clear commitment to be a net zero organisation by 2045 and has also declared a climate emergency befitting the importance and critical nature of the topic. Whilst the main Decarbonisation Plan will be fixed for 3 years, the associated Action Plan (which forms an Appendix of the document) will be continuously updated and reported to both the Climate Change Board and Policy & Resources Committee. The latest update can be found at Appendix A. 5.19 The Decarbonisation Action Plan Tracker is shared publicly on the Council’s Climate Change webpages. 6.0 CONCLUSION
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6.1 This report provides various updates in relation to the Council’s activities in relation to Climate Change. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy – Meeting obligations and commitment to Climate Change. 7.2 Financial – No direct linkage in this paper. 7.3 Legal – Meeting requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, and the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019. 7.4 HR - None 7.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics - None 6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty - None 6.5.3 Islands - None 6.6 Climate Change – Direct link updating activities of the Climate Change Board and projects that will address climate change. 6.7 Risk - Not addressing impacts or causes of climate change can lead to increased cost or censure if targets are not met. 6.8 Customer Service - None Douglas Hendry, Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services
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Councillor Ross Moreland – Policy Lead Climate Change & Environment 12 September 2023 For further information contact: Ross McLaughlin Head of Commercial Services The Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre ross.mclaughlin@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES Appendix A – Decarbonisation Tracker – October 2023
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Appendix A – Climate Change Tracker ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS W1 –Develop and Implement Waste Strategy (L) Roads and Amenity Services, Community, commercial customers Implementation of the Waste Strategy transitioning to Landfill ban compliant Residual Waste Recovery solutions by 2025. External funding and support being sought from the Scottish Government An update report was submitted to ED&I committee in June and subsequently a meeting was arranged with the SG Minister to discuss the derogation following the options appraisal. SG Officers will meet with Council Officers in August to have further discussion as to whether the derogation would be accepted as it would require a change of law. Liaison with Renewi continues with regard to landfill ban compliance should a derogation authorised by the SG. W2 – Promote the Waste Hierarchy through community Education (L) Roads and Amenity Services Evidence of community Education Not secured New Web content and Education materials for Primary and Secondary Schools were developed and delivered to online Education Environment Summit October 21 and the COP 26 Event on the 6th November 21. W3 – Reduce Council use of disposable and single use plastics across all departments and settings (L) Procurement and Commercial Services, all Council Services Adoption of new working practices and procurement No specific funding in place, research required to impact on operation costs A report on Single Use Plastic went to the Policy and Resources Committee on 9 December 2021, and the following recommendations were approved: Note and consider that the various Services that currently purchase SUP
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS products consider whether these products are essential or if there is a potential alternative that would meet the Service requirements, prior to orders being placed via PECOS or contacting the Procurement, Commercial and Contract Management Team (PCCMT) for a procurement process to be carried out. Note and consider that the Sustainable Procurement Policy will be updated to reflect the Climate Change Board desire to limit SUP where possible –wording has been included in the Annual Review 2023/2024 version of the Procurement Strategy 2022/2025 as follows: “To provide procurement support to any strategic decisions taken by the Council in relation to the usage of Single Use Plastic products and their recyclability.” Note and consider that the Commodity Sourcing Strategy templates used for Regulated Procurements have been updated to
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS include a question regarding SUP. Changes in legislation were brought into force by the Scottish Government on the 1st June 2022 restricting single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers and balloon sticks, expanded polystyrene food containers and expanded polystyrene cups and other beverage containers, as well as all products made of oxo-degradable plastic. Some products already changed and others under review. W4 – Extend and explore pre-ordering for school food to reduce food waste (L) Commercial Services and Education Evidence of extension of pre- ordering & food waste reduction Project funded and solution procured Project Team currently implementing this, remaining sites due for implementation August 2023. E1 – Deliver Renewable Sourcing Strategy 2 (L) Commercial Services Adoption of Strategy RSS2 consultancy work funding to be confirmed; expectation is that project implementation will be through combinations of prudential borrowing (subject to business case approvals) and/or external funding. RSS2 next stage development work includes specification development and preparation of invitation to tender for specialist consultancy support. Current work in progress; intended to be market tested during 2023. E2 – Delivery of Non-domestic Energy Efficiency Framework (NDEEF) Projects (L) Commercial Services Evidence of delivery of projects Project development work is funded by combinations of the Scottish Government and the procured provider (costs absorbed within the tender process). Funding for project implementation will come from Council approved capital allocations: Non Domestic Energy Efficiency Fund (NDEEF1) Energy Performance Contract was signed on 16 July 2021 (circa £1.25m investment with 10 year payback). The originally intended mini project list has been fully delivered. Following on from the P&R Committee report in May 2023: May PR - Climate Change -NDEEF
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS Climate Change 20/21 - £500K Climate Change 21/22 - £600K Asset Sustainability – £175K Progress update.pdf (argyll- bute.gov.uk), four final mini projects, which were added as contract variations, remained to be implemented. Tarbert School LED lighting was installed in the 2023 school summer recess; Kilmory Nursery solar pv is underway and scheduled to be complete in September 2023; the intended low carbon heating solution and pv installation at Cardross PS have been intentionally delayed whilst we try to access a recently launched funding scheme: Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme | Salix Finance. In addition to the above, the procurement sourcing strategy for the next batch of sites, using designation NDEEF2, is under way. E3 – Delivery of additional solar installations at Council assets (L) Commercial Services Evidence of delivery of projects Consultancy work funding to be confirmed; expectation is that project implementation will be through combinations of prudential borrowing (subject to business case approvals) and/or external funding. Best solar pv opportunities are being delivered within NDEEF (Ref item E2) and advantage is also being taken to install solar pv solutions within the asset sustainability capital programme where possible e.g. as a component of roof upgrades. The potential for a large solar pv ground array at the Kilmory Estate is currently being limited due to electric grid constraints – engagement with
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS SSEN is ongoing to try to identify solutions. E4 – Delivery of Water Efficiency Audits across our Estate (L) Commercial Services Evidence of delivery of projects Works items are generally small scale and are being funded through existing approved budgets where possible; otherwise costs will be met from savings generated. Significant Council wide asset verification exercise and ensuring water use minimised. The asset verification element of this project is substantially complete and substantial savings have been identified and recovered. A case study is being prepared to demonstrate the range of tasks undertaken and to convey the scale of savings made and refunds received. The final stage of work involves an exercise to reduce water consumption (with carbon emissions reduction) over a number of sites and is underway. E5– Delivery of Energy Efficiency Scotland Programme (L) Housing Services, Registered Social Landlords Evidence of delivery of projects Funding amounts are determined by localised factors and is paid as a proportion of the Scottish Governments’ Heat In Buildings Strategy To the end of the Project Year in June 2023, the Scheme spent all of its 2022/23 allocation of £2,011,323 plus an additional £300,000 which was applied for by the Council and awarded by the Scottish Government to meet the demands of an increased number of applications. 281 homes were insulated in all areas of Argyll and Bute, contributing to a reduction in harmful carbon emissions and in turn reducing fuel costs for householders. In addition, a joint project between Argyll & Bute Council and Argyll Community
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS Housing Association embarked on a programme of insulation works on mixed tenure properties in Tarbert, Bute and Cowal, utilising Scottish Government funded grants of £722,000, with applications pending to continue this joint project. The Scheme continues to successfully deliver insulation measures throughout Argyll & Bute in accordance with the Scottish Governments “Fabric First” principle and had been awarded £1,979,827 to continue the Scheme in 2023/24. E6 – Complete LED streetlight replacement programme (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Evidence of delivery of projects Fully funded through prudential borrowing Contractors have now commenced works in the Lorn Area to progress the last installation phase of the project and have a programme of approx. 4-6 weeks to install 1100 new LED luminaires. 860 have now been installed and delivery of some additional luminaires is awaited before contractor completes in the Lorn area. All works in the Oban area should be complete by the end of May 2023.The Council has 14442 streetlights in total so carbon emissions have already been greatly reduced by the LED Upgrade Project. 2021/22 figures were CO2 totals 738 tonnes, this has been reducing year on year, back in 2015/16 figures were CO2 Totals 3140 tonnes.
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS 2022/23 emissions are forecast to be reduced by approx. 10 – 15% on the 2021/22 figures. E7 – Continue support of ABRA and review Renewable Energy Strategy annually (L) Economic Development Evidence of delivery of projects Officer resource to support currently funded Work to support ABRA ongoing. A meeting was held in May 23 and focused on the Cruachan expansion and Machair offshore wind projects. Current ongoing project by SSE Networks for renewal of powerlines between Inveraray and Crossaig as well as more minor works. Work ongoing on outline business case for Islay Energy System work through the Rural Growth Deal. Islay is one of the Carbon Neutral Islands being progressed by the Scottish Government, work is ongoing. E8 – Continue support for offshore development of renewables (L) Economic Development Evidence of delivery of projects (expected late 2020s/early 2030s) Officer resource to support currently funded Scottish Power Renewables are progressing the Islay site (Machair Wind) project , expected to seek consent during the mid2020s. ABC and HIE supported supply chain development events in relation to the project during June. The Crown Estate Scotland Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing has identified a site off Islay for a 100MW innovation project. T1 – Develop a Fleet Replacement Strategy supportive of fuel efficient, electric and hybrid vehicles (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Adoption of Strategy Part for current financial year The Fleet Replacement Strategy is complete but is subject to on-going change in line with legislative changes as it is an operational document.
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS T2 – Develop a vehicle routing system that will reduce road miles for operations (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Evidence of delivery of projects Part for current financial year A progress update on the route optimisation project went to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure committee in June and is available here: https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/ s195722/ROUTE%20OPTIMISATION% 20UPDATE.pdf The main headlines are that a contract has been awarded and a project plan is in place which we are working through, We are at the key stage now of checking the information uploaded into the system on existing routes to ensure the foundation data is solid before we look to model new options from there. The data requires some manual manipulation to pick up on local nuances like road end collections but largely checks out. We are now moving to looking at different routing options available through the system – the project plan is still on track to have option available to consider by the end of the year. In advance of this we’ll look to arrange a member seminar to demonstrate the system. T3 – Develop an electric vehicle infrastructure strategy (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Evidence of delivery of projects Part for current financial year Work on the strategy document is now effectively complete and we have a long list of sites which will be
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS The development of the EV network is funded by external grant monies from Transport Scotland, and the costs of developing the strategy in terms of staff time are covered via existing budgets Ultimately the cost recovery model recommended to Committee for formal adoption as well as ancillary parts of the strategy around maintenance, procurement etc. A comprehensive year-end report will go to EDI in December summarising the current position. The next key stage is securing enough external funding and/or agreeing a delivery model – self delivery supported by business case, concession model or leasing sites, or a mixture of the three. A high level analysis of possible delivery options will also be contained in the year end report. T4 – Support Digital by Default theme Service Review & Recovery Plan to reduce need to travel All Council Departments Evidence of delivery of projects Part for current financial year Council is adopting ‘Our Modern Workspace’ programme and Digital First approach as services change and evolve post pandemic. T5 – Develop new active travel plans for Council buildings and our towns (L) Economic Development Evidence of delivery of projects No active travel funding is provided by Council. External competitive challenge funds are time consuming to secure and projects have to be shaped to fit with external funders’ aspirations and requirements by the 1.7FTE Active Travel staff in the Strategic Transportation Team. However, at present these are the only available source(s) of potential funding to deliver active travel improvements. 2022/23 Progress The purpose of active travel is to make it as easy as possible and help to encourage individuals, businesses and visitors to choose to walk, wheel or cycle for local journeys. Increasing activity and reducing sedentary behaviour has significant health benefits and can increase accessibility to essential services, education, employment, retail and leisure. Walking and cycling are lower cost travel modes and, if they are a viable option, can help households reduce their reliance on
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS The 1.7FTE Active Travel Team secured £3.03M external challenge funding in 22/23 for development and delivery of 32 active travel projects across Argyll and Bute, requiring 22 separate competitive challenge funding applications to 8 separate funds. Projects funded via the active travel team within Strategic Transportation in 2022/23 included: First two sections of high-quality segregated cycleway in Argyll and Bute constructed at Helensburgh Waterfront and Ralston Road, Campbeltown in 2022/23. Significant upgrade to path network in Castle Gardens, Dunoon. New cycle and scooter storage and access at Castlehill School, Campbeltown. New cycle parking at the community owned Port Ellen Playing Fields Community Development, Islay. Funded Cycling UK to run the Dunoon Cycle Bothy Funded ACT to upcycle 65 bikes to return to the local Mid-Argyll Community and to assist children private cars, particularly multiple car households. No Council funding is currently expended on Active Travel work, with all costs, including internal staff costs (1.7FTE), having to be funded via successfully securing external challenge funds. As all active travel work is currently reliant on securing external funding, therefore the projects which are progressed are those which can successfully secure external challenge funding. Argyll and Bute Active Travel Strategy: Officers are working to develop an Argyll and Bute Active Travel Strategy and present it for Council by summer 2024. The Active Travel Strategy would provide the overarching context for the Council to support and promote active travel across the Council area. Having an adopted and current Active Travel Strategy is increasingly becoming a pre- requirement to access Scottish Government derived active travel funding. Active Travel Delivery Plan: Following approval of Active Travel Strategy, an Active Travel Delivery Plan will be developed to create a
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS of refugees in Oban to have opportunity to cycle. Funded ACT to deliver Carbon Literacy training to over 30 people. Creation of new Smartphone Apps for Tobermory and Bowmore (adding to the existing popular apps for Campbeltown, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Oban and Rothesay) Printed Active Travel Map Helensburgh Design work progressed for ambitious walking and cycling projects including: - Dunoon, Town Centre to Hunters Quay Active Travel route. - Helensburgh: Helensburgh – Cardross – Dumbarton Cyclepath and Helensburgh – Garelochhead Cycleway. - Islay, Bowmore to Bridgend Path (with Islay Community Access Group). - Jura, Craighouse to Corran Sands Active Travel Improvements. - Lochgilphead: Front Green to Crinan Canal and Town Centre to Joint Campus Active Travel Routes. - Rothesay, Town Centre to Joint Campus Active Travel Improvements. - Oban, Oban to Ganavan Sands Active Travel Improvements and prioritised list of active travel projects for the whole of Argyll and Bute. Active Travel Projects: The majority of external funding available is provided by the Scottish Government via a number of third sector organisations who are paid to administer these funds. The focus for Scottish Government Active Travel funding is to develop and deliver infrastructure projects and associated behaviour change. As such, the focus for the very limited staff capacity in the Active Travel Team has been to develop and deliver infrastructure projects across Argyll and Bute with a focus on our main towns and locations with strong community support. Active Travel Plans for Towns: There are Active Travel Plans in place for the main towns in Argyll and Bute, albeit some are now quite historic. The town Active Travel Plans focus on identifying potential active travel route networks for key towns. These provide a framework for the development of new active travel routes, which will enable and encourage residents, businesses and visitors to choose to travel more actively. No funding is currently
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS Community engagement to identify desire for future active travel improvements in Oban. secured to enable the Active Travel Plans for towns to be updated. Council Staff Travel Plan: At present it is not proposed to progress with development of a Council Staff Travel Plan. This is due to (a) requirement to make best use of limited internal staff capacity; and, (b) the ongoing uncertainty of longer-term staff profiles and bases. Staff Travel Plans focus on measures to make it easier and preferable for staff to choose to walk, cycle, use public transport or car share to commute to work or for work journeys, or use economical pool vehicles for work journeys. A travel plan should encourage staff to choose the most economical and least environmentally damaging travel mode. Engagement will be required with services which manage staff in buildings and/or council buildings as this is essential to creating deliverable and effective travel plans for staff. This includes Estates, HR, SMT and building users. It is recommended that work on the Council Staff Travel Plan is commenced after a decision has been made on future staff working patterns and office rationalisation as these will have a significant impact on the Council Staff and their
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS travel. There is currently no funding secured to enable this work to be progressed. PA1 – Review Council Flooding & Coastal Protection Policy (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Review of policy No specific funding in place, research required to impact on operation costs Reviews are in process. PA2 – Review Council Sustainable Procurement Policy (L) Procurement Review of policy No specific funding in place, research required to impact on operation costs This policy is reviewed on an annual basis. OFF1 – Develop opportunities for Carbon Offsetting with ACT and partners (L) Climate Change Board, ACT and partners Delivery of projects Limited funding via ACT for existing projects SSEN compensatory planting – Phase 1 and 2 complete at Kilmory with additional planting of a new community woodland to take place Dunbeg. ACT are currently undertaking habitat surveys in the Glenan Wood area in Cowal for a biodiversity net gain project supported by SSEN. This project would see 50 hectares of Rainforest cleared of invasive rhododendrons. Funding for full delivery tbc. ACT have entered agreement with Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition to plant 100,000 native trees in Argyll. over the coming 5 years. Sites are confirmed and legal agreements being finalised. This planting will offer opportunities for carbon credits for landowners.
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS ACT are working in partnership with the Community Planning Partnership and will be hosting a Climate Change Officer. Post has been advertised and interviews will take place in September ’23. Also working with partners to submit a proposal to host an Argyll Climate Action Hub (SSCAN ScotGov project). ACT undertaking peatland restoration on Islay, Jura and extending into mainland Argyll, supported by ScotGov’s Peatland Action and Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. In addition to the 2 Islay based jobs, we will be offering a 1- year trainee position in 2024. Carbon Literacy Training – ACTNow continuing to offer this service. A number of Councillors have indicated that they would like to undertake the training – funding tbc. A&BC Climate Change Officer working with ACT and Climate Change Board to discuss progressing towards being a Silver Accredited Carbon Literate Organisation. ACT delivering Bikes Back to the Community with the support of
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS Smarter Choices, Smarter Places funding. ACT has two electric bikes available for groups and businesses and Councillors/Council officers to trial. ACT has applied to Nature Restoration Fund which if awarded would achieve landscape scale rhododendron clearance in Knapdale. Outcome of bid due end Sept ‘23. ACT has led a bid on behalf of Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest to the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland – to facilitate private finance investment into habitat restoration. Outcome due September ’23. ACT has submitted Expression of Interest for asset transfer or lease of land adjacent to Kilmory Castle to establish a Woodland Enterprise Hub. With A&BC for consideration. ACT working with DRAX to develop STEM subjects outdoor learning programme. Also working with new groups at MAKI Pups nursery site to encourage new groups to enjoy outdoor activities and learning.
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS COMM1- Develop and deliver Communications Plan to support Decarbonisation Plan (L) Climate Change Board and Communications Team Delivery of Communications Plan Part of Communications Support External communications We continue to promote actions the council is taking, and actions that others can take, to develop climate- friendly Argyll and Bute. For example: Promoting easier recycling on Coll and Tiree HMPA SG consultation response Council calls for ban on single use disposable vapes Council and ATC nomination for Planning Awards for Argyll rainforest project Council achieves bronze carbon literate award Council calls for clarity on deposit return scheme Promotion of home efficiency projects – insulated over 160 households to date Landfill ban – request meeting with SG Minister Food waste service campaign to encourage more Helensburgh and Lomond residents to use their caddies – ‘Bucket Load of Good’ Promotion of ongoing Campbeltown Flood Prevention Scheme Free active travel apps
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS Hermitage Park green flag status Funding for additional EV charging points Increased funding announcement for Energy Efficiency Scheme Green Summer campaign – series of posts encouraging people to adopt small changes - School uniform recycling scheme - Plastic free picnics - International plastic free bag day - Shop Local - Reduce fast fashion - Active travel maps - National Marine Week - World Conservation Day New Campbeltown cycle path Dunoon active travel route consultation Helensburgh active travel route consultation Supporting Communities Fund. Highlighted Corporate Plan including climate action Built environment Planning Awards
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ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS COMM2 - Engage with community and partners and deliver Climate Change Directory for our region (L) Community Planning and Development Team Delivery of engagement map In place until end of financial year The CPP Climate Change signposting page is live https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/cpp- climate-change with further entries added as they are received. The dedicated Climate Change funding opportunities search, available through the signposting page, is conducted and an updated document produced on a regular basis. The Community Planning team established the CPP Climate Change Working Group which has developed a collaborative funding package and work to deliver a Climate Change Plan for the area. (see update on ACT and partners within this report) COMM3 - Monitor the delivery of actions in the Climate Change Action Plan and review in 2024 (L) Climate Change Board Review of this plan by December 2024 Monitored through Tracker to be submitted quarterly to Policy & Resources Committee. Completed – next review Dec 2024