16. Public Bodies Climate Change Duties
North Ayrshire Council · 28 October 2025
Back to Cabinet — 28 October 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 28 October 2025 Cabinet Title: Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report Purpose: To update Cabinet on the Council’s Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report 2024/25 submission. Recommendation: It is proposed that Cabinet notes the prepared Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report and approves its submission. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 There is a statutory requirement to report on the Council’s action on climate change to the Scottish Government. A standard template is used for all participating public bodies, and the proposed North Ayrshire 2024/25 report is attached at Appendix 1. 1.2 The report considers emissions released from Council services, along with evidence of governance, adaptation and procurement arrangements to support action on climate change. 1.3 Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions have been recorded and analysed to produce the overall emissions for North Ayrshire Council for 2024/25 which are 20,325 tCO2e. This is a reduction of 382 tCO2e on the previous year. However, it should be noted that ‘Working from home’ emissions have been included this year as we strive to include more Scope 3 emissions in the report. This added 449tCO2e to the total, therefore the like for like performance compared against last year is actually an improvement of 4%. 2. Background 2.1 Public bodies have statutory climate change duties under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for the impacts of climate change and to act sustainably. 2.2 The Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015 requires all public bodies to report on compliance with climate change duties outlined in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. This is actioned by completing the Public Bodies Climate Change Duty (PBCCD) reporting template, for submission to the Scottish Government via the Sustainable Scotland Network (SSN).
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2.3 The SSN administers the submission and analysis of reports to help guide future strategic reports, support mechanisms and policy. The Council has submitted PBCCD reports to SSN annually, since the first required reporting year 2015/16. 2.4 The PBCCD report seeks a range of climate action information relating to the previous financial year, from the reporting body. A standard reporting template is used for all public bodies to populate, with sections dedicated to the following topics: • Profile of body • Adaptation • Governance • Procurement • Emissions and Projects 2.5 Emission sources are categorised within three ‘scopes’ and these emission sources which are also mirrored within the Council’s internal estate emission reporting. Scope emissions were established through the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, as a way of measuring emissions arising from different sources. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from activities owned or controlled by the Council for example fuel use for heating and fleet vehicles. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, steam and cooling. Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions (not included in scope 2), arising from the procurement of goods and services from a third party or contractor, for example business travel in staff cars, waste, water use and procured goods or services. 2.6 Table 1 below provides a summary of the sources of emissions reported, and their scope. Table 1. Source emissions Source Fuel Scope Council non-domestic estate For example: • Schools (inc. PPP) • Libraries • Community Centres • Sheltered Housing Units • Offices • Depots Electricity • Purchased • Transmission & Distribution • Scope 2 • Scope 3 Gas • Scope 1 Water • Supply • Treatment • Scope 3 • Scope 3 Biomass • Scope 1 Oil • Scope 1
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KA Leisure estate LPG • Scope 1 Street Lighting Electricity • Purchased • Transmission & Distribution • Scope 2 • Scope 3 Waste • Waste to Landfill • Energy from Waste • Scope 3 • Scope 3 Transport • Diesel • Unleaded • HVO • Scope 1 • Scope 1 • Scope 1 Staff Travel • Average petrol • Scope 1 2.7 Scope 3 emissions are considered the most complex to monitor and report on. We currently report Scope 3 emissions for electricity (transmission and distribution), water (supply and treatment), municipal waste (to landfill and to combustion), and transport. This year, we have also included ‘working from home.’ 2.8 An area of future focus for 2025/26 will be on calculating emissions associated with procurement of goods and services, and supply chain emissions. This is a complex area and SSN are working on behalf of the public sector to identify a consistent approach to accurately calculate these emission sources for future reporting. Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report 2024/25 2.9 The PBCCD template for the 2024/25 reporting year has been completed with input from a number of Council services. The Council’s report requires to be submitted by 30th November 2025. The submission will be circulated amongst the Climate Change Steering Group members and be peer reviewed by East Ayrshire Council. The PBCCD submission will also be published on SSN’s website. 2.10 The reporting template can be viewed as Appendix 1, and some key highlights from the 2024/25 PBCCD report are as follows: Governance 2.11 With Climate Change being one of the Council’s key strategic priorities, governance on climate action is robust in North Ayrshire. The Sustainable North Ayrshire (SNA) and North Ayrshire Nature Network (NANN) strategies are the Council’s route map to net zero, with progress on actions reported to Cabinet and Audit and Scrutiny Committee as part of regular Council Plan progress updates, and monitored via the Council’s corporate performance platform. The SNA strategy sets out what we have achieved so far in our journey to net zero, and how we aim to achieve net zero by 2030. There are five areas of focus to help drive action on climate change, these are Energy, Nature, Transport, Waste and Adaptation. The strategy also contains nine strategic priorities, such as developing local low carbon energy generation schemes and taking a nature-based approach to protect our habitats and species. The two solar farm developments and community renewable energy projects demonstrate the Council’s commitment to decarbonisation. The NANN is the first local authority nature
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network strategy to be published in Scotland and is used as a best practice example with NatureScot. 2.12 The Climate Change Steering Group also acts as a sounding board and critical friend to support and challenge the implementation of the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy. Chaired by our Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, the steering group brings together various stakeholders from the emergency services, volunteer sector and local businesses to share and explore opportunities for area- wide decarbonisation. The five themes of the SNA strategy are used as discussion points, and the Improvement Service’s new Scottish Climate Intelligence Service will also be delivered in partnership with the CCSG. The North Ayrshire Biodiversity Partnership offers the same area-wide support and participation for the Nature Network strategy. 2.13 A number of climate action related strategies are referenced in the submission, demonstrating the breadth of action being undertaken across various services, for example the Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan, Corporate Procurement Strategy and Local Island Plans. Emissions 2.14 Emissions are calculated by converting fuel used into tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), using conversion factors published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. For 2024/25 the final outturn of emissions was 20,325tCO2e. This was calculated from the sources noted in Table 2 below: Table 2 – 2024/25 final outturn of annual emissions from Council estate. Source tCO2e Non-domestic estate (including PPP) 12,930 KA Leisure 1,858 Street Lighting 990 Waste 439 Transport 3,597 Staff Travel 62 Working from home 449 Total emissions 20,325 2.15 Emissions reported for PBCCD 2024/25 are a reduction of 382tCO2e from the previous year. 2.16 Please note that a new fuel source has been included in this year’s report which was not present in last year’s submission. ‘Working from home’ emissions have now been included as we strive to include more Scope 3 emissions in the report. This has added 449tCO2e to the total, therefore the like for like performance against last year is an improvement of 4%. 2.17 The Council have reduced carbon emissions by 70% since the baseline year of 2005/06 from 67,719tCO2e to 19,876CO2e, when excluding working from home.
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Adaptation 2.18 The Council has assessed current climate related threats as being one of our priority risks as reflected in our Strategic Risk Register. In the return, control measures for identified risks, such as flood protection and winter maintenance, have been highlighted along with the relevant strategies. 2.19 Examples are provided in this section of how the Council manages climate risk. The Local Development Plan 2 is evidenced as it aims for a North Ayrshire which is successful, sustainable, natural, resilient, more connected and low carbon. Flood protection schemes in the Upper Garnock Valley, Millport coast and the Largs Seawall are further examples given of adaptation measures in action. Procurement 2.20 Sustainable procurement is embedded within the Council’s procurement processes which has been highlighted within this section of the reporting template. The Procurement Strategy has an objective to tackle climate emergency and embrace a circular economy on our net-zero journey. There are actions to support this objective with performance reported within the Council’s Annual Procurement Report. 2.21 The Council adheres to the Scottish Government’s Sustainable Procurement Duty, utilising the Sustainable Procurement Tools and we procure contracts that reduce climate change impact and support adaptation. These contracts include renewable technologies, flood protection schemes and electrical vehicle charging infrastructure. 2.22 Evidence has been provided throughout the Council’s PBCCD 2024/25 Report, highlighting the successful delivery of a range of carbon reduction strategies and actions. Graph 1 below shows the journey of carbon emission reduction across the Council’s estate since 2005/06. Projected emissions for the remaining years to 2030 are shown in green. Works continue to be developed and carried out to reduce emissions as far as possible, whilst also contributing to carbon sequestration, through for example extensive tree planting, in order to achieve net zero. Graph 1 – Emissions from Council estate 2.23 As mentioned previously, the two solar farm developments are a significant move 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30 tCO 2e Year tCO2 from estate emissions
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towards decarbonisation of our local electricity network, as well as providing income to the Council. Supporting communities and the local environment are further benefits arising from this project. 4,000 trees will be planted on the Nethermains solar farm site, supporting the Tree Planting Strategy, which has seen the addition of 50,255 new trees to North Ayrshire. This not only helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but enhances our green spaces, supporting nature and realising the co- benefits of health and wellbeing. 2.24 The domestic energy efficiency programmes being delivered across North Ayrshire, such as the Area Based Scheme, Carbon Neutral Islands, ECO4 Flex and Energy Smart continue to support households to achieve affordable warmth and help reduce instances of fuel poverty. Energy audits undertaken across the non-domestic estate identify financial savings in utility costs, as well as carbon savings, and the promotion of sustainable behaviours in the workplace are often then practiced at home. A programme of Carbon Literacy training is also underway following the appointment of volunteer Climate Champions from various services across the Council. 2.25 The Council’s Reuse Partnership has proven to be extremely successful and has received funding via a successful bid to Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund. 2.26 Progress continues with decarbonising transport, with a partnership project with East and South Ayrshire Council, to deliver a further 307 EV charge points across Ayrshire, commencing in 2026. The officer Fleet Decarbonisation Group also seeks ways to effectively reduce emissions from essential transport vehicles, whilst maintaining high quality services to our communities. 2.27 Through our commitment to be net zero by 2030, we will continue to identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, increase financial savings and maximise the multiple co-benefits to be realised by undertaking action on climate change. 3. Proposals 3.1 It is proposed that Cabinet notes the prepared Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Report and approves its submission. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The Council is investing significantly in the journey to net zero, taking action on climate change and addressing the Climate Emergency. As we progress through 2025/26, the Capital Programme and allocated funds support a variety of decarbonisation projects and external funding is sought to enhance and complement existing finance, for both the non-domestic and domestic sectors. Human Resources 4.2 Action on climate change is undertaken using existing resource. Climate champions are being recruited from across Council services to support the delivery of climate information, share ideas and opportunities, and increase the level of carbon literacy throughout the Council.
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Legal 4.3 Under the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019, all public bodies in Scotland have a duty to contribute to the delivery of the net zero emissions target. The recently proposed Climate Change (Emissions Reduction) (Scotland) Bill will introduce carbon budgeting instead of an emissions reduction target. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The ambition to decarbonise heating systems and improve energy efficiency in all buildings contributes to our socio-economic duty by ensuring our homes and buildings are well insulated and energy efficient, making them cheaper to heat and reducing their emissions. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 The PBCCD report provides evidence of the Council’s net zero ambition and aspiration to tackle the issue of ‘heat and fleet’ whilst also addressing area-wide emissions and scope 3 reporting. Key Priorities 4.6 The works undertaken are in keeping with the aim ‘To achieve net-zero by 2030’ within the Council Plan 2023-28. Community Wealth Building 4.7 Community Wealth Building is at the heart of the Climate Change Steering Group and supported across its key stakeholders in the development and delivery of the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy with opportunities to work collaboratively being identified and actioned. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8 The report considers climate action undertaken on the Isle of Arran and Great Cumbrae. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9 None Consumer Duty 4.10 None
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5. Consultation 5.1 Progress updates have been provided from across various services for this report. RUSSELL McCUTCHEON Executive Director (Place) For further information please contact Laurence Cree, Head of Sustainability, Transport and Corporate Property, on (01294) 324514. Background Papers 0
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1 North Ayrshire Council 2024/25 PBCCDR Boundary Info Please answer all questions below with respect to the public body’s reporting boundary for the reporting period. The information is intended to improve data coverage and inform analysis, to help identify data gaps. There are 3 response options: YES – where data is available and is reported NA – where a category is irrelevant but no data is available NO – the category is not relevant Any points of clarification can be added in the comments field for the corresponding emission sources (s) in Table 3b on the Emissions tab. Category Select from drop down list Owned estate Are any buildings owned by the public body? Yes Natural Gas Is natural gas used to heat any of the owned estate Yes Other heating & fuels Are other heating fuels used on any of the owned estate Yes Managed services Are building services managed on behalf of another public body that shares or leases space? Yes Leased premises – public Are building services managed and provided by another public body? No Leased premises – private Are building services managed and provided by a private landlord? No Purchased heat and steam Is heat or steam purchased to supply any of the owned estate No Fleet and equipment Are any vehicles or fossil-fuelled machinery or equipment owned or leased, excludes short-term or infrequent hires? Yes Refrigerants/F-gases Are there any air conditioning or refrigeration systems that require refrigerant gas top-ups? No Medical gases Are medical gases used? Yes Business travel – private Do staff undertake business travel by private car? Yes Business travel – flights Do staff undertake any business travel by plane? No Homeworking Do staff work from home – including hybrid? Yes Supply chain Are any goods or services purchased? Yes Land use Are more than 10 hectares of land owned or managed for public services provision, including for research or recreation? Yes PART 1 Profile of Reporting Body 1a Name of reporting body Provide the name of the listed body (the ”body”) which prepared this report. North Ayrshire Council 1b Type of body Select from the options below Local Government
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2 1c Highest number of full-time equivalent staff in the body during the report year 6,560.81 1d Metrics used by the body Specify the metrics that the body uses to assess its performance in relation to climate change and sustainability. Metric Units Value Comments Other Tonnes 20,325tCO2e. North Ayrshire Council assesses its performance based on carbon emission reduction (tonnes). The Council's target, following the declaration of its Climate Emergency in 2019, is to be net zero carbon by 2030, in both the Council estate and region. This figure is an estimate and will be confirmed at the next data release. 1e Overall budget of the body Specify approximate £/annum for the report year. Budget Budget comments £455,788,000 Link to: Annual accounts 2024 to 2025 1f Report type Specify the report year type Report type Report year comments Financial/Calendar/Other 2024/25 1g Context Provide a summary of the body’s nature and functions that are relevant to climate change reporting. North Ayrshire covers an area of around 886 sq.km (mainland 441 sq.km, islands 445sq.km) and has a coastline of 225km (mainland 67km, islands 158km). North Ayrshire Council has a population of 133,570 based on National Records of Scotland Mid-2023 Population Estimates by Council Area in Scotland. North Ayrshire Council delivers public services throughout the region. There are 474 operational properties, 178 commercial/ industrial property assets and 296 non-housing property assets within the Council, together with a social housing stock of 13,410. The Council operates a fleet of 565 vehicles and plant registered for the road along with many other plant and machinery to support the delivery of services. North Ayrshire Council (NAC) spends approximately £300.5m each year across 30 different categories of goods, services and works, with over 3,400 suppliers, resulting in over 85,000 invoices. The Corporate Procurement Unit procures all contracts over £10K for supplies, services and works. PART 2 Governance, Management and Strategy Governance Management 2a How is climate change governed in the body? Provide a summary of the roles performed by the body’s governance bodies and members in relation to climate change. If any of the body’s activities in relation to climate change sit outside its own governance arrangements (in relation to, for example, land use, adaptation, transport, business travel, waste, information and communication technology, procurement or behaviour change), identify these activities and the governance arrangements. Provide a diagram / chart to outline the governance structure within the body.
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3 - The Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council is the most senior official and, along with members of the Executive Leadership Team, oversees delivery of all Council services. (Link to Chief Officers structure) - The Council's Cabinet is the main decision making body of the Council, which is Chaired by the Leader of the Council. Decisions of Cabinet may be subject to a call in to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee. - There is a Cabinet Member responsible for Green Environment and Economy, link to committee details: North Ayrshire Council Committees - North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) has Our Partnership Plan - Northayrshire Community (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan), which brings together public agencies to work in partnership with local communities, private and voluntary sector organisation to plan and deliver better services. The priorities of the CPP are Wellbeing, Work and World. There are six Locality Partnerships in North Ayrshire, link to six localities details Northayrshire Community which cover the whole local authority, aiming to reduce inequalities and enable communities to participate in decision making process. - Within the Place Directorate, the Sustainability Team has an Executive Director as the strategic lead for Climate Change and a Head of Service for Sustainability, Transport and Corporate Property. The Sustainability Team contributes to the creation of a cleaner and greener North Ayrshire by reducing the Council's carbon emissions. The Team manages, controls and monitors energy and water usage throughout the Council to promote efficiency. This Team leads on driving forward the sustainability agenda, working closely with a variety of Services across the Council and benefitting from support through all levels of the organisation. The sustainability agenda is across all Services, be that in engaging with young people in schools, the community and local businesses, or the financial impact on social health and wellbeing through reducing fuel poverty and enhancing our environment. - The Council established the Climate Change Steering Group in 2021, to act as a sounding board and critical friend to support and challenge the implementation of the fourth Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27 (link to strategy: Document.ashx) - The Council Plan 2023-28 (link to: Council Plan) sets out North Ayrshire Council’s mission: “Working together to improve the lives of our people in North Ayrshire” and aims to achieve this through four Strategic Priorities: Wellbeing, Communities and Local Democracy, Climate Change and A Sustainable Council. The aim of the Climate Change priority is “To achieve net zero by 2030”. - Greater Cumbrae carbon neutral island has developed its own community climate action plan which is a community record of existing knowledge and data and prioritises key actions towards achieving a carbon neutral and sustainable future by 2040. The project aims to demonstrate the climate-resilience to improve quality of life, create employment and improve the sustainability of the island. (Link to plan Draft 3 Great Cumbrae - Carbon Neutral Islands_CES_Victoria) - The Arran and Cumbrae Local Island Plans were developed with, and for, the island communities to drive the development of community, economic and environmental wellbeing with one aim, to support the transition towards Net Zero. (link to plans: Islands recovery and renewal) 2b How is climate change action managed and embedded in the body? Provide a summary of how decision-making in relation to climate change action by the body is managed and how responsibility to the body’s senior staff, department heads etc. If any such decision-making sits outside the body’s own governance arrangements (in relation to, for example, land use, adaptation, transport, business travel, waste, information and communication technology, procurement or behaviour change), identify how this is managed and how responsibility is allocated to the body’s senior staff, department heads etc. - The fourth Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27 was approved at Cabinet in December 2023 (link to strategy: Document.ashx ) We have five workstreams: Energy, Nature, Transport, Waste and Adaptation. The Action Plan forms part of the Strategy and requires input and leadership from different Services across the Council. Progress on the Action Plan is co-ordinated and monitored by the Sustainability Team within the Place Directorate and reported to the Sustainability Board. The Strategy acts as a single source for a number of different responsibilities and commitments in relation to sustainability, both within the Council's estate and North Ayrshire area wide. The Strategy highlights our target to be net zero by 2030 (based on a 2005 baseline year).
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4 - In response to the Climate Change and Nature emergency, the Council has an Executive Director as the strategic lead for Climate Change and a dedicated Head of Service for Sustainability, Transport and Corporate Property which brings together buildings and fleet as two key elements of our emissions. We have a Cabinet Member responsible for Green Environment and Economy. The Council's Chief Executive is SOLACE lead for climate change and the Chief Executive and Senior Manager, Sustainability are members of the Sustainable Scotland Network steering group. - The Council monitors progress on climate change activities through a performance management system, Pentana Risk. Performance reports are provided to the Executive Director (Place) and Head of Service (Sustainability, Transport & Corporate Property) on a quarterly basis for scrutiny and bi-annually to the Chief Executive and elected members. Six Monthly Council Plan information is made available on the Council’s website, link to: Council performance. Each action within the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy is reported on a quarterly basis, internally to the Head of Service (Sustainability, Transport & Corporate Property). - Our Climate Change Steering Group meets three times a year to oversee implementation of our Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy. Within the Climate Change Steering Group there are five subgroups, one for each of our workstreams, which meet three times a year. Progress is also reported to the Sustainability Board. -A Project Board is in place as an important part of the Council's governance of capital projects with direct implications for sustainability. Action on climate change is further embedded within the organisation with our #SustainableNA campaign. - North Ayrshire Council Committee Meetings and Minutes, link to: North Ayrshire Council Committees & Meetings - Our Committee Reports include a consideration in the covering report on climate change and carbon.
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5 2c Does the body have specific climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives in its corporate plan or similar document? Provide a brief summary of objectives if they exist. Wording of Objective Name of Document Document Link The Council Plan 2023-28, sets out North Ayrshire Council’s our Mission Working together to improve the lives of our people in North Ayrshire and our Vision A North Ayrshire that is fair for all and aims to achieve this through four Strategic Priorities: Wellbeing, Communities and Local Democracy, Climate Change and A Sustainable Council. The Strategic Aim of the Climate Change priority is “To achieve net zero by 2030”. Council Plan 2023-28 Council Plan Acts as a single source for a number of different responsibilities and commitments in relation to sustainability, both within the Council's estate and North Ayrshire area wide. The Strategy highlights our target to be net zero by 2030 (based on a 2005 baseline year). The Strategy provides an overview of work that has taken place to tackle climate change and sets out the journey ahead through implementation of nine strategic priorities, five workstreams, specific project actions and a Carbon Footprint and Project Register. Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27 Document.ashx To take action on decarbonising heat, improving levels of energy efficiency, investigating heat network options to assist in the delivery of net zero emissions and reduce fuel poverty across North Ayrshire. Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy Appendix Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy - delivery plan 2024 to 2029 To deliver on our ambitions to become a carbon neutral Council and ensure a green and Just Transition for North Ayrshire. Utilise our land and property assets to support a green transition including active travel routes and developing low carbon and renewable energy schemes and networks, such as Nethermains and Shewalton Solar PV farms. Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024-27 north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document- library/cwb-strategy.pdf The Council will support electric vehicle adoption. Encouraging the uptake of EVs is fundamental to tackling climate change issues and reducing traffic pollution and improving the quality of life of people who live, work and visit North Ayrshire. Electric Vehicle Strategy 2021-25 Electric vehicle strategy 2021 to 2025 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Investment in Ayrshire. Utilising external funding, a ‘pathfinder’ business case, jointly undertaken with East and South Ayrshire Councils, has been prepared which provides recommendations on the scope, locations, delivery model and funding arrangements for a significant expansion of the public EV charging network in Ayrshire. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Investment in Ayrshire (EV Pathfinder Project) Document.ashx Building wealth for everyone in Ayrshire by creating opportunities for those who want to live, work, learn and invest in the region. Ayrshire has the potential to take a leading role in Scotland's economy. One of the six priorities is: Enhancing Natural Capital to meet Scotland’s commitments to net zero and protection of biodiversity. Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy 2023- 33 Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy
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6 Wording of Objective Name of Document Document Link Vision: Arran has responded to the diverse and unique challenges faced over the last decade, demonstrating resilience, passion and innovation in achieving a successful island in balance of economic, community and environmental wellbeing. The Mission is that Arran will be an inclusive and green island economy with a vibrant, engaged, ambitious and resourceful island community who are pioneering in the transition of Arran to net zero by 2030. Three key themes are Economy, Community and Environment. Arran 10 year Strategic Island Plan arran-local-island-plan Vision: Cumbrae is a more sustainable and accessible island with improved infrastructure, transport and housing provision. Three key themes are Economy, Community and Environment. Key priorities include climate action and sustainability, protection of the natural environment, flood protection and build& natural environment. Cumbrae 10 year Strategic Island Plan cumbrae-local-island-plan Carbon Neutral Island. The community climate action plan prioritises key actions towards achieving a carbon neutral and sustainable future by 2040. The project aims to demonstrate climate-resilience and low carbon potential of islands. The Plan is to improve the quality of life, create employment and improve the sustainability of the community. Cumbrae Community Climate Action Plan Draft 3 Great Cumbrae - Carbon Neutral Islands_CES_Victoria Actions include regenerating the natural environment, empowering communities to play their part and improving habitat quality for wildlife. The objective is to halt biodiversity loss and be nature positive by 2030. Nature Networks connect nature-rich sites, restoration areas and other environmental projects through a series of areas of suitable habitat, habitat corridors and stepping stones. North Ayrshire Nature Network Strategy north-ayrshire-nature-network-nann- strategy Vision for improving transport and travel in North Ayrshire. Enhancing the transport network is a key driver for: improving the local economy, improving the environment, increasing social inclusion, and delivering health benefits for all. Contributes to addressing climate change and reducing inequalities. Local Transport and Active Travel Strategy (LTATS) 2023 – 2028 Local_Transport_Active_Travel_Strategy_ NAC_2528 The strategic ambition is for people to live in the right homes, in great places, with access to any support services they need. Four overarching outcomes have been established which have been agreed with local people and align to the four key strategies in the Scottish Government’s ‘Housing to 2040’ strategy: More homes at the heart of great places, Affordability and choice, Affordable warmth and zero emissions and Improving the quality of our homes. Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 Document.ashx North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) brings together public agencies to work in partnership with local communities, private and voluntary sector organisation to plan and deliver better services. The priorities of the CPP are Wellbeing, Work and World. The World priority objective is we will work together to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. We will increase active travel. We will increase carbon literacy within our organisations and communities. One of the three key North Ayrshire Partnership Plan 2022-30 (Local Outcomes Improvement Plan) Our Partnership Plan - Northayrshire Community
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7 Wording of Objective Name of Document Document Link themes of the North Ayrshire Partnership Plan (Local Outcome Improvement Plan) is "World." This theme represents the commitment of the Community Planning Partnership to collaborate more closely and effectively in efforts to reduce carbon emissions and address the impacts of climate change. Within this priority, there are three key themes: • Collaborating to reduce carbon emissions, with annual reporting on the number of publicly available electric vehicle charging points and the total carbon emissions (measured in tonnes). • Promoting Active Travel, with annual reporting on participant numbers in activities via the active travel hub and feedback from the peoples panel survey. • Enhancing Carbon Literacy, with annual reporting on training opportunities provided across the partnership organisations. Together, these outcomes reflect our shared commitment to creating a sustainable and resilient North Ayrshire. The Strategic Housing Improvement Plan (SHIP) mirrors the format of Housing to 2040 and sets out four overarching outcomes which align to the four key strategies in Housing to 2040. One of the key strategies is that our homes are energy efficient and release less emissions. Strategic Housing Improvement Plan 2025 - 30 Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2d Does the body have a climate change plan or strategy? If yes, provide the name of any such document and details of where a copy of the document may be obtained or accessed. Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024/27: link to strategy: Document.ashx 2e Does the body have any plans or strategies covering the following areas that include climate change? Provide the name of any such document and the timeframe covered. Topic area Name of document Link Time period covered Comments Adaptation Council Plan 2023-28 North Ayrshire Partnership Plan (Local Outcome Improvement Plan) 2022-30 Local Development Plan2 2019-39 Council Plan LOIP 2023 ldp2 2023-28 2022-30 2019-39
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8 Topic area Name of document Link Time period covered Comments Local Place Plans SEPA Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan (Ayrshire Local Plan District) 2022-28 Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan 2018 Local Place Plans Flood Risk Management Plans | SEPA Local Flood Risk Management Plan ayrshire-smp ongoing 2021-27 2022-28 2018+ The Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan identifies area-wide and location-specific measures that responsible flood authorities should lead on in order to: avoid increasing flood risk, improve understanding of flood risk, prepare for current flood risk and future flooding, and to reduce the risk of flooding. The Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan (2022) provides further information about the implementation of the measures contained in the Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan (2021) A successful funding application to the Coastal Change Adaptation Programme in 2024 will allow for the Shoreline Management Plan to be updated to take account of the interim guidance issued by the Scottish Government on Coastal Change Adaptation Plans. Two Local Coastal Change Adaptation Plans (CCAP) are expected to be published in 2025 before further areas are considered. This follow-on work is planned to be delivered in conjunction with South Ayrshire Council. Staff Travel Travel Hierarchy Flowchart Car Club northayrshirecouncil.sharepoint.com/sites/ PayExpensesPensions/Shared Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fs ites%2FPayExpensesPensions%2FShare d Documents%2FTravel- Flowchart%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FP ayExpensesPensions%2FShared Documents Car Club Ongoing Ongoing
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9 Topic area Name of document Link Time period covered Comments Worklife Balance Policy Workstyles and Agile Working Staff Green Car Scheme Staff Cycle to Work Scheme https://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/documents/work-life- balance-policy Workstyles Employee benefits Employee benefits April 2024 onwards July 2024 onwards Ongoing Ongoing Business Travel Travel Hierarchy Flowchart Car Club Worklife Balance Policy Workstyles and Agile Working northayrshirecouncil.sharepoint.com/sites/ PayExpensesPensions/Shared Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fs ites%2FPayExpensesPensions%2FShare d Documents%2FTravel- Flowchart%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FP ayExpensesPensions%2FShared Documents Car Club https://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/documents/work-life- balance-policy Workstyles Ongoing Ongoing April 2024 onwards July 2024 onwards Energy Efficiency Council Plan Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy Local Housing Strategy 2023-28 Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2025- 2030 Council Plan Document.ashx Local Housing Strategy Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2023-28 2024-27 2023-28 2025-30
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10 Topic area Name of document Link Time period covered Comments Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy Appendix Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy - delivery plan 2024 to 2029 23/1/24 – 31/12/28 Fleet Transport Local Transport and Active Travel Strategy (LTATS) 2023 – 2028 Fleet Asset Management Plan Electric Vehicle Strategy 2021-25 Local_Transport_Active_Travel_Strategy_ NAC_2528 Internal document Electric vehicle strategy 2021 to 2025 2023-28 2024/25 2021-25 ICT Digital North Ayrshire Strategy 2023- 28 Digital Strategy 2023 to 2028 2023-28 Renewable Energy Council Plan 2023-28 Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27 Policy for Community Benefits from Renewable Energy Development Council Plan Document.ashx Policy for community benefits from renewable energy development 2023-28 2024-27 Ongoing Sustainable / renewable heat Council Plan 2023-28 Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27 Council Plan Document.ashx 2023-28 2024-27 Waste management Council Plan 2023-28 Zero Waste Strategy 2018-22 Implementation Update Council Plan Document.ashx 2023-28 2018-22 Officers are working closely with COSLA, SOLACE and Scottish Government through a co-design process, to develop the key policy and actions, including a revised statutory Code of Practice for Household Waste Recycling, which are being taken forward as part of a new Circular Economy and Waste Route Map for Scotland. The Route Map and the revised Code of Practice (expected by the end of 2026) will be key in informing the development of the Council's new Zero Waste Strategy to explore further opportunities for improving reuse and recycling performance.
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11 Topic area Name of document Link Time period covered Comments Plastic Waste Prevention Action Plan 2018 report-template-general 2018 onwards The Single-Use Plastic Prevention Strategy continues to progress. The Waste Service continues to work alongside the Energy and Sustainability Service and other key council services to implement initiatives to reduce single-use plastics across the council. Water and sewerage Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan Ayrshire Local Plan District 2022- 28 Water Safety Policy Saltcoats, Ardrossan, Stevenston & Kilwinning (SASK) Surface Water Management Plan (2021) and the Irvine Surface Water Management Plan (2020) Local Flood Risk Management Plan Water safety policy 2022-28 Ongoing 2020+ The Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan describes the implementation of flood risk management measures by responsible flood authorities including Scottish Water and North Ayrshire Council. The purpose of this plan is to reduce and manage surface water flood risk in the ‘SASK’ area. Some of the recommendations can be prioritised as measures in the Flood Risk Management Plan (2021) and Local Flood Risk Management Plan (2022) but there is also scope for recommendations to be delivered by prospective developers, existing occupiers etc. Land Use Council Plan Local Biodiversity Action Plan Opens Space Strategy North Ayrshire’s 2030 Woodland: A Tree Planting Strategy Adopted Local Development Plan 2 Local Place Plans Core Paths Plan Council Plan Document.ashx Open space strategy North Ayrshire's 2030 Woodland ldp2 Local Place Plans Core paths plan 2023-28 2019-31 2016-26 to 2030 2019-39 ongoing 2009 onwards
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12 Topic area Name of document Link Time period covered Comments Adaptation Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024-27 Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy (Draft) Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy Regeneration Delivery Plan 2021-26 Arran Local Island Plan 2022-32 Cumbrae Local Island Plan 2022-32 Corporate Procurement Strategy 2023-26 north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document- library/cwb-strategy.pdf vdl-strategy Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy Document.ashx arran-local-island-plan cumbrae-local-island-plan Procurement Strategy 2023 to 2026 2024-27 2023-27 2023-33 2021-26 2022-32 2022-32 2023-26 The Annual Procurement Report 2024/25 sets out how the Council meets the objectives within the Corporate Procurement Strategy. The report includes a dedicated section on Climate Change and Sustainability, link to report: Annual Procurement Report 2024/2025 Land Use Ayrshire & Arran Forestry and Woodland Strategy Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan (Ayrshire Local Plan District) Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan 2018 North Ayrshire Nature Network Strategy Vacant and Derelict Land (DRAFT) Local Development Plan Scheme 2024 Tree and Woodland Management Policy Ayrshire and Arran Forest and Woodland Strategy 2014 Local Flood Risk Management Plan ayrshire-smp north-ayrshire-nature-network-nann- strategy vdl-strategy Development Plan Scheme Tree and woodland management policy 2014 onwards 2022-28 2018 onwards 2024-45 2023 – 27 Ongoing Ongoing The Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan (2022) includes an area-wide action on land use planning. Local authorities, SEPA and Scottish Water all have a responsibility under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 to support sustainable flood risk management through the land use planning process. The Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan (2018) identifies the preferred policies for shoreline management over the short, medium and long term and describes the actions required to support the preferred policies. This is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and
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13 Topic area Name of document Link Time period covered Comments Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) National Planning Framework 4 National Planning Framework 4 2025+ should also help to inform Local Development Plan spatial strategies etc. The North Ayrshire Strategic Flood Risk Assessment was completed in 2025 and was accepted by SEPA. This plan should help support the development of the 3rd Ayrshire Local Development Plan.
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14 2f What are the body’s top 5 priorities for climate change governance, management and strategy for the year ahead? Provide a brief summary of the body’s areas and activities of focus for the year ahead. Our priorities for the year ahead include: - Implementation of North Ayrshire Nature Network Strategy throughout North Ayrshire including taking part in the pilot project with Green Action Trust for Ayrshire’s Pollinator Network by issuing free Pollinator Packs for residents and mapping the Council’s nature network. - Nethermains solar farm to produce electricity by the end of 2025. - Undertake a heat network feasibility study identified from our Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy Development Plan. - Launch our energy consumption dashboard to highlight high users and implement energy saving measures to help reduce consumption and costs. - Complete community climate change action plans for each locality, building on the Stevenston Climate Action Town Project including the islands and deliver community carbon literacy training. - Conclude the North Ayrshire biodiversity audit which will help deliver a bespoke GIS Map with polygons which will highlight provide evidence and context for the 2026 refresh of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and cross boundary working. - Develop a battery storage pilot scheme in non-domestic buildings to maximise the use of existing roof mounted solar PV, helping support local energy networks - Investigate of the feasibility of a green hydrogen generation project using landfill gas, through the Energy Technology Partnership. - Prioritise actions through project pathfinder approaches for decarbonisation of domestic and non-domestic buildings and vehicles to bring scale and pace to emissions reduction 2g Has the body used the Climate Change Assessment Tool (a) or equivalent to self-asses its capability / performance? If yes, please provide the details of the key findings and resultant action taken. (a) This refers to the tool developed by Resource Efficient Scotland for self-assessing an organisation’s capability / performance in relation to climate change. In 2024/25 the Climate Change Assessment Tool was completed. The results were as follows: - Governance: 96% (2024 result was 93%, 2023 result was 96%, 2022 result was 96%, 2021 result was 93%, 2020 result was 75%, 2019 result was 71%, 2018 result was 64%, 2017 result was 54%, 2016 result was 36%) - Emission: 93% (2024 results was 97%, 2023 result was 90%, 2022 result was 87%, 2021 result was 83%, 2020 result was 73%, 2019 result was 73%, 2018 result was 73%, 2017 result was 67%, 2016 result was 57%) - Adaptation: 93% (2024 result was 93%, 2023 result was 96%, 2022 result 93%, 2021 result was 86%, 2020 result was 79%, 2019 result was 61%, 2018 result was 39%, 2017 result was 18%, 2016 result was 11%) - Behaviour: 70% (2024 results was 65%, 2023 result was 65%, 2022 result was 50%, 2021 result was 45%, 2020 result was 35%, 2019 result was 50%, 2018 result was 50%, 2017 result was 40%, 2016 result was 25%) - Procurement: 56% (2024 result 56%, 2023 result was 44%, 2022 result was 31%, 2021 result was 31%, 2020 result was 25%, 2019 result was 25%, 2018 result was 25%, 2017 result was 25%, 2016 result was 25%) - Overall: 85% ( 2024 result 84%, 2023 result was 83%, 2022 result was 77%, 2021 result was 73%, 2020 result was 62%, 2019 result was 60%, 2018 result was 53%, 2017 result was 43%, 2016 result was 32%)
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15 It is evident that there are areas for improvement within Behaviour and Procurement. The Council’s overall score of 85% has improved since the 2024 survey which achieved 84%, compared with 83% in 2023, 77% in 2022, 73% in 2021, 62% in 2020, 60% in 2019, 53% in 2018, 43% in 2017 and 32% in 2016. In 2025, we undertook our third Adaptation Capability Framework assessment using the new framework. This involved collection of information across the Council and a cross Council workshop. The evidence gathered, scores and RAG Status of tasks were collated and reviewed by attendees at a cross Council workshop. Following the workshop, final evidence, scoring and RAG Status for the actions were recorded on the Framework and the Benchmarking Tool. This helped us identify how well we are progressing adaptation actions and also to highlight potential areas for improvement. As this is the first year using the new framework, the scoring for each capability at each progressive level, together with the overall score will be used as the baseline figure to monitor and track our adaptation progress. 2h Supporting information about best practice Provide any other relevant supporting information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to governance, management and strategy. -Our Chief Executive is the Climate Change Lead for SOLACE and the Council’s Chief Executive and the Senior Manager, Sustainability are members of the Sustainable Scotland Network Steering Group. - We actively participated and promoted World Environment Day 5th June 2024, Enviromenstrual Week 21 to 25 October 2024, Earth Hour 22nd March, Great Big Green Week 8th to 16th June 2024, Outdoor for Wellbeing 18 & 19 July 2024 and Earth Day 22nd April. We attended Cumbrae Climate Festival 24th April 2024. We held a workshop for Biodiversity & Sustainability Week (energy day) at Eglinton Park 16th October 2024. -The Energy & Sustainability team joined Youth Services and attended the Outdoors for Wellbeing camp week in July 2024. The Team ran two successful sessions, and 26 young people were involved and got to enjoy and learn the benefits of our outdoor spaces in Eglinton Park. The event helped raise awareness and learning of issues surrounding sustainability with young people whilst enjoying the outdoor space. This included a number of interactive activities such as: Sustainability scavenger hunt around the park, timeline of biodegradability activity, what goes in each bin? (to learn about waste and recycling) and an outdoor sustainability & climate change group quiz. - The Council continues to provide vital support to help residents access vital grants and receive money-saving energy advice and measures within the Energy Smart (emergency response) projects. - As part of the Energy & Sustainability Team’s ambition to support carbon reduction and increase awareness of climate change action, we have been delivering energy and sustainability lessons to primary schools. The lessons consist of topics such as: Energy, Sustainability, Climate Change, Global Warming, Biodiversity, Waste and Transport. We have a range of interactive activities: Renewable Energy Kit - this demonstrates the production of electricity using solar and wind power. Schools and pupils create their own ‘Climate Change Action Plan.’ 16 schools were involved, we delivered 37 lessons and worked with 887 pupils. Delivered an online Climate Change Live Lesson to primary schools 7th October 2024. - The NAC Corporate Procurement Unit develop sustainability case studies to showcase the positive effects procurement has on the environment and society. These case studies include Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme, Modular Construction for Bungalows and HVO Fuel which are available on the Scottish Government Sustainable Procurement Tools website link: Sustainable Procurement
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16 - NAC Procurement also develop sustainability case studies, which are included in Annual Procurement Reports: Annual Procurement Report 2024/2025 and includes: Construction of 50 New Build Council Houses at the Site of the Former Garnock Academy, Construction of Council Houses at the Former Ayrshire Central Maternity Hospital and Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Electric Charging Equipment. - Flood Team’s consultants (Royal HaskoningDHV) presented their findings from the coastal studies for Irvine and Stevenston at the Scotland's Flood Resilience Conference in 2025. - Irvine Royal Academy and Millport PS pupils took part in Scotland’s Flood Resilience Conference on 28 & 29 January 2025 by giving their experiences of flooding / sustainability / climate change and how it impacts them and how they feel about the future. Session was led by NAC’s STEM co-ordinator. -North Ayrshire parents were able to learn about sustainability to enhance job opportunities by supporting local businesses with the net Zero Nation Accelerator programme. Step into Sustainable Business created carbon account administrator roles which offered a 6-month placement. Recruits worked towards and SVQ in Business and Administration. - Cumbrae Primary School participated in the first round of ‘Climate 180’ training with Learning through Landscapes. This is an initiative to empower children and young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in positive changes in relation to climate change. - Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Climate Ready Classrooms Primary programme, 437 Primary 5 to 7 learners participated the programme and created climate action plans. - A 1km Woodland Trail co-created by North Ayrshire Ranger Service, supported by North Ayrshire Neighbourhood Services and the North Ayrshire STEM team opened and includes finding five topic boards that help local people connect with nature, explore the outdoors and learn about the world around them. - Energy Support Grant offers payments of up to £500 to residents who are at risk of being cut off, have a low income and are at risk of fuel debt. - Energy Smart aims to improve the energy efficiency of privately owned properties of those on a low income by funding and installing efficiency measures. Measures include free loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, LED bulbs, draft proofing, temperature controls, or electric storage heaters. - West Kilbride PS wildflower meadow to protect bees and support the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Ayrshire Nature Network. - Allotments and growers across North Ayrshire continued to supply the 16 community larders with fresh fruit and vegetables from their annual harvests. This is part of the Fairer Food network in North Ayrshire and helps alleviate food poverty and reduce food waste in the local area. In addition, this year saw the creation of six pilot community growing spaces within the Three Towns locality which was developed and supported by The Three Towns Growers. - Trees and plants that are native to North Ayrshire are being grown through an ambitious partnership project. A plant and tree nursery has been established within Eglinton Country Park, as part of the Ayrshire Nectar Network to ensure that the future of many local plant and tree species are being protected. - Scottish Government published the national household waste recycling performance figures for the 2023 calendar year on 29th October 2024, and the Council continues to be one of the top performing councils with a recycling rate of 56.1%, making the council the 3rd highest performing in Scotland. Recycling performance has increased from 55.3% in 2022 (4th place). The average recycling rate in Scotland for 2023 was 43.5%.
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17 - Staff were offered free trees to help support the Council’s climate change priority to achieve net zero. The Council’s Arboriculture Officer chose a native sapling for planting in staff’s gardens or to donate it to a community woodland. Home planted trees can be registered on the North Ayrshire’s 2030 woodland portal: North Ayrshire's 2030 Woodland - Over 2,000 trees were planted at Milgarholm Park as part of the Council’s initiative to plant 108,000 trees by 2030. Tree planting is part of the Council’s wider North Ayrshire Nature Network (NANN) Strategy, driving actions like regenerating the natural environment, empowering communities to play their part and improving habitat quality for wildlife. - The Council’s Biodiversity Officer captures volunteer time attending meetings and events which is then used as Return on Investment, In kind. Calculation of volunteer/participants time follow the National Lottery Heritage Fund calculation valued at a standard rate of £20 per hour. PART 3 Corporate Emissions, Targets and Project Data Emissions 3a Emissions from the start of the year which the body uses as a baseline (for its carbon footprint) to the end of the report year Complete the following table using the greenhouse gas emissions total for the body calculated on the same basis as for its annual carbon footprint / management reporting or, where applicable, its sustainability reporting. Include greenhouse gas emissions from the body’s estate and operations (a) (measured and reported in accordance with Scopes 1 & 2 and, to the extent applicable, selected Scope 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (b). If data is not available for any year from the start of the baseline year to the end of the report year, provide an explanation in the comments column. (a) No information is required on the effect of the body on emissions which are not from its estate and operations. (b) This refers to “The greenhouse gas protocol. A corporate accounting and reporting standard (revised edition),” World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Geneva, Switzerland / World Resources Institute, Washington DC, USA (2004), ISBN: 1-56973-569-9 SELECT APPROPRIATE BASELINE YEAR. TOTAL EMISSIONS IN THE MOST RECENT FOOTPRINT YEAR IN THIS QUESTION SHOULD EQUAL TOTAL EMISSIONS IN Q3B Reference Year Year Year Type Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total Units Comments Baseline Year 2005/06 Financial/Calendar/ Other - - - - - Year 1 Carbon Footprint 2006/07 Financial/Calendar/ Other 22,518 14,778 29,995 67,291 tCO2e Year 2 Carbon Footprint 2007/08 Financial/Calendar/ Other 23,428 14,469 28,892 66,789 tCO2e Year 3 Carbon Footprint 2008/09 Financial/Calendar/ Other 21,938 15,480 25,889 63,307 tCO2e Year 4 Carbon Footprint 2009/10 Financial/Calendar/ Other 21,517 18,508 23,309 63,334 tCO2e Year 5 Carbon Footprint 2010/11 Financial/Calendar/ Other 21,083 18,390 22,014 61,487 tCO2e Year 6 Carbon Footprint 2011/12 Financial/Calendar/ Other 19,006 18,415 19,808 57,229 tCO2e Year 7 Carbon Footprint 2012/13 Financial/Calendar/ Other 20,617 18,862 18,411 57,890 tCO2e
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18 Reference Year Year Year Type Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3 Total Units Comments Year 8 Carbon Footprint 2013/14 Financial/Calendar/ Other 20,057 19,415 17,802 57,274 tCO2e Year 9 Carbon Footprint 2014/15 Financial/Calendar/ Other 17,834 17,539 17,405 52,778 tCO2e Scope 1 includes 6tCO2 for biomass Year 10 Carbon Footprint 2015/16 Financial/Calendar/ Other 18,694 15,827 16,343 50,864 tCO2e Scope 1 includes108tCO2 for biomass Year 11 Carbon Footprint 2016/17 Financial/Calendar/ Other 16,551 13,983 16,538 47,072 tCO2e Scope 1 includes 202tCO2 for biomass Year 12 Carbon Footprint 2017/18 Financial/Calendar/ Other 16,956 11,410 15,394 43,760 tCO2e Scope 1 includes 262tCO2 for biomass Year 13 Carbon Footprint 2018/19 Financial/Calendar/ Other 14,334 8,644 15,557 38,535 tCO2e Scope 1 includes 135tCO2 for biomass Year 14 Carbon Footprint 2019/20 Financial/Calendar/ Other 13,451 7,213 6,349 27,013 tCO2e Scope 1 includes 123tCO2 for biomass Year 15 Carbon Footprint 2020/21 Financial/Calendar/ Other 13,186 5,589 1,967 20,742 tCO2e Year 16 Carbon Footprint 2021/22 Financial/Calendar/ Other 14,058 5,948 1,788 21,794 tCO2e Includes KA Leisure and PPP emissions Year 17 Carbon Footprint 2022/23 Financial/Calendar/ Other 13,809 5,524 1,406 20,739 tCO2e Includes KA Leisure and PPP emissions Year 18 Carbon Footprint 2023/24 Financial/Calendar/ Other 13,763 5,634 1,310 20,707 tCO2e Includes KA Leisure and PPP emissions Year 19 Carbon Footprint 2024/25 Financial/Calendar/ Other 13,081 5,729 1,515 20,325 tCO2e Includes KA Leisure and PPP emissions 3b Breakdown of emission sources Complete the following table with the breakdown of emission sources from the body’s most recent carbon footprint (greenhouse gas inventory); this should correspond to the last entry in the table in 3 (a) above. Use the “Comments” column to explain what is included within each category of emission source entered in the first column. If there is no data consumption available for an emission source enter the emissions in kgCO2e in the “consumption” column of one of the “Other rows” and assign the scope and emission factor of 1. (a) Emission factors are published annually by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Emission Factor Year 2024 You can filter emission sources by “type” in column C to enable quicker selection of emission source in column D. See the list in the Emissions Tab. User defined emission sources can be entered in rows 131 onwards. Please only use these if you cannot find a relevant emission source in the dropdown list or you have a bespoke emission factor or non-standard derivation of emissions e.g. based on a survey/consumption data. If you require extra rows in the table please send the template to ccreporting@ed.ac.uk Emission Type Emission source Scope Consumption Data Units Emission Factor Units Emissions (tCO2e) Comments Electricity Electricity: UK Scope 2 27,670,231 kWh 0.20705 kgCO2e/kWh 5,729.12133
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19 Emission Type Emission source Scope Consumption Data Units Emission Factor Units Emissions (tCO2e) Comments Electricity Transmission and distribution – Electricity: UK Scope 3 27,670,231 kWh 0.01830 kgCO2e/kWh 506.36523 Fuels Natural gas Scope 1 50,326,926 kWh 0.18290 kgCO2e/kWh 9,204.79477 Fuels Gas oil Scope 1 52,077 Litres 2.75541 kgCO2e/litres 143.49349 Water Water supply Scope 3 241,250 Cubic metres 0.08000 kgCO2e/cubic metres 19.30000 Water Water treatment Scope 3 229,188 Cubic metres 0.17000 kgCO2e/cubic metres 38.96196 Bioenergy Wood chips Scope 1 8,730,625 kWh 0.01132 kgCO2e/kWh 98.83068 Bioenergy Wood pellets Scope 1 1,528,401 kWh 0.01132 kgCO2e/kWh 17.30150 Waste Household/ Municipal / Domestic waste – Landfill Scope 3 526 Tonnes 497.04416 kgCO2e/tonnes 261.44523 Waste Household/ Municipal / Domestic – Combustion Scope 3 27,738 Tonnes 6.41061 kgCO2e/tonnes 177.81750 Fuels Diesel (average biofuel blend) Scope 1 1,355,813 Litres 2.51279 kgCO2e/litres 3,406.87335 Fuels Petrol (average biofuel blend) Scope 1 89,996 Litres 2.08440 kgCO2e/litres 187.58766 Transport – car Average car – Petrol Scope 3 231,067 Miles 0.26860 kgCO2e/miles 62.06460 Fuels LPG Scope 1 12,767 Litres 1.55713 kgCO2e/litres 19.87988 Homeworking Homeworking (office equipment & heating) Scope 3 1,345,665.9 FTE Working hours 0.3378 kgCO2e/FTE working hours 449.15636 1841.36 FTE x 52.2 weeks x 35 hours / 5 days x 2 days Other Other (please specify in comments) Scope 1 71,939 Litres 0.0355800 kgCO2e/litres 2.560 HVO used in fleet vehicles as a replacement for diesel Total emissions 20,325.553 3c Generation, consumption and export of renewable energy. Provide a summary of the body’s annual renewable generation (if any), and whether it is used or exported by the body Technology Renewable Electricity Renewable Heat Total consumed by the body (kWh) Total exported (kWh) Total consumed by the body (kWh) Total exported (kWh) Comments Biomass 10,259,026 Biomass boilers are installed in Council owned properties, including schools, sheltered housing complexes and outdoor education centres. Solar PV 754,123 48,218 Roof-mounted solar PV supports the Council's objective to decarbonise our non-domestic buildings.
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20 3d Organisational targets List all the body’s targets of relevance to its climate change duties. Where applicable, targets for reducing indirect emissions of greenhouse gases, overall carbon targets and any separate land use, energy efficiency, waste, water, information and communication technology, transport, travel and heat targets should be included. Where applicable, you should also provide the body’s target date for achieving zero direct emissions of greenhouse gases, or such other targets that demonstrate how the body is contributing to Scotland achieving its emissions reduction targets. Name of target Type of target Target Units Boundary / scope of target Year used as baseline Baseline figure Units of baseline Target completion year Progress against target Comments Overall carbon Emissions (Tonnes) Annual Net zero tCO2e reduction All emissions 2005/06 67,719 Tonnes 2029/30 20,325 Actual is 20,325tCO2e against a 2024/25 target of 19,953tCO2e. This figure is an estimate and will be confirmed at the next data release. Though slightly adrift of target the overall trend is a steady decrease in emissions. Emissions from Council owned buildings (electricity, gas, water, oil, LPG and biomass), street lighting, waste, transport and staff travel. KA Leisure buildings’ energy use and PPP schools’ energy use is also included. Total installed capacity of low carbon heat and electricity generation across the Council’s estate Annual 28,499 Other (please specify in comments) Energy use in buildings 2017/18 9,029 kWh 2027/28 17,630 Our council had aimed to have two solar PV farms energised in December of 2024, however this has not been possible due to extended development �me required by the Distribution Network
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21 Name of target Type of target Target Units Boundary / scope of target Year used as baseline Baseline figure Units of baseline Target completion year Progress against target Comments Operator. The solar farms have been built and are due to be commissioned in the summer of 2025. CO2 emissions area wide per capita Annual - Tonnes reduction All emissions 2010/11 7.75 Tonnes 2022/23 4.64 Latest figure is 2022/23 CO2 emissions area wide: emissions within scope of LA per capita Annual - Tonnes reduction All emissions 2010/11 8.09 Tonnes 2022/23 4.97 Latest figure is 2022/23 CO2 emissions from Transport per capita Annual - Tonnes reduction Scope 3 2017/18 35.01 Tonnes 2023/24 29.54 Latest figure is 2023/24 CO2 emissions from electricity per capita Annual - Tonnes reduction Scope 2 2017/18 84.67 Tonnes 2023/24 45.83 Latest figure is 2023/24 CO2 emissions from natural gas per capita Annual - Tonnes reduction Scope 1 2017/18 87.36 Tonnes 2023/24 72.20 Latest figure is 2023/24 No of electric vehicle charging points publicly available Annual 112 Other (please specify in comments) Transport 2017/18 25 Other (please specify in comments) 2024/25 115 54 North Ayrshire Council owned and 61 privately owned % of Council house that are compliant with the Energy Efficient Standard for Social Housing Percentage - Other (please specify in comments) Scope 1 & 2 2016/17 94.70 Other (please specify in comments) 2024/25 97.90 The energy rating based on EESSH was reported in the return as part of the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. A voluntary return was requested in which we provided a breakdown of the EESSH compliance. We reported a pass rate of 97.9% against EESSH. CO2 emissions (tonnes) per streetlight Annual 0.094 tCO2e reduction Scope 1 2014/15 0.179 Tonnes 2024/25 0.09 This performance indicator is measured annually on a rolling basis. % of streetlights which are LED Annual 83 Other (please specify in comments) Scope 1 2014/15 9.5 Other (please specify in comments) 2024/25 87.8% This performance indicator is measured annually on a rolling basis.
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22 Name of target Type of target Target Units Boundary / scope of target Year used as baseline Baseline figure Units of baseline Target completion year Progress against target Comments Number of trees planted under the North Ayrshire 2030 Tree Planting Strategy Annual 47,000 Other Other 2022/23 35,627 Other 2024/25 49,026 Number of trees Reduction in Council fleet produced emissions Annual 3,800 Tonnes reduction Transport 2013/14 5,282 Tonnes 2024/2025 3,461 This performance indicator measures the reduction in Council fleet produced emissions. The indicator is measured both quarterly and on an annual rolling basis. This includes pool cars. The team are monitoring the reduction in c02 following the rollout of HVO to all RCV vehicles on the mainland. Over a 12- month period, there is potential for our council to save around 2,529 tonnes of carbon emissions % of total household waste that is recycled (calendar year as per SEPA) Annual 56.0 Other (please specify in comments) Waste 2017/18 55.8 Other (please specify in comments) 2024/25 52.8 Total % increase Target was amended to 56% to consider the impact of new SEPA guidance requiring the incineration only of Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating. % of recovery of energy from waste collected (MSW) Percentage 44.5 Other (please specify in comments) Waste 2019/20 19.53 Other (please specify in comments) 2024/25 47.16 Total % increase Changed target from 48 to 44.5%. Changed Baseline figure from 47.05 (this is the value for Q1 2020/21) to 19.53% (2019/20 actual performance).
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23 Name of target Type of target Target Units Boundary / scope of target Year used as baseline Baseline figure Units of baseline Target completion year Progress against target Comments Percentage of all waste recycled, household, commercial and industrial Percentage 56.0 Total % reduction Waste 2019/20 54.82 Other (please specify in comments) 2024/25 52.02 Total % increase Changed target from 55.6% to 56%. Changed baseline figure from 54.97 to 54.82%. Percentage of waste reused (MSW) Percentage 0.7 Other (please specify in comments) Waste 2019/20 0.68 Other (please specify in comments) 2024/25 0.76 Total % increase Changed baseline figure from 0.66 (figure for 21/22) to 0.68% (2019/20) 3da How will the body align its spending plans and use of resources to contribute to reducing emissions and delivering its emission reduction targets? Provide any relevant supporting information that is not already included elsewhere in this report. -All democratic decision making within the Council must consider climate change impacts and clearly articulate this so that implications are at the forefront of policy and project decisions and implementation. The impact on Climate and Carbon is now included as an integral part of the Council's reporting requirements for each committee report: link to committees and reports: North Ayrshire Council Committees -Budget spend is monitored on a bi-monthly and quarterly basis with each team together with Financial Services. Outturn reports are generated to highlight over and underspends against allocated budgets. The Council produce quarterly budget reports for both revenue and capital which go to committee for review and approval, and annual accounts, link to: Annual accounts 2024 to 2025. The Council has a consultation tool which allows communities, public and businesses to have a say in how our budgets should be spent. -Revenue, Capital and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budgets and expenditure supports investment in buildings, infrastructure and regeneration, focussing on roads, schools and our commitment to a green and sustainable future to become carbon neutral by 2030, link to committee meeting recordings: Webcast library - North Ayrshire Council Webcasting -Internal Audit undertake planned audits throughout the year which includes financial monitoring and compliance. Audit investigation reports and improvement actions are reported to committee: link to North Ayrshire Council Committees > Audit and Scrutiny Committee -Audit Scotland (External Auditors) undertake an annual audit of the Council to ensure Financial Management; Financial Sustainability; Vision, Leadership, and Governance; Use of Resources to Improve Outcomes, link to report: 2023/24 Annual Audit Report North Ayrshire Council - The Corporate Procurement Unit ensure that the Sustainable Procurement Duty is adhered to, and appropriate sustainability measures are embedded in procurements. This includes specifying climate impact reduction and adaptation actions and using selection and award criteria to reduce climate impact. Link to: Sustainable and Ethical Procurement - The Corporate Procurement Unit use the Scottish Government Sustainable Procurement Tools, including: the Prioritisation Tool to map out spend for the categories and their associated risk and scope to influence, Life Cycle Mapping to consider sustainability at all stages of a product/service lifecycle and Sustainability Tests to embed relevant selection and award criteria and include climate reduction and adaptation measures in specifications.
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24 - The Corporate Procurement Unit maintain a Corporate Procurement Unit Net Zero Roadmap which is aligned to the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy/net-zero roadmap. This ensures the Corporate Procurement Unit support NACs net-zero journey. - Climate Change reduction contracts awarded are included within the Annual Procurement Report. These projects support reduction of climate change impact and sustainable procurement. -Link to the Council Plan which has a Climate Change Strategic Theme has a priority: Embedding our net-zero ambition in all democratic decision-making. 3db How will the body publish, or otherwise make available, it’s progress towards achieving its emission reduction targets? Provide any other relevant supporting information. In the event that the body wishes to refer to the information already published, provide information about where the publication can be accessed. Our Council Plan 2023-28 is a substantial step towards addressing significant challenges and the impact of climate change. The Climate Change priority has the strategic aim to achieve net zero by 2030. Council Plan progress on our priorities, performance indicators and actions are reported mid-year and year end at our Cabinet and Audit & Scrutiny Committees, link to: North Ayrshire Council Committees. The Council Plan reports, provide current and historic performance measured against target and priority outcomes. The Council Plan reports can be found at this link: Council performance 3e Estimated total annual carbon savings from all projects implemented by the body in the report year. If no projects were implemented against an emission source, enter “0”. If the body does not have any information for an emission source, enter “Unknown.” If the body does not include the emissions source in its carbon footprint, enter “N/A” Emissions source Total estimated annual carbon savings (tCO2e) Comments Electricity 19.4 Lighting upgrade projects during the 2024/25 financial year - 19.4 tonnes CO2e per annum. Natural gas 531 64.43 1.3 74.73 0.6 EWI (per property) 0.9 PV (per property) = 531 Area Based Scheme for Privately-owned homes. Measure installed include internal wall / loft insulation, air source heat pump and storage heating. Energy Smart for Privately-owned homes. Measures installed include cavity wall insulation. ECO4 Flex for Privately-owned homes Various energy efficiency measures installed inc. internal wall / cavity wall / loft /room in roof insulation and air source heat pumps / storage heating.
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25 Emissions source Total estimated annual carbon savings (tCO2e) Comments 14.17 Carbon Neutral Island – Capital Funding. Privately-owned homes. Measures installed include Solar PV and Battery storage. Other heating fuels Waste 60.194tCO2e 458.328 tCO2e The Council’s reuse partnership) incorporates a project to sanitise mattresses for reuse, as part of an initiative to promote opportunities for their reuse, funded through a successful bid to Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund. The mattress reuse project diverted just under 24 tonnes of mattresses from final disposal and reused and recycled 1,301 mattresses in the year 2024/25. In the year 2024/25, the wider reuse partnership reused and recycled over 206 tonnes of furniture and mattresses during the year, supporting over 1,780 North Ayrshire households to furnish homes, as well as 16 full-time staff and 3 volunteer roles within the project. The project distributed 886 items free of charge to North Ayrshire residents. Water and sewerage Travel Fleet transport 214 214 Tonne reduction in fuel emissions From 3,675 in 2023/24 to 3,461 in 2024/25 Other (please specify in comments) TOTAL 1,438
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26 3f Detail the top 10 carbon reduction projects to be carried out by the body in the report year Provide details of the 10 projects which are estimated to achieve the highest carbon savings during report year. Project name Funding source First full year of CO2e savings Are these savings figures estimated or actual? Capital cost (£) Operational cost (£/annum) Project lifetime (years) Primary fuel/emission source saved Estimated carbon savings per year (tCO2e/annum) Estimated costs savings (£/annum) Behaviour change Comments LED light replacement Council budget provision 2024/25 Actual £69,313.35 £53,000.18 rolling Electricity UK 19.4 £26,775.48 Yes For the financial year 2024/25 we have undertaken 14 lighting upgrade projects across our non- domestic estate. This included Schools, Community Centres, Offices, Libraries, Day Care Centre and Depots. The CO2e savings for 2024/25 was 19.4 tonnes. Council House Improvements Council spend EWI £1,680,943 and PV £1,844,206 2024/25 Estimated Council spend EWI £1,680,943 and PV £1,844,206 £0 EWI £0 PV rolling Natural gas 0.6 EWI (per property) 0.9 PV (per property) = 531 £161 EWI £242 PV No In 2024/25 we have installed central heating in 657 properties, renewed electrical rewiring in 200 properties, EWI in 66 properties, roofing on 109 properties and solar panels on 546 properties. Area Based Schemes (Private Homes) Scottish Government, Heat & Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based (HEES:ABS) Scheme Grant 2024/25 Estimated £135,306.57 (funding drawn) Managing Agent cost £144,593.20 Annual funding All fuel types 64.43 £7,267.10 Yes – by installer Extension to energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects for Privately-owned homes in Irvine and Kilwinning. Kilwinning homes had
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27 Project name Funding source First full year of CO2e savings Are these savings figures estimated or actual? Capital cost (£) Operational cost (£/annum) Project lifetime (years) Primary fuel/emission source saved Estimated carbon savings per year (tCO2e/annum) Estimated costs savings (£/annum) Behaviour change Comments external wall insulation installed and in Irvine Solar Panels were installed. Over the last ten years, the Council’s HEEPS:ABS have delivered 1963 energy efficiency measures to homes in fuel or facing poverty and hard-to- heat. Energy Smart (Private Homes) North Ayrshire Council funding 2024/25 Actual £3,155.25 spent Managing Agent cost £41,227.20 Funding until March 2026 All fuel types 1.3 £480 Yes – advice line Home Energy Scotland Energy Smart for Privately- owned homes. Measures installed include cavity wall insulation. ECO4 Flex (Private Homes) Energy Company Funding (UK Government legislative requirement 2024/25 Actual £340,928 (funding drawn) N/A Council time not charged Current phase ends 31.04.2026 Electricity, Oil, LPG (some natural gas) 74.73 £36,059 (annual bill savings) Yes – by installers ECO4 Flex for Privately-owned homes Various energy efficiency measures installed inc. internal wall / cavity wall / loft /room in roof insulation and air source heat pumps / storage heating. Carbon Neutral Islands (Cumbrae) Scottish Government – CNI Capital Funding and CNI direct allocation 2024/25 Actual £166,500 (funding drawn) N/A Council and CNI time not charged Annual funding Electricity, Oil, LPG 14.17 £12,514.50 (annual bill savings) Yes -CNI- Cumbrae Carbon Neutral Island – Capital Funding. Privately-owned homes. Measures
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28 Project name Funding source First full year of CO2e savings Are these savings figures estimated or actual? Capital cost (£) Operational cost (£/annum) Project lifetime (years) Primary fuel/emission source saved Estimated carbon savings per year (tCO2e/annum) Estimated costs savings (£/annum) Behaviour change Comments installed include Solar PV and Battery storage. Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Company and North Ayrshire Council (Mattress recycling) Scottish Government Recycling Improvement Fund 2024/25 Actual rolling Landfill gas 60.194 tCO2e Yes The Council’s reuse partnership) incorporates a project to sanitise mattresses for reuse, as part of an initiative to promote opportunities for their reuse, funded through a successful bid to Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund. The mattress reuse project diverted just under 24 tonnes of mattresses from final disposal and reused and recycled 1,301 mattresses in the year. Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Company and North Ayrshire Council (Furniture recycling) 2024/25 Actual rolling Landfill gas 458.328 tCO2e Yes In the year the wider reuse partnership collected and reused over 182 tonnes of furniture during the year, supporting over 1,780 North Ayrshire households to furnish homes, as well as 16
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29 Project name Funding source First full year of CO2e savings Are these savings figures estimated or actual? Capital cost (£) Operational cost (£/annum) Project lifetime (years) Primary fuel/emission source saved Estimated carbon savings per year (tCO2e/annum) Estimated costs savings (£/annum) Behaviour change Comments full-time staff and 3 volunteer roles within the project. The project distributed 886 items free of charge to North Ayrshire residents. EV and fleet decarbonisation working group established. This group will report to the Climate Change Steering Group. Agreement made at Cabinet in May 2023 that the purchase of new passenger and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) will be zero emission vehicles only. The use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in Heavy Fleet was agreed. Additional / Revised Investment was approved in February 2024 in support of the Council’s Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024- 27, an additional investment of £5.430m in the decarbonisation of the Council’s fleet was included. This investment will support the Council’s Fleet Decarbonisation Route Map through the replacement of fossil fuelled vehicles with electric vehicles and more environmentally sustainable fleet solutions 2024/25 N/A N/A N/A 2030+ Diesel / Petrol 214 N/A Yes Diesel & Petrol fuel emission source saved. Transformation Team providing Project Management and Data Analysis support for Decarbonisation of Fleet project. The Council operate a fleet of 565 fleet vehicles of which 76 of these are now fully electric vehicles. The Transport Team successfully rolled out the use of HVO in January 2025 as an alternative low emission fuel for 36 RCVs within our Waste Services HGV fleet. This has the potential to support the
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30 Project name Funding source First full year of CO2e savings Are these savings figures estimated or actual? Capital cost (£) Operational cost (£/annum) Project lifetime (years) Primary fuel/emission source saved Estimated carbon savings per year (tCO2e/annum) Estimated costs savings (£/annum) Behaviour change Comments Further enhance and deliver educational compliance training for fleet drivers Councils reduction of fleet produced emissions by some 2,500 tonnes per annum. Driver behaviour and vehicle familiarisation training continues Ayrshire EVIF (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund) Project. Pan Ayrshire Project Transport Scotland Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund & Private Sector Funding 418 tCO2e in 2029/30 Estimated £1,889,600 15 years Diesel and Petrol 418 tCO2e unknown N/A Diesel and petrol fuels. 418 tonnes of CO2 saving per annum. CO2 only applies after the 104 EV chargers are installed and these chargers will be installed over a 3year period. Anticipated that the EVIF Contract will be awarded in April 2026 and installations will be completed by April 2029 with first full year of savings being 2029/30.
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31 3g Estimated decrease or increase in the body’s emissions attributed to factors (not reported elsewhere in this form) in the report year If the emissions increased or decreased due to any such factor in the report year, provide an estimate of the amount and direction Emission source Total estimated annual emissions (tCO2e) Increase or decrease in emissions Comments Estate changes Increase There are 474 operational properties, 178 commercial/ industrial property assets and 296 non-housing property assets. This is an increase of one property over the reporting year. Montgomerie Park PS opened during 2024/25. Montgomerie Park consumption during 2024/25 = 153137kWh x (EF 0.20705 +EF 0.01830) = 34509 Service provision No change Staff numbers No change. Staff numbers remained the same. 6,560.81 FTE 3h Anticipated annual carbon savings from all projects implemented by the body in the year ahead If no projects are expected to be implemented against an emissions source, enter “0” If the organisation does not have any information for an emissions source, enter “Unknown” If the organisation does not include the emissions source in its carbon footprint, enter “N/A” Emissions source Total estimated annual carbon savings (tCO2e) Comments Electricity 13.20 The Council recognise the need for a centralised approach to managing carbon management projects. The Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy has an action to utilise SSN’s Carbon Footprint and Project Register tool. This will not only help us to identify and manage projects but also calculate the carbon savings associated. We are also undertaking a review of the Council’s non-domestic estate to identify the measures required, carbon savings and investment needed in order to achieve our net zero ambition. Some projects likely to feature will be as follows: • Progress the actions within the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan, including a heat network feasibility study. • Energy production from our two Solar Farms totalling 12MW capacity during 2025. • Undertake review of non-domestic estate to decarbonise by 2038.
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32 Emissions source Total estimated annual carbon savings (tCO2e) Comments • Progress the fleet decarbonisation route map. • Continue the roll of our EV charge points for public use through our regional pathfinder project. • We have plans to develop our energy consumption dashboard to highlight high users and implement energy saving measures and costs where possible. • We will also use the Scottish Climate Intelligence Platform to plot emission reductions for potential projects. 2025/26 Projects: • Lawthorn PS – LED, 29% reduction in kWh consumption per year, equates to 4.83tCO2e reduction per year • St Peter’s PS – LED, 23% reduction in kWh consumption per year, equates to 4.01tCO2e reduction per year • Arran Outdoor Education Centre – LED, 16% reduction in kWh consumption per year, equates to 3.67tCO2e reduction per year • Fairlie PS – LED, 10% reduction in kWh consumption per year, equates to 0.69tCO2e reduction per year Natural Gas 184.25 A feasibility study has been undertaken to identify the finance required to decarbonise heat in non- domestic buildings. In 2024/25, this work will be explored in more detail through partnership with Hub SouthWest. • We have plans to develop our energy consumption dashboard to highlight high users and implement energy saving measures and costs where possible. • We will also use the Scottish Climate Intelligence Platform to plot emission reductions for potential projects 2025/26 Projects: • Garnock Campus – BMS, 20% kWh annual savings, equates to 92.06tCO2e reduction per year • Glencairn PS – BMS, 20% kWh annual savings, equates to 1.91tCO2e reduction per year • Elderbank PS – BMS, 20% kWh annual savings, equates to 43.04tCO2e reduction per year • Dykesmains PS – BMS, 20% kWh annual savings, equates to 10.75tCO2e reduction per year • Castlepark PS – BMS, 20% kWh annual savings, equates to 22.95tCO2e reduction per year • Abbey PS – BMS, 20% kWh annual savings, equates to 4.07tCO2e reduction per year • Woodlands PS – BMS, 20% kWh annual savings, equates to 9.47tCO2e reduction per year Other heating fuels Water and Sewerage
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33 Emissions source Total estimated annual carbon savings (tCO2e) Comments Travel • Progress the fleet decarbonisation route map. • Continue the roll of our EV charge points for public use through our regional pathfinder project. Other (please specify in comments) TOTAL 197.45 3i Estimated decrease or increase in emissions from other sources in the year ahead If the body’s corporate emissions are likely to increase or decrease for any other reason in the year ahead, provide an estimate of the amount and direction. Emissions source Total estimated annual emissions (tCO2e) Increase or decrease in emissions Comments Estate changes 286 Decrease Closure of Bridgegate House, Trinity Church, Greenwood Conference Centre, Galt House and Quarry Road (phased approach to 2027) New school opened at Montgomerie Park and is fully electric and is the Council’s first Passivhaus school. Moorpark Primary School was replaced. (474 operational properties, 178 commercial/ industrial property assets and 296 non- housing property). The employee moves from identified buildings are expected to be complete by May 2026 with rationalisation providing the following benefits: reduction of carbon emissions by an estimated 286tCO2e Service provision No change Staff numbers No change Other (please specify in `comments) Total 286
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34 3j Total carbon reduction project savings since the start of the year which the body used as a baseline for its carbon footprint. If the body has data available, estimate the total emissions savings made from projects since the start of that year (“the baseline year”). Total Savings Total estimated emissions savings (tCO2e) Comments Total project savings since baseline year 3k Further Information Supporting information and best practice Provide any other relevant supporting information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to corporate emissions, targets and projects. - Two solar farms at Nethermains and Shewalton landfill sites will produce Council owned electricity during 2025. They are expected to generate £400,000 of revenue per year over 25 years resulting in a gross income of approximately £10million as well as reducing our carbon footprint. - Continue to provide vital support to help residents access vital grants and receive money-saving energy advice and Energy Smart (emergency response) - Energy & Sustainability have been working with PMI Maintenance Officer on lighting upgrade projects. Energy & Sustainability provided funding to replace fluorescent tubes for more energy efficient LED lamps, where significant savings could be made. The same size LED lamp can last significantly longer, and the wattage can be around ½ or more energy consumption compared to a fluorescent tube. For the financial year 2024/25 we have undertaken 14 lighting upgrade projects across our non-domestic estate. This included Schools, Community Centres, Offices, Libraries, Day Care Centre and Depots. The CO2e savings for 2024/25 was 19.4 tonnes. - The NAC Corporate Procurement Unit develop sustainability case studies to showcase the positive effects procurement has on the environment and society. These case studies include Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme, Modular Construction for Bungalows and HVO Fuel which are available on the Scottish Government Sustainable Procurement Tools website link: Sustainable Procurement -NAC Procurement also develop sustainability case studies, which are included in Annual Procurement Reports. The latest case studies for 24/25 included: Construction of 50 New Build Council Houses at the Site of the Former Garnock Academy, Construction of Council Houses at the Former Ayrshire Central Maternity Hospital and Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Electric Charging Equipment. - Waste and Recycling team through the partnership project with Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Company (CFRC), in Irvine, collect, sanitise and redistribute mattresses through a bulky waste reuse service. This is part of an initiative to promote opportunities for their reuse, funded through a successful bid to Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund. The mattress reuse project diverted just under 24 tonnes of mattresses from final disposal and reused and recycled 1,301 mattresses in the 2024/25 year. - Our recycling performance is the third strongest in Scotland, improving from 55.3% to 56.1% in 2023 (data recently released from SEPA). - The Regeneration Team has a performance indicator to deliver 2,000m of new or improved Active Travel routes per year. In the financial year 25/26 we delivered 2,500m. Improving active travel infrastructure reduces the reliance on cars, lowering overall emissions. By promoting walking and cycling we help the community to shift towards greener commutes, supporting NAC’s emissions targets and long-term sustainability aims. - The Council are currently partnering with Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) to implement the Islands Net Zero Accelerator (NZA) through our Business Recovery and Sustainability fund in addition to attracting £25,000 of match funding from ZWS. This island specific programme will help local businesses embrace new technology and reduce their environmental impact. Through their transition to Net-Zero by 2030, the programme closely aligns to the Local Island Plans priorities. - 15 small enterprises have been supported through a 12-month Net Zero Accelerator programme. It is designed to help companies in their transition to Net-Zero, providing advice and support associated with reducing their carbon footprint, making energy efficiency improvements, adopting renewable energy sources
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35 and using carbon accounting tools. 16 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have enrolled for a first of its kind islands Net Zero Accelerator programme. - Montgomerie Park is eco-friendly and is North Ayrshire Council’s first ‘Passivhaus’ school. The school can accommodate up to 342 pupils in the primary and 47 in the early learning and childcare facility. Key features include: an effective natural ventilation strategy which provides natural, fresh air throughout the year, solar panels to provide free, renewable electricity for the school building and a seven-a-side all weather pitch. The new school has also been commended for its sustainable and engaging external spaces, which use many of the natural features of the land and also include swathes of wildflower planting. -The Council’s Equal Service initiative, refurbishes donated bikes and provides them free to residents who cannot afford one, supporting sustainable transport and reducing landfill waste. The supported employment service also provides cycle maintenance training to participants with disabilities, who then restore the bikes before they are distributed to community members for travel, leisure, and health. - 15 households on Cumbrae and 25 in Kilwinning have been identified for improvements via the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme. This will help address the impact of energy costs and address fuel poverty. - Four community renewable projects have been awarded £130,000 in funding through the Community Renewable Energy Generation Fund. - Community Woodland Grant Fund Scheme was launched with a total of £25,000 available in the fund with a maximum of £5,000 per applicant to support local tree and community orchard planting. PART 4 ADAPTATION - please do not include information on measures that solely reduce emissions with no implications for climate adaptation. These are climate mitigation measures which should be reported in the Emissions tab. Assessing and managing risk. 4a Has the body assessed current and future climate-related risks? If yes, provide a reference or link to any such risk assessment (s) The Council has assessed current climate related threats resulting in climate change being one of the Council's strategic priorities to be Net Zero by 2030 and this is within the Council Plan and our Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy. All papers to committee have a climate change and carbon consideration. Climate Change risk within our Strategic Risk Register. Control measures and actions are in place for identified risks from various plans and actions and include but not limited to flood prevention, shoreline management, winter maintenance, tree planting. Strategies and plans to mitigate and minimise risks include: - Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27link: Document.ashx - North Ayrshire Council jointly funded Scottish Water’s Integrated Catchment Studies for Stevenston Point and for Irvine. These studies assess the flood risk from sewers and small watercourses. -Under the first and second flood risk management planning cycles, hydraulic modelling has been completed for: The Lower River Irvine, The Upper Garnock Valley, The Keppen Burn in Fairlie, Brodick, Lamlash, Largs, West Kilbride, The Three Towns Locality, and Millport -The draft Local Coastal Change Adaptation Plans have assessed the future risk from the changing shorelines at Stevenston and Irvine. Wave overtopping studies have been completed for Brodick, Lamlash and Largs. -Natural Flood Management (NFM) studies have been completed for the Upper Garnock, Largs, Brodick and Lamlash. - Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024-25 link: Document.ashx - Millport Coastal Flood Protection scheme: Millport Coastal FPS - Millburn, Millport Flood Protection Scheme: Mill Burn Flood Protection Scheme - Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan: Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan - Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan (2021): Flood Risk Management Plans | SEPA - Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan: Local Flood Risk Management Plan - Flood management nature based solutions Largs and Kilbirnie: Flood management - The Flood resilience plan update for ‘Kilbirnie & Glengarnock,’ ‘Dalry’ and ‘Irvine’ have now been completed and incorporated into the overall NAC flood resilience plan during 2024/25. Detailed studies were undertaken
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36 to identify property flood resilience measures for the Council buildings at Cunninghame House & Marress House. These options are currently being considered by the appropriate Council teams. - Ayrshire Civil Contingencies Team – link to Integrated Emergency Management (IEM) - Emergency Planning link: Emergency planning - Link to West of Scotland Regional Resilience Partnership Community Risk Register, 2024 | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - Strategic Risk Register 2024/25 link: Document.ashx Within the Strategic Risk Register there are actions and plans to mitigate and minimise the impacts of this risk including the five workstreams within the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy – Energy, Nature, Transport, Waste and Adaptation detailing the road map to achieve net zero carbon emissions. Plans and actions to mitigate climate change risk include Core Paths Plan, Outdoor Access Strategy, Local Biodiversity Action Plan, Tree and Woodland Management Policy, North Ayrshire’s 2030 Woodland: A Tree Planting Strategy and Weather and Winter Emergencies Plan. Asset management plans are in place which are regularly reviewed for our Roads, Fleet, Housing, Property and Open Spaces. Adaptation actions are identified within the Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan (2021), the Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan (2022), the Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan and the Climate Adaptation Capability Framework assessment. Flood studies are undertaken to help the Council identify areas that are at risk of flooding and to appraise options to reduce flood risk to communities and infrastructure. Studies and modelling will be undertaken to identify and prioritise vulnerable areas where financial damage and risk to life are most likely. There is ongoing programme of monthly inspections of debris screens which have been installed to prevent vulnerable culverts from blocking and causing flooding. CCTV inspections of culverts are also undertaken to identify blockages and deterioration of assets that might cause flooding. This has been effective in reducing flooding. The Upper Garnock Valley Flood Prevention Scheme has been completed and is currently providing flood protection. The Shoreline Management plan (adaptation plan) will enable the Council and other stakeholders to effectively plan our future actions whilst allowing for flexibility in response to future changes. The Ayrshire Civil Contingencies Team are emergency planning arrangements in place in the event of severe weather and flooding conditions causing major disruption and damage to the area or to individual communities within it. -The Corporate Risk Management Group undertake regular reviews of risks and undertake horizon scanning to identify potential new climate related risks. Lead Services hold detailed risk registers on climate change e.g. in team or service Risk Registers and report to Extended Leadership Team as appropriate. These would be integral to forward strategy and action plans. Risks are scrutinised by Senior Officers and Elected Members. Strategic risks are noted as the highest level of risk. Underlying strategy, plans, projects and actions are the responsibility of service level risk management/objective by services themselves. - Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-31link: Approved local biodiversity action plan 2019 to 2031 - Local Development Plan 2 link: ldp2 - National Planning Framework 4 sets out our spatial principles, regional priorities, national developments and national planning policy link: National Planning Framework 4 - Climate Action Town, Stevenston Project link: https://www.ads.org.uk/blog/climate-action-towns- conversations-in-stevenston - Arran Local Island Pla linkn: arran-local-island-plan - - Cumbrae Local Island Plan link: cumbrae-local-island-plan -Cumbrae Carbon Neutral Island link: carbonneutralcumbrae.co.uk/lander 4b What arrangements does the body have in place to manage climate-related risks? Provide details of any climate change adaptation strategies, action plans and risk management procedures, and any climate change adaptation policies which apply across the body. The Council has assessed current climate related threats resulting in climate change being one of the Council's strategic priorities to be Net Zero by 2030 and this is within the Council Plan and our Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy. Climate Change is a risk within our Strategic Risk Register. Control measures and actions are in place for identified current and future risks from a variety of different plans and actions, which include but are not limited to flood prevention, shoreline management, winter maintenance (snow and ice), , tree planting (shade, flood management and carbon sequestration) and energy efficiency property retrofit and renewable heat technologies (for cooling and heating buildings)
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37 ‘- Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27has five key themes including Adaptation link: Document.ashx - Approved local biodiversity action plan 2019 to 2031 incorporates woodland expansion and habitat restoration will benefit biodiversity while serving important social and economic objectives, such as flood risk management. - Local development Plan 2 - ldp2 includes the following outcomes to be delivered through the land use planning policy frameworks: A successful, sustainable North Ayrshire; A natural, resilient North Ayrshire; A more connected place and A low carbon North Ayrshire. - National Planning Framework 4sets out our spatial principles, regional priorities, national developments and national planning. -The flood resilience plans for the Upper Garnock Valley and for the Irvine locality were updated in 2025. These plans will support Category 1 and 2 responders to help protect people and property during flood events. Following the completion of the Irvine flood resilience plan, an options appraisal to identify property flood resilience measures at the Council’s offices at Cunninghame House and Marress House was undertaken. When implemented, the identified flood resilience measures will help to protect the both the fabric of the buildings and to limit the disruption of Council services from the impacts of flooding. There are flood resilience plans covering other towns and villages. - Local Flood Risk Management Plan Ayrshire Local Plan District (2022-2028) provides details on the actions identified in the Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan, published by SEPA in 2021. - Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan provides an assessment of the risks associated with coastal processes and informs the management of these risks over the short, medium and long term. - Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024 Document.ashx takes steps to prevent snow and ice endangering the safe passage over public roads. - The actions in the vdl-strategy 2023-27 prioritise the allocation of brownfield land as opposed to new greenfield release. The redevelopment of vacant and derelict land should support the creation of sustainable places. It recognises the contribution of brownfield land to nature recovery and realise opportunities for its use as productive greenspace. - West of Scotland Community Risk Register link: Community Risk Register | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (co-ordinated by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service highlights risks that have the highest likelihood and potential to have significant impact, causing disruption to the region. It details the highest risks and consequences and encourages steps that can be taken to be prepared and resilient - The Council Plan 2023-28 - A North Ayrshire that is fair for all, sets out North Ayrshire Council's mission "Working together to improve the lives of our people in North Ayrshire. The Strategic Aim of the Climate Change priority is “To achieve net zero by 2030”. - north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/cwb-strategy.pdf Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024-27 will deliver on our ambitions to become a carbon neutral Council and ensure a green and Just Transition for North Ayrshire. Utilise our land and property assets to support a green transition including active travel routes and developing low carbon and renewable energy schemes and networks, such as Nethermains and Shewalton Solar PV farms. - Strategic Risk Register 2024/25, Document.ashx includes actions and plans to mitigate and minimise the impacts of this risk. Adaptation actions are identified within the Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan (2021), the Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan (2022), the Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan and the Climate Adaptation Capability Framework assessment. Flood studies are undertaken to help the Council identify areas that are at risk of flooding and to appraise options to reduce flood risk to communities and infrastructure. Studies and modelling will be undertaken to identify and prioritise vulnerable areas where financial damage and risk to life are most likely. There is ongoing programme of monthly inspections of debris screens which have been installed to prevent vulnerable culverts from blocking and causing flooding. CCTV inspections of culverts are also undertaken to identify blockages and deterioration of assets that might cause flooding. This has been effective in reducing flooding. The Upper Garnock Valley FPS has been completed and is currently providing flood protection. The Shoreline Management plan (adaptation plan) will enable the Council and other stakeholders to effectively plan our future actions whilst allowing for flexibility in response to future changes. - The Council has Business Continuity Plans which are written with a set varied invocations in mind. - The Council Manages resilience related risk via the North Ayrshire Resilience group and maintains situational awareness via local and national resilience partnerships and working groups.
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38 - Ayrshire Civil Contingencies Team - Integrated Emergency Management (IEM) Integrated Emergency Management ensures that the Council will be able to respond in the event of a major emergency and is a shared service between the three Ayrshire Councils - Emergency planning ensures that the council will be able to respond in the event of a major emergency. - Ayrshire & Arran Forestry and Woodland Strategy 2014, provides a key resource for biodiversity and deliver a wide range of environmental benefits that help to support the region’s communities Ayrshire and Arran Forest and Woodland Strategy 2014 - North Ayrshire's 2030 Woodland: A Tree Planting Strategy aims to contribute to the Council’s wider efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 - Tree and woodland management policy - North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Our Partnership Plan - Northayrshire Community priorities are Wellbeing, Work and World. - Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy link: Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy - Regeneration Development Plan (link: Document.ashx) will seek to make more of existing assets such as property within town centres or derelict land, as well as facilitating the Council’s planting proposals and incorporating sustainable energy provision within major development projects. Active proposals include the development of a Low Carbon Hub in Ardrossan. 4c What action has the body taken to adapt to climate change? Include details of work to increase awareness of the need to adapt to climate change and build the capacity of staff and stakeholders to assess risk and implement action. The body may wish to make reference to the Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme (the Programme”) -We undertook our third Climate Adaptation Capability Framework and Benchmarking assessment, which included a cross service workshop. As this is a new framework we will use this year’s results as the baseline year to monitor progress and our actions over the next five years. - International Marine Science and Environmental Centre | Ayrshire Growth Deal (IMSE) project based at Ardrossan on the Firth of Clyde for the Blue Economy and marine sustainability. North Ayrshire’s Blue Economy helps capitalise as a key player in the national Blue Economy. - The Capital Budget supports investment in buildings, infrastructure and regeneration projects and focuses on improving roads, investing in the school estate and fulfilling commitment to a green and sustainable future and becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Expenditure includes fleet decarbonisation. Link nac-capital-budget - Strategic Risk Register 2024/25 (Document.ashx): the aim of risk management is to reduce the likelihood and/or impact of risk by identifying and controlling risks to the Council. If risk is to be managed appropriately, and Services are aware of these risks, risk management can contribute positively towards the organisation's decision-making processes, making the Council more innovative and effective in its approach to service delivery. Within the Strategic Risk Register there are actions and plans to mitigate and minimise the impacts of this risk. These are fully detailed in the responses to questions 4a & 4b. Monitoring and external reporting on the Council’s website for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects and actions, takes place on a six monthly basis within the Council Plan and also the Council’s Annual Performance Report (Council performance). -Flood protection schemes have recently been completed in the Upper Garnock Valley and at Millport coast. Construction of a further Flood Protection Scheme at the Mill Burn in Millport is expected to start in 2025/26. -The Council operates and maintains the earlier flood schemes at Largs, Saltcoats and at Irvine. -Part of the Seawall in Largs was replaced as it had become significantly undermined due to changing beach levels. - Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024-25 link: Document.ashx -The Council has continued the development of flood protection schemes in Ayrshire. Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan link: Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan which identifies short, medium and long term policies for managing the coastline and coastal processes. Local Flood Risk Management Plan Ayrshire Local Plan District 2022-28 provides details on the actions identified in the Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plans | SEPA
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39 - In terms of flood risk and coastal management, the Council commenced the Millport Scheme in 2025. This included public consultation on the Cumbrae, Millburn Flood Protection Scheme: link to consultation Mill Burn, Millport Flood Scheme - Northayrshire Community - Cumbrae, Millport and Millburn Flood Prevention Schemes: Millport is at risk from coastal flooding due to wave overtopping which occurs during storms originating to the south or southwest within the Firth of Clyde. There is also a risk of erosion due to potential failure of the existing coast protection structures. There is a history of flooding due to overtopping of the sea wall, particularly in the areas close to the harbour, with minor to moderate flooding occurring most years. Many residents have taken individual action to reduce flood damages, such as installing flood boards to their doors and storing sandbags in case of need. Flooding also affects use of the coastal road and promenade, as well as impacting on revenue from visitors. A total of 595 residential properties and 62 commercial properties in Millport were at risk from flooding and erosion. If nothing was done to provide improved protection to Millport’s residential and commercial properties and infrastructure located within the flood risk zone, flooding and erosion has been predicted to cause economic losses in excess of £67 million over the next 100 years. The Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme provides a standard of protection of 1 in 200 per year (0.5% AEP), with 657 properties benefiting from the scheme. - Flood Management Nature Based Solutions at Largs and Kilbirnie link: Flood management - Findings on the Three Towns flood study were received which provides an understanding of existing and future flood risk from the Stevenston Burn and the Stanley Burn, Ardrossan. - Reports completed on coastal management at Stevenston link: PowerPoint Presentation) and Irvine link: Irvine-Summary.pdf to identify existing and future risks from sea-level rise and erosion. The reports identified options to respond to the risks. - Inspections of critical coastal and natural protection assets to continue to monitor conditions. The Council’s flooding team secured £99k in 24/25 from the Coastal Change Adaptation Programme to update parts of the Shoreline Management Plan (2018) in accordance with the recommendations of interim Scottish Government guidance on coastal change adaptation plans. A further £200k was secured from the same programme in 25/26 to deliver specific actions at Stevenston beach and Irvine beach. Additionally, a survey of the Arran Coastline was secured by NAC Flooding. The survey will be procured centrally and funded by the Coastal Change Adaptation Programme. The budget estimate for this survey is around £120k. - Around £4.6million was spent by the Council to create a new precast concrete seawall in front of the existing seawall structure in Largs. The new seawall runs along a 325m stretch of the promenade. It has also allowed for the promenade to be extended to the line of the new wall, while the steps to the beach have also been replaced, improving accessibility for visitors. The old seawall, constructed in the 1970s had deteriorated due to repeated exposure to seawater. The replacement provides the town with optimum protection and support against wave activity and coastal erosion. The promenade was also resurfaced. The seawall protects the environment and ensures residents living in our coastal communities have protection from any future coastal erosion. Flood study work has been completed in Largs to investigate the adaptation of the existing coastal flood scheme. The Benefit Cost Ratio for the preferred option is over 5. This option will include a small wall or embankment behind the existing seawall. The economic assessment has been undertaken using the multicolour manual. - Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-31 (link: Document.ashx) outlines specific actions to conserve and enhance species and habitats that are at greatest risk and take a precautionary approach to avoid loss and damage. - Tree and Woodland Management Policy link: Tree and woodland management policy - North Ayrshire’s 2030 Woodland: A Tree Planting Strategy (link: North Ayrshire's 2030 Woodland) aims to contribute to the Council’s wider efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 - Local Development Plan 2 link: ldp2 4d Where applicable, what contribution has the body made to helping deliver the Programme? Provide any other relevant supporting information. From April to August 2024: - N1-8, N1-10, B1-13 and B1-19: The Council works closely with SEPA, Scottish Water and other local authorities to produce national strategies and local plans. These set out how flooding will be tackled in the future and how we will reduce the impact of our unpredictable weather. North Ayrshire is the lead local
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40 authority for the Ayrshire Local Plan District, publishing the Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan, a delivery plan, identifying specific flood protection schemes and required studies. - N2-2, Local Development Plan 2 recognises the multiple benefits of the green network for North Ayrshire’s economy and environment and the role it plays in improving the quality of life and place for local communities. The plan has mapped elements of the green network for protection and enhancement, including core paths, public parks and sensitive landscape. Our Community Wealth Building pillars includes "Land and Assets" where we will support the wider regeneration of our communities by maximising all of our land and assets. - N2-11 The Ayrshire & Arran Woodland and Forestry Strategy guides woodland management and expansion across the three Ayrshire local authority areas. The Strategy provides guidance on the economic, environmental and social benefits of woodland planting and management and timber processing. The Council allocated funding for tree planting to provide carbon absorption to meet the net-zero aspirations as well as providing a wealth of other benefits - North Ayrshire’s 2030 Woodland: A Tree Planting Strategy. North Ayrshire Tree and Woodland Management Policy sets out how the Council will effectively manage trees and woodlands by ensuring that they contribute to the area and achievement of the corporate priorities of the Council. The Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2018-31 outlines actions to conserve and enhance species and habitats that are at greatest risk. In order to protect the well-being of present and future generations consideration must be given as to what might be irreversible changes to our environment. - N2-20: One of the objectives within the Local Biodiversity Action Plan is to restore our coastal habitats through improved management regimes. The Flood Risk Management Plan (Ayrshire Local Plan District) 2021, The Local Flood Risk Management Plan (Ayrshire Local Plan District) 2022 – 2028 and the Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan 2018 identify areas that are potentially vulnerable to flooding and from coastal erosion. The Council has continued the development of flood protection schemes including the Upper Garnock Flood Prevention Scheme, the Millport Coastal Flood Prevention Scheme, the Mill Burn, Millport Flood Prevention Scheme and the Largs Seawall Replacement Project. -The Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan sets out the plan for the future management of the Ayrshire shoreline and is a broad-scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal processes and helps to inform the management of these risks to people and the built and natural environment. Following a successful bid to the Coastal Change Adaptation Programme’s case study fund, part of the Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan will be superseded by detailed coastal change adaptation plans. -Work commenced on Coastal Change Adaptation Plans for Irvine and Stevenston Beaches following investigation and reports that will be finalised in 2024/25 using the results of public consultation at this link: Share Your Views on the Management of Irvine and Stevenston Beaches - Northayrshire Community From September 2024 – SNAP3: ‘- Nature Connects (NC1, NC2, NC3, NC4, NC5 & NC6) The Council has its International Marine Science and Environment Centre project for the Blue Economy and marine sustainability. North Ayrshire’s 2030 Woodland: A Tree Planting Strategy and Tree and Woodland Management Policy. We have active flood resilience projects in place and flood risk and shoreline management plans. North Ayrshire Nature Network Strategy includes nature based solutions, including soil restoration and our green environment. We have our Local Place Plans, Open Space Asset Management Plan, Local Development Plan and Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy. We are developing our North Ayrshire Nature Network. We have our Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). The Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy has a priority to Enhancing Natural Capital: Preserving and enhancing Ayrshire’s natural capital, meeting Scotland’s commitments to net zero and protection of biodiversity. The Council has a Food Growing Strategy. - Communities (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 & C6) The Council are members of the Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network (PSCAN), Sustainable Scotland Network, Adaptation Communities of Practice and the Ayrshire Climate Hub. The Council are progressing locality climate action plans, building on the Stevenston Climate Action Town Project. The Council has registered Local Place Plans for West Kilbride, Seamill, Portencross, Stevenston, Largs and Cumbrae. The Council has an Arran and Cumbrae Islands Plan. The Council has Cumbrae Carbon Neutral Islands. We have active flood resilience projects in place and flood risk, local flood risk and shoreline management plans. The Council issue regular relevant communications on wildfire risk, flooding and adverse weather across its media channels to inform our communities. We have been preparing Coastal Change Adaptation Plans for Irvine and Stevenston.
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41 - Public Services & Infrastructure (PS1, PS2, PS3 & PS4) The Council submit their annual PBCCDR which includes reporting on Adaptation, which includes the Climate Change Assessment Tool (Adaptation) results. North Ayrshire Council undertake an annual Climate Adaptation Capability Framework assessment and benchmarking tool, and in 2024/25 we undertook our 3rd assessment. The Council were members of the Task & Finish Group to refresh the Climate Adaptation Capability Framework and delivered one of the capabilities at the National launch event in January 2025. The Council is a member of the PSCAN network. The Sustainability Senior Manager is a member of the SSN Steering Group as is our Chief Executive. Emergency Services are members of our Community Planning Partnership, Climate Change Steering Group and sub-groups. Our Local Transport and Active Travel Strategy is our vision for improving transport and travel in the local authority area. Enhancing the transport network will improve the local economy, environment, deliver health benefits and contributes to addressing climate change and reducing inequalities. - Economy, Business & Industry (B1, B2, B3, B4) The Council's Business Development Team works with businesses to help them become more sustainable and adapt to a low-carbon economy. The Council encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices through its procurement processes and by promoting the circular economy and by following the Sustainable Procurement Duty. We have active flood resilience projects in place and flood risk and shoreline management plans. We have our Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP).The Council were the first local authority to implement a Community Wealth Building Strategy. The Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy has a priority to Enhancing Natural Capital: Preserving and enhancing Ayrshire’s natural capital, meeting Scotland’s commitments to net zero and protection of biodiversity. The Council has a Food Growing Strategy. Review, monitoring and evaluation 4e What arrangements does the body have in place to review current and future climate risks? Provide details of arrangements to review current and future climate risks, for example, what timescales are in place to review the climate change risk assessments referred to in Question 4 (a) and adaptation strategies, action plans, procedures and policies in Question 4 (b) - As noted in question 4a,4 b & 4c, the Council maintains a Strategic Risk Register 2024/25 where actions are updated, monitored and reported bi-annually and the risks are reviewed annually. Risk register actions from plans and strategies at a service, corporate and strategic level and are updated 6 monthly and risks are reviewed on an annual basis. -The Corporate Risk Management Group undertake regular reviews of risks and undertake horizon scanning to identify potential new climate related risks. Lead Services hold detailed risk registers on climate change e.g. in team or service Risk Registers and report to ELT as appropriate. These would be integral to forward strategy and action plans. Risks are scrutinised by Senior Officers and Elected Members. Strategic risks are noted as the highest level of risk. Underlying strategy, plans, projects and actions are the responsibility of service level risk management/objective by services themselves. - Our Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy (SNA) 2024-27 link: Document.ashx is where progress towards tackling climate change issues is measured, with actions identified to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. One of these workstreams is Adaptation which includes completing Adaptation Scotland's Capability Framework, which we undertook assessments in 2023 and 2024. Our SNA action plan is monitored internally on a quarterly basis. Our Climate Change Steering Group was established in 2021 with key stakeholders involved to act as a sounding board and critical friend to support and challenge the implementation of the SNA. The Steering Group meets every four months. The Sustainability Board monitor progress of the SNA actions and projects. - The Council Plan 2019-24 sets out North Ayrshire Council’s mission: “Working together to improve the lives of our people in North Ayrshire” and aims to achieve this through four Strategic Priorities: Wellbeing, Communities and Local Democracy, Climate Change and A Sustainable Council. The aim of the Climate Change priority is “To achieve net zero by 2030”. - Progress of plans and strategies are reported to Cabinet and Audit & Scrutiny committees at this link: North Ayrshire Council Committees
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42 4f What arrangements does the body have in place to monitor and evaluate the impact of adaptation actions? Please provide details of monitoring and evaluation criteria and adaptation indicators used to assess the effectiveness of actions details under Question 4 (c) and Question 4 (d) - The Council currently takes account of climate change risk within our Council Plan and operational plan actions. Performance indicators are used internally and externally across the Council to monitor progress against actions on a quarterly / annual basis. Reports at this link: Council performance Some of the indicators that we measure progress on include: - Number of trees planted under the North Ayrshire 2030 Tree Planting Strategy -Adaptation is one of our workstreams within our Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27(link to strategy: Document.ashx and the action plan, including adaptation actions (flood prevention, flood management plan, shoreline management and Climate Adaptation Capability Framework annual assessment are monitored and reported on quarterly on an internal basis. -We undertook our third Adaptation Capability Framework assessment. This involved collection of information across the Council and a cross Council workshop. The evidence, scores and 2023 actions which were collated was reviewed by attendees and then recorded on the Framework and the Benchmarking Tool. This helped us identify how well we are progressing adaptation actions and also to highlight potential areas for improvement using a Red, Amber, Green status. An action plan was created and was progressed over the following year. - We undertake a Climate Change Assessment Tool annual assessment, as part of our Public Bodies Climate Change Reporting which helps us monitor our progress over the topics, which includes Adaptation. The assessment is completed by officers from across Council Services. -We will continue to support the actions in the Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan (2021) and the Local Flood Risk Management Plan (2022). In accordance with statutory requirements, North Ayrshire Council as lead local flood authority for the Ayrshire Plan District, will publish an interim progress report on the actions by the end of 2025. -Adaptation actions are also monitored in the Strategic Climate Change Risk (link to register: Document.ashx) on a six monthly basis as mentioned in detail in responses to questions 4a, 4b & 4c. -The Corporate Risk Management Group undertake regular reviews of risks and undertake horizon scanning to identify potential new climate related risks. Lead Services hold detailed risk registers on climate change e.g. in team or service Risk Registers and report to ELT as appropriate. These would be integral to forward strategy and action plans. Risks are scrutinised by Senior Officers and Elected Members. Strategic risks are noted as the highest level of risk. Underlying strategy, plans, projects and actions are the responsibility of service level risk management/objective by services themselves. - Progress reports for plan, strategies and priorities are provided at committee meetings for review and approval e.g. Cabinet Committee at this link: North Ayrshire Council Committees > Cabinet - Our Climate Change Steering Group was established in 2021 with key stakeholders involved to act as a sounding board and critical friend to support and challenge the implementation of the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy (SNA). The Steering Group meets every four months who review and monitor progress of the five workstreams, including Nature and Adaptation. We have five SNA sub-groups including Nature and Adaptation. These sub-groups meet three times per year and monitor progress of the SNA actions. The group identifies opportunities for collaboration for both Council and community actions. - The Sustainability Board, consisting of internal stakeholders monitor progress of the SNA actions and projects. - An internal Adaptation Working Group consisting of key services was formed in 2024. Future priorities for adaptation 4g What are the body’s top 5 climate adaptation priorities for the year ahead? Provide a summary of the areas and activities of focus for the year ahead. - We will undertake a Local Climate Impact Assessment to understand how current weather affects the Council, to assess vulnerability and raise awareness of the impacts. - We will prepare and publish personal and community resilience guidance for our residents, communities and businesses.
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43 - We will support the development of the coastal climate adaptation plans that were undertaken for Stevenston and Irvine. - We will undertake our fourth Climate Adaptation Capability Assessment and develop an action plan to be progressed over the next year. We will measure and monitor the overall score as a KPI introduced in 2025/25. - We will produce case studies based on real life examples of Council climate adaptation initiatives. Further Information 4h Supporting information and best practice Provide any other relevant supporting information and any examples of best practice by the body in relation to adaptation. -The Council is the lead authority for the Local Flood Risk Management Plan Ayrshire Local Plan District. - Irvine Royal Academy and Millport PS pupils took part in Scotland’s Flood Resilience Conference on 28 & 29 Jan 2025. Giving their experiences of flooding / sustainability / climate change and how it impacts them and how they feel about the future. Session was led by NAC’s STEM co-ordinator. - Flood Team’s consultants (Royal HaskoningDHV) presented their findings from the coastal studies for Irvine and Stevenston at the Scotland's Flood Resilience Conference in 2025. -A locally constituted community group has agreed to help monitor coastal change at Stevenston Beach. To support this action, North Ayrshire Council is planning to install fixed camera viewpoints to track coastal change. - The Council were part of the Task & Finish group to review and refresh the Climate Adaptation Capability Framework and Benchmarking Tool and took part in the National launch in January 2025. PART 5 PROCUREMENT 5a How have procurement policies contributed to compliance with climate change duties? Provide information relating to how the procurement policies of the body have contributed to its compliance with climate change duties. The Procurement Strategy has an objective to tackle climate emergency and embrace a circular economy on our net-zero journey. There are 9 actions to support this objective and performance against the objectives is reported annually within the Annual Procurement Report 2024/2025. 5b How has procurement activity contributed to compliance with climate change duties? NAC adhere to the Sustainable Procurement Duty, utilise the Scottish Government Sustainable Procurement Tools and procure all contracts that reduce climate change impact and adaptation. These contracts include renewable energies, flood protection schemes and electrical vehicle charging infrastructure. All Corporate Procurement Unit staff have completed eLearning on: Introduction to Sustainable Public Procurement, Climate Literacy, Circular Procurement and Supply and Fair Work First and Procurement. Additionally, the Corporate Procurement Unit: • Maintain a net-zero roadmap, aligned to NAC’s Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy to ensure adequate resource is available to procure sustainable projects. • Complete From Now To 2030 Templates for Fleet, Waste (including Streetscene), ICT, Building Services and Sustainability to monitor and track services progress to becoming net zero by 2030. 5c Supporting information and best practice NAC adhere to the Sustainable Procurement Duty, utilise the Scottish Government Sustainable Procurement Tools and procure all contracts that reduce climate change impact and adaptation. These contracts include renewable energies, flood protection schemes and electrical vehicle charging infrastructure. All Corporate Procurement Unit staff have completed eLearning on: Introduction to Sustainable Public Procurement, Climate Literacy, Circular Procurement and Supply and Fair Work First and Procurement. Additionally, the Corporate Procurement Unit:
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44 • Maintain a net-zero roadmap, aligned to NAC’s Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy to ensure adequate resource is available to procure sustainable projects. • Complete From Now To 2030 Templates for Fleet, Waste (including Streetscene), ICT, Building Services and Sustainability to monitor and track services progress to becoming net zero by 2030. PART 6 VALIDATION AND DECLARATION 6a Internal validation process Briefly describe the body’s internal validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report? We validate all utility data prior to reporting, by using a third party utility management system. All data has been collated from various Services, each with their own validation systems. The Council uses a performance management system, Pentana, to record progress of actions and performance indicators on a quarterly basis. This data is reported regularly to Senior Managers, the Executive Leadership Team and Elected Members, for visibility and challenge and ensures a robust internal monitoring and reporting process. Council Plan actions and performance indicators progress are published bi-annually on our website. Finally, approval for this report return is sought from the Head of Service, Sustainability, Corporate Property and Transport and our Cabinet Committee. 6b Peer validation process Briefly describe the body’s peer validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. In 2022 & 2023, we peer reviewed Argyll & Bute Council’s PBCCDR and vice versa. We held a feedback session following the peer review of each Local Authority’s annual PBCCDR. For the 2025 reporting period we are in early discussions with East Ayrshire Council on the potential opportunity to peer review assessments. 6c External validation process Briefly describe the body’s external validation process, if any, of the data or information contained within this report. External validation of utility data used in this report is provided on a monthly basis. Validation is provided by SystemsLink (Inspired). 6d No Validation Process If any information provided in this report has not been validated, identify the information in the question and explain why it has not been validated. N/A 6e Declaration I confirm that the information in this report is accurate and provides a fair representation of the body’s performance in relation to climate change. Name: Laurence Cree Role in the body: Head of Service, Sustainability, Corporate Property & Transport Date: 30/11/2025
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45 RECOMMENDED REPORTING: REPORTING ON WIDER INFLUENCE Wider Impact and Influence on GHG Emissions Q1 ) Historic Emissions (Local Authorities Only) Please indicate emission amounts and unit of measurement (e.g. tCO2e) and years. Please provide information on the following components using data from the links provided below. Please use (1) as the default unless targets and actions relate to (2). Please note: territorial emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are provided, but fluorinated gases, which are also included in the UK territorial greenhouse gas emissions statistics. Prior to the 2005 to 2020 publication the statistics covered emissions of carbon dioxide only. (1) UK local and regional CO2e emissions: subset dataset (emissions within the scope of influence of local authorities ): (2) UK local and regional CO2e emissions: full data set: https://data.gov.uk/dataset/723c243d-2f1a-4d27-8b61-cdb93e5b10ff/emissions-of-carbon-dioxide-for-local-authority-areas Local Authority: (Please State) North Ayrshire DESNZ Dataset: (full or sub-set) Full Source Sector 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Units Comments DENZ Sectors Total Emissions 1046.2 1018.9 924.1 893.3 848.7 744.5 753.0 744.9 631.6 726.8 675.3 610.8 ktCO2e Industry and Commercial 550.8 536.2 488.9 465.3 443.5 341.6 362.8 365.8 293.1 361.6 345.2 285.2 ktCO2e Domestic 327.4 318.6 269.0 262.4 236.6 230.1 223.9 218.9 207.7 211.5 175.7 172.1 ktCO2e Transport total 168.0 164.0 166.2 165.6 168.5 172.7 166.3 160.2 130.8 153.7 154.4 153.4 ktCO2e Per Capita 9.2 8.9 8.1 7.90 7.5 6.7 6.5 6.6 5.8 6.5 6.1 5.4 ktCO2e Other Sectors
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46 2a ) Targets Please detail your wider influence target Sector Description Type of Target (units) Baseline value Start year Target Target / End year Saving in latest year measured Latest year Measured Comments Overall reduction target Overall Carbon Emissions Percentage Emissions (%) 1453.7ktCO2e 2005 Net zero 2030 2024 Actual is 20,325tCO2e against a target of 19,953tCO2e. This figure is an estimate and will be confirmed at the next data release. Though slightly adrift of target the overall trend is a steady decrease in emissions. 2b) Does the organisation have an overall mission statement, strategies, plans or policies outlining ambition to influence emissions beyond your corporate boundaries? If so, please detail this in the box below. Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27 has set an ambitious target to be net zero area wide by 2030. Link to Strategy: Document.ashx Q3 Policies and Actions to Reduce Emissions Please details any of the specific policies and actions which are underway to achieve your emission reduction targets. Sector Start year for policy / action impleme ntation Year that the policy/action will be fully implemented Annual CO2 Saving once fully implemented (tCO2) Latest Year measured Saving in latest year measured (tCO2) Status Metric/ Indicators for monitoring progress Delivery role During project/ policy design and implem entatio n, has ISM or an equival ent behavi our change tool been used? Please give further details of this behaviour change activity Value of Investment (£) Ongoing Costs (£/year) Primary Funding Source for Implementatio n of Policy/Action Co mm ent s
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47 Please provide any detail on data sources or limitations relating to the information provided in Table 3 The Council’s Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy (SNA) 2024-27 was developed to support the delivery of the Council’s Climate Change Strategic Priority, with the strategic aim to be Net Zero by 2020. The SNA has nine key principles, five workstreams and 46 detailed actions. The Council declared a Climate Emergency in June 2019 and consequently committed to reduce and remove emissions for North Ayrshire to achieve net-zero carbon status by 2030. The strategy provides direct actions to deliver on the Council’s aspirations to become net-zero carbon by 2030, halt biodiversity loss by 2030, and implement the key activities within the Council Plan 2023-28. In order to accomplish this, we must make a real shift in operational culture and social behaviours, lead the way in reducing emissions from buildings, transport and waste, whilst increasing the use of renewable technology and implementing methods to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Q4 Partnership Working, Communications and Capacity Building Please detail your Climate Change Partnership, Communication or Capacity Building Initiatives below. Key Action Type Description Organisation’s project role Lead Organisation (if not reporting organisation) Private Partners Public Partners 3rd Sector Partners Outputs Comments Partnership Working Ardrossan Community Campus Lead Carbon Futures University of Strathclyde A new Education campus, marine, residential and commercial development, built on derelict land. This included the STEM event – net Zero to Superhero. It involved a series of interactive workshops on topics like solar energy and nuclear fuel for 200 pupils: https://www. north- ayrshire.go v.uk/news/st em-event- success-as-
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48 Key Action Type Description Organisation’s project role Lead Organisation (if not reporting organisation) Private Partners Public Partners 3rd Sector Partners Outputs Comments part-of- campus- developme nt Partnership Working Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Supporting Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Diverting reusable furniture and mattresses from landfill and donated or sold at a low cost to NAC residents in need. Partnership Working Generation of clean, green, council-owned renewable energy Lead Ameresco University of Strathclyde i3 Strategic Investment Campus proposals to generate clean, green council- owned renewable energy at a key strategic site which are for three wind turbines and a solar farm to be developed. Solar Farms at Nethermains and Shewalton, that were previously vacant and derelict land. Partnership Working The Council’s Blue Economy Plans working with the Participant Peel Ports Peel Ports University of Strathclyde Hunterston PARC is part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal to
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49 Key Action Type Description Organisation’s project role Lead Organisation (if not reporting organisation) Private Partners Public Partners 3rd Sector Partners Outputs Comments University of Strathclyde, Peel Ports, Enterprise Scotland. Earmarked as one of the UK’s key investment sites for the development of the blue and green economy. Supporting the blue and green economy Our vision is to establish a nationally significant energy and marine campus, uniting leading industry operators, world- class universities, and pioneering innovators to deliver technological breakthroughs in power generation, aquaculture and more. Enterprise Scotland develop centres of excellence in key areas of innovation, advanced technologies and applied research with a particular focus on the blue and green economies including low carbon energy /circular economy/aquacu lture/advanced manufacture and the servicing of assets for the offshore wind and renewable energy sector. Partnership Working Climate Change Steering Group with local Lead Booth Welsh GSK Stagecoach NHS Ayrshire & Arran Clyde Porpoise Friends of Stevenston Act as a sounding board and critical friend
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50 Key Action Type Description Organisation’s project role Lead Organisation (if not reporting organisation) Private Partners Public Partners 3rd Sector Partners Outputs Comments organisations and business to progress the actions within the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy 2024-27 Ardagh Glass Green Home Systems Scottish Fire & Rescue Police Scotland Keep Scotland Beautiful Ayrshire College Beith Trust The Ayrshire Community Trust K A Leisure to support and challenge the implementation of the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy. Bring ideas, lessons learned and best practice from elsewhere in the UK and internationally around climate change mitigation and adaption. Advise on approach to achieving net zero carbon by 2030. Contribute wider policy knowledge on the sustainability and climate change agenda. Promote North Ayrshire’s actions on climate change. Contribute to the review and refresh of the North Ayrshire Council Sustainable North Ayrshire
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51 Key Action Type Description Organisation’s project role Lead Organisation (if not reporting organisation) Private Partners Public Partners 3rd Sector Partners Outputs Comments Strategy as required. Partnership Working Ayrshire Energy Masterplan Participant North, South and East Ayrshire Councils lead collaboratively Faithful and Gould Will help Ayrshire to deliver on each Local Authority's net zero aspirations by providing the opportunity to plan for robust low carbon energy infrastructure that will support Ayrshire's clean growth aspirations by helping to transform energy systems towards net zero. The report is currently being produced. Partnership Working EV Pathfinder Project Participant The Three Ayrshire Local Authorities are participants / leads in this project Scottish Futures Trust Transport Scotland To develop a business case which supports future funding applications for the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Partnership Working Preparation of a feasibility study on a potential heat network Lead Ricardo AEA Opportunity to identify a potential Heat Network in the
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52 Key Action Type Description Organisation’s project role Lead Organisation (if not reporting organisation) Private Partners Public Partners 3rd Sector Partners Outputs Comments identified in our LHEES. local authority area. Partnership Working From 2022-2027, as part of the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) Strategic Research Programme 2022-27 (link to research: Environment, natural resources and agriculture strategic research - gov.scot) Scotland’s Rural College researchers are working on two inter-related projects: Novel Insights on Scotland’s rural and island economies (Link: NISRIE | Rural Exchange | SRUC): North Ayrshire Council are Participant Scottish Government NAC Waste Services Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services (RESAS) Scottish Rural College (SRUC) Zero Waste Scotland Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) Skills Development Scotland Edinburgh University South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Results will assist the Council in prioritising Circular Economy (CE) and waste reduction approaches building onto our net zero agenda. This work package - ‘Building the circular economy: sustainable technologies, green skills and upscaling behaviours’ includes taking a ‘Living Lab’ style approach, whereby the researchers work with the local communities on Arran and Cumbrae to identify the drivers and barriers to behaviours of people and businesses e.g.,
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53 Key Action Type Description Organisation’s project role Lead Organisation (if not reporting organisation) Private Partners Public Partners 3rd Sector Partners Outputs Comments supporting one of the research work packages on the Stakeholder Group for the circular economy project and will be involved in case studies development (incl. Arran & Cumbrae). main industries including the construction sector, and the interventions most suitable to local circumstances towards behavioural change i.e., uptake of a co- designed CE model on the island/s. Partnership Ayrshire Climate Hub Participant Energy Agency Ayrshire Chambers of Commerce Business Energy Scotland Home Energy Scotland Local Energy Scotland South Ayrshire Council East Ayrshire Council NHS Ayrshire & Arran Dumfries & Galloway Council Ayrshire College Community Energy Scotland Energy Savings Trust Scottish Fair Trade Scottish Renewables Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Stop Climate Chaos Scotland EEA Energy Efficiency Association Existing Homes Alliance Scotland Energy Action Scotland Living Wage Foundation The Ayrshire Climate Hub is part of the Scottish Government’s new national network of Climate Hubs, which are designed to support community climate action on a regional basis. We celebrate and support a range of grassroots community activity across a diverse spectrum of climate action.
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54 Key Action Type Description Organisation’s project role Lead Organisation (if not reporting organisation) Private Partners Public Partners 3rd Sector Partners Outputs Comments Partnership Islands Net Zero Accelerator (NZA) Lead SME’s Zero Waste Scotland Implement the Islands Net Zero Accelerator (NZA) through our Business Recovery and Sustainability fund. This programme will help local businesses embrace new technology and reduce their environmental impact. Through their transition to Net-Zero by 2030, the programme closely aligns to the Local Island Plans priorities. 16 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have enrolled for a first of its kind islands Net Zero Accelerator programme.
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55 Other Notable Reported Activity Q5) Please detail key actions relating to Food and Drink, Biodiversity, Water, Procurement and Resource Use in the table below Key Action Type Key Action Description Organisation’s Project Role Impacts Comments Biodiversity The Local Biodiversity Action Plan includes actions to enhance and support biodiversity in North Ayrshire up to 2031. Lead The Local Biodiversity Action Plan is intended for anyone who lives, works or visits North Ayrshire. We are all stakeholders in our shared local and global biodiversity. Water We have a statutory duty to ensure that public water supplies are wholesome and adequate. Environmental Health monitors supplies by taking samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis and by working with Scottish Water and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator. Sampling is done both routinely and following complaint where there may be a public health dimension to the complaint. Supporting The Council has a duty to ensure that water supplies are wholesome and adequate for use in North Ayrshire. Food & Drink North Ayrshire actively engaged in carrying out a range of innovative and valuable food-based initiatives. It is through these partnerships that the Food Growing Strategy has developed and will provide many benefits including: Looking after the environment, linking to the Council Plan, North Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan, Local Development Plan 2, Allotment Policy, Open Space Strategy and Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy. Participant This initiative supports community food larders and partnership working within the Local Authority area. Food & Drink Food Growing Strategy outlines the steps and actions through which partners will support and increase the opportunities for community food growing across North Ayrshire. It identifies how this can contribute to the North Ayrshire Food System and help to provide food with dignity in local communities. Lead Increasing local food production contributes to the climate change emergency through a reduction in food miles. The impact is to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities through access to good food and specifically to engage with partners to improve and
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56 Key Action Type Key Action Description Organisation’s Project Role Impacts Comments increase activities related to the production and distribution of good food. Q6 Please use the text box below to detail further climate change related activity that is not noted elsewhere within the reporting template. N/A