Agenda item

Purpose of Report

To inform and update the Executive on progress towards Lincoln’s net zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions target by 2030 and request that consideration be given to the resources required across a range of service areas to deliver the proposed actions outlined in the report.

Decision

(1)       That the Council continues to provide ongoing secretariat support to the Lincoln Climate Commission and to work collectively with the Commission to deliver a science based zero carbon roadmap for the Lincoln local authority area and establish a citizens’ assembly to broaden consultation.

(2)       That the bronze, silver and green membership levels for investment in the environment and the resources required to proceed with the implementation of an Environmental Management System be noted.

(3)       That an Environmental Policy be prepared by the end of March 2020.

(4)       That a Lincoln Christmas Market Environmental Policy be prepared by October 2020.

(5)       That the key points from the emerging Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy be noted.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

The City Council hosted Lincoln’s first low carbon conference on 14 March 2012, launching the Low Carbon Lincoln Partnership and Charter. To date, 48 local organisations and businesses had signed the Low Carbon Lincoln Charter and following the launch event the Partnership prepared the Low Carbon Lincoln Plan 2012-2020 and agreed a target to reduce Lincoln’s CO2 emissions by 25% by 2020. The latest figures for Lincoln indicated a per capita CO2 reduction of 44% between 2005 and 2017.

In March 2018, as part of a Vision 2020 drive to integrate sustainability into the Council’s operations and services, the Corporate Management Team agreed to set up a Carbon Reduction Taskforce made up of officers representing all Directorates and service areas of the authority with responsibility for environmental management and property management. The Taskforce was also attended by the Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place, the Sustainability Advocate and the Strategic Director of Major Developments in her capacity as the Corporate Management Team’s Sustainability Champion. An overview of the work undertaken by the Taskforce since 2018 was set out at paragraph 2.3 of the report with actions scheduled during 2019/20 outlined at paragraph 2.4.

At its meeting on 23 July 2019 the City Council agreed a motion declaring a Climate and Environmental emergency. The motion included a commitment for Lincoln to achieve a net zero carbon target by 2030. It was reported that for Lincoln to become a net zero carbon city by 2030, emissions would need to be capped at approximately 53 kilo tonnes per capita. It would be necessary to drastically reduce emissions by a further 51% from the current 3.5ft CO2 per capita to 1.7t per capita per annum.

The report provided detailed information on Lincoln’s CO2 emissions in respect of the following:

·         electricity consumption;

·         gas consumption;

·         transport.

In addition, updates were provided on the following:

·         the Lincoln Climate Commission;

·         the role of digital/smart technology and Lincolnshire’s energy assets to achieve zero carbon;

·         the scope of Lincoln’s roadmap to zero carbon;

·         the Lincoln Transport Taskforce.

With regard to the City of Lincoln Council’s own emissions and mechanisms in place to contribute towards a zero carbon target, updates were provided in the report on the following key areas:

·         the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan;

·         new homes;

·         the Western Growth Corridor;

·         travel plans;

·         a review of Council fleet vehicles;

·         the Emerging Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy;

·         the Council’s Environmental Management System;

·         the Council’s commitment to reduce single-use plastics;

·         Lincoln Christmas Market Environmental Policy.

Councillor Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place, praised an excellent report which he said showed that progress had been made since the conference in 2012 both within the City Council internally and in working with key stakeholders.

Councillor Ric Metcalfe, Leader of the Council, concurred with the above sentiments and reflected that energy generation, energy use, waste and transport were the key areas that needed addressing on a residential, commercial and industrial level.