Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: 

That the report be noted and the progress made in the past year to improve data collection for the Council’s carbon footprint be supported.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) introduced the report to provide an update on the Council’s latest carbon footprint data following submission to the Welsh Government.  He advised that the report also provided explanation as to why emissions had changed, as well as noting any improvements or difficulties relating to data and methodology.  The report concludes with a brief recommendation to investigate the use of digital technologies such as Microsoft Power BI to improve data quality for greater emissions management and reduce the time spent by staff collecting the data.  The report also referred to the key considerations for the Climate Change Strategy review in 2024/25, in particular baseline emissions and targets for Supply Chain and targets for Mobility and Transport.

The Climate Change Project Officer presented the report and reported on the main considerations as detailed.  He advised that the Carbon Emission Update 2022/23 which was appended to the report presented the results of the 2022/23 calculation while comparing them against figures from the Council’s baseline year of 2018/19; in this case showing a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022/23.

The Climate Change Project Officer responded to the questions and comments by Councillor Coggins-Cogan on discrepancies in the data provided in the Carbon Emission Update, Government investment, renewable energy generation, and methodology.

The Climate Change Project Officer responded to the further questions and suggestions for improvement made by Councillor Mike Peers.  Councillor Peers asked if the results of the Travel Survey could be shared with the Committee and a breakdown of renewable energy by percentage – wind and landfill grant, and resource implications.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment and Economy) responded to the further questions and comments raised by Councillor Bernie Attridge concerning the Travel Survey and gave an assurance that Council employees would be  encouraged to undertake the survey to achieve a good overall response.  He said the results of the survey would be provided to the Committee and also to Cabinet and the Climate Change Committee

The recommendation in the report was moved by Councillor Mike Peers and seconded by Councillor David Coggins-Cogan. 

RESOLVED: 

That the report be noted and the progress made in the past year to improve data collection for the Council’s carbon footprint be supported.