Agenda item

Officers presented the report as included in the Agenda and gave a presentation to Members.

The Climate Change Officer presented the Carbon Audit data.  He explained that the previous audit had been carried out in 2014/2015 and that the emissions had been categorised into three scopes, all of which had decreased in the current audit. 

The Environmental Health Manager outlined the work plan, which included creation of a Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Implementation Plan.  He also highlighted the other work being carried out to deal with Climate Change which was contained in part 2.4 of the report and included looking at working with Norfolk County Council, tree planting and joint projects.

The report also provided detail of the internal groups set up by the Borough Council and looked at issues such as housing standards, new builds, technology and the Council’s vehicle fleet.

The Environmental Health Manager explained that, with regard to the vehicle fleet, electric vehicles would be looked at however there were presently limited options that had the range available to service the whole of the Borough.

The Panel was informed that the Re-fit project was ongoing and all lights at King’s Court had been replaced.  All Council facilities would be looked at to see what could be done to make them more efficient.

The Arboricultural Officer provided an update on the recent tree planting project at King’s Reach.  He explained that it was a community event with lots of people attending and good feedback being received.  Options for future projects such as Street Trees for King’s Lynn and community planting were being looked at.

The Chair thanked officers for their report and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

In response to a question from Councillor Bullen, the Arboricultural Officer explained that the trees used for the King’s Reach project were all species that were native to the UK and were suitable for the type of soil.  The trees had been purchased from the Woodland Trust using donations from the Churches Together project.

In response to a question from Councillor Bambridge it was explained that approximately 500 trees had been planted at King’s Reach.  The Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Devereux commented that the Ken Hill Estate was looking at a re-wilding project and the Borough Council would also look at other opportunities for re-wilding projects as appropriate.

It was also confirmed that parcels of land all over West Norfolk were being considered.

Councillor Ryves addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  He asked for details of the cost of tree planting and ongoing maintenance costs.  The Arboricultural Officer explained that there would be minimal maintenance costs for the King’s Reach area for the first fifteen to twenty years and then future spend would need to be considered.  The Environmental Health Manager explained that projects would be looked at on a case by case basis and in the future work could be carried out with landowners and Parish Councils who may wish to carry out their own projects.

Councillor Squire asked if any council owned sites had been identified for future planting and it was explained that no specific sites had been decided at the moment, but options were being explored.  She also asked if there was an environmentally friendly alternative for plastic tree guards and it was explained that monitoring of the site helped to ensure that tree guards remained in place and once they were no longer required at the site they would be reused elsewhere.

Councillor Squire asked if the Council could work with schools on tree planting projects and the Environmental Health Manager explained that this was something that could be looked at in the future.

Councillor de Whalley asked if the Climate Change Policy would be made available for public consultation and it was explained that the Policy would go through the normal decision making process and it would be for Members to determine the amount of consultation required.

Councillor de Whalley also asked if anything was being done to discourage Muntjac Deer as they were an invasive species and it was explained that it was difficult to discourage them from areas.

In response to a further question from Councillor de Whalley, it was explained that urban tree planting was being looked at as part of the Street Trees for Lynn project.  With regard to urban trees, the surrounding conditions would be looked at, and trees which were more suited to hostile conditions would be used as appropriate.

The Climate Change Officer responded to questions relating to the ICT footprint and he explained that virtualised data would have a reduction in Borough Council emissions as servers would not need to be cooled etc, but it was difficult to quantify the footprint, however it would be something that he would look into further.

In response to a question from Councillor Bubb, it was explained that the soil at King’s Reach was moist, so it was hoped that it could be naturally sustainable, however the area could be watered if required.

Councillor Bullen referred to Scope 2 and asked if external forces had caused a reduction in emissions.  The Climate Change Officer explained National Grid Greening had made a difference, along with the installation of solar panels.  The ongoing re-fit project would also continue to make a difference.

Councillor Lesley Bambridge asked if, when officers met with the Environment Agency, they could suggest tree planting along river banks, which could help with erosion rates.

Councillor Kemp asked if the Climate Change Policy would link with the Transport Plan and if it would include looking at aspects such as remote working and staff travel.  The Environmental Health Manager explained that lots of options would be looked at, but the first stage was to look at the Borough Council emissions, before work on the district was carried out.

RESOLVED: The Panel to be kept up to date on progress.