Agenda item

To receive the report of the Director of Corporate Estates, which summarises the outcomes achieved in recent years in tackling Climate Change.  

The Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction provided an update to Members in relation to the key environmental and energy outcomes achieved in recent years and the work underway on renewable energy projects and other carbon reduction related issues. He advised Members that the report aimed to provide an overview of the good work undertaken thus far and future projects.

The Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction advised Members of the RCT Corporate Plan 2020/24 ‘Making A Difference’; He advised Members of the Council acknowledgement of delivering on Climate Change commitments as one of the greatest challenges.

Members were directed to section 5 of the report which lists out the Councils projects achievements to date in relation to tackling Climate Change. Some examples of these successes included reducing carbon emissions by 40% from Council investments in renewable energy sources; all street lighting in RCT has been converted to LED versions and since 2016 this has resulted in annual 84% reduction in reported carbon from 2018/19; The Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction informed Members that RCT Council is the first LA to install Hydrogen Fuel Cells which now have 21 units installed in Leisure Centres, School and Offices throughout RCT.

The Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction directed Members to section 6 of the report which highlighted to Members RCT Council’s current projects in progress. The projects include ‘Taffs Well Thermal Spring’, which utilises geo-thermal heating, the Council investment in world leading automated recycling plants at Bryn Pica, which has improved the Councils recycling targets, biodiversity work underway which explores trees and peatbogs as a source of capturing carbon and a number of ‘Active Travel’ routes which have been established across RCT such as the Taff Trail, Church Village Community Route and Cynon Trail. The Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction advised members that focus has been directed on improving active travel networks by developing new routes which will improve connectivity and serve key local facilities such as schools, colleges, places of employment and shops.

Members were directed to section 7 of the report; this section highlighted the Councils plans to decarbonise the County Borough by working collaboratively to develop EV charging and decarbonise the Council’s fleet, and staff training and the new green space forum initiative. The Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction advised Members that section 7 of the report refers to the Councils new system of Corporate Governance which has been set up under the Steering Group as illustrated in the appendix of the report.

As highlighted in the report the Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction advised Members of the excellent work that has been undertaken which reflects the sustainable development of the principles of the Well-Being and Future Generations Act (2015), as projects are meeting the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations. Despite the successes achieved the Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction acknowledged there is further work to be done.

The Chair was pleased with the report and the excellent work which has been undertaken to date. The Chair encouraged the achievements made to be advertised and promoted to residents and staff.

One Member echoed the praises from the Chair; he was pleased with the achievements made during a short period of time.

A Member commended the work undertaken within the project, however requested for further new installations of LED lighting is some parts of RCT as lighting produced is focal rather that spread out. The Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction advised the Member of the evolution of LED technology and reassured the Member that better LED street lighting will be installed.

Following discussions, the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group RESOLVED:

-       To acknowledge the content of the report as part of the ongoing work of the Climate Change Cabinet Steering Group.

-       To receive further reports in the future providing further updates on achievements and progress.