Agenda item - 2030 Carbon Neutral Programme

Report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture

That the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee:

1)             Recommends the 2030 Carbon Neutral Programme to Policy & Resources Committee for approval

2)             Recommends to Policy & Resources Committee that the oversight of the Sustainability & Carbon Reduction Investment Fund (SCRIF) is transferred from the cross-party SCRIF Member Oversight Group (MOG) to the cross-party 2030 Carbon Neutral Member Working Group, and the SCRIF MOG is stood down.

83.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that sought recommendation to Policy & Resources Committee of the 2030 Carbon Neutral Programme which is a coordinated programme of projects that aims to help the city to address the climate crisis and transition to carbon neutrality by 2030. The report also set out proposed changes to the governance of the 2030 Carbon Neutral Programme relating to the oversight of the Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Investment Fund and the Climate Assembly Action Capital Investment Fund.

83.2      In response to a question from Councillor Nemeth, it was explained that at the moment, carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions were measured however, the feasibility of a development plan of carbon offset projects was being considered and that would be reported on an annual basis.

83.3      Councillor Brown asked what progress had been made on the recommendations made by the Climate Assembly on a Park & Ride scheme and the need for a reliable and regular bus service in the outlier areas of the city.

83.4      The Chair responded that finding an adequate Park & Ride site had been a significant problem for successive council administrations and any suggestions on feasible sites would be welcomed. Further, the Chair stated that congestion in the city by private vehicles meant that bus services were not as reliable as they could be.

83.5      The Committee members welcomed and commended the report, collectively stating that they were very pleased to make the first stage in a step change for the city.

83.6      RESOLVED-

That the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee:

1)             Recommends the 2030 Carbon Neutral Programme to Policy & Resources Committee for approval

2)             Recommends to Policy & Resources Committee that the oversight of the Sustainability & Carbon Reduction Investment Fund (SCRIF) is transferred from the cross-party SCRIF Member Oversight Group (MOG) to the cross-party 2030 Carbon Neutral Member Working Group, and the SCRIF MOG is stood down.