Decision details

The Committee considered the report presented by the Environmental Policy and Projects Officer, which provided an update on the progress of the Climate Emergency Strategy and associated Action Plan.

The Council’s agreed target for reduction was 2,165 tCO2e (gas and fuel consumption from scope 1, purchased electricity from scope 2 and waste and water from scope 3).  The Greening Newark and Sherwood Action Plan was now being progressed and an annual report would be presented to Policy and Finance Committee every September.  A number of projects were also underway as detailed within the report.

A Member commented that whilst he supported the report he was concerned about the use of Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) from the energy supplier, for reducing the Council’s carbon emissions. The Environmental Policy and Projects Officer confirmed that REGOs were available to be purchased from a range of sources, this can just include a ‘fuel mix’ of specifically renewables such as wind and solar, which would have greater green credentials for the Council and enable a reduced carbon factor to be used in the Council’s carbon footprint calculation. The decision around the ‘fuel mix’ options for green electricity would be a decision for a future meeting of the Committee.

(Councillor L Brailsford entered the meeting during the Officers presentation.)

AGREED             that:

(a)                the Project update be noted; and

(b)                a further report be submitted to the Committee providing                                further progress updates on Newark and Sherwood District                    Council’s carbon reduction journey.