Agenda item

(To receive a report from Dan Clayton, Sustainability Manager – Environment, which invites the Committee to consider a progress update on the Green Masterplan and outlines the initial progress towards the Council's targets to reach net zero carbon by 2050)

Consideration was given to a report from the Sustainability Manager – Environment updating the Committee on the Green Masterplan and outlines the initial progress towards the Council's target to reach net zero carbon by 2050. It was explained that climate change adaptation work, staff training and engagement activities were contributing factors to the Council's excellent progress towards emission reduction. The Covid-19 restrictions had a significant impact to the reduction of emissions through working from home arrangements. However, the Council had already seen a 55 per cent reduction prior to Covid-19 through rationalising the Council's estate, investment into energy efficiency projects and wider national programmes to reduce the carbon emission on the electricity grid. Compared to national figures, the Council was significantly ahead of typical carbon reduction. The wider carbon emissions from the Lincolnshire economy were also identified, resulting in consideration being given to encouragement of reduction. The extent the Council could influence was nevertheless limited. Recognising that business and industry were significant contributors to carbon emissions, officers sought to establish a Climate Change Partnership with training programmes and potential support from the Community Renewal Fund. The Council was currently identifying sites to fulfil its objective of planning a tree for every resident. In addition £170,000 had been received from the Forestry Commission for the planting of trees in non-woodland settings. A Greater Lincolnshire Tree Strategy would be brought before the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee in the future.

The Committee considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:- 

• Members stressed that the Council needed to continue to press hard to deliver this plan.
• Referencing the tree planting scheme, Members sought detail on the exact type of tree that would be planted. It was advised that, if practical, specific species would be introduced where requested while Tree Officers would determine otherwise. In addition, all trees planted would be native to the planting areas.
• Further detail of tree planting funding was sought by Members, particularly in relation to axillary forest and woodland improvements such as footpaths. It was advised that the Forestry Commission offered a number of schemes which were exclusively allocated to tree planting and tree maintenance. The Woodland Trust offered the England Woodland Creation Offer which offered 100 per cent of the tree planting for large scale woodland development for land owners. The north of the county also benefited from the Northern Forrest Area fund.
• Members asked if hedgerows could be included within the planting scope, suggesting that a hedgerow could be included on one side of every drainage ditch. It was advised a number of land owners requested hedgerows in addition to trees.
• Encouraged by the electric vehicle support, Members sought clarity of its feasibility, particularly the sufficiency of power in the grid. It was advised that there was a Electric Vehicle Strategy, currently in draft, would form part of the Local Transport Plan. In addition, a report into local area energy planning had been commissioned to investigate grid capacity.
• A Member observed the potential ethical and environmental impact of lithium mining for electric vehicles batteries. Officers appreciated the concerns around the sourcing of lithium; however noted, different chemical combinations were being investigated to reduce the need for lithium in the future.
• While acknowledging the potential disadvantages, Members were aware that other authorities had planted fruit trees for the local community. A number of parishes requested the introduction of community orchards. It was noted that 60 per cent of traditional fruit orchards had been lost since World War Two. There was also interest from food banks to introduce fruit trees.
• Noting the intent of the Green Masterplan to reduce carbon emissions for school transportation, Members asked if officers currently had any further updates to offer. It was advised that the school travel scheme were currently preparing to start 6 pilot schemes which would investigate smaller infrastructure improvements to encourage children to walk or cycle to school.

RESOLVED

1. That the report and comments be noted.

2. That the Committee received further updates on the progress of delivery of the targets