Gosport Borough Council Climate Change Board Meeting

There were none.

There were none

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on the 15 July 2021 be signed as a true and correct record.

There were none

There were none

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety setting out details of the latest available greenhouse gas emissions data, covering both the Council’s own emissions and emissions across Gosport.

Members wished to thank the report authors for a comprehensive and informative report, the content of which would guide and influence debate and inform the action plan. They recognised the amount of work involved in producing the data analysis which sets the basis for moving forward.

Members were concerned that 4.2% was not enough of a decrease and there would need to be three times that figure to ensure the target was met, which would require behavourial change in the areas which created the most emissions.

Members were keen to ensure that the housing department encouraged green energy use within housing stock, and that research may be useful in determining levels of green energy already in place within the Borough.

A Member recognised that the sheltered housing schemes and temporary accommodation generated the greatest proportion of emissions during the reporting period, and wondered if the percentage decrease had been adversely impacted due to the type of construction used for those properties.

Members were reminded that the Town Hall had now switched to a renewable electricity supplier.

RESOLVED: That the Board noted the report.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety setting out the progress that has been achieved against the Climate Change Motion, and the Climate Change Action Plan.

In answer to a Members question, Officers advised that statistical data regarding paper use could be collected, but results might be skewed by an increase in working from home due to Covid.

A Member hoped that as we were getting back to the new normal, post Covid, new targets for reduction in paper use, introduction of electric points, increase in recycling and a reduction in domestic vehicles could be set ideally at the next meeting.

Members wished to recognise that almost 50% of the Motion had been completed,despite the restrictions and delays caused by the Covid pandemic, in particular the Engagement Framework which covers engagement with young people, and the Climate Change Partnership which has now held its first meeting. Members were keen to see more actions and decisions coming from the Partnership.

Members were reminded that the Climate Change Board held no budget of its own, but that budgets were held within the departments that implement the decisions such as Streetscene funding the electric mowers and re-wilding, and housing funding the solar panels. Therefore, the costs of setting up and running a Citizens Assembly would have to be a Capital project approved through the P&O Board and Council.

Officers agreed to meet with a Member to explore the possible options for a more cost effective Assembly.

RESOLVED: That the Board noted the progress update.