Scottish Borders Council

Agenda item

Dumfries & Galloway Council Carbon Neutral Route Map

Presentation by Simon Fieldhouse and Sarah Farrell.

Minutes:

2.1       The Chairman introduced Simon Fieldhouse and Sarah Farrell, from Dumfries & Galloway Council who were in attendance to give a presentation, accompanied by slides, on their Council’s “Route Map to Net Zero Carbon Region by 2025”. Environment Manager, Simon Fieldhouse, explained that Dumfries & Galloway Council had declared a Climate Emergency on 27 June 2019.  The 12 point plan that accompanied the declaration was developed by the administration at a political level recognising the desire locally from groups and residents to address Climate Change.  Whilst accepting that the target was ambitious it was felt by the Council that the target should be aspirational and challenging.  A Cross Party Working Group and Officer Working Group had been set up to take forward delivery of the plan and a new Council Priority was added for Climate Change to “Urgently respond to climate change and transition to a carbon neutral region”.  Four initial workstreams had been set up: Regional Baseline Emissions Inventory; Strategic Pan and Route map to 2025; Carbon Literacy Training; and Development of a Citizen’s Panel and Regional Stakeholder Forum.  Carbon Literacy Training was being delivered to key staff across the Council, with the opportunity to train specific sectors including in procurement; youth council; teaching staff; and facilities management.  Mr Fieldhouse referred to the important work to develop a baseline of emissions across the region and advised that this had been revealing. Listed in the presentation was a list of partners and stakeholders from across the region with whom the Council were working. Ms Farrell’s role, as Climate Change Project Officer, was to co-ordinate and help focus efforts and support organisations and individuals to make changes to move the region to net zero by 2025. Ms Farrell gave further details about the projects and initiatives that were already up and running to promote and encourage change.  She explained that the question “How Can You Help?” was being taken to officers, communities, stakeholders and residents, to support the Council’s Regional net Zero ambitions; support and encourage a low/zero carbon approach; support regional transition to green technologies; and protect the natural environment. 

 

2.2       Members thanked the officers from Dumfries & Galloway Council for the interesting and inspiring presentation.  In response to a question about how the Council was working with farmers in respect of their 2025 target, Mr Fieldhouse explained that they were engaging with the farming community, recognising the economic importance of that sector within the region and were working with the NFU both locally and nationally. The approach was to identify and promote examples of good practice and to look at how land management practices could be adapted to reduce secretion of carbon. Further information was requested about the development of a tender for a Citizen’s Panel.  Mr Fieldhouse explained that the Council was commissioning a provider with in-depth subject knowledge to design and deliver the Citizen’s Panel over a 12 month period.  The provider would arrange attendance in numbers, representation and diversity to ensure full coverage and would report on outcomes relevant to proceedings and recommendations.  The Citizen’s Panel, of between 50 and 75 members, would give the opportunity for an arm’s length independent body to keep the momentum going and to scrutinise actions.  After the initial 12 month period a decision would be made about whether to take the organisation of the panel in-house. In response to further questions Ms Farrell expanded on work being carried out to engage with the youth council, schools and local colleges.  In terms of possible incorporation of climate education in the national curriculum Mr Fieldhouse advised that although this would be a decision for the Scottish Government there were opportunities locally to incorporate principles within subject matter.  The Chairman thanked Mr Fieldhouse and Ms Farrell for their attendance and presentation.

 

DECISION

NOTED the presentation.

 

 

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