Agenda item

Presentation by Michael Cook. (Attached)

5.1       Michael Cook, SBC Policy Officer, gave a presentation on the Climate Change Route Map which, although it was an SBC-led document, had an absolute focus on partnership and collaboration.  The presentation covered:

• Scope of the route map – aligned with Scottish Government net zero emissions target of 2045, with interim targets for reductions of 75% by 2030, and 90% by 2040.  The route map was a long term plan with phased definition and delivery (Phase 1 was 2022/24).  There were 5 themes:  resilience, transport, nature based solutions, energy and waste management.
• Route map milestones and actions – each of the 5 themes set out a clear objective, purpose and milestones, with priority actions identified fir each theme which were due to be approved by Council at the end of March.  Actions would constantly evolve, shaping a strategy and framework for the future.
• Net Zero action within CPP – a number of points were given for discussion:  the role of the CPP in delivering Climate Change Route map actions; how to embed Net Zero imperatives; the need for training; and governance of Net Zero within the CPP.

            Note:  Councillor Rowley left the meeting at this point and Councillor Carol Hamilton assumed the Chair.

5.2       Members discussed the following aspects of the presentation:

• We needed to change people’s behaviours and habits through knowledge and training and work out how we lived as a community.  Borders College had received £380k to lead on a Net Zero project and all schools, social landlords and others will have free access to training, so there was an opportunity to broaden that out and work with partners.  It was what we do differently in our day to day lives that changed the habits of our students, etc. particularly around sustainability. 
• Climate change governance was being developed in the context of place making and discussions with partners going forward.  Thinking of carbon literacy and where organisations needed to be in terms of their thinking, about 60% of getting ultimately to Net Zero was about behaviour change so it was vital to strengthen the whole dialogue with communities and each other. 
• While the CPP was saying that communities would be driving priorities, but they themselves may not see climate change as a priority. 
• Climate change needed to be understood as a priority for the CPP and each individual organisation had a responsibility not only to take this forward individually but to make connections to take this forward collectively.  This needed to be a continual agenda item focussed on connecting actions.
• While there was self-determination by communities, organisations also had a leadership role and a high level Advisory Group, with the CPP providing leadership and momentum, would help operational interfaces being put in place.  This could be developed further over the summer.
• Community funding had been made available to BAVS to help deliver zero emissions community transport by 2025 and a pilot for electric bikes was currently underway in Duns, before the pilot would move to Reston.
• It was encouraging to have this level of conversation, with a lot going on to develop carbon literacy training, working with SOSE and Dumfries & Galloway Council.  Ultimately this needed embedded in everyday work. 
• The power of young people in driving the climate change agenda forward should not be underestimated.  They could be champions in our communities.
• There were 20 programmes free of charge that business owners or individuals in business could enrol for free of charge, with 270 individuals already signed up.  Every young person in the Borders at school would have carbon literacy training.

DECISION

NOTED.

Note:  Councillor Bell left the meeting at this point.