Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Environmental Sustainability & Carbon Reduction Strategy ES&CRS 2022-32 Annual Monitoring Report

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Environmental Sustainability & Carbon Reduction Strategy ES&CRS 2022-32 Annual Monitoring Report.

Climate change posed a real threat to society and biodiversity. There was increasing impacts of flooding, high winds, heat waves, significant wildfires and species collapse.  To limit climate change by reducing carbon emissions, action was needed, building on the work already achieved.

HM Government had entered binding international arrangements for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and set out comprehensive requirements within the Environment Act. The secondary legislation that would define targets for relevant local and regional agencies, had been delayed in a number of key areas. However, it was likely that the Council would need to evidence further progress on CO2, waste, water and air quality, in the coming years.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) Net Zero Strategy incorporated priorities for homes & communities, public organisations, and nature & resources, alongside decarbonisation of industry and transport.

Stockton Council’s Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy (ES&CRS), adopted in 2022 set out the direction the Council needed to take and described the actions that would contribute to the achievement of net zero. The Council had made significant progress within the resources available, achieving a steady decline in carbon emissions over a long period. However, substantial additional investment would be required in the coming years if the Council was to remain on target for Net Zero by 2032.

Continued concentration on measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions from the Council assets and fleet, were an urgent priority, alongside investing in solar energy generation and counterbalancing natural solutions.

RESOLVED that the Environmental Sustainability & Carbon Reduction Strategy ES&CRS 2022-32 Annual Monitoring Report be noted.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

Report for noting only.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

N/A