Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the Telford and Wrekin Council Becoming Carbon Neutral and Plastic Free agenda.

The Team Leader: Climate Change and Sustainability presented the report. The report covered the Council’s progress on the Being Carbon Neutral and Plastic Free agendas.

The presentation outlined progress towards net zero since 2018/19 – the baseline year against which progress was measured. An outline of the way comparisons were made was provided, setting out the scopes and BEIS conversion factors. The Council used the Midlands Net Zero Hub to audit its net zero work

In terms of its own buildings, the Council was on a 100% green tariff for energy. Electric usage figures had been skewed by Covid-19, therefore, those years would not be counted. Despite this, there was still a general trend downwards in energy usage thanks to reduced building usage and the impact of solar panels.

The Committee received an update on the impact of works at Newport Leisure Centre. Refitting works, carried out with £586,000 of PSDF funding, had resulted in a saving of 566,863 kWh of gas and a 61% reduction in the Centre’s carbon footprint. The savings generated by the works were also highlighted. Future works were planned for Oakengates and Wellington leisure centres.

Members were informed of the Council’s planned next steps. The Action Plan was under review and the reduction and monitoring of emissions would continue. Work was to be carried out with service areas to develop adaptation plans and to extend the range of advice and support available to all staff on environmental matters.

Members expressed their support for the works at Newport Leisure Centre and the plans for further adaptation works whilst noting the need for the Council to promote its success and act as a leader and convenor for businesses in the Borough.

Members noted the Council’s progress on becoming carbon neutral and plastic free.