Scrutiny
Report Title
20 July 2011
Update On Progress under the Corporate
Sustainability Theme
Are there background papers?
Yes
No
Exempt
Yes
No
Key Decision?
Yes
No
If Key Decision is it on the Forward Plan?
Yes
No
Decision for Full Council?
Yes
No
Reason for Exemption?
Ward(s) affected?
All
Responsible Cabinet Member name
John Lee
Contact Officer
Helen Dixon
E-mail address
Helen.dixon@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Telephone number
01263 516271
Are there Non Electronic Appendices?
Yes
No
List of Background Papers
File Location:
1.1.
PLEASE REFER TO SECTION 7 OF THE GUIDANCE NOTES FOR
TEMPLATES
Implications / Risks:
Have you identified & explained within the report the
implications of the options available to members?
(Implications should include financial, legal and links
to the Council’s existing policies and strategies)
Have you highlighted the Risks to the Council?
1.2.
Financial Implications and Risks to the
Council should have their own separate
headings. It is not acceptable to simply state
that financial implications or risks have been
alluded to in the main body of the report.
Yes
None
Yes
None
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20 July 2011
Have you considered Sustainability issues in
relation to this report?
Sustainability should have its own separate
heading. It is not acceptable to simply state that
Sustainability has been alluded to in the main body of
the report.
Yes
None
Have you considered Equality and Diversity issues
in relation to this report?
Equality and Diversity should have its own separate
heading. It is not acceptable to simply state that
Equality and Diversity has been alluded to in the
main body of the report.
Yes
None
This report has been subject to the following processes:
Consultations with:
Cabinet Member
Yes
If not please
state reason
below
Local Member
Yes
If not please
state reason
below
N/A
S151 Officer
Yes
If not please
state reason
below
Monitoring Officer
Yes
If not please
state reason
below
Democratic Services Manager
Yes
If not please
state reason
below
Communications Manager
Yes
If not please
state reason
below
Yes
Yes
Yes
Not apt
Not apt
Not apt
Other Head(s) of Service:
None
Others:
None
Please confirm this report has been signed off by:
Management Team
Relevant Strategic Director
The Chief Executive
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20 July 2011
Agenda Item No_____________
UPDATE ON PROGRESS UNDER THE CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY THEME
Summary:
Conclusions:
Recommendations:
This report updates members on the completed and
proposed future work under the environmental
sustainability theme.
Good progress has been made on all activities to date, outlined
in section two. The Council’s carbon footprint is 3% lower than it
was in 2008-9, 10% fewer staff normally travel to work by car
than in 2009 and there has been a 6% increase in those who
cycle to work.
There have also been several community based projects which
have reduced carbon emissions in the District and the Council’s
Green Build event is the largest of its kind in the County, offering
advice to residents on how to lead a greener lifestyle.
The Council continues to have some of the highest
environmental requirements for new development in the county
through implementation of Core Strategy policy EN6.
Actions to date have focussed on reducing the Council’s own
CO2 emissions and costs, while future proposed projects are
concerned with helping local businesses and the community to
do likewise. These include offering resource efficiency advice to
local businesses and around the Green Deal, as more details
are released by central government as to the role it expects local
government to take.
6.1 The committee approve the development of Business
Resource Efficiency Advice Project.
6.2 The committee approve a review of the Environmental
Sustainability Strategy by March 2012, with a draft being brought
to the Scrutiny meeting in January 2012.
6.3 The committee approve the continuation of the
Environmental Sustainability Board with two elected members;
the portfolio holder one to be selected.
Cabinet member(s):
John Lee
Contact Officer, telephone
number, and e-mail:
Ward(s) affected:
All
Helen Dixon, Sustainability Coordinator, 01263
516271, Helen.dixon@north-norfolk.gov.uk
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20 July 2011
1. Introduction/background
1.1 This report is the latest biannual reports previously requested by Scrutiny, to
provide an update on work under the corporate environmental sustainability theme.
1.2 Many of the actions listed below are contained in the Environmental Sustainability
Strategy.
2. Action to date and future plans
2.1 Carbon Management Plan
The Council’s Carbon Management Plan commits the Council to reducing its CO2
emissions by 33% (from a 2008-9 baseline) by 2014. This will help keep energy bills
similar to what they are currently, and avoid a predicted £1.4million cumulative cost
increase by implementing about 30 projects over the 5 year period 2009-14.
In 2010-11 several projects were implemented, the two biggest being voltage
optimisation and ICT server virtualisation:
Voltage optimisation equipment was installed at the three NNDC owned leisure centres
and the Cromer office between December 2010 and March 2011. The equipment works
by reducing the incoming voltage from the grid, which is actually supplied at a higher
voltage than electrical equipment requires. Initial results from the first two installations
undertaken have shown immediate savings in electricity costs.
The ICT server virtualisation project is taking place over two years (2010-12). To date
37 servers have been virtualised, an additional 18 servers have been created and 8
remaining servers require virtualisation. Prior to installing new virtualisation servers
(total of 6) the server room was using 8.4kwh. With the installation so far we are now
using 5.3kWh, this is a 37% reduction in electricity usage.
Projects in 2011-12 are dependant on the results of building surveys which have just
been completed for the Cromer office and are about to take place at the leisure centres.
We will also be taking forward a project to install evaporative cooling to the ICT server
room to reduce the energy required to cool the room.
2.2 National CO2 Emissions Reporting
On 13 April 2011 the Government wrote to all local authority chief executives regarding
the pivotal role expected of local authorities in reducing carbon emissions. One of the
requests is that councils measure and report on their carbon emissions using the joint
DECC-Defra national reporting requirements, by the end of July each year. This is a
change in approach from that previously required under National Indicator 185.
Having converted our carbon footprint from the old 185 format to the DECC-Defra
format we have seen a slight change in the amount of emissions (see table below). This
is because rather than just Carbon Dioxide emissions, the new DECC/Defra format
measures ‘Greenhouse Gas emissions’ such as Methane and Nitrous Oxide, which
adds slightly to the total emissions reported.
We will continue to measure progress of our Carbon Management Plan against the old
format as the assumptions of our projects are based on this method. However we will
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20 July 2011
be publicly reporting on the DECC-Defra format as this method is based on the
internationally-recognised ‘GHG Protocol’ which most UK businesses report on.
Year
CO2 emissions as
reported under
NI185 (tonnes)
% reduction
from baseline
(cumulative)
GHG emissions as
reported under DECCDefra system (tonnes)
% reduction
from baseline
(cumulative)
2008-9
3,815
baseline
3,894
baseline
2009-10
3,704
2.9%
3,783
2.9%
2010-11
3,700
3.0%
3,781
3.0%
2.3 Green Travel Plan
The Council’s Green Travel Plan has been very successful in reducing the amount of
single car journeys made by staff in commuting to work.
A re-survey of staff in February 2011 showed the following changes since the previous
survey in 2009:
Method of travel to work
2009
2011
change
Normally Car (driving)
92%
83%
-10%
Normally Car (passenger)
3%
11%
+7%
Occasionally Car (driving)
7%
20%
+13%
Occasionally Car (passenger)
21%
42%
+21%
Change in consideration of other modes between 2009 and 2011
Motorbike
-11%
Bus
-7%
Train
+2%
Walk
+5%
Bicycle
+6%
Car Sharing
+8%
This has been achieved through the implementation of projects contained in the Green
Travel Plan including:
• Internet car sharing forum
• Guaranteed ride home scheme for car sharers
• Secure cycle shelter
• Staff showers and changing facilities
• Bicycle loan scheme for staff
2.4 Community Environmental Project with Global Action Plan
The contracted national charity Global Action Plan (GAP) to run an initiative by to help
residents and businesses become more environmentally friendly and save money on
their fuel bills at the same time. Three distinct community-based initiatives were
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20 July 2011
undertaken between October 2010 and April 2011 and were seen as pilot projects to
ascertain future direction:
Eco teams: This project recruited enthusiastic residents to form and lead their own ecoteams comprising friends, family and colleagues. Twelve residents attended a training
event held on 18 October for team leaders. The teams supported by Global Action Plan
and each other, work together to reduce their environmental impact.
Eco homes: Thirty householders from Fakenham were recruited to take part in this
project. Each household was assigned a support officer who provided advice and
support on how to reduce their energy consumption and energy saving devices were
installed to help them achieve this. The project saved 30 tonnes of CO2.
Eco business: Ten businesses in the Fakenham area were recruited and received a
visit by a member of GAP staff who identified potential environmental and money saving
changes that could be implemented. Projects implemented to date have saved 2.3
tonnes CO2, with a further 30 tonnes expected to be saved from projects due to be
implemented in the future.
2.5 Proposed business efficiency advice project
Building on the experience gained in running the business environment project with
GAP in Fakenham, the sustainability team is drafting up a project which will seek to
offer environmental business advice to SMEs in the District working with partners such
as the north Norfolk Business Forum. We now have direct experience of the cost
savings that can be achieved through reducing energy use in the Council, and are in a
good position to share this experience with local businesses and encourage them to do
the same. This should help local businesses stay viable and protected from future
energy price rises. The government’s new ‘Green Deal’ (outline in 2.6) will also be
available to businesses from autumn 2012, enabling them to install energy efficiency
measures at no up-front cost and pay back the cost through their energy bills.
2.6 Green Deal
The Energy Bill introduced to Parliament on 8 December 2010 includes provision for the
new 'Green Deal', which is intended to revolutionise the energy efficiency of British
properties.
The Government is establishing a framework to enable private firms to offer consumers
energy efficiency improvements to their homes, community spaces and businesses at
no upfront cost, and to recoup payments through a charge in instalments on the energy
bill. At a local level, the Green Deal will enable many households and businesses to
improve the energy efficiency of their properties without consuming so much energy and
wasting so much money. The first Green Deals are expected to be available in autumn
2012. The sustainability team is currently preparing a more detailed briefing note for
members including the possible roles the Council could take in publicising and possibly
partnering to deliver the Green Deal in North Norfolk.
2.7 Environment Awards
Over the last 17 years, North Norfolk District Council has recognised environmental
achievements across the District through its annual Environment Awards. This year, in a
change to the format of the awards, the green projects of local organisations such as
schools, businesses and community groups will be judged on how they have made a
contribution to the environment in three new categories: Cutting Carbon Emissions;
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20 July 2011
Improving Natural Spaces; Raising Environmental Awareness. A £250 prize is up for
grabs for the winners in each of the above categories, and all shortlisted entries receive
a local variety apple tree.
In a change to the awards this year, a new category has also been created to help fund
new green projects. Rather than recognising recently completed or ongoing
environmental projects, the John Sweeney Award for Budding Environmental Projects
offers up to £1000 to organisations in the district who are seeking funding to carry out
new environmentally-themed projects.
There are 9 entries to this year’s awards, with the judging taking place in early July.
The presentation ceremony will be held at our Green Build event in September. Given
the lower number of entries this year, it is perhaps a good opportunity for the awards to
be reviewed.
2.8 Green Build
This year’s event will take place on 10 and 11 September at Felbrigg Hall and is being
sponsored by Kier, the Council’s new waste collection, street cleansing and grounds
maintenance contractor. 60 exhibitors are confirmed covering a range of topics
including renewable technologies, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and how to
produce your own food. Many of these businesses are from the local area and the
event represents a key opportunity for them to promote themselves and generate
business. There is also a full programme of talks by expert speakers, children’s
activities and a farmer’s market showcasing the best local produce. For more
information please see the Green Build website http://www.northnorfolk.org/greenbuild/
2.9 Bittern Community Rail Line
The sustainability team is working in partnership with the County Council and train
operator National Express East Anglia:
To produce a travel plan for North Walsham Station.
A survey was undertaken between 27 September and 15 October including face to face
questionnaires at the station and market day and a mail out to all in the NR28 post
code. 1,297 responses were received, which exceeded all expectations and represents
a significant 10.8% of the town’s population. A stakeholder workshop was held in
January to help identify suitable interventions. The plan is currently nearing completion,
and will be launched during the late summer of 2011.
On a ‘low carbon stations’ project.
Voltage optimizers were installed as stations on the line in 2010. Options are currently
being evaluated to spend the remaining budget which included LED and PIR lighting
and renewable technologies.
The Bittern line is a vital asset to the local economy and tourism and these projects will
help to secure the future of the line by increasing patronage and reducing costs.
2.10 Planning advice
The sustainability team has continued to provide advice to planning agents and
Development Control Officers regarding compliance with Core Strategy policy EN6 -
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20 July 2011
Sustainable Construction and Energy Efficiency, which is one of the most demanding
environmental building policies in force in the County. 164 Development Control
consultations have been responded to since January 2011. The team also makes
responses and monitors the number of applications for renewable energy technologies
under policy EN7 – Renewable Energy.
2.11 Fuel poverty community project ‘Keep warm and cosy’
The Sustainability Team is working on a joint project with the Strategic Housing Team in
delivering the Fuel Poverty Pilot project that was agreed by members at the 2 March
2011 Scrutiny committee. To date the Technical Officer (Housing) has conducted the
home visits but if demand rises then the Sustainability Team will assist in conducting the
visits which offer advice about energy efficiency and grants, including the proposed
Green Deal (see above). An update on the progress of the project will be given at the
18 October Scrutiny committee.
2.12 Environmental Sustainability Board
The board has met every six weeks to help guide the work of the sustainability team
and authorize expenditure from the Carbon Reduction Fund. It was comprised of the
Cabinet member, Sustainability Champion, Leader of the Council and Chair of Scrutiny
and attended by the Strategic Director - Environment, Sustainability Coordinator and
Sustainability Assistant.
2.13 Environmental Sustainability Strategy
The Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy is due for review by April 2012.
The current strategy was developed in consultation with the Environmental
Sustainability Board and will include future projects such as the Business advice project
outlined in 2.4.
2.
Risks and Implications
2.1 Financial
The Carbon Management Plan (2.1) has funding approved and the remaining projects
are being funded through the Sustainability Team budget. Any actions requiring
significant additional funds would be proposed to members through the growth-bid
process in the usual way.
2.2 Reputational
Implementation of these actions, contained in the Environmental Sustainability Strategy,
alongside appropriate publicity and promotion will help the Council become a
community leader and exemplar in the area of environmental sustainability. The actions
already undertaken have achieved significant and beneficial media coverage for the
Council.
4. Equality and Diversity
The fuel poverty project (2.11) will help to reduce health inequalities in the District.
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20 July 2011
5. Conclusion
Good progress has been made on all activities to date, outlined in section two. The
Council’s carbon footprint is 3% lower than it was in 2008-9, 10% fewer staff normally
travel to work by car than in 2009 and there has been a 6% increase in those who cycle
to work.
There have also been several community based projects which have reduced carbon
emissions in the District and the Council’s Green Build event is the largest of its kind in
the County, offering advice to residents on how to lead a greener lifestyle.
The Council continues to have some of the highest environmental requirements for new
development in the County through implementation of Core Strategy policy EN6.
Actions to date have focussed on reducing the Council’s own CO2 emissions and costs,
while future proposed projects are concerned with helping local businesses and the
community to do likewise. These include offering resource efficiency advice to local
businesses and around the Green Deal, as more details are released by central
government as to the role it expects local government to take.
6. Recommendations
6.1 The committee approve the development of Business resource efficiency advice
project.
6.2 The committee approve a review of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy by
March 2012, with a draft being brought to the Scrutiny meeting in January 2012.
6.3 The committee approve the continuation of the Environmental Sustainability Board
with two elected members; the portfolio holder and one to be selected.