Agenda item

(1)    The report gave an annual update on progress towards delivery of KCC’s commitments under the Kent Forum’s Kent Environment Strategy. It replaced the annual sustainability and climate change update to Policy Overview and Scrutiny Committees.  The Kent Environment Strategy had now been agreed by Kent Forum and all Districts. Appendix 1 of the report gave an overview of the key Themes and Priorities and Red/Amber/Green rates progress against each. The Strategy would be launched on the 22 July in Thanet.

(2)    As the environment and climate change agenda was so disparate and diffuse, it was essential that KCC focussed on those issues that were most important and which we as a public sector body could influence. Indeed, delivering the Kent Environment Strategy was one of the key priorities identified in Delivering Bold Steps, KCC’s draft medium term plan. It was recommended that KCC put a greater focus on the three following areas:

·              More efficient use of resources and reduction in carbon emissions, in particular:

·              Building resilience to climate change and making the most of emerging opportunities:

·              Conserve and enhance the quality of Kent’s natural and heritage capital:

(3)    Many areas of policy were still unclear. If KCC was to deliver real improvement another step change in approach would be needed to accelerate change.  Strong and visible leadership was crucial. KCC would need to examine in full the way it operated and behaved, identifying smarter ways of working and new ways of delivering services.  This would need to include greater virtual working, better use of tele/video conferencing and increased online delivery of services or functions online.  Step change physical improvements in the KCC estate, as well as increased stimulation of capital investment in local energy efficiency and renewable energy installations in Kent would need the development of innovative finance arrangements and partnerships.  Creating a positive and vibrant green image for KCC and Kent would be essential. Much would need to be developed in partnership and require meaningful engagement with residents and businesses. A key aspect of the engagement would be to raise the profile of the issues outlined in the Kent Environment Strategy and create clear communications that informed, engaged and excited residents, Kent businesses and potential inward investors in Kent.

(4)    KCC continued to meet the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard, with a successful external assessment in May 2011. The next assessment was due in November.  The picture for carbon emissions was mixed. The non-school buildings emissions had reduced by just over 5% since 2004 and further reductions were expected during the next 2 years as the estate efficiency programme made an impact.  KCC continued to invest in energy, water and carbon reduction, mainly through its Energy and Water Investment Fund (EWIF) hosted by Enterprise and Environment.

(5)    The latest waste data showed office waste recycling was at best practice level at 66%, exceeding the 2010 target set of 50%.  The end of year data for 2010/11 showed mileage claimed for EHW as just less than one million miles,  representing an overall decrease of 21.5% when compared to the previous year and a decrease of 23% when compared to 07/08.

(6)    In March this year, KCC was awarded the Improvement Efficiency South East award for Progress through Innovation for the development of the Kent Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Kent was now a leading case study for its approach to tackling the impacts of climate change, and KCC sat on the Government’s Local Adaptation Advisory Panel. 

(7)         Through the creation of the Carbon Hub online support service, using an ERDF grant of almost £400,000, KCC was now moving towards more virtual low carbon support that could reach a greater number of businesses in Kent. To date over 500 businesses had registered on the Carbon Hub and received regular support from energy/water advice, travel and green marketing.  A targeted green business support package, building on the work of the Carbon Hub was being developed in partnership with Business Strategy and Support and Economic Development in Environment and Economy. Bids were being considered for ERDF funding and also the KCC Regeneration Fund.

(8)    Much progress had been made, and some quite significant savings. However, the trajectory with regards to environment being seen as a national priority was upwards, and if KCC wished to be on the front foot and at the forefront of change then a new level of activity would be needed to ensure continued progress and innovation.

(9)         During discussion the following issues were raised:-         

(a)   Mr Crowther requested more detail on the £60,000 in trialling new technologies including 6 LED lighting projects.  Mrs Arnold undertook to supply the details to Mr Crowther direct.

(b)         Mr Manion referred to the increase in emissions from the schools estate and asked if it still included Academies.  Mrs Arnold stated that KCC was still accountable for Academies carbon emissions, but was an issue that needed to be debated.

(10)  RESOLVED that:-

(a)         the overall progress made by KCC and the Enterprise and Environment Directorate, especially the re-accreditation to ISO14001, be noted; and

(b)    the priorities and recommended approach outlined in the report, be noted.