Climate Change Strategy

• Introduction
• Current position and goals
• Towards 2030 - The way forward
• Resilience
• Next steps and monitoring performance
• Resources
• References
• Glossary
• Appendix 1
• Appendix 2
• Appendix 3
• Appendix 4

You can also view the Climate Emergency Strategy as a PDF (PDF) [1MB] .
If you would like further information or to discuss any part of the strategy in more detail please contact: climate.emergency@southribble.gov.uk

In 2019, South Ribble Borough Council declared a climate emergency, pledging to work to make the Borough carbon neutral by 2030.

This strategy summarises the global, national and local needs for such action, and how the Council will be acting during the next decade to deliver on this pledge.

The climate emergency strategy was first published in 2020, this edition forms the second annual update.

You can also view the Climate Emergency Strategy as a PDF (PDF) [1MB] .
If you would like further information or to discuss any part of the strategy in more detail please contact: climate.emergency@southribble.gov.uk

Background

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet's weather patterns and average temperatures. Since the mid-1800s, humans have contributed to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air. This causes global temperatures to rise, resulting in long- term changes to the climate.

How are humans changing the climate?

In the 11,000 years before the Industrial Revolution, the average temperature across the world was stable at around 14°C. The Industrial Revolution began in the mid-1800s when humans began to burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas for fuel. 

Burning fossil fuels produces energy, but also releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous monoxide into the air. Over time, large quantities of these gases have built up in the atmosphere.

Once in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide form a 'blanket' around the planet. This blanket traps the heat from the sun and causes the earth to heat up.

Evidence has shown that the high levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are the leading cause of increasing global temperatures.

This effect was noticed as far back as the 1980s. In 1988, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was set up to provide governments with information to tackle climate change. In their most recent report, the IPCC states that human activity is 'extremely likely' to be the main cause of climate change. 

In their most recent report, Climate Change 2021, the IPCC states:

• each of the last four decades has been successively warmer than any previous decade since 1850.
• in 2019, atmospheric CO₂ concentrations were higher than ever before in at least the last 2 million years. Concentrations of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were higher than at any other point in time in at least 800,000 years.
• it is almost certain that man-made CO₂ emissions are the main cause of the current global acidification of the open ocean.
• human influence is most likely the main cause of the global retreat of glaciers since the 1990s and the retreat of the surface of the Arctic sea ice between 1979-1988 and 2010-2019.
• it has been practically proven that the upper ocean (0-700 m) has warmed since the 1970s. It is very likely that human influence is the main cause.
• the global glacier retreat since the 1950s, with almost all of the world's glaciers retreating at the same time, is unprecedented in the last 2000 years.

How fast is the temperature rising?

Since the Industrial Revolution, the average temperature of the planet has risen by around 1°C. This is a rapid change in terms of our global climate system. Previously, natural global changes are understood to have happened over much longer periods of time. (It is also important to remember that the world is not warming evenly, so the temperature increase is higher than 1°C in some countries. 

Action on Climate Change

At the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the first ever universal global climate deal that is due to come into force in 2020. The agreement sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts towards limiting to 1.5°C.

Then, in 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a report which advised that global warming must be limited to 1.5°C, as opposed to the previous target of 2°C. The IPCC's review of over 6,000 sources of evidence found that, with a rise of 1.5°C, there would be risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security and economic growth. A rise to 2°C would be even more catastrophic. It warned that there are 12 years within which to take the serious action required to avert this crisis and avoid the worst impacts.

Nationally, the Climate Change Act 2008 introduced the UK's first legally binding target for 2050 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% compared to 1990 levels. Then, on 27 June 2019 the UK government amended the Climate Change Act to set a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from across the UK economy by 2050. 

However, despite these actions, the UK is already being affected by rising temperatures. The most recent decade (2008-2017) has been on average 0.8 °C warmer than the 1961- 1990 average. As of 2018, the 20 warmest years on record globally have been in the past 22 years.

The image below, produced by the Met Office, provides a very clear representation of the changing temperatures within the UK.

And internationally, with warming at the Earth's surface, many other changes in the climate are occurring:

• warming oceans
• melting polar ice and glaciers
• rising sea levels
• more extreme weather events

It is clear that 'business as usual' is not an option. Change is required.

In July 2019, acknowledging the change required, South Ribble Borough Council declared a climate emergency and set a goal to become Carbon neutral by 2030

The Council committed to the formation of a Working Group on the Climate Emergency, to:

• incorporate the Council's existing Air Quality Action Plan into its wider plans;
• devise and propose further measures in pursuit of its goals;
• monitor progress towards its goals;
• report back to full Council at least four times per year on its progress in achieving its goals.

• Current emissions profile - The Council
• Annual Greenhouse gas emission to the end of March 2022
• Current emissions profile - The Borough of South Ribble
• Current emissions profile - Lancashire
• COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
• COP 26
• Goals

Further to the Climate Emergency declaration in July 2019 a Climate Emergency Task Group was been formed, consisting (at the time) of a minimum of:

• Cabinet Member responsible for the Environment (in the Chair);
• Chairs of each Neighbourhood Forum;
• Representatives of each political group represented on the council (2 Labour Members (including Air Quality Lead), 1 Liberal Democrat Member. 2 Conservative Members);
• Air Quality Lead;
• Such other Members, including co-opted members, as the working group shall consider appropriate.

The climate emergency task group has agreed the following aim and objectives:

Aim:

To achieve carbon neutrality for the borough of South Ribble by 2030, taking account of any carbon offsetting identified. 

Objectives:

• to carry out an assessment of current activities, including estimating the current Carbon Footprint of South Ribble.
• to research best practice and look for innovative new approaches to reducing carbon emissions, carbon off setting and climate mitigation.
• to produce a Climate Emergency Strategy and way forward for Council to consider.
• to include those elements contained within the Greenhouse Gas Protocol defined as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Direct emissions shall be taken as including fuel (energy), vehicles, farming, quarrying, waste produced and deposited within the borough from Domestic, Commercial, Industrial, Educational, Farming and leisure activities. It does not include those emissions generated by vehicles travelling through the borough, i.e. on motorways or by railway.
• to define all emissions and reductions against a base year of 1990.

Current Emissions Profile - The Council (organisation)

In 2020 the Council employed One Carbon World, a resource partner of the United Nations Climate Neutral Now initiative, to quantify the Council's carbon emissions for the period 2018-2019 and identify possible improvements.  The findings of One Carbon World were published as an Appendix to the 2020 version of the Council's climate emergency strategy.

Since this time the Council has undertaken its own annual carbon / Greenhouse Gas (GHG) calculations for the years 19/20, 20/21, and 21/22.

The methodology for the annual GHG calculations is provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).  This standard national approach allows the Council to benchmark against others and share best practice and improvements amongst similar Authorities and other organisations.
 

Annual Greenhouse Gas Emission to the end March 2022

The total carbon footprint for 2021 - 2022 was 3,373,957kgCO2e. (CO2e = Greenhouse Gas equivalent emissions). 

This is an increase on the previous year, owing to the inclusion of the leisure centre operations, which came back into Council ownership from April 2021.  However, it is anticipated that in the coming year the emissions arising from the operation of the leisure centers will reduce significantly as a result of the heat decarbonisation works.

In 2022 the Council received grant funding to undertake heat decarbonisation works at 6 of our largest energy using buildings within our estate, including the Civic Centre, Moss Side depot and the four lesiure centres.  During 22/23 these 6 buildings are undergoing works to remove mains gas as a source of heating, introduce new heating technologies and improve our use of renewable energy.  In reporting years to come this reduced reliance on mains gas, and the resulting reduction in carbon emissions, will be evidenced.

For 2021/22, the most significant sources of CO2e emissions were identified as fuel use, primarily natural gas, but also diesel and petrol use in Council fleet vehicles.  These emission sources are being prioritised as part of the Council's climate emergency action plan, which details those actions the Council are and will be taking as an organisation, to reach the goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.

A full breakdown of the annual emissions is provided within the Annual Greenhouse Gas Report 2022, included as Appendix 3.
 

Current Emissions Profile - The Borough of South Ribble

The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published UK local authority estimates of carbon dioxide emissions statistics from 2005 to 2019.

Data for the Borough can be accessed at Data source and also in the PDF of the Climate Emergency Strategy (PDF) [1MB] .

Emissions inventory for the South Ribble borough- the emissions contributions from various sectors across the borough (data correct on 17.08.2022):

In considering those actions within the Council's action plan, and their prioritisation, it has also been necessary to consider how these total figures break down into emission scopes, and further subsections beyond.
 

Borough CO2 emissions by subsector (tCO2e) (data correct on 17.08.2022):

Current Emissions Profile - Lancashire

In 2022, Atkins produced a report, Lancashire Net Zero Pathways Options,  on behalf of Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Council and the Lancashire Economic Partnership (https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/media/933543/lancashire-net-zero-pathways-report.pdf).  It provides an evidence-based assessment of Lancashire's current carbon footprint at a territorial level and  generates a carbon reduction pathways that would put the region on track to achieve three targets as follows (against the national target of Net Zero by 2050):

• net Zero emissions by 2030 (100% reduction relative to 1990 levels);
• 68% reduction of emissions by 2030 (relative to 1990 levels); and
• 78% reduction of emissions by 2035 (relative to 1990 levels).

As all Council's across Lancashire have stated their intention to be carbon net zero by 2030, the report examines those actions needed to meet this commitment.

The report details those measures necessary across the County, including but not exclusively relating to:

• transport - providing sustainable modes of transport, the infrastructure for clean transport and the need for behavioural change
• buildings - key improvement measures suggested include fabric improvements, LED lighting, decarbonisation of heating and renewable energy sources
• industrial installations - including energy efficiency, fuel sources, and carbon capture and storage

However, in considering potential future national and regional actions, the report warns that 'net zero emissions are unlikely to be possible any earlier than 2040.

The report also considers the wider benefits of pursuing net zero including enhancing business opportunities, employment opportunities, the overall health and wellbeing of residents, reduced energy costs, enhanced biodiversity and improved air quality.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

In December 2019 the world saw the first reported cases of COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus. In the following months we witnessed the development of a global pandemic as the World Health Organisation and individual nations reacted to the surge in cases around the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been and will continue to be a life changing, traumatic event for many people around the world. The statements below are in no way intended to detract from that.

Environmentally, the pandemic has brought both positive and negative effects, as summarised in the table below:

In June 2020 the DEFRA Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) published estimations of changes in air pollution emissions, concentrations and exposure during the pandemic within the UK (9).  The findings at that time were that emissions of pollutants related to transport were markedly decreased, particularly relating to nitrogen oxides (NOx) in urban environments, with typical reductions of 30 - 40%.  However, the report suggests that for some people, increased time spent on activities in the home such as cooking and cleaning may have increased emissions and concentrations of pollutants such as PM2.5 and Volatile Organic Compounds.

Also in 2020 the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has wrote to the UK Government advising on how the nation could emerge from the pandemic whilst delivering a stronger and cleaner economy. (10). These recommendations included -

• build new homes that are fit for the future, Scale up housing retrofits,
• invest in low-carbon, resilient infrastructure such as improved broadband instead of new roads,
• make it easy for people to work remotely, walk and cycle, Expand tree planting,
• ensuring the benefits of climate change are shared widely and that actions taken do not burden those who are least able to pay

The CCC Chairman, Lord Deben, said 'The COVID-19 crisis has shown the importance of planning well for the risks the country faces. Recovery means investing in new jobs, cleaner air and improved health. The actions needed to tackle climate change are central to rebuilding our economy. The Government must prioritise actions that reduce climate risks and avoid measures that lock-in higher emissions'

These themes have been used to influence the Council's Climate Emergency Action Plan.

COP 26

In November 2021 the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26) brought together, in Glasgow, 120 world leaders and over 40,000 registered participants.  For two weeks they deliberated all facets of climate change — the science, the solutions, the political will to act, and clear indications of action.  The eventual outcome of COP 26 was the  Glasgow Climate Pact - including a recognition of the need for action to prevent global heating of over 1.5°C, a phasing down of coal power, and discussions as to how developed countries would contribute financially to delivering global climate change.

Ahead of the summit the Government published the UK Net Zero Strategy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy) setting out plans for the UK to be carbon neutral by 2050.  Actions forming part of this strategy include:

• electricity from low carbon generation and storage technologies
• hydrogen to complement the electricity system, for example in aviation and shipping
• carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) to capture carbon dioxide from power generation and industrial processes
• the use of biomass and other wastes to support low carbon fuels for industry, buildings and transport

At the same time as the summit the Environment Act 2021 came into force, addressing air quality, water quality, waste and recycling, and biodiversity.

The next Conference of the Parties (COP 27) will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt during November 2022.  Further information on this summit, as it is released, may be found at https://unfccc.int/cop27
 

Goals

In July 2019 South Ribble Borough Council declared a climate emergency and set a goal to become Carbon neutral by 2030

Within the 2019 climate emergency Council declaration, the statement is made:

'This Council declares that the effect of climate change within the borough poses an immediate danger to the health and well-being of our residents and therefore proclaims a Climate Emergency with immediate effect.

To combat this threat, the borough sets a goal of rendering the borough carbon neutral by the year 2030.'

A full copy of the Council motion is detailed as Appendix 2

• Carbon reduction measures
• Transport
• Energy and the built environment
• Consumption
• Waste and water
• Carbon offsetting

This strategy encompasses two broad themes -

• carbon Reduction Measures - how the Council intends to progress towards the 2030 carbon neutral goal, and
• resilience - preparing for the consequences of changing climate within the Borough

Carbon reduction measures - Progressing towards the 2030 Carbon Neutral aim

Had the Council elected not to declare a climate emergency, and continue with 'business as usual' the Figure 9 below shows the estimated carbon emissions for the Borough to 2030.

However, having declared a climate emergency, and committed to the goal of carbon neutrality for the Borough by 2030

Climate Carbon Wedge

The climate carbon wedge concept was introduced by two Princeton professors, Rob Socolow and Stephen Pacala. These wedges describe a range of technologies and choices about how we act, that when taken together form wedges against increasing carbon emissions.

What does the climate carbon wedge contain? In essence, this is the sum of all of the changes required during the next decade to achieve the aim of carbon neutrality for the Borough by 2030.

There may be many ways to achieve the desired outcome, many of which may not be in the direct control of the Council for example national Government environmental levies or incentives. In addition, circumstances will change as we proceed through the coming decade to 2030. It is therefore proposed to review this strategy each year to document progress and ensure continuing development, in line with national requirements and emerging technology.

The carbon reduction plan can be split into 5 main categories:

• transport
• energy and the built environment
• waste and water
• consumption
• off-setting

Transport

The World Health organisation has stated that the transport sector is the fastest growing contributor to climate emissions. Growth in energy use is higher for the transport sector than any other end-use sector. The main drivers of global transport energy growth are land transport, mostly light-duty vehicles, such as cars, as well as freight transport. 

Transport's contribution to climate change include:

• long-lived carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and;
• short-lived black carbon generated primarily by diesel vehicles.

CO2 emissions

Transport accounted for about 23% of global carbon dioxide emissions in 2010 and 27% of end-use energy emissions with urban transport accounting for about 40% of end-use energy consumption. Carbon dioxide persists in the atmosphere for over a century, with long-term warming effects.
 

Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs)

Black carbon, a short-lived climate pollutant, is the second highest contributor to global warming after CO2. Black carbon has a warming effect many times more powerful than carbon dioxide, but it persists in the atmosphere for only a few weeks - so measures to reduce black carbon can also have an immediate effect on slowing the pace of climate change.

Diesel transport is one of the world's major sources of black carbon (along with household biomass cookstoves). Not only does black carbon have a significant warming effect, but it is also a major component of particulate matter, the air pollutant most closely associated with increased air-pollution related mortality and morbidity.

Ground-level ozone is another short-lived climate pollutant stimulated by transport pollution. Ozone is created by a mix of air pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen (NOx) produced by vehicle engines and methane emissions from other sources (e.g. landfills and animal waste). Ozone contributes to chronic respiratory diseases, particularly childhood asthma.

The Council has already committed to many transport related actions with the Air Quality Action Plan 2018. This plan sits alongside the climate emergency strategy and action plan in detailing those works that the Council has committed to.

For ease, all of the actions from this plan (including many relating to the use of transport) have been included as Appendix 4.

In addition to the carbon reductions resulting from these actions, wider benefits of tackling transport emissions will include -

• improved air quality
• the creation of safe areas for walking and cycling healthier lifestyles resulting from active transport
• cost savings

Specific details of those actions that the Council will be taking, both as an employer and across the borough, are provided within the Climate Emergency Action Plan.

Energy and the Built Environment

Currently, heating our homes, businesses and industry is responsible for a third of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonisation of heat is recognised as one of the biggest challenges we face in meeting our climate targets.

Across the Borough, this is likely to form a significant challenge in the coming decade as we seek to promote and assist with the retro-fitting of the Borough's existing privately owned housing stock. The housing within the Borough needs to become much more energy efficient in order to reduce the demand for energy.

The retro-fitting of existing housing stock is not a challenge unique to South Ribble, it is likely to be a national challenge within the coming decade. We will work with the national Government to identify ways of assisting residents in the process.

As an organisation we need to move to low carbon and / or renewable energy, and work with partners, businesses and our residents to encourage them to do the same.

In 2020, the Council was awarded a Public Sector Decarbonisation grant of £145,004.  This provided heat decarbonisation measures at the Civic Centre, Leyland including the installation of further solar PV panels, the installation of LED lighting, and the provision of an improved building management system, to allow for better energy control and efficiency within the building.

During 2022, to March 2023, further heat decarbonisation will be taking place at the Council's  6 largest energy using buildings (Civic Centre, Moss Side Depot, Leyland Leisure Centre, Penwortham Leisure Centre, Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre and South Ribble Tennis and Fitness Centre) following receipt of another Public Sector Decarbonisation grant of £4,968,855.  These will see the removal of mains gas from the sites and an increased use of renewable energy sources.

The ultimate aim is to reduce the amount of gas and electricity used within the Borough to fuel commercial buildings and domestic properties.

To this end we will:

• make best use of the planning processes to ensure all new housing stock is sustainable in design and affordable to heat
• work with private landlords and housing associations to encourage best practice
• retrofit a domestic property to use as a flagship of best practice for the Borough
• continue to work to heat our own buildings with low carbon and / or renewable heating. All carbon-based energy will be purchased vis green tariffs. The Council will seek to lead by example in its use of decarbonised energy
• use LED lighting across the Council estate wherever possible
• lobby national Government for the provision of mass affordable domestic retrofitting options
• enforce private rented Minimum Efficiency Standards regulations
• investigate Energy from Waste options
• examine the possibility of large-scale solar projects within the Borough
• lobby national Government to ensure low carbon energy is available and affordable for everyone
• seek funding opportunities for low carbon heating
• promote national Government low carbon incentives within the Borough
• make use of emerging technology to continually improve how we act as an organisation
• in addition to the carbon reductions resulting from these actions, wider benefits will include -
• reduced energy bills for residents of the Borough
• reduced energy bills for the Council
• improving the condition of housing stock within the Borough Improving air quality by reducing emissions of NOx from gas boilers

Specific details of those actions that the Council will be taking, both as an employer and across the borough, are provided within the Climate Emergency Action Plan (PDF) [688KB]
 

Consumption

The goods we purchase and use may have emissions built in to their manufacture and transport. This is known as imported emissions. Examples may include food grown abroad, clothing manufactured abroad, mobile phones manufactured abroad, etc.

Our actions as consumers have a direct impact on the demand for products. So, whether we choose to repair instead of replace, choose plant based foods instead of meat, choose locally produced goods instead of imported, these choices have an impact upon imported emissions and potentially on waste too

If as an organisation and a Borough we are able to consume less, and consume more responsibly then this in turn will impact upon the imported emissions we cause and the amount of waste that we produce.

To this end we will -

• as an organisation we will seek to reduce our purchase and use of high energy commodities, for example single use plastics and meat-based products.
• we will move to a more plant-based menu for functions and meetings, and to purchase products made within the UK in order to reduce transport miles.
• we will also work with partners, businesses and residents to encourage responsible consumption and share best practice.
• work with schools, colleges and partners to encourage more low carbon cooking and meals, and reduce food waste
• work to improve the carbon emissions of Council events

Specific details of those actions that the Council will be taking, both as an employer and across the borough, are provided within the Climate Emergency Action Plan (PDF) [688KB]

Waste and Water

For many years the Council has worked to treat waste within the Borough responsibly and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. We have an established domestic recycling scheme including the recycling of paper, cardboard, certain plastics and metals, glass and garden waste.

However, we recognise the importance of our role in working to reduce waste further and accept that actions will be needed to reduce the volumes of waste produced within the Borough, and then further reduce the proportion of that sent to landfill.

To this end we will:

• we will work with partners, businesses and residents to reduce the amount of waste produced
• promote reuse and recycling of waste and examine means of using waste as an energy source
• we will work with United Utilities, partners, businesses and residents to promote the responsible use of water throughout the Borough
• as an organisation we will strive to lead by example, reporting our consumption all the measures we are taking to improve our performance
• the Council has already committed to eliminating the use of Single Use Plastics by 2025
• investigate those improvements than can be made to our recycling service
• work with residents to improve the percentage of waste recycled
• make best use of new technology to continually improve waste collection and recycling services
• continue with tree and hedge planting to slow the flow of rainfall over land, protect watercourses against erosion, protect watercourses against rising water temperatures and improve biodiversity

Specific details of those actions that the Council will be taking, both as an employer and across the borough, are provided within the Climate Emergency Action Plan (PDF) [688KB]

As a method of tackling all four of these categories above, the Council will seek to:

• develop a climate emergency staff forum
• develop a climate emergency citizen assembly for the Borough
• make best use of emerging technology
• make a greater difference by working in partnership with others
• communicate our work internally and within our community
• strive for continuous improvement and learn from best practice
• adjust our approach in line with emerging evidence and technologies

Specific details of those actions that the Council will be taking, both as an employer and across the borough, are provided within the Climate Emergency Action Plan (PDF) [688KB]

Carbon Offsetting

Carbon offsetting allows for organisations to compensate for their unavoidable carbon emissions with the use of projects that reduce an equivalent amount of emissions. The carbon emission projects can be internal to the organisation or procured from an external organisation. Examples of such projects could include tree planting and the installation of solar panels.

The Council already undertakes many carbon offsetting activities, which whilst not calculated as formal carbon offsetting, increase the capture of CO2 within the Borough.

Examples include the maintenance of parks, woodlands and open spaces within the Borough.

The Council has already committed to the planting of 110,000 trees within the Borough (one tree per resident) - this total was surpassed in 2022.

Additional tree planting may be facilitated by use of the planning processes.

At this time the Council has not committed to the external purchase of carbon offsetting. However, as part of the contract with One Carbon World the Council received 300 carbon credits, which equates to the retirement of up to 300 tonnes equivalent of carbon.

Preparing for the consequences of climate change within the Borough

• Infectious diseases
• Food safety 
• Flooding
• Planning

South Ribble Borough Council, like many other Council's, is already experiencing changes in weather patterns, including heat waves and flooding. Despite the actions being taken to reduce carbon emissions within the Borough it is necessary to accept that some changes affected by global warming are already upon us.

The Met Office have stated that 'it is a cornerstone principle of resilience preparation that we plan for a wide range of possible future changes, in parallel with taking actions to reduce the likelihood of the worst scenario becoming reality'(14), so the Council must ensure it takes action to prepare for such changes, and reduce the effects of them where possible.

Infectious diseases

Global warming will affect the prevalence of infectious diseases (17) Altitudes that are currently too cool to sustain vectors (for example mosquitos) will become more conducive to them. Infections previously eradicated in the UK such as Malaria, dengue, plague, and viruses causing encephalitic syndromes are among the many diseases likely to return. With warmer and wetter weather conditions we may also see a rise in native pests such as rats and mice, and conditions which support the life cycle of non-native pest such as the Asian Hornet.

Clearly, global warming will cause changes in the epidemiology of infectious diseases. The ability of our public health systems to react or adapt is dependent upon the magnitude and speed of the change. The outcome will also depend on our ability to recognise epidemics early, to contain them effectively, to provide appropriate treatment, and to commit resources to prevention and research.

The Council's Environmental Health service will continue to work with the UK Health Security Agency, the Food Standards Agency, peers and businesses to investigate and control the spread of food and water related infectious diseases within the Borough.

The Council's Pest Control service will monitor changes in pest activity within the Borough, work with suppliers, peers, businesses and National Government to ensure the service remains fit for service in a changing environment. We will lobby Central Government as required to ensure suitable and safe products and methods are available to tackle the changing pest control challenges.
 

Food safety

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have stated that climate change is likely to have considerable impacts on food safety, both direct and indirect, placing public health at risk.

With changing rainfall patterns and increases in extreme weather events and the annual average temperature the WHO state that we will begin to face the impacts of climate change.

These impacts will affect the persistence and occurrence of food related bacteria, viruses, parasites, harmful algae, fungi and their vectors, and the patterns of their corresponding foodborne diseases and risk of toxic contamination.

The predicted climatic changes will have serious implications for the survival of our native pollinators therefore threatening the sustainability of our total food supply. There are already reports of the invasive Asian Hornet on the Channel Islands and in Southern England this year. This species has devastated bee hives in France and combined with the stress put on hives by increased temperatures and the use of pesticides this has significant implications for the security of our food supply.

Alongside these impacts, chemical residues of pesticides and veterinary medicines in plant and animal products will be affected by changes in pest activity. The risk of food contamination with heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants following changes in crop varieties cultivated, cultivation methods, soils, redistribution of sediments and long-range atmospheric transport, is increased because of climate changes.(13)

The Council's Environmental Health service will continue to work with central Government, the Food Standards Agency, DEFRA, other partner organisations, laboratories, peers and businesses to continue to protect food safety within the Borough.

Whilst the Council's food safety service is primarily concerned with the security and hygiene of the food manufactured and sold within the borough the service works collaboratively with the other local authorities within Lancashire to respond to consultations on future policies proposed by central government departments.

The Council's Pest Control service will monitor changes in pest activity within the Borough, work with suppliers, peers, businesses and National Government to ensure the service remains fit for service in a changing environment.

We will lobby Central Government as required to ensure suitable and safe products and methods are available to tackle the changing pest control challenges.

Flooding

Met Office predictions suggest that summers may tend to become drier overall but when it does rain it will fall in heavier bursts, which has implications for flash flooding / surface water flooding

Flooding events are more difficult to understand as they depend not only on the amount and intensity of rainfall but local topography and geology

The Council will continue to work with the Environment Agency, United Utilities and Lancashire County Council to prevent flooding and react swiftly where it occurs.

Through their professional body, the CIEH, Environmental Health Officers are lobbying government regarding the numerous realities of climate change.

Planning

In 2019 The Committee on Climate Change published 'UK housing: Fit for the future?', stating that 'new homes must be built to be low-carbon, energy and water efficient and climate resilient. The costs of building to a specification that achieves the aims set out in this report are not prohibitive and getting design right from the outset is vastly cheaper than forcing retrofit later. From 2025 at the latest, no new homes should be connected to the gas grid. They should instead be heated through low carbon sources, have ultra-high levels of energy efficiency alongside appropriate ventilation and, where possible, be timber-framed. A statutory requirement for reducing overheating risks in new builds is needed, alongside more ambitious water efficiency standards, property-level flood protection in flood risk areas, and increasing requirements for greenspace and sustainable transport in planning and guidance.'

The Central Lancashire Authorities of Preston City, South Ribble and Chorley are undertaking a review of the Development Plan(s) for the area and are working towards the preparation of a Joint Local Plan for Central Lancashire. This will be a single Planning document containing the Council's vision and objectives. It will set strategic and local development management policies and site allocations for future development across the three authorities. Once adopted, the Local Plan will guide the future growth and development in the Central Lancashire area and replace the Central Lancashire Core Strategy (adopted in 2012) and the Local Plans/Site Allocations and Development Management Policies of the 3 Central Lancashire Authorities (all adopted 2015).

It will make the most of its economic, cultural, heritage and natural assets and be at the forefront of tackling and adapting to the impacts and challenges of climate change. Recognising this, the councils will seek to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Connections will improve access across Central Lancashire by prioritising sustainable transport including walking and cycling to link town and city centres with their wider areas, alongside other destinations. Overall, Central Lancashire will be a place where people and businesses thrive and a place where people will want to work, live and visit.

New development will take place in a manner that mitigates against and adapts to the cause and impacts of climate change. It will take account of flood risk, be energy efficient and of high design quality, championing outstanding new architecture, making efficient use of resources and enabling waste prevention. It will respect and where appropriate reinforce local character and the relationships between buildings and their wider surroundings. Central Lancashire will be served by efficient infrastructure including transportation, utilities and communications.

Next steps

Alongside this revised 2022 strategy the Council has published a detailed Climate Emergency Action Plan, setting out those actions we shall be taking (and prioritising) to 2030.

In deciding the priorities within the action plan, early consideration has been given to those actions which can deliver the largest ongoing reduction in carbon emissions, so reducing the carbon footprint for the Borough between 2020 and 2030.

The blue line shows the early adopter method, with carbon emissions reducing substantially in the first few years. Conversely, the late adopter method (in red) shows a slower start with larger improvements towards the end of the decade. Both routes would lead the net zero result by 2030 but the final carbon footprint for the decade, the areas below the lines in the graph, is significantly less if those large improvements are made early in the decade.

Therefore, in addition to the aim of 2030 carbon neutrality we have considered those actions that will make the largest change and be ready to implement those at the earliest opportunity. This will have the result of lowering the final carbon footprint for the Borough over the course of the decade.

This approach is not fully within the gift of the Local Authority to determine. For example, a significant change will come with the retro-fitting of heating mechanisms within the existing residential dwellings of the Borough. This is likely to require national Government intervention to make it an affordable proposition for many residents. At this time we do not know if or when such a national scheme will be launched. However, as a council what we are able to do is:

• lobby national Government for the provision of assistance to property owners Ensure we are placed to apply for funding when it does become available
• look to alternative private organisations that may provide retrofitting at affordable rates
• work with residents to improve the thermal efficiency of their homes in the meantime, e.g. through loft and wall insulation
• work with colleges and businesses to ensure that if / when a mass scheme is launched, we have enough suitable qualified fitters in the region to meet local demand

Such actions would ensure that, whilst we can't govern the date of commencement for such projects, we are in a position to commence with them at the very earliest opportunity

Once the action plan has been agreed this will be used as the basis for guidance and training for elected members and staff on integrating the climate emergency into decision- making.

Our prioritisation of the climate emergency will be integrated into all induction training for elected members and staff

The strategy and action plan will be used to formulate awareness campaigns to raise awareness of mitigation measures they can put into practice in the work place or at home.

At all times the Council will seek to adopt best practice, share its knowledge and encourage others within the Borough to operate in a sustainable manner.
 

Performance / Monitoring

Each year, the Council calculates its carbon emissions using Scopes 1 and 2, and those areas of Scope 3 where records are available. These findings, along with improvements made and recommended actions, are reported to elected members of the Council.

Scope 1 - Natural gas, petrol for Council vehicles, diesel for Council vehicles, gas oil / red diesel, lubricants, weed killer, antifreeze.

Scope 2 - Electricity

Scope 3 - Electrical transmission and distribution, business travel, water supply, waste water,

In addition, the Council will update the calculations for the Borough, showing progress over time. This will also be reported to elected members.

Achieving the targets set out in the Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan will be a challenge and the Council will need to be able to calculate its carbon emissions and understand the impacts of all new major plans, policies and projects.

The Climate Emergency Task Group will provide an annual update on progress against the strategy and action plan. This will also include planned improvements to the strategy based on emerging technology, external funding sources available, and the sharing of best practice.

In order to enable these actions, the Council specifically reserved £250k during 2020 for climate emergency actions.

Additional grant funding has been acquired by the Council, as detailed above, to deliver heat decarbonisation works across the largest energy using buildings in the Council estate.

Further grant funding, as detailed within the Climate Emergency Action Plan (PDF) [688KB] updates, has been received to commission decarbonisation plans for the Council estate and install electric vehicle charging points across the Borough.

SRBC Climate Emergency task Group scope.

SRBC Notice of motion July 2019

(The Notice of Motion is an exert from the Agenda and Minutes of Council meeting, 24th July 2019 - all full copy of the agenda and minutes is available at https://southribble.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=134&MId=1471&Ver=4 )

Notice of Motion

Notice of the following motion has been submitted in accordance with standing order number 10(2). The motion is proposed by Councillor Ken Jones and seconded by Councillor Matthew Trafford.

"This Council declares that the effect of climate change within the borough poses an immediate danger to the health and well-being of our residents and therefore proclaims a Climate Emergency with immediate effect.

To combat this threat, the borough sets a goal of rendering the borough carbon neutral by the year 2030. For avoidance of doubt, this goal means the borough shall produce no net carbon emissions by this date, taking into account of actions that have the effect of removing carbon from the environment.

In order to implement this decision, the borough shall create a Standing Working Group on the Climate Emergency. The Group shall be made up of the following:

• Cabinet Member responsible for the Environment (in the Chair);
• Chairs of each Neighbourhood Forum;
• Representatives of each political group represented on the council (2 Labour Members (including Air Quality Lead), 1 Liberal Democrat Member. 2 Conservative Members);
• Air Quality Lead;
• Such other Members, including co-opted members, as the working group shall consider appropriate.

The Standing Working Group on the Climate Emergency shall:

• Incorporate the Council's existing Air Quality Action Plan into its wider plans;
• Devise and propose further measures in pursuit of its goals;
• Monitor progress towards its goals;
• Report back to full Council at least four times per year on its progress in achieving its goals.

The standing Working Group on Climate Emergency shall be resourced through the Council's annual budgets going forward."

Minutes

The motion was moved by Councillor Ken Jones, seconded by Councillor Matthew Trafford. Councillor Jones delivered a presentation on the effect that climate change was having on the world.

The Motion stated:

"Climate Emergency

This Council declares that the effect of climate change within the borough poses an immediate danger to the health and well-being of our residents and therefore proclaims a Climate Emergency with immediate effect.

To combat this threat, the borough sets a goal of rendering the borough carbon neutral by the year 2030. For avoidance of doubt, this goal means the borough shall produce no net carbon emissions by this date, taking into account of actions that have the effect of removing carbon from the environment.

In order to implement this decision, the borough shall create a Standing Working Group on the Climate Emergency.

In order to implement this decision, the borough shall create a Standing Working Group on the Climate Emergency. The Group shall be made up of the following:

• Cabinet Member responsible for the Environment (in the Chair);
• Chairs of each Neighbourhood Forum;
• Representatives of each political group represented on the council (2 Labour Members (including Air Quality Lead), 1 Liberal Democrat Member. 2 Conservative Members);
• Air Quality Lead;
• Such other Members, including co-opted members, as the working group shall consider appropriate.

The Standing Working Group on the Climate Emergency shall:

• Incorporate the Council's existing Air Quality Action Plan into its wider plans;
• Devise and propose further measures in pursuit of its goals;
• Monitor progress towards its goals;
• Report back to full Council at least four times per year on its progress in achieving its goals.

The standing Working Group on Climate Emergency shall be resourced through the Council's annual budgets going forward."

The motion was debated across the Chamber, with Councillors, David Howarth, Keith Martin, Paul Foster, Mick Titherington, Matthew Tomlinson and Matthew Trafford speaking in favour.

Although an ambitious target, Members felt that they owed it to the residents to look into this issue as a matter of urgency and held a strong belief that they could bring about change.

An amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor Caroline Moon, and seconded by Councillor Michael Green. Along with some minor changes to wording and a reduction in the membership of the Standing Working Group, the amendment sought to extend the goal of rending the bough carbon neutral to 2050 in line with central government targets.

Whilst being in support of the motion and the Council's ambition to take a lead, Councillor Alan Ogilvie spoke in support of the amendment, as he felt the 2030 target was to ambitious and over promised on what could realistically be achieved by this authority. Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was LOST (Yes: 16, Abstention: 1, No: 26) The vote on the substantive motion was then taken and was subsequently RESOLVED (Yes: 30, Abstention: 13, No: 0).

The motion was CARRIED.

Annual greenhouse gas report to end March 2022

• Introduction
• Results
• Supporting information
• SRBC annual data x emission factor = Greenhouse Gas emissions
• Changes in emissions
• Carbon emission factor
• Intensity measurement 

Introduction

In 2019 South Ribble Borough Council declared a climate emergency, committing to the Borough becoming carbon net zero by 2030.  Within the Borough, the Council has an important role as a major employer, significant energy user and community leader in leading by example in reducing its own corporate carbon emissions.

This report provides an annual overview of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the Council's estate and operations to the end of March 2022.  The GHG emissions have been calculated using guidance and emissions factors published by the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).  Where UK emissions factors are not yet available the Council has estimated carbon emissions using the methodology of One Carbon World, as used for the first detailed carbon footprint calculations for the period of 2018/19. The links to source material are provided as references below.
 

Results

Table 1 - GHG emissions reported as kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO₂e).

*In April 2019 Chorley FCC began to operate from the SRBC depot, including supply of fuel from the depot.

**Despite the Council's water usage increasing from April 2021, due to operation of the leisure centre,  the kgCO₂e has decreased due to a significant reduction in the national conversion factors for water use and treatment.

***Well to tank is the energy usage in the fuel supply chain, ahead of the fuel being utilised by the Council (including extraction, refining and transportation of primary fuels).

****Those staff employed in a shared service arrangement with Chorley Borough Council are classed as 0.5 of a post for the purposes of these calculations.

Table 2 - South Ribble Borough Council's operational scopes

Supporting Information

Organisation Information

South Ribble Borough Council is responsible for providing a wide range of services to residents of the Borough, those visiting the Borough and to businesses operating within the Borough.

The Council serves a population of approximately 110,00 and has approximately 328 employees, either employed solely by SBRC or in a shared service agreement with Chorley Borough Council.

The carbon footprint boundary includes those activities under the operational control of the Council, under Scopes 1,2 and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas protocol.

In April 2021 the operation of four leisure centres transferred back into Council control and so the data for the year 21/22 includes the four leisure centres.  However, it is anticipated that in the coming year the emissions arising from the operation of the leisure centres will reduce significantly as a result of the heat decarbonisation works underway.

The Council has received grant funding to undertake heat decarbonisation works at 6 of our largest energy using buildings within our estate -

• Civic Centre, Leyland
• Moss Side Depot, Leyland
• Leyland Leisure Centre
• Penwortham Leisure Centre
• Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre
• South Ribble Tennis and Fitness Centre

During 22/23 these 6 buildings are undergoing works to remove mains gas as a source of heating, introduce new heating technologies and improve our use of renewable energy.  In reporting years to come this reduced reliance on mains gas, and the resulting reduction in carbon emissions, will be evidenced.

In order to report the difference in emissions that these works provide, the energy use for these 6 buildings is given below, as a baseline for future greenhouse gas reports.  This data has already been included within Table 1 above, so Figure 2 below represents the baseline energy use in the year preceding the heat decarbonisation works.

Reporting Period

For the period 2018/2019 One Carbon World calculated the annual GHG emission report for the Council

For the periods 19/20, 20/21 and 21/22 the Council has undertaken these assessments internally, using the methodology and data provided by the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.  Where this data does not provide for activities undertaken by the Council (for example the use of engine oil and weed killer) then these have been estimated using the data and methodology of One Carbon World.  As the UK provides for the calculation of emissions from such goods, the Council will transfer to the use of the UK methodology and data.

Operational Scope

This report includes Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions resulting from the Council's activities, including the use of fuels and chemicals

Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions, associated with the use of electricity. These indirect emissions arise as a result of the Council's electricity consumption, but the emissions occur at sources not owned of controlled by the Council

The Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been measured for all properties and vehicles that the Council owns and controls.  Those buildings within the Council estate that are rented out have been excluded from the scopes.

Scope 3 emissions are other indirect emissions, where the choices and actions of the Council result in emissions occurring at sources not owned or controlled by the Council, for example consumption of goods and waste disposal.

Scope 3 emissions are reported based on the availability of comprehensive and reliable data.  The Council will continue to improve the capture of GHG emissions data, which will allow for future enhanced reporting of Scope 3 emissions.  For example, the original calculation for 2018/2019 did not include staff travel, water use and waste water.  These have been added from April 2020 to more accurately reflect the full range of activities and fuel usage. 

In April 2021 the Council's leisure services transferred back to Council control from a partner organisation.  Therefore, from April 2021 our emissions calculations will also include these leisure services and their staff.

The activities / emissions included within these calculations are:

• fuels
• material use
• transmission and Distribution
• UK electricity
• water use and water disposal
• other waste disposal
• additional factors (WTT - well to tank related emissions) for fuels and electricity

Links to the precise methodology and data utilised are provided as references below, but as a guide the Greenhouse Gas equivalent (CO₂e) emissions are calculated by multiplying the resources used during the reporting year by the relevant emissions factor for that year.

SRBC annual data x emission factor = Greenhouse Gas emissions

All conversion factors used in this report are in units of kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO₂e).

Assumptions and / or Omissions

To maintain consistency of reporting the same assumptions are used in each of the accounting periods -

Emissions from waste production have been calculated over a 52-week period and using

0.5 tonnnes weight for a full 1,100 litre bin

Emissions from use of lubricant and hydraulic oils based on assumption that 1,149 litres weigh 1 tonne (www.quora.com/How-many-litres-of-oil-will-make-one-tonne-oil).

Emissions from use of organic compost based on 700 litres = 1 tonne.

Limitations of Assessment

To date, gas and electricity has been measured as a whole for the entire Council estate.  In order to better understand our consumption and evidence the effect of future heat decarbonisation plans, this year's report also includes specific calculations relating to the use of energy at the Council's largest energy using buildings -

• Civic Centre, Leyland
• Moss Side Depot, Leyland
• Leyland Leisure Centre
• Penwortham Leisure Centre
• Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre
• South Ribble Tennis and Fitness Centre

During 22/23 these 6 buildings are undergoing substantial works to remove mains gas as a source of heating, introduce new heating technologies and improve our use of renewable energy.  In reporting years to come this reduced reliance on mains gas, and the resulting reduction in carbon emissions, will be evidenced.

Carbon offsetting

The Council has not committed to the use of carbon offsetting, prioritising instead carbon reduction measures.

However, the Council has delivered a programme to plant 110,00 trees across the Brough - one for each of our residents.  Whilst this is not provided as an off-setting figure it forms an important part the Council's response to the climate emergency and improving biodiversity across the Borough.

Changes in Emissions

Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions

When One Carbon World was employed to calculate the GHG emissions for the Council's activities for 2018-2019, the resulting report made the following recommendations:

1.'The amount of natural gas used is reviewed and if possible reduced. As natural gas is primarily used for heating purposes, there could be some very quick wins with a thorough audit of the system. On the back of the audit and identification of energy use over time, there could be better/more efficient methods to insulate Council buildings, improve heating systems, or supply alternative/renewable energy sources for heating, e.g. infrared panel heaters, air source heat pumps (ASHPs), ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), solar thermal, solar PV plus others.'

In 2020, the Council was awarded a Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme round 1 grant of £145,004.  This has provided heat decarbonisation measures at the Civic Centre, Leyland including the installation of further solar PV panels, the installation of LED lighting, and the provision of an improved building management system, to allow for better energy control and efficiency within the building.

In 2021, the Council was awarded a further grant under round 3 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, for the sum of £4,968,855.  These works will take place up to march 2023 and see the removal of mains gas as a heat energy source from the Council's largest energy using buildings, including all of the lesiure centres.  They will improve the energy efficiency of the buildings and increase our use of renewable energy sources.  It is anticipated that this will have a significant impact upon the Council's carbon footprint from April 2023 onwards

2.'The amount of diesel/petrol used is reviewed and if possible reduced. On the back of a thorough audit and identification of diesel/petrol use over time, better/more efficient use of vehicles can be achieved through planning to reduce journey numbers. Also, more and more hybrid and electric vehicles are available in the marketplace with much lower emissions. By phasing out over time vehicles that run on diesel/petrol and replacing them with vehicles that use hybrid technology or that are electric powered, South Ribble Council will be able to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations (and potentially reduce fuel costs).'

The Council has a rolling programme to replace end of life fleet vehicles with electric vehicles, where technology allows.

The Council is working to ensure that as our electric vehicle fleet increases, we have the infrastructure installed to meet this changing demand.

3.'To effectively monitor the Carbon Footprint of South Ribble Council over time, it is also recommended that a relevant performance indicator is chosen e.g. tonnes CO₂e per Employee.

4305.41 tonnes CO2e / 250 employees = 17.22 tonnes of CO2e per person per year.

      Other performance indicators could also be used, such as those based on financial data

e.g. KgCO₂e per £, with the cost indicator linked to financial turnover and/or profit.'

This has been implemented as part of the data provided within Table 1 of this report, with the both options of total number of employees and full time equvialents (FTE)  provided to allow representative benchmarking

Carbon Emission Factors

These are revised and published on an annual basis, for the calendar year.  The annual Greenhouse Gas emissions depend not only on the resources used by the Council, but the national emission conversion factors, which may change annually.  Links to the emissions factors are provided as references below.

Intensity measurement

We have taken the approach of measuring the Council's emissions per total number employees, and also per full time employee equivalent so we are able to benchmark against other organisations, to learn from best practice and help others in making improvements within their own organisations.

Those employees classed as shared service employees with Chorley Borough Council will be classed as 50% SRBC employees, 50% Chorley Borough Council employees for the purposes of the GHG emissions calculations.

Actions arising from the Air Quality Action Plan 2018

• to publicise and encourage the use of the Lancashire based Air Quality Guidance Document for Developers
• to include the above air quality guidance document within the revised Central Lancashire Core Strategy
• to develop and embed a low emission strategy into planning decisions
• to require a suitable air quality assessment in line with a published Air Quality Guidance Document for Developers for all planning applications as identified within the document
• develop an 'Electric Vehicle Charging Points Guidance for Development' guidance document and have this included within the revised Central Lancashire Core Strategy
• ensure adequate Electrical Vehicle charging infrastructure is provided on all Planning Applications in line with the Council's Electric Vehicle Charging Points Guidance for Developments
• require suitable travel plans to be produced, and implemented on all relevant developments in line with the low emissions strategy
• require secure cycle storage to be included on all relevant domestic, commercial, industrial, and leisure developments
• require adequate changing facilities to be provided for use of staff / visitors for all relevant commercial and industrial developments
• promotion of living walls / green roofs
• improved Planning enforcement.
• investigate ways to limit the use of solid fuel heating in developments.
• securing four major road developments identified within the Lancashire County Council 'Central Lancashire Highways and Transport Masterplan'.
• to review all traffic light sequencing to reduce the amount of standing traffic
• to investigate the provision of a link road between Centurion Way and Tomlinson Road.
• consider road layouts within the AQMA's to see whether improvements can be made to reduce congestion.
• look to improve signage to re-direct HGV traffic away from areas of poor air quality.
• work with Highways England to improve signage to the motorways to advise HGV's to use Junction 29 instead of junction28.
• provide advice and contacts to businesses to help them chose low emission vehicles, & develop travel plans
• improve the cycle infrastructure within the borough, especially along routes to schools and employment sites
• investigate the provision for maintaining & sweeping cycle routes on a regular basis throughout the borough
• improve the electric vehicle infrastructure across the borough
• provide electric vehicle charging points on car owned car parks and buildings
• offer free or reduced parting tariffs for electric vehicles.
• anti-Idling Campaign in declared AQMA's and outside schools, colleges and leisure centres.
• encourage the greater use of public transport
• work with taxi firms to encourage the uptake of low emission vehicles (Electric)
• further reduce the age limit of taxis within the borough
• stop taxis and buses idling within AQMA's and outside schools & Colleges
• to consider a reduced taxi license fee for electric vehicles
• to work with both bus and taxi companies to apply for any grant bids available
• implement an 'Electrify campaign - encouraging businesses to only use electric taxis.
• encouraging Car Sharing within the borough
• development and delivery of education programmes to schools
• development of educational material for businesses
• development and run a campaign to reduce school traffic e.g. walk/cycle to school
• continue with Cycle proficiency courses in local school
• promote the provision of secure cycle storage and changing rooms at businesses and schools
• investigate the provision of personal travel plans for residents and employees within the borough
• promote cycling within the borough, including cycle to work day, salary sacrifice scheme
• promote walking within the borough, including promotion of walking routes, the Leyland Loop
• encourage 'walk to school' and the use of 'walking buses' across the borough for all schools.
• encourage elected members to car share and use alternative forms of transport, in particular to council meetings and functions.
• replace the mayoral car with an electric car
• provide education and information relating to air quality through members learning hours, leaflets and councillor connect
• air Quality shall be considered within the decision making process on every report to cabinet, council, portfolio holder decision etc.
• replace the civic centre pool car with an electric car
• systematically replace the depot vans with electric vehicles
• systematically replace grounds vehicles with electric vehicles as technology becomes available
• the provision of electric vehicle charging points at council buildings, initially the civic centre and depot. These may be provided free of charge to enable the installation of cheaper charging points and encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.
• apply for the Workplace EVR point Government scheme
• sign up to a 'salary sacrifice scheme' this allows staff to purchase via salary sacrifice a new car (to be restricted to electric vehicles only) including all insurance, tax, and servicing.
• provide secure lockable cycle storage facilities at the civic and depot
• provide suitable changing rooms and storage facilities for use of staff
• continue with the 'bike to work' salary sacrifice scheme
• provide cycle reassurance training for any member of staff, elected members who wish to receive it.
• encourage staff to use alternative modes of travel e.g. cycling and walking
• promote car sharing among staff.
• alter the policy to allow essential users to leave their cars at home and walk/cycle to work on certain days in line with business requirements and manager agreement without the risk of loss of the lump sum.
• develop an internal travel plan and offer individual travel planning guidance to staff and elected members.

BEIS - The department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Biodiversity - The variety of animal and plant life on Earth

Carbon budget - the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted to be in line with keeping temperatures well below 2°C and pursue a 1.5°C limit to rising temperatures

Carbon dioxide - a key greenhouse gas with a long life-time in the atmosphere.

Carbon neutral - having no net release of carbon dioxide into the environment.  Carbon Neutral may be used as short hand for Net Zero Greenhouse Gas emissions, taking into account our direct emissions in the city from energy use and transport but also our total indirect emissions which includes aviation and the consumption of goods and service produced elsewhere.

CO2e - this stands for carbon dioxide equivalent. This allows the comparison and inclusion of other GHGs (e.g. nitrous oxide and methane) as well as carbon dioxide. It represents the corresponding amount of carbon dioxide that would be required to produce the same level of warming as other GHGs.

Carbon offsetting - practices to neutralise remaining emissions that cannot be removed entirely

CIEH - Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

Decarbonisation -  Reducing the carbon emissions from an energy system.

DEFRA - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Direct Emissions - Direct emissions refers to Scope 1 and 2 emissions in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Protocol and include the Council's use of gas, electricity, transport fuel and water.

EA - Environment Agency

FSA - Food Standards Agency

GHG - Greenhouse gases are those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere, which absorb and emit radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of thermal infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, by the atmosphere itself, and by clouds. This property causes the greenhouse effect. Water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and ozone (O3) are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Moreover, there are a number of entirely human-made greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as the halocarbons and other chlorine- and bromine containing substances, dealt with under the Montreal Protocol. Besides CO2, N2O, and CH4, the Kyoto Protocol deals with the greenhouse gases sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). (IPPC)

Global warming - an increase in combined surface, air and sea temperatures averaged over the globe and over a 30-year period (IPPC)

Greenhouse effect - Greenhouse gases effectively absorb thermal infrared radiation, emitted by the Earth's surface, by the atmosphere itself due to the same gases, and by clouds. atmospheric radiation is emitted to all sides, including downward to the Earth's surface. Thus, greenhouse gases trap heat within the surface-troposphere system. This is called the greenhouse effect. (IPPC)

IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United nations body for assessing the science relating to climate change

Kyoto Protocol - this commits industrialised countries to limit and reduce GHG emissions based upon the 1990 levels. (United Nations)

LCC - Lancashire County Council

NOx - term for the nitrogen oxides that are most relevant for air pollution, namely nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. NOx gases react to form smog and acid rain as well as being central to the formation of fine particles (PM) and ground level ozone, both of which are associated with adverse health effects.

Offsetting - Carbon offsetting refers to the purchase of a tradeable unit, representing emissions rights or emissions reductions, to balance the climate impact of an organisation, activity or individual. Although they can be stored

FPM - particulate matter. Particulate matter is formed in the atmosphere because of chemical reactions between pollutants. These particles include dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Particulate matter is in the air pollution emitted from vehicles, factories, and burning of fossil fuels

PM2.5 - particulate matter with a diameter equal to or less than 2.5 micrometres also known as fine particulate matter.  Long term exposure is understood to increase mortality risk, particularly from cardiovascular causes.

Scope 1 emissions- direct GHG emissions - these occur from sources that are owned or controlled by the company, for example, emissions from combustion in owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc.; emissions from chemical production in owned or controlled process equipment (Greenhouse Gas Protocol.org). They are mainly energy related.

Scope 2 emissions- Electricity indirect GHG emissions - this accounts for GHG emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the company. Purchased electricity is defined as electricity that is purchased or otherwise brought into the organisational boundary of the company. Scope 2 emissions physically occur at the facility where electricity is generated. (Greenhouse Gas Protocol.org).

Scope 3 emissions - all other greenhouse gas emissions that occur as a result of activities taking place within wider operations, supply chains, investments, etc.

Sequestration - the uptake of carbon-containing substances, in particular carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Solare PV - Solar Photovoltaic

SRBC - South Ribble Borough Council

Sustainability - meeting the needs of current generations, without compromising future generations or the environment

Vector - Vectors are mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas that spread diseases. A person who gets bitten by a vector and gets sick has a vector-borne disease.

VOC - volatile organic compound, a chemical that changes easily into a gas and can be harmful to health and the environment

WHO - World Health Organisation

• The Met Office - what is climate change
• IPCC
• Gov.uk. Climate change explained
• Gov.uk. National Statistics, UK local authority and regional carbon dioxide emissions national statistics: 2005 to 2019
• Scatter (Setting City Areas Targets and Trajectories for Emissions Reduction)
• Eurostat. Greenhouse gas emissions, base year 1990
• The National Center for Biotechnology Information, Increased plastic pollution due toCovid-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Air Quality Expert Group
• World Health Organisation, Health and Sustainable Development. Climate Impacts
• Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Future support for low carbon heat
• World Health Organisation. Food Safety, Climate Change and the role of WHO.
• Met Office. UK Extreme Events - heavy rainfall and floods
• Committee on Climate Change, February 2019. UK Housing: Fit for the future?
• The Lancet. Climate change: fires, floods, and infectious diseases
• Lancashire Net Zero Pathway Options, 2022

Further Information

• Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, October 2021
• Lancashire Net Zero Pathways Options, March 2022
• State of the Environment: Renewable Technology Input. A technical report on renewable energy deployment opportunities across Lancashire to 2030, November 2021
• (Lancashire) Climate Resilience Study, December 2021