Agenda item
Environment and Climate Action - Q1 and Q2 Performance Report
Minutes:
Councillor Champion, Executive member for Air Quality, Environment and Transport, and Martijn Cooijmans, Director for Climate and Transport presented this item. They reflected on the earlier presentations from Octopus, MER-IT, noting the importance of addressing the existential threat to the planet. They emphasised Islington's role in the global effort, highlighting the need for local leadership in tackling these challenges, particularly given the area's relative wealth and resources.
The report covered performance in quarters 1 and 2. It highlighted Islington's work, particularly in planning and retrofitting, aiming to guide private homeowners and tenants through eco-friendly measures, especially in conservation areas. It mentioned supplementary planning guidance, which will provide practical advice, set to go out for consultation in January. It acknowledged the need to engage private homes, as these represent a significant portion of local emissions, and mentioned hiring a specialist officer to assist with retrofitting.
Community energy efforts were noted, including collaborations with organisations like Power Up, which helped install solar panels in schools. The importance of district heat networks, a cost-effective way to decarbonise heating in densely populated areas was mentioned.
They praised the Shine programme for its long-standing work in reducing fuel poverty, and highlighted district heat networks as a means to balance net-zero goals with affordability. Efforts to decarbonise council homes included pilots funded by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. New builds, while challenging, were recognised as an opportunity to implement net-zero standards.
Active transport initiatives included the progression of Liveable neighbourhood projects and the success of the TfL Travel for Life programme in local schools. It was acknowledged the progress in electric vehicle charging and bicycle infrastructure. Environmental efforts included the Islington Greening Together programme, the planting of 981 trees, and community-driven greening projects.
Specific challenges included the high cost of implementing low-carbon heat sources like heat pumps and the need to fund insulating buildings to reduce energy costs. Heat networks were being explored as a potential solution, contingent on finding sustainable funding mechanisms. Climate adaptation measures were also being integrated, addressing issues such as extreme heat, flooding, and other climate-related risks.
Further discussions highlighted the SPD (Supplementary Planning Document), which was set for public consultation in January, with an opportunity for councillors to provide feedback early in the process. Questions arose about retrofitting efforts, the percentage of homes expected to be retrofitted by 2030 across various housing sectors, and whether specialised planners would handle retrofit cases. A training programme aimed at increasing climate awareness among council staff had faced delays due to staffing issues but remained a priority. The report also emphasised aligning all council decisions with climate considerations by incorporating climate and environmental implications into organisational processes. However, the scale of retrofitting depended largely on available funding, with district heat networks being a potential focus for broader implementation.
The Shine Energy Advice Service has been recognized for exceeding its targets and delivering significant financial benefits to residents through initiatives like the energy doctor program. Questions were raised about the service’s ability to expand capacity, especially during a harsh winter and amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which may drive more residents into energy poverty. Concerns about whether the service can continue scaling to meet increased demand were addressed, noting that seasonal fluctuations influence workload, with peaks in winter and a quieter period in summer. Additional staff have been hired during busy periods, and the team remains committed to supporting vulnerable residents.
Discussions about housing highlighted the challenges of retrofitting flats above shops, often due to difficulties engaging landlords and tenants. It was suggested that better data collection and closer collaboration with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could help incorporate business owners into sustainability programmes.
Tree planting efforts have been ramped up in recent years, but there are ongoing challenges in ensuring their survival. Factors such as vandalism, natural causes, and damage by contractors have affected newly planted trees. A three-year watering programme is in place to support young trees, and additional measures, including collaboration with estates and communities, are being explored to find suitable planting locations and enhance green spaces. Concerns were raised about private developments removing trees, prompting calls for stronger protections through Tree Preservation Orders and conservation area rules.
The Retrofit Handbook, which complements the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), was discussed as a key tool for guiding sustainable development. Unlike the SPD, which is a fixed legal document, the handbook can be updated regularly, ensuring it remains responsive to new developments. A dedicated planning officer will be available to handle retrofit applications and provide direct public support, addressing concerns about accessibility and guidance during the application process.
Finally, the importance of stronger controls on tree removal from private land was emphasised, with calls to lobby for greater protections at the local and national levels. This aligns with broader efforts to develop an urban forest management strategy that considers both publicly and privately managed trees.
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