The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management presented an update report on the various carbon reduction and energy saving projects currently being undertaken across the Council to ‘Reduce the Council’s Carbon Footprint’, which promoted the Council’s Corporate Priorities as set out in the Corporate Plan. The Council was committed to delivering a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025 and he indicated that with an expected spend of around £10m on energy costs in 2012/2013, there were significant financial savings to be made through carbon emission and energy efficiency projects and initiatives. He commented that by endorsing the initiatives contained within his report, Members would be reaffirming their commitment to reducing the Council’s carbon footprint.

Members referred to the Carbon Reduction Programme Project Plan and expressed their concern in relation to the effect on the Solar Photovoltaic PV Project of changes to the Feed In Tariff, proposed by the Government.

On a motion by Councillor J Williams and seconded by Councillor P Hackett, it was –

Resolved –

(1)  That the performance and progress of the various Council ‘Carbon Footprint Reduction’ and energy efficiency projects undertaken to date across Council Departments be noted and the further initiatives proposed in the report, be endorsed.

(2)  However, Committee also notes that the Government is consulting on changes to the Feed In Tariff.

(3)  Therefore, Committee requests that a report be presented to the Cabinet at the earliest opportunity outlining the effect to the Solar Photovoltaic PV Project, should there be changes to the Feed In Tariff.