Issue - meetings

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to update Members on the current activities carried out by the Belfast City Council Climate Unit. Further updates will be provided as specific areas of work progress.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to note of the key areas of focus for the Belfast City Council Climate Unit.

3.0       Main report

            Council - Key areas of focus and progress

1.      A baseline emissions analysis of BCC and a preliminary net zero target and trajectory has been completed (detailed in separate paper).

2.      An energy review of five buildings is underway (City Hall, Cecil Ward, Waterfront Hall, North Queen Street

3.      Community Centre, Shankill Leisure Centre). This work will be completed by August 2022.

4.      A climate risk assessment, climate action plan and climate investment plan for BCC will be carried out from May-Sep.

5.      14 phase 1 pilots supported by the Climate Fund have commenced this quarter: (1) Pilot insultation programme; (2) Solar PV investigation across the estate (3) Rollout of the Hysop project – hydraulic optimisation initiative; (4) EV charging at leisure centres; (5) Pilot recycling in the city centre; (6) study to assess carbon stocks on BCC owned peatland on Belfast Hills; (7) Survey of wildflower meadows / species rich grassland at 4 sites across the City; (8) Economic appraisal of larger tree nursery/commercial opportunities; (9) Installing additional electric charging points at Duncrue; (10) HVO trial in 10 vehicles; (11) Smart chargers study (12) Furniture recycling/up-cycling pilot; (13) Carpet recycling pilot; and (14) Scale up Repair and reuse laptop scheme.

6.      A climate data platform is being scoped, EOIs have been sought and received from several companies and a business case will be developed for consideration by Digital Services.

7.      A pilot programme is underway to measure supply chain emissions using the Trace Data Service Pilot Platform developed by Praesideo.

8.      Ongoing coordination of climate initiatives through the Climate Programme Board and the Climate and Resilience Committee.

3.2       Council - Key areas of focus and progress

1.      Ongoing delivery of One million Trees and UPSURGE projects and completion of the VPACH project.

2.      Social Farms & Gardens, a UK wide charity supporting communities to farm, garden and grow together, have been contracted to review the existing Belfast Sustainable Food Place (SFP) accreditation, undertake engagement with key stakeholders and propose a framework and action plan which will allow for renewal of the Bronze Sustainable Food Place award and potential progression to Silver and Gold. This work will be completed by July 2022.

3.      Collation of climate data for annual submission to the Carbon Disclosure Project and the GDS Index.

4.      Ongoing engagement with LSE, PCAN, GFI and UKCCIC to position Belfast as a Net Zero finance demonstrator.

5.      Initial work is underway to scope a local carbon offsetting fund (detailed in separate paper). 

6.      Climate considerations are being mainstreamed into key strategies and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9