Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration
Revised Reporting Template
Year 4 (FINAL VERSION)
Each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities signed Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration in early 2007. The Declaration is a public statement wherein local authorities acknowledge the reality and implications of climate change and their responsibility to respond effectively. The Declaration also welcomes the actions of the UK and Scottish governments and the opportunities for local authorities to work in partnership with others in responding to climate change.
As signatories to Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration, each Scottish local authority is committed to taking action across a range of key areas. These can be summarised as:
- Providing effective leadership, governance and management on climate change.
- Reducing the local authority’s own ‘corporate’ greenhouse gas emissions from their estate, services and functions.
- Taking action to reduce emissions from the local authority area
- Assessing the risks of climate change impacts and working with others to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- Developing effective partnership working and climate change communications, including producing an annual statement of plans, activities and achievements.
This Reporting Template focuses on these five key areas.
The principles of effective Declaration reporting include:
- Providing clear, consistent and comparable information.
- Linking climate change reporting with existing reporting requirements and the council’s own performance improvement agenda.
- Showing clearly how climate change is being integrated into council and Community Planning agendas, especially through Single Outcome Agreements.
- Highlighting key achievements and initiatives
- Communicating with the community, making the report easy to understand and available to the public.
Local authorities are encouraged to provide information in a transparent and easy to understand format:
- In relation to ‘corporate’ and ‘area-wide’ emissions, quantifiable data will be vital, and this is best communicated graphically.
- On adaptation, examples of adaptation action or process initiatives would help illustrate what is being done.
- On governance, leadership and management, and on partnership working, communications and capacity building, diagrams, process maps and examples of materials and events would be extremely useful.
In order to make reporting on the Declaration as effective and efficient as possible, local authorities are encouraged to use this reporting template to report top-level information and to use web-link references to more detailed information.
Local authorities are also encouraged to make reference to their previous Declaration reports, especially making reference to the year-ahead priorities listed in those reports. This will help in showing continuity and year-on-year progress.
In reporting on the Declaration, local authorities are encouraged to recognise the importance of the UK Climate Change Act, Climate Change (Scotland) Act, national targets for emissions reduction, the Climate Change Public Bodies Duties Guidance (published 2011), The Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting the Emissions Reduction Targets 2010-2022 Report on Proposals and Policies, the Low Carbon Scotland Public Engagement Strategy, the evolving Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Framework and the Adaptation Scotland Scotland Climate Change Adaptation Workbook . Also of use is the internationally recognised ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’ for consistent reporting of ‘corporate emissions’ and the evolving suite of Local Authority climate change datasets and indicators published by DECC.
Section 1Governance, Leadership and Management
Following publication of the 2010 SCCD (Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration) Report, West Dunbartonshire Council has undergone significant restructuring and the governance, leadership and management arrangements in relation to the climate change agenda have been refocused.
The restructure resulted in a larger team dealing with climate related issues on a day-to-day basis, with the Climate Change (Scotland) Act Public Bodies Duties providing asteer and focus for this team. The following diagram indicates the management/decision-making structure within the authority.
A new officer-led group, the Sustainability, Energy & Carbon Management Group, has recently been formed with the purpose of ensuring the Council meets its legislative requirements in this regard, monitoring progress, developing new actions/projects, and embedding these issues throughout the organisation. This is led by the Corporate Asset Manager with the support of the Executive Director of Housing, Environmental & Economic Development department, who also undertook the role of Carbon Management Project Sponsor.
In terms of political governance, reporting on climate related issues are submitted to the Housing, Environmental & Economic Development Committee. At present, elected members are not directly involved in the officer-led Management Group which addresses climate related issues; however, it is proposed to nominate elected member representation to this Group following the 2012 Local Government elections.
At a Community Planning level, climate change is integral to the remit of the ‘Creating a Sustainable and Attractive Living Environment’ Community Planning Thematic Group. The Group is responsible for driving forward partnerships that achieve the aspirations laid out in the SOA and overseeing the implementation and management of local Community Planning programmes (specifically: Open Space, Connectivity & Use, Built Environment & Energy Consumption, and Waste Management & Recycling) andCommunity Planning investment. A number of projects relating to climate change mitigation and adaptation have received funding through the Fairer Scotland Fund.
West Dunbartonshire’s Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) 2011-14 focuses on a reduced number of priorities reflecting local challenges and the views and aspirations of community residents. These priorities are: Work and Benefits; Safe, Strong and Involved Communities; and Supporting Children and Families. Included in the SOA is a local outcome to ‘reduce greenhouse gas emissions’(NO-14 We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production) – further to this a number of greenspace projects which contribute to climate change adaptation exist under the local outcome ‘stronger, confident and more involved communities’(NO-12 We value and enjoy our built and naturalenvironment and protect it and enhance it for future generations). The SOA also acknowledges the need for climate change adaptation and, more generally, that environmental issues have a direct effect through all of the fifteen National Outcomes and offer important cross-cutting and cost-effective solutions to often complex community regeneration needs.
WDC’s Corporate Plan sets out high-level Values which underpin and guide the way the authority works. Included within these Values are the following statements relating to sustainability and inherently linked to the climate change agenda:
- We will use our resources effectively and efficiently
- We will ensure that the social, economic and environmental consequences of our decisions and actions are carefully considered
- Reduce ecological footprint
- Raise awareness of environmental issues
- Manage waste disposal in a more sustainable way
- Improve quality and access to greenspace
- Improve the state of West Dunbartonshire's environment
In addition to the Corporate Plan, WDC has developed a Climate Change Strategy outlining our approach to tackling climate change mitigation and adaptation, which is shortly going to Committee for elected member approval. In addition, other strategies which are linked to this agenda include the Sustainable Development Strategy and the Carbon Management Plan. Preparation of the new Local Development Plan is ongoing and will take cognisance of climate change mitigation and adaptation issues, supporting measures which contribute to these agendas.
Section 1 Priorities for the year ahead
- Development of Climate Change Strategy Action Plan.
- Nomination of elected members to become involved with Sustainability, Energy & Carbon Management Group.
Section 2
Reducing the local authority’s own ‘corporate’ greenhouse gas emissions from its estate, services and functions.
WDC’s Carbon Management Plan set a target of a one-third reduction in carbon emissions by 2015 (from the baseline of 2006/07). This target has been incorporated into the Corporate Plan.
The following table illustrates the total reduction in emissions since the baseline year (financial years):
Since the baseline year, there has been a total reduction in emissions of 13% (4,518 tonnes), from 34,269 tonnes CO2 to 29,751 tonnes.
This covers carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption (electricity, gas and oil) in Council property (excluding housing stock), fleet emissions, business travel and commuting emissions, water consumption and emissions from waste (from Council property) disposed of at landfill. Consumption data is collected from the relevant Council services and emissions calculated using Defra conversion factors.
The following table illustrates the source of emissions and also the percentage change in emissions from 2009/10 to 2010/11.
In 2010/11, energy made up 87% of WDC’s total carbon emissions – this was a 3% decrease on energy emissions from the previous year. This was achieved through a number of small-scale efficiency projects and primarily through close control of heating and hot water systems through the Council’s Building Management System which was introduced in a number of additional properties (58 properties now controlled centrally), as well as some awareness raising projects including energy-efficiency training for specific services, for example, school janitors. Funding for energy related projects has mainly been via the CEEF fund (Central Energy Efficiency Fund) and Council spend-to-save budgets.
Transport made up 9% of the Council’s carbon emissions in 2010/11 and made a significant 14% reduction in emissions from the previous year. This has mainly been achieved through further rollout of the Council’s Engine Efficiency Monitoring Scheme in conjunction with ‘efficient driver’ training. The Council has also purchased a hybrid mini-bus and an electric van for use as part of the vehicle fleet, with Government funding.
Waste and water made up 4% of emissions in 2010/11 and saw a 27% reduction in emissions from the previous year. A small proportion of this can be attributed to a reduction in water consumption through efficiency projects and better metering of consumption. The majority was achieved through waste prevention and recycling. A detailed audit of the Council’s direct waste was carried out in this year which provided new, more accurate figures for calculating waste emissions which has contributed to such a significant reduction. All properties now have a dry recyclate scheme in place and waste prevention messages are widely promoted throughout the authority.
WDC also launched the ‘Cutting Carbon’ campaign – designed to encourage employees to take part in small actions which contribute to reducing the Council’s carbon footprint, be that via energy efficiency measures, making sustainable travel choices, recycling and waste prevention measures. The campaign includes specific training for key staff (eg Janitors), an information/project pack for schools, as well as generic information for all employees which is disseminated via leaflets, intranet, posters, and linked to national events (eg. WWF Earth Hour) to maximise promotional opportunities.
While the trend is positive, it is unlikely WDC will meet the challenging target of a one-third reduction by 2015. More resources are being targeted at emission reduction, both capital funding for efficiency projects and officer time, which should go towards ensuring a continuing downwards trend in emissions. WDC did consider if there would be merit in re-evaluating the target; however, it was decided to leave this target in place until 2015 when a full review will take place and a new target will be set (possibly producing a new baseline at this time).
The Council is pursuing a range of projects, particularly in terms of reducing energy consumption which should result in further positive progress towards our target as energy makes up such a large proportion of the Council’s carbon footprint. This includes voltage optimisation, efficiency measures in accommodation for homeless people, installation of energy-efficient appliances, further awareness raising and the introduction of an Energy Policy. WDC is also investigating opportunities to build a wind farm locally supplying 5MW of electricity.
Section 2 Priorities for the year ahead
- Carbon Trust CMAT (Carbon Management and Assessment Tool) workshop.
- Pursuing biomass projects in two schools.
- Promotion of CEEF scheme, to schools in particular.
- Continued development of wind farm project.
- Continued roll-out of ‘Cutting Carbon’ campaign.
Section 3
Taking action to reduce the emissions from the local authority area
West Dunbartonshire’s consumption based emissions are detailed below (Source: REAP,2004 results). The latest figures indicate CO2 emissions are 11.47 tonnes per capita and GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions are 15.53 tonnes per capita. The area’s CO2 and GHG emissions remain one of the lowest in Scotland (national average 12.16 tonnes and 16.46 tonnes respectively). There are pockets of significant deprivation throughout West Dunbartonshire which will impact on these footprints.
CO2 emissions make up 75% of the area’s GHG emissions. This is illustrated broken down by source in the graph below.
A target has been set to reduce the footprint by 0.05% each year; however, this target may have to be reviewed as footprints are generally increasing across the country. Also, the data is not directly comparable from year to year so we need to consider other measures to identify trends locally. In West Dunbartonshire the footprint has increased by a smaller percentage than the national average.
WDC’s production-based emissions are illustrated in the graph below (Source: DECC). Emissions have consistently reduced from 2006 to 2009, with the most recent figures providing a figure of 5.7 tonnes per capita of carbon dioxide emissions in West Dunbartonshire. This is significantly below the national average of 6.8 tonnes/capita. WDC has a target to reduce per capita emissions by 0.1 tonnes per capita annually. The target for 2010/11 was 6 tonnes/capita so we are already achieving this target and may need to revise targets in future.
To look at the source of these emissions in greater detail, the graph below illustrates the sectoral breakdown with the majority of emissions in this area (39%) coming from the domestic sector; 33% from industry and commercial; and 28% coming from road transport. Emissions from the domestic sector are slightly higher in West Dunbartonshire than the national average (36% nationally) which could be an indication of the condition of housing stock locally as well as highlighting a need for further action in this area to encourage residents to take steps to reduce their household emissions through good energy practice etc. The UHIS (Universal Home Insulation Scheme) scheme which is currently being promoted widely throughout the area should also make a significant contribution to reducing emissions.
WDC operates an energy efficiency advice service for residents – both council tenants and home owners; providing energy adviceincluding home energy surveys, and referrals for insulation and new central heating systems. This project has huge potential to reduce carbon emissions locally – based on the assistance provided to date, and referrals for insulation or central heating work, the total carbon savings over the lifetime of the measures (eg. lifetime of a new central heating system) is 14175.82 tonnes - 386.43 tonnes in 2010/11 alone. Further to this, the Council continues to make improvements to the energy efficiency of the Council’s own housing stock to bring it in line with the Scottish Quality Housing Standard. In the past year this has included over-cladding of multi-storey properties which has resulted in significant savings of £275 annually on residents’ heating bills; replacement of obsolete central heating systems and electrical heating systems with A-rated condensing boilers; and roof replacement.
Section 3 Priorities for the year ahead
- Further over-cladding works and continuation of central heating replacement.
- Replacement of electric heating system in multi-storey flats.
- Undertaking feasibility studies into renewable heating systems in multi-storey properties.
Section 4
Assessing the risks of climate change impacts and working with others to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Action on climate change adaptation has mainly been in terms of capacity building and developing policy/strategy in this area to influence action which will improve climate change resilience locally.
The Energy & Compliance team are seeking funding to support a student placement to work on the production of a LCLIP (Local Climate Impacts Profile), as this is integral to developing the Council’s approach to dealing with adaptation issues and developing climate change resilience in West Dunbartonshire. WDC has produced a Climate Change Strategy which outlines the Council’s approach to climate change adaptation. This highlights in particular, opportunities to take adaptation action in the following areas:
- transport planning, including drainage and flood prevention;
- land use planning, including SUDS, protecting green belt, integrating adaptation into the Local Development Plan;
- greenspace, including enhancing and protecting carbon sinks, natural floodplains, wildlife corridors, and regenerating greenspace to build adaptive capacity;
- emergency planning, including developing preparedness.