Environment and Sustainability Committee

Date of meeting 4 March 2025

Title	Green Initiative Fund Bid
Purpose of the report	To make a decision
Report Author	Sandy Muirhead Group Head Commissioning and Transformation
Ward(s) Affected	All Wards
Exempt	No
Exemption Reason
Corporate Priority	Community Environment
Recommendations	Committee is asked to: To agree to fund the Spelthorne District Scout Green Initiatives Bid
Reason for Recommendation	The Green Initiatives Fund supports projects/roles aiming to reduce the impact of climate change in the Borough and although on a long lease the Hengrove Scout HQ building is owned by Spelthorne Borough Council. .

1. Summary of the report

What is the situation	Why we want to do something
• Green Initiatives Fund is aimed at ensuring the climate change agenda is addressed and projects are put forward in line with the Council’s Corporate plan and climate change strategy and action plan. • Spelthorne District Scouts have put forward a GIF application to improve the energy efficiency of their building in Hengrove Park	• Reducing carbon emissions on our own estate buildings is important in ensuring the corporate plan and climate change strategy are delivered. In this case, although the Council own the building it is let on a long lease to Spelthorne District Scouts.
This is what we want to do about it	These are the next steps
• The Scouts have put forward a plan to improve the energy efficiency of the building they use, and it will reduce the carbon emissions within that building	• With agreement of the Committee the funding can be awarded to the Scouts for energy efficiency measures.

1.1 The Council allocated £747,000 to create the Green Initiative Fund (GIF) to address the Climate Emergency the Council declared in October 2020. The purpose of the fund is to help Spelthorne move forward on addressing in climate change.

1.2 This report is a request to support Spelthorne District Scouts in improving the energy efficiency of their building at Hengrove Park. (details in Appendix 1)

2. Key issues

2.1 The Council declared a Climate Emergency in Oct 2020.

2.2 The Council’s Climate Change Strategy 2022-2030 aims for the Council to be Net Zero for its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030.

2.3 The Green Initiatives Fund is an important factor in the Council’s Net Zero 2030 target as it is the only internal budget available for carbon reduction and is listed in the Climate Change Strategy as one of the main funding streams. It has allowed the Council to undertake projects to reduce carbon emissions.

2.4 The Green Initiatives Fund has been refocused on projects within the Spelthorne assets portfolio to help ensure there are funds which can be used to develop, robust business case for projects which demonstrate a reduction in carbon emissions within the Council’s estate. Although the Scouts have a long lease on the building, they wish to improve, the Council are the owner of the building at Hengrove Park.

2.5 The applications are assessed by the Climate Change Working Group, if approved by the Climate Change Working Group applications go forward to the Environment and Sustainability Committee for formal approval and release of funds. Though this particular application had been mentioned to, and discussed with, the Climate Change Working Group in January timings of its delivery did not tie in with the usual cycle of the working group.

2.6 To date £319,525.60 has been committed from the original £747,000, the spent amount is lower as some projects are either waiting to get underway or are underway and not yet complete, hence the money has not yet been spent. With commitment and actual spend this would leave £290,381 in the GIF fund

3. Options analysis and proposal

3.1 Option 1 preferred To approve the application from Spelthorne District Scouts for a grant of £15,000

3.2 Option 2 Not to do so would not enable us to drive forward the climate change strategy and Corporate plan targets the Council has agreed.

4. Financial management comments

4.1 Factoring in this schemes costs leaves a balance of £217,481 in the GIF fund.

5. Risk management comments

5.1 Fraudulent bids - however, a bidding application process was approved by Environment and Sustainability Committee in January 2022 ensure scrutiny of proposals.

5.2 There is a risk works are not completed but as assets must give permission under the lease for the building, completion and progress of the works can be managed.

5.3 If the project is not funded the works may not progress as alternative green funds are limited but local CIL funding could be a possibility.

6. Procurement comments

6.1 No procurement requirements.

7. Legal comments

7.1 Under the terms of the lease Spelthorne BC must be notified of the works along with a plan demonstrating the scope of the works as illustrated below in the relevant lease terms.

8. Other considerations

8.1 None.

9. Equality and Diversity

9.1 The Scout Association are responsible for any equality and diversity issues associated with the works.

10. Sustainability/Climate Change Implications

10.1 More modern leases often contain a “green clause” but there is no such clause for this building. There is a clause to state they repair and maintain to a good standard. Any improvements especially green initiatives are welcomed as this benefits Spelthorne’s assets and helps to retain the tenant.

11. Timetable for implementation

11.1 The Scouts if successful will be required to provide information concerning the scope and plan for the works.

12. Contact

12.1 Sandy Muirhead Group Head Commissioning and Transformation

Please submit any material questions to the Committee Chair and Officer Contact by two days in advance of the meeting.

Background papers:, There are none.

Appendices: Appendix 1 Green Initiatives Fund Bid Spelthorne District Scouts