Environment & Sustainability

June 2025

Title	Project Green Horizon Programme
Purpose of the report	To make a decision
Report Author	Arthur Stokhuyzen and Tim Snook
Ward(s) Affected	All Wards
Exempt	No
Exemption Reason	Not Applicable
Corporate Priority	Resilience Environment Services
Recommendations	Committee is asked to: To Support the initiation of the Project Green Horizon Programme and approve the initiation/undertaking of the first 3 projects under the programme.
Reason for Recommendation	The Council has 5 years to reach our goal of Net Zero. This programme provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to the council’s journey to Net Zero at Scope 1&2 CO2e as well as improve the council’s resilience to the impacts of Climate Change.

1. Summary of the report

What is the situation	Why we want to do something
• In 2020 the council declared a Climate Emergency and the subsequent target of reaching Net Zero by 2030. The Council adopted the climate change strategy to outline how to achieve this goal in 2022. • The strategy was updated in late 2024 and an action tracker produced. • Since the 2019 baseline, our emissions have increased by 10%.	• Reach Net Zero as a council by 2030 • The current documentation (Climate Change Strategy) and missions (Corporate Priority Environment) have not fully provided a successful framework and accountability for Net Zero Action. • Therefore, a reimagined and improved approach is required to take us forward to achieve the agreed targets. • The projects proposed are both achievable and impactful.
This is what we want to do about it	These are the next steps
• Organise the approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation under a single, monitorable programme. • All climate change projects will be directly reported upon to councillors via a custom portal. • Undertake and initiate 3 projects that will collectively reduce the carbon footprint by 82%. • For Environment & Sustainability committee to approve the Project Green Horizon Programme and agree to/supporting the first 3 projects being undertaken.	• Begin the formation of a detailed programme of works for the Specific Tasks • Undertake and initiate the projects outlined in this report and recommend corporate policy and resource committee approve these projects and the green horizon programme.

1.1 The decision on whether to approve with the Project Green Horizon Programme will be based upon the council’s commitment to supporting decarbonisation of the Councils Scope 1&2 CO2e emissions and improve resilience.

1.2 Supporting this programme and the initial projects will directly corelate with the council’s commitments in declaring a climate emergency in 2020 and adopting a climate change strategy in 2022 which was updated with an action tracker in September 2024.

2. Key issues

2.1 This report seeks to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to the final 5 years of the council’s journey to Net Zero at Scope 1&2 CO2e as well as improve the council’s resilience to the impacts of Climate Change. Additionally, it presents the first projects to be run under this programme to ensure the most impact.

Objectives of the Green Horizon Programme:

1. A clear plan and pathway for each net zero task, including strong stakeholder engagement across the relevant council departments.

2. Create two workflows under the banners of Climate Change Mitigation and Climate Change Adaption

3. Bring all Projects and Works relating to the Council’s Net Zero journey under a single programme.

4. To only include tasks relating to the Council’s Net Zero Journey.

5. Creating accountability for relevant services through transparent reporting and strong data management. Specific reporting pathway directly to the Environment & Sustainability committee, ensuring relevant officers are held accountable.

Information on the Project Green Horizon Programme can be found in:

Appendix A: Project Green Horizon Programme

A visualisation of the structure of the programme can be seen below:

A diagram of a project Description automatically generated

Figure 1: Flow Chart of Proposed Programme Structure

2.2 Under the Green Horizon Programme, we propose that 3 major projects be brought forward initially to have the largest impact upon the Council’s carbon footprint. These projects are as follows:

2.3 Proceed as planned and agreed by CPRC and Council (27.2.25) with the ‘Fuel Storage Tank’ development and transition the diesel fleet to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) biodiesel which forms part of the Neighbourhood Service Plan 25/26.

2.4 This project involves the transition to HVO diesel for all our diesel assets. This has been thoroughly considered, and all vehicles have been cleared to be compatible with the product. HVO is made from recycled vegetable oil and carries a 90% reduction in carbon emissions over conventional diesel. As budget has been agreed this project can commence on 1 April 2025 with the first stage being replacement of the diesel fuel tanks which are at end of life. Once replaced HVO fuel can be purchased and vehicles run on HVO.

(a) This would represent a 580 tCO2e reduction of our carbon footprint. This alone is a reduction of 48% of our carbon footprint.

2.5 Transition to a 100% renewable energy tariff as soon as reasonably possible.

(a) This would ensure an accredited reduction in our electricity related carbon emissions. This is something that our current supplier should be able to offer us in the next couple of months.

2.6 An ‘Electricity Reduction Plan’ to reduce electricity consumption by 10% across our billed assets plan will be developed with the Climate Change Working Group and taken to Environment and Sustainability Committee. This involves behaviour changes and infrastructure upgrades

(a) This would represent a 349 tCO2e reduction of our carbon footprint. This alone is a 25% reduction of our carbon footprint.

2.7 Gas reduction projects of the council owned estate. Through energy efficiency measures it is estimated that we can reduce our gas consumption by 35%.

(a) These works include improving Building Management Systems, behaviour changes from staff, heating plans and insulation improvements.

(b) Use of innovative technology such as infrared heating and heat system additives.

2.8 After completing these projects, that we believe can reasonably be implemented before unitarisation, the remaining carbon footprint would be just 18% of the current footprint. This represents an 82% reduction.

Below is a pie chart representing the first projects under the Green Horizon Programme as represented sections of their impact on current carbon footprint:

Figure 2: Pie Chart Breaking Down Carbon Footprint

3. Options analysis and proposal

3.1 Option 1 (Recommended): Approve the Project Green Horizon Programme

This is advised as we only have 5 years to reach Net Zero as a council and the current framework has not been successful.

Option 1, A (Recommended): Approve the initiation of the gas and electricity projects under the Green Horizon Programme together with implementation of the HVO project as planned. This will enable the Council to have the most impact on its carbon footprint in the smallest amount of time.

Option 1, B: Do not approve the Projects as outlined in the report which is not recommended at it will not assist us in delivering net zero by 2030.

Option 1, C: Approve an amended project list Supported by Cllrs

4. Financial management comments

4.1 There are no costs associated with the option to approve the Project Green Horizon Programme.

4.2 There are costs involved in the delivery of the 3 major projects outlined. However, all costed decisions will be or have been taken to CPRC for approval. They have the following financial implications.

4.3 The HVO project has already been costed by the Neighbourhood Services team and outlined a capital cost of £90,000 for a new ‘Fuel Storage Tank’. Additionally, the HVO is expected to cost £40,000 more than diesel per year. These have been agreed by CPRC in the budget for 25/26.

4.4 For the 100% renewable energy tariff we currently have no costings as we are awaiting LASER, our utility broker to provide an option for this. The current market[SM1] landscape expects a certified 100% renewable energy tariff to be between 0%-20% more expensive than our electricity tariff. This means an estimated annual cost increase between £0 - £114,881.80/year. However, the Electricity Reduction Plan is planned to increase electrical efficiency by 10% - increasing cost efficiency.

4.5 The Gas Reduction project includes a site specific ‘Programme of Works’ which will, need assessment and costing.

4.6 These 3 projects each contribute significant CO2e reductions and help the council reach net zero at scope 1&2 emissions.

5. Risk management comments

5.1 There are many risks of not taking effective action, including increasing the risks of exposure to extreme heat, flooding and drought.

5.2 There are risks involved in improper project management and governance in running multiple projects that share the same common objectives. Therefore, the programme is designed to improve governance and mitigate project management risks.

5.3 All further costs involved with the Green Horizon Programme and initial projects will be taken to CPRC. All projects will have their own risk register to be reviewed by CPRC.

6. Procurement comments

6.1 This programme and major projects will have procurement implications.

6.2 As the costings for the Fuel Storage Tank exceed £30,000 it will require a Pipeline Registration Form and full involvement of Procurement to ensure strong governance which is being progressed.

6.3 Any further procurements involved with the Gas Reduction Project over £5,000 will require internal approval in accordance with the Contract Standing Orders.

6.4 Any further procurements involved with the Gas Reduction Project over £30,000 will require full a Pipeline Registration Form and full involvement of Procurement to ensure strong governance.

7. Legal comments

7.1 Legal will need to be consulted on all further actions.

8. Other considerations

8.1 No further considerations

9. Equality and Diversity

9.1 There will be ongoing considerations for EDI in all future actions and projects.

10. Sustainability/Climate Change Implications

10.1 There are direct implications as the Project Green Horizon Programme aims to reduce the Council’s CO2e.

10.2 The programme reorganises all climate change efforts as set out in the climate change strategy, adopted in 2022.

11. Timetable for implementation

11.1 The programme sets out a 5-year time scale to deliver Net Zero. However, the programme appreciates the vulnerable political position of Spelthorne Borough Council in a landscape of Local Government Reorganisation. In response to this the initiation of these 3 Major Projects will demonstrate the ambition of this council to deliver on the objective to achieve net zero prior to the unitarisation.

12. Contact

12.1 Arthur Stokhuyzen, Climate Change Officer Tim Snook Sustainability and Flood Risk Officer

12.2 A.stokhuyzen@spelthorne.gov.uk

Background papers: There are none.

Appendices:

Appendix A: Project Green Horizon Programme

Appendix B: 3 Major Project Cost & CO2e Reduction Breakdown