Issue - meetings

To consider requests for funding from the Green Initiatives Fund

The Committee considered a report proposing funding following the Green Initiatives Fund applications process.  Many of the applications had been brought to the attention of the Committee at previous meetings, and all had been considered by the Climate Change Working Group and were recommended to the Committee for approval:

The applications were:

·         Colne Valley Partnership membership – this was previously considered by the Committee at their meeting on 9 November 2021.

·         Funding for the salary of a Climate Change Officer for 2022/23 – it was confirmed that a growth bid would be placed for this to become a permanent role

·         APSE Membership

·         APSE Energy Audits for the Council’s Depot, Nursery and Knowle Green offices

·         Local Cycling Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

·         Provision of 2 e-scooters for the Council’s parking services team – the expected battery life and cost of replacement was not readily available and would need to be communicated to members. One member questioned if any fuel saving for the parking services team could be apportioned back to the Green Initiatives Fund, whilst this was considered a good idea in principle, it was likely that the work involved would not make the proposition worthwhile. 

·         Funding an external trainer to provide Carbon Literacy training for staff – it was suggested that this would be for 24 staff initially. The intention was to try to include a member from each team who would then become champions of change and cascade information down to other staff, embedding environment and sustainability in all strategies and everyday life.

It was also proposed that the Green Initiatives Fund application form would be placed on the grants section of the Council’s website and publicised to enable the community to submit applications in the future.  Members were supportive of this approach.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

To refuse the applications

Resolved:

To note and agree the funding proposals for the Green Initiatives Fund

Reason for decision:

The Green Initiatives Fund supports projects aiming to reduce the impact of climate change in the Borough.