Notice of Meeting

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Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee Meeting

An Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee Meeting of Byron Shire Council will be held as follows:

Venue

Conference Room, Station Street, Mullumbimby

Date

Thursday, 17 June 2021

Time

11.30am

 

 

 

 

 

Shannon Burt

Director Sustainable Environment & Economy                                        I2021/1021

                                                                                                                             Distributed 10/06/21

 

 


CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

What is a “Conflict of Interests” - A conflict of interests can be of two types:

Pecuniary - an interest that a person has in a matter because of a reasonable likelihood or expectation of appreciable financial gain or loss to the person or another person with whom the person is associated.

Non-pecuniary – a private or personal interest that a Council official has that does not amount to a pecuniary interest as defined in the Code of Conduct for Councillors (eg. A friendship, membership of an association, society or trade union or involvement or interest in an activity and may include an interest of a financial nature).

Remoteness – a person does not have a pecuniary interest in a matter if the interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence any decision the person might make in relation to a matter or if the interest is of a kind specified in the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

Who has a Pecuniary Interest? - a person has a pecuniary interest in a matter if the pecuniary interest is the interest of the person, or another person with whom the person is associated (see below).

Relatives, Partners - a person is taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter if:

·                The person’s spouse or de facto partner or a relative of the person has a pecuniary interest in the matter, or

·                The person, or a nominee, partners or employer of the person, is a member of a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter.

N.B. “Relative”, in relation to a person means any of the following:

(a)  the parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, lineal descends or adopted child of the person or of the person’s spouse;

(b)  the spouse or de facto partners of the person or of a person referred to in paragraph (a)

No Interest in the Matter - however, a person is not taken to have a pecuniary interest in a matter:

·                If the person is unaware of the relevant pecuniary interest of the spouse, de facto partner, relative or company or other body, or

·                Just because the person is a member of, or is employed by, the Council.

·                Just because the person is a member of, or a delegate of the Council to, a company or other body that has a pecuniary interest in the matter provided that the person has no beneficial interest in any shares of the company or body.

Disclosure and participation in meetings

·                A Councillor or a member of a Council Committee who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the Council is concerned and who is present at a meeting of the Council or Committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable.

·                The Councillor or member must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting of the Council or Committee:

(a)     at any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed by the Council or Committee, or

(b)     at any time during which the Council or Committee is voting on any question in relation to  the matter.

No Knowledge - a person does not breach this Clause if the person did not know and could not reasonably be expected to have known that the matter under consideration at the meeting was a matter in which he or she had a pecuniary interest.

Non-pecuniary Interests - Must be disclosed in meetings.

There are a broad range of options available for managing conflicts & the option chosen will depend on an assessment of the circumstances of the matter, the nature of the interest and the significance of the issue being dealt with.  Non-pecuniary conflicts of interests must be dealt with in at least one of the following ways:

·                It may be appropriate that no action be taken where the potential for conflict is minimal.  However, Councillors should consider providing an explanation of why they consider a conflict does not exist.

·                Limit involvement if practical (eg. Participate in discussion but not in decision making or vice-versa).  Care needs to be taken when exercising this option.

·                Remove the source of the conflict (eg. Relinquishing or divesting the personal interest that creates the conflict)

·                Have no involvement by absenting yourself from and not taking part in any debate or voting on the issue as of the provisions in the Code of Conduct (particularly if you have a significant non-pecuniary interest)

RECORDING OF VOTING ON PLANNING MATTERS

Clause 375A of the Local Government Act 1993 – Recording of voting on planning matters

(1)  In this section, planning decision means a decision made in the exercise of a function of a council under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979:

(a)  including a decision relating to a development application, an environmental planning instrument, a development control plan or a development contribution plan under that Act, but

(b)  not including the making of an order under that Act.

(2)  The general manager is required to keep a register containing, for each planning decision made at a meeting of the council or a council committee, the names of the councillors who supported the decision and the names of any councillors who opposed (or are taken to have opposed) the decision.

(3)  For the purpose of maintaining the register, a division is required to be called whenever a motion for a planning decision is put at a meeting of the council or a council committee.

(4)  Each decision recorded in the register is to be described in the register or identified in a manner that enables the description to be obtained from another publicly available document, and is to include the information required by the regulations.

(5)  This section extends to a meeting that is closed to the public.


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

BUSINESS OF MEETING

 

1.    Apologies

2.    Declarations of Interest – Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary

3.    Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings

3.1       Adoption of minutes from 28 January 2021 meeting................................................ 5

 

4.    Staff Reports

Sustainable Environment and Economy

4.1       Sustainability Projects - Update Report.................................................................... 12

4.2       Updates from Zero Emissions Byron, COREM and Resilient Byron................... 20

4.3       Preparing for Climate Active carbon neutral certification 2025/26 - establishing Council's emissions boundary................................................................................... 22     

 

 


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings                                                   3.1

Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings

 

Report No. 3.1 Adoption of minutes from 28 January 2021 meeting 

Directorate:                Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author:          Michelle Chapman, Project Support Officer

File No:                       I2021/637

 

  

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the minutes of the Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee Meeting held on 28 January 2021 be confirmed.

 

 

Attachments:

 

1        Minutes 28/01/2021 Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee, I2021/77 , page 7  

 


 

Report

The attachment to this report provides the minutes of the Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee Meeting of 28 January 2021. 

There was no quorum for the 15 April 2021 meeting.

Report to Council

The minutes were reported to Council on 25 March 2021Comments

In accordance with the Committee Recommendations, Council resolved the following:

21-087 Resolved that Council notes the minutes of the Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee Meeting held on 28 January 2021.


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings                                         3.1 - Attachment 1

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BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                             4.1

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy

 

Report No. 4.1       Sustainability Projects - Update Report

Directorate:                         Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author:                   Julia Curry, Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Officer

File No:                                 I2021/877

Summary:

This report provides a short update on the key sustainability and emissions reduction projects across Council. Project managers will speak to their items.

  

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee note the report.

 

 

 


 

Report

Sustainability Team Key Project Updates

Council Operations Emissions Boundary

·    Council is in the process of preparing for Climate Active certification in FY 2025/26, in line with resolution 19-634 and our net zero emissions target.

·    The steps to achieving certification are:

1.   Boundary: determine emission sources for Climate Active Inventory (2020/21),

2.   Inventory: collation of data and calculation of carbon footprint (2021/22 onwards),

3.   Offsets: establish offset policy (2021/22 or 2022/23, depending on resourcing) and facilitate purchase of suitable carbon offsets (2025/26),

4.   Trial Year: practice run of calculating emissions in line with Climate Active (2024/25),

5.   Finalise: finalise Climate Active deliverables and publish public statement (2025/26).

·    We are in the process of completing step 1. The boundary includes emissions sources from scopes 1, 2 and 3. The proposed boundary includes all scope 1 and 2 that we already track and (fugitive emissions from landfill and sewage treatment plants, general and streetlight electricity, fleet and bottled gas) and adds missing scope 1 missions (HVAC refrigerants) and relevant scope 3 emissions.

·    Scope 3 emission sources were identified using the Climate Active “relevance test”. The process helps us to determine if a source should be included.

·    There is a separate report to this committee on this matter.

Climate Clever Partnership

·    Council is participating in a one year trial partnership with ClimateClever.  All schools and residents in the Byron Shire can access a 50% discount on their subscription for the next year (trial has commenced).

·    Council has pre-purchased 50 subscriptions for households and one for a local school. Household subscriptions are being awarded on a first come, first served basis.

·    Staff conducted an Expression of Interest with all schools in the Shire and received three on-time submissions, from Byron Community Primary School, Brunswick Heads Primary School and Mullumbimby High School. (Byron Bay High School submitted a response two weeks after the due date and was discounted.)

·    Mullumbimby High School was selected as the recipient of the subsidised subscription and has plans to implement the program in Term 3.

·    Despite being promoted via radio, social media and in print, the take up of subscriptions has unfortunately been very low.

ICLEI Membership and other partnerships

·    Byron Shire Council currently pays an annual fee of approximately $1,100 for membership to ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability.

·    ICLEI were contacted to discuss how this fee could be more appropriate directed toward benefitting Oceania members (reporting process is northern hemisphere focussed, leading to misleading report results for BSC).

·    Response was that ICLEI would provide enhanced support for Oceania Councils during reporting period through webinars and ‘helpdesk’ support. In addition, more strategic support for the Oceania region is being put in place in 2021.

·    ICLEI membership will remain in place for now and reviewed at the end of 2021.

Climate Adaptation Plan

·    Draft Plan complete – distributed for peer review on 1 April. Draft plan was discussed with SERAC on 15 April.

·    Peer review feedback was taken into consideration and the draft was amended accordingly.

·    The updated draft Plan was presented to the Councillor Strategic Planning Workshop 3 June, followed by a report to the 24 June Council Ordinary meeting.

·    SERAC will be notified when the draft Plan is available online to view prior to the Council meeting.

Myocum Resource Recovery Centre Methane Gas Flare

·    Council has been reviewing the operation of the methane gas flare at the Myocum Resource Recovery Centre in light of the net zero emissions target. This is also Action C6 in Council’s Net Zero Emissions Action Plan and OP Activity 3.2.1.4.

·    The delivery of Stage 1 of the landfill capping plan at the Myocum Resource Recovery Centre is expected to be completed later in 2021. This capping is likely to have an effect on the efficiency of the gas flare and subsequently the implications of selling or surrendering the ACCUs (Australian Carbon Credit Units) created from the project.

·    The Sustainability Team has been working with the Resource Recovery Team to obtain projections of the capping’s effect on the gas flare, with a view to developing a cost benefit analysis for selling or surrendering the generated ACCUs.

·    Staff have received a draft of the future projections of the landfill capping’s effect on the gas flare and is in the process of reviewing it. A report will be provided to council later in 2021 on recommended courses of action.

Utilities Key Project Updates

Dingo Lane, Myocum Solar Farm Project Update

·    The updated business case for the Dingo Lane 5MW solar farm was reported to Council at the 22 April 2021 Ordinary Meeting.

·    Council resolved that “Option 3” was the preferred option – this is where Council owns and operates the Solar Farm and retires LGCs (Large Generation Certificates) for its own benefit, and to progress the development application in order to progress the project to shovel ready status.

·    Council also requested a further report following the results of the Bioenergy Facility grant applications

·    To find out more please refer to the meeting minutes on page 25 - https://byron.infocouncil.biz/Open/2021/04/OC_22042021_MIN_1266.PDF

Byron Bay Sewage Treatment Plant Bioenergy Facility Project Update

·    Council has completed its application for the Building Better Regions Fund Round 5 grants.

·    Council has been successful in proceeding to the next stage of the ARENA grant application.

·    Work is significantly advanced on the Environment Impact Statement companion studies; a forecast lodgement date should be known soon.

·    Council is maintaining diligent work on community and stakeholder communications, and has completed the consultation for the EIS social impact assessment in the intervening period.

Brunswick Valley – Vallances Road Vision and Roadmap

·    Council engaged a consultant in early 2021 to refresh the 2017 Management Plan. This is now complete, resulting in the Brunswick Valley – Vallances Road Vision and Roadmap.

·    The Roadmap recommends to proceed with the development of a scope for a plant nursery and environmental education facility due to their strong alignment with Council’s vision.

·    This is being reported to Council for consideration at the 24 June Ordinary Council meeting.

Strategic Considerations

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

CSP Objective

L2

CSP Strategy

L3

DP Action

L4

OP Activity

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.1

Work towards Council's zero-emissions  target

3.2.1.1

Deliver the Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.1

Work towards Council's zero-emissions  target

3.2.1.2

Prepare Annual Emissions Inventory to determine progress towards 2025 Net Zero Emission Target

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.1

Work towards Council's zero-emissions  target

3.2.1.5

Investigate streetlight bulk rollout of LED lighting

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.1

Work towards Council's zero-emissions  target

3.2.1.6

Council decision for 'Go/No Go' on construction for Bioenergy Facility, subject to State/Federal authorities

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.1

Work towards Council's zero-emissions  target

3.2.1.9

Develop and implement a Climate Adaptation Plan

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.1

Work towards Council's zero-emissions  target

3.2.1.10

Regular reporting requirements for international partnerships (Global Covenant of Mayors, ICLEI (Cities With Nature), Cities Power Partnership, Carbon Disclosure Project)

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.2

Support community environmental and sustainability projects

3.2.2.1

Provide coastal, environmental and sustainability information and encourage and support community activities and groups

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.2

Support community environmental and sustainability projects

3.2.2.2

Participate in regional sustainability and environmental working groups and initiatives.

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.2

Support community environmental and sustainability projects

3.2.2.8

Develop capital works plan in line with the 'Enquiry by Design' for the Brunswick Valley Sustainability Centre Management Plan

Community Objective 1:  We have infrastructure, transport and services which meet our expectations

1.4

Provide a regular and acceptable waste and recycling service

1.4.4

Ensure facilities and services meet statutory requirements

1.4.4.5

Dingo Lane, Myocum Solar Farm Project

 

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

Byron Shire Council Net Zero Emissions Strategy for Council Operations 2025

Byron Shire Council Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025

Financial Considerations

This is a project update report only. Financial considerations for individual projects have been or will be considered on a case by case basis.

Consultation and Engagement

Manager Utilities, Infrastructure Services

Process Consultant, Infrastructure Services

Senior Project Manager, Infrastructure Services

Senior Project Manager Dingo Lane Solar Farm, Infrastructure Services


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                             4.2

Report No. 4.2       Updates from Zero Emissions Byron, COREM and Resilient Byron

Directorate:                         Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author:                   Michelle Chapman, Project Support Officer

File No:                                 I2021/945

Summary:

At this Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee (SERAC) meeting, representatives from Zero Emissions Byron, COREM and Resilient Byron will provide an update to SERAC from their organisations.

  

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Advisory Committee note the updates from Zero Emissions Byron, COREM and Resilient Byron

 

 

 


 

Report

Representatives from the groups outlined below will provide verbal updates to the committee from their respective organisations.

1.   Zero Emissions Byron

2.   COREM

3.   Resilient Byron

Strategic Considerations

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

CSP Objective

L2

CSP Strategy

L3

DP Action

L4

OP Activity

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.2

Support community environmental and sustainability projects

3.2.2.1

Provide coastal, environmental and sustainability information and encourage and support community activities and groups

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.2

Support community environmental and sustainability projects

3.2.2.2

Participate in regional sustainability and environmental working groups and initiatives.

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

Nil

Financial Considerations

Nil

Consultation and Engagement

N/A


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                             4.3

Report No. 4.3       Preparing for Climate Active carbon neutral certification 2025/26 - establishing Council's emissions boundary

Directorate:                         Sustainable Environment and Economy

Report Author:                   Hayley Briggs, Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Officer

Julia Curry, Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Officer

File No:                                 I2021/860

Summary:

The purpose of this report is to seek the Committee’s endorsement of the proposed emissions boundary for Council operations, in preparation for becoming certified carbon neutral under the Climate Active standard in 2025/26.

In March 2017, Council resolved to be net zero emissions for its operations by 2025 (17-086). In December 2019, Council further resolved to become certified carbon neutral under the Climate Active national standard by 2025/26 (19-634).

 

To set the framework to deliver on its emissions reduction goals, Council endorsed the Net Zero Emissions Strategy for Council Operations 2025 in June 2019 (19-268) and the Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025 in November 2020 (20-628). Under the Governance objective in the Action Plan, Action D5 is to “Develop an emissions disclosure framework for Council staff”. Further, one of the measures under 2020/21 Operational Plan Activity 3.2.1.1 Deliver the Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025 is “Report to Council to define Council’s emissions boundary”.

 

The process for achieving Climate Active certification involves a number of steps over several years. Establishing Council’s emissions boundary is step 1 and standard practice for any organisation seeking certification. Consultant 100% Renewables has been engaged to assist staff with the process.

 

The proposed boundary will increase Council’s emissions footprint significantly. This is to be expected; it is an inevitable part of the journey to Climate Active certification. Staff are unable to estimate by how much it will increase because the source data is yet to be collected (this will take place in 2021/22). Staff will report back to Council after the first year of tracking the new boundary to give Council the opportunity to review progress (as part of the annual emissions report in December 2022).

 

An increased emissions footprint means that more tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent will need to be offset in 2025/26 (and all following years that Council resolves to remain carbon neutral). Staff are presently unable to give an estimate as to the cost of offsetting Council’s emissions footprint. Staff will begin development of an offsetting strategy and costs in the 2021/22 financial year alongside tracking the new boundary, and will report findings back to Council as part of the annual emissions report in December 2022.     

 

Additional staff time and resources will be dedicated to setting up new data gathering and reporting systems. The Sustainability Team has factored this into future planning and will absorb most of the additional work.

  

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Sustainability and Emissions Reduction Committee:

1.      Recommend to Council that the proposed Climate Active-compliant emissions boundary for Council operations in Table 1 of this report be endorsed.

2.      Note the attached report from consultant 100% Renewables, Establishing Climate Active-compliant emissions boundary for Council operations (Attachment 1 -  E2021/64201).

3.      Note that staff will report back to Council after the first financial year of tracking the proposed boundary (2021/22) as part of the annual emissions report (December 2022).

4.      Note a discussion of offsetting strategy and its financial implications will be reported to Council as part of the annual emissions report (December 2022).

Attachments:

 

1        Establishing Climate Active-compliant emissions boundary for Council operations - report from 100% Renewables, E2021/64201 , page 30  

 

         


 

Report

In March 2017, Council resolved to be net zero emissions for its operations by 2025 (17-086). In December 2019, Council further resolved to become certified carbon neutral under the Climate Active national standard by 2025/26 (19-634). One of the measures under 2020/21 Operational Plan Activity 3.2.1.1 Deliver the Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025 is “Report to Council to define Council’s emissions boundary”.

On 19 May 2021, the Executive Team endorsed the proposed emissions boundary and resolved that a report to be brought to the Executive Team to confirm the emissions boundary and discuss carbon offsets in 2021/22.

Process for achieving Climate Active Certification

The Sustainability Team has engaged consultant 100% Renewables to assist Council in becoming certified under Climate Active. The process will comprise the following steps:

1.   Boundary: determine emission sources for Climate Active Inventory (2020/21).

2.   Inventory: collation of data and calculation of carbon footprint (2021/22 onwards).

3.   Offsets: establish offset policy (2021/22 or 2022/23, depending on resourcing) and facilitate purchase of suitable carbon offsets (2025/26).

4.   Trial Year: practice run of calculating emissions in line with Climate Active (2024/25)

5.   Finalise: finalise Climate Active deliverables and publish public statement (2025/26).

Throughout the process, Council will also be working to deliver emissions reduction projects that reduce the size of its carbon footprint.

Completing step 1: determining Council’s emissions boundary

100% Renewables has assisted the Sustainability Team with step 1, drafting an emissions boundary that will meet the Climate Active standard. For 100% Renewables’ full report, see Attachment 1. The boundary includes emissions sources under three scopes:

1.   Scope 1: emissions that are owned or controlled by Council.

2.   Scope 2: emissions from Council’s use of electricity.

3.   Scope 3: emissions that are a consequence of Council’s activities, but are not directly owned or controlled by Council.

The proposed boundary includes all of the scope 1 and 2 sources we already track (fugitive emissions from landfill and sewage treatment plants, general and streetlight electricity, fleet and bottled gas) and adds missing scope 1 emissions (HVAC refrigerants) and relevant scope 3 emissions. The Climate Active “relevance test” was applied to each emission source to determine if it would be included (see p. 24 of Attachment 1 for a detailed explanation of the relevance test). The proposed boundary is as follows:

Table 1. Proposed Climate Active-compliant emissions boundary for Council operations

Proposed included emission sources

Proposed excluded emission sources

Scope 1 emissions:

·    Refrigerants

·    LPG – stationary

·    Diesel – stationary

·    Diesel

·    Petrol

·    Ethanol

·    Closed landfill

·    Wastewater

Scope 2 emissions include Electricity and Street lighting.

Scope 3 emissions:

·    Scope 3 facilities

·    Water

·    Acetylene

·    Air travel

·    Business accommodation

·    Employee commute

·    Fuel from waste contractors

·    Paper

·    IT equipment

·    IT software

·    Office equipment

·    Food and catering

·    Postage and couriers

·    PopCar

·    Waste

·    Telecommunications

·    Cleaning

·    Pest control

·    Stationery

·    Chemicals

·    Professional services

·    Asphalt

·    Concrete

·    Other road building materials

·    Machinery and vehicle repairs

·    Equipment hire

·    Clothing

·    Non-quantified – hire cars

·    Taxis and Uber

·    Embodied emissions in other purchased goods

Implications of adopting the proposed boundary

Adopting the proposed boundary will have the following implications:

1.   Council will complete the first step towards becoming certified Climate Active carbon neutral and completing resolution 19-634.

2.   Given the significant number of additional emissions sources that Council will need to track, additional staff time and resources will be dedicated to setting up new data gathering and reporting systems. The Sustainability Team will absorb most of this additional work.

3.   The proposed boundary will increase Council’s emissions footprint significantly. This is to be expected. Staff are unable to estimate by how much it will increase because the source data is yet to be collected (this will take place in 2021/22). An increased emissions footprint means that more tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent will need to be offset in 2025/26 (and all following years that Council resolves to remain carbon neutral). Staff are presently unable to give an estimate as to the cost of offsetting Council’s emissions footprint. The Sustainability Team will begin development of an offsetting strategy and costs in the 2021/22 financial year and report findings back to Council.    

Risk

Establishing Council’s emissions boundary in preparation for becoming certified carbon neutral under the Climate Active standard is linked to the following Strategic Risk:

·    Strategic Risk Reference 4: Environmental Resilience. One of the existing controls for this risk is the Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025. Establishing Council’s emission boundary is one of the actions in the Plan.

Strategic Considerations

Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

CSP Objective

L2

CSP Strategy

L3

DP Action

L4

OP Activity

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.1

Work towards Council's zero-emissions  target

3.2.1.1

Deliver the Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025

Community Objective 3:  We protect and enhance our natural environment

3.2

Strive to become a sustainable community  

3.2.1

Work towards Council's zero-emissions  target

3.2.1.2

Prepare Annual Emissions Inventory to determine progress towards 2025 Net Zero Emission Target

Recent Resolutions

·        17-086 – Council resolved to be net zero emissions for its operations by 2025, and to source all of its energy from renewable sources by 2027.

·        19-268 – Council endorsed the Net Zero Emissions Strategy for Council Operations 2025.

·        19-634 – Council resolved to become certified carbon neutral under the Climate Active national standard by 2025/26.

·        20-628 – Council endorsed the Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025.

Legal/Statutory/Policy Considerations

There are no legislative considerations when becoming Climate Active certified.

Net Zero Emissions Strategy for Council Operations 2025 – establishing Council’s emissions boundary is an essential step in the process to becoming certified carbon neutral under the Climate Active standard; becoming carbon neutral will fulfil the central purpose of the Strategy.

Net Zero Emissions Action Plan for Council Operations 2025 – establishing Council’s emissions boundary is a measure under the Governance Objective in the Action Plan. 

Financial Considerations

The cost of establishing Council’s emissions boundary has already been absorbed by the Sustainability Team, using pre-existing budget allocation.

This report has no direct financial implications. However, as discussed above at Point 3 under “Implications of adopting the proposed boundary”, there is an indirect financial consideration relating to the increased emissions footprint and resulting increased tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent that will need to be offset in order to become carbon neutral. Carbon offsetting costs vary widely depending on the location and type of offset project, and it is not yet known by how much Council’s emissions footprint will increase with the proposed boundary, therefore staff are presently unable to give an estimate as to the cost of offsetting Council’s emissions footprint. The Sustainability Team will research an offsetting strategy and related costs in the 2021/22 financial year, and report findings back to Council in December 2022 as part of the annual emissions report. That report will be drafted in consultation with Manager Finance.

Consultation and Engagement.

Who was consulted?

How did consultation occur? e.g. email, verbal etc.

Comments/Feedback

External: Consultant 100% Renewables

Email, verbal.

See attached report from consultant.

Manager Open Spaces & Resource Recovery, IS

Email.

Provided leased facilities data.

Manager Utilities, IS

Email.

Provided leased facilities data.

Property Maintenance Coordinator, CCS

Email, verbal.

Provided information on HVAC system. 

Management / Asset Accountant CCS - Financial Services

Email, verbal.

Provided financial data.

Leasing Coordinator, GM

Email.

Provided leased facilities data.

Team Leader Electrical Maintenance, IS

Email.

Provided generator data.

  


BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL

Staff Reports - Sustainable Environment and Economy                      4.3 - Attachment 1

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