Issue - meetings

To seek approval on the Net Zero Action Plan as per Policy Development Panel (report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed).

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage Cllr Sneath presented the report and advised that in April 2025, South Holland District Council completed a carbon foot printing exercise to establish a baseline of carbon emissions from the organisation and their sources.

The exercise resulted in the adoption of a Carbon Reduction Plan and a commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2040, thereby aligning the Council’s ambitions with those of its partner authorities.

Cllr Sneath advised that following extensive engagement with internal stakeholders, a Net Zero Action Plan was subsequently developed. This plan provided a clear roadmap for reducing carbon emissions in the coming years and driving progress towards the Council’s Net Zero target.

Cllr Sneath explained that the principal areas of focus within the plan were as follows:

•        Fleet – Identifying opportunities to reduce fossil fuel consumption by exploring alternative fuel options.

•           Operational Buildings, Depots and Offices – Introducing efficiency upgrades, subject to feasibility studies (e.g., solar panels), with Priory Road and the South Holland Centre identified as priority sites.

•        Social Housing – Building upon existing work to improve the energy efficiency of housing stock and offering energy-saving advice through tenancy engagement events to help reduce household bills.

•        Waste Management – Improving waste management practices across Council sites and seeking ways to reduce, re-use and recycle more effectively.

•        Green Champions Network – Establishing a network across the Partnership to advocate energy-saving measures both at work and at home.

Cllr Sneath advised that the plan contained numerous proposals; however, it was acknowledged that new opportunities might arise, and that the Council would need to remain agile in order to optimise these as they emerged.

Similarly, certain projects might require changes in approach or discontinuation as technologies evolved.

Cllr Sneath further noted that implementation would be influenced by the availability of capital, anticipated return on investment, and opportunities to secure external funding, many of which were highly competitive. It was noted that approval of the plan did not commit the Council to any financial obligations in respect of individual projects or the plan as a whole.

It was confirmed that relevant Portfolio Holders and elected members would be involved as the plan was implemented, and that officers across the Partnership would play a vital role in delivery. Where possible, external funding sources would be sought, with the plan placing the Council in a stronger position to do so.

The Policy Development Panel had been consulted on the plan and had provided its full support without amendment.

Cllr Barnes expressed disappointment regarding the fleet of new collection vehicles for food waste, noting that they were not electric. He queried whether this could have been achieved.  He also referred to the 2040 target date and asked whether interim dates could be set to enable progress monitoring.

On the matter of single-use plastics, Cllr Barnes questioned the starting point and current expenditure, stating that no clear figures had been provided.

The Assistant Director – Regulatory confirmed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64

To gain member input into the draft Net Zero Action Plan prior to its adoption by Cabinet (report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory which asked the Panel to provide input into the draft Net Zero Action Plan prior to its adoption at Cabinet.

The Environment and Sustainability Officer attended virtually and highlighted the following points:

• The draft Net Zero Action Plan supported the Council’s commitment to achieve net zero by 2040.
• It set out a pathway which included potential projects and actions;
  • Fleet decarbonisation: Transition to electric vehicles would be in line with the government’s zero-emission mandate. Clarification was noted that the ban applies to the sale of non-EV HGVs (under 26 tonnes by 2035, over 26 tonnes by 2040), not their operation.
  • Exploration of alternative fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and technologies such as solar mats for vehicle hydraulics.
  • Improvements to operational buildings, including EV charging points, HVAC upgrades, and solar panels.
  • Work on social housing retrofits and to be energy efficient at sewage treatment works and pump stations.
  • Behavioural changes, engaging with staff, and creating a Green Champions group.

• The plan was dynamic with certain projects being removed or added following feasibility studies.
• External funding would be sought to support delivery, by having an approved plan this would strengthen funding bids.
• Approval of the plan did not commit the Council to immediate financial obligations.

Members considered the report and made the following comments;

• Members asked how other local authorities were progressing with solar mats for fleet vehicles.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer confirmed that West Lindsey had trialled them, but early results were less positive than expected. Once further feedback was gained the members would be updated.

• It was noted that the electric vehicle (EV) range for waste collection vehicles was poor, especially in adverse weather. How would this be addressed.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer acknowledged the issue and explained that technology was improving. Government deadlines allowed some flexibility, and future advancements should improve the range of electric vehicles.

• Members asked if SHDC currently sourced green energy.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer would confirm with procurement and update the plan accordingly.

• Members asked why new waste collection vehicles had been purchased as diesel rather than electric. Members expressed concern that this contradicted the net zero ambition.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer explained that the technology for larger vehicles was not yet sufficient for operational needs, infrastructure limitations also influenced decisions. Where possible, greener features such as electric bin lifts had been included.

• Members asked if hydrogen had been considered as an alternative fuel.
  • The Environment and Sustainability Officer confirmed that hydrogen was referenced in the plan but was still at an early stage of development. Further investigation would be undertaken.

• Members enquired what the strategy was for recycling or disposing of EV batteries.
• The Environment and Sustainability Officer acknowledged this was a valid concern and committed to investigating regulatory requirements and best practice for battery disposal and would report back to the Panel.

• Members asked if the plan included battery storage for solar energy at depots  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58