First Part of Ricardo Net Zero Report is Released - Council Reliant On National Legislation
- Simon Brooks
- Oct 12, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2022
Wednesday 5th Oct saw a meeting of the Scrutiny Committee for Planning, Economic Growth and Net Zero.
On the agenda were, a 'District Plan Review and Update - Strategy and Non-Housing Site Policies' and our 'Mid Sussex Net Zero Targets'.
The committee approved the report which paves the way for the final part which sets out what action must be taken to reach the targets. This is due in November. - Update: The report and targets were approved by full council on the 2nd Nov 2022.
The Deputy Chief Executive's report provides a summary:
"Carbon Net Zero Target Recommendations
The Net Zero Carbon Emissions Feasibility and Options Report identifies, at both a Council and District-wide level, that a 2050 target is technically feasible, but delivery is heavily reliant on external factors.
The Report identifies, at both a Council and District-wide level, that a 2040 target is also technically feasible, but the pace of change is significantly increased and successful delivery is again heavily reliant on external factors which are not within this Council’s control.
It is important to note that when assessing technical feasibility, the carbon pathway models make the following necessary assumptions:
(i) That the necessary funding and resources (e.g. a skilled supply chain) are available.
(ii) That the Government’s future net-zero legislation happens on-time and has the anticipated impact.
(iii) That key low-carbon technologies and fuels are proved feasible, commercially viable and become widely available.
(iv) No unforeseen major events occur that changes the political calculus.
4. When creating the net zero target recommendations, Officers have considered a wide range of issues that could impact deliverability. The key consideration being that the Council only directly controls a very small percentage of its own carbon emissions (2.6%) and an even smaller percentage of the District’s emissions (0.03%).
5. Therefore, the Council is heavily reliant on national legislation to successfully achieve net zero. While that national legislation is being phased in over future years, the Government's national target is currently 2050. Officers would not recommend that the Council adopts an earlier target for emissions it has no control over as changes at a national level would significantly impact the deliverability of such a target. The council have, however, set a 2040 deadline for emissions generated directly by the council's own activities.
The officer's report goes on to "recommend the following net zero targets:
(i) A District-wide net zero target aligned to the national target. a. This target is recommended because:
MSDC only directly control 0.03% of the Districts emissions
In most areas MSDC can showcase/influence but rarely exert direct control.
The Government has committed to a 2050 national target.
The most impactful net-zero policy is controlled nationally.
It is sensible to align to the national net-zero target.
The pathway analysis suggests that a 2050 target is feasible.
The scope of change is massive, as is the potential cost to the District"
At the meeting, the scrutiny committee agreed to recommend to Full Council that they approve the following targets:
a. A District-wide net zero target aligned to the national target (2050)
b. A Council-only net zero target of 2040 for emissions the Council can directly control.
c. A Council-only net zero target aligned to the national target (currently 2050) for emissions the Council can only indirectly influence.
Lots of info to work through. We'll be focusing on various parts of the report in more detail over the coming weeks. Have you any insight you'd like to share? Get in contact with us: office@midsussexclimatecoalition.com
Lots of environmental and climate issues also feature in the planning discussion. Again, more on than later.
Planning Policies:
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