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The Council’s Regeneration Scrutiny Committee today welcomed a report outlining its progress on a number of projects as part of its decarbonisation strategy. 

Welsh Government Net Zero Reporting
The latest data submitted using the revised Welsh Government Net Zero method shows that the Council during 2020-21 has seen a fall of 3,292 tonnes CO2e in our carbon footprint, which equates to 6%. This demonstrates good progress against our Decarbonisation Plan 2020 to 2030 as we aim to make our full contribution to the ambition of a Net Zero Public Sector in Wales by 2030.

Responding as a Council to the Blaenau Gwent Climate Assembly
The Council broadly supports the 5 main Assembly recommendations but also notes the remaining 19 recommendations many of which received the support of a substantial majority. These cover a range of other issues that are very important for residents and represent an important basis for developing future climate actions, which should not be lost.

The response concludes by noting that the council is keen that Assembly members and wider residents continue to be engaged in developing these actions and response to climate change, by looking to seek participation of assembly members into the future.

Further Progress on Decarbonisation Plan
Following the progress made on transport, the Council has turned its attention to Electricity, Heating and Procurement (Works) which collectively make up 22 % of our gross carbon emissions.

The following high level actions have been agreed to reduce energy consumption and emissions

• Develop a plan for replacement of existing heating systems and associated retrofitting of buildings with zero carbon alternatives by 2030.
• Review the existing energy policy to ensure energy demand reduction is aligned to the Council’s Zero Carbon commitment.
• A Commitment to using carbon data (energy standards and life-cycle costs) to inform procurement decisions. Review Procurement Strategy and arrangements to align to the Council’s Zero Carbon commitment.
• Develop a plan and targets for future energy reductions including reaching 100% LED street lighting no later than 2030.
• Zero Carbon Electricity. Develop a plan and targets for ensuring the Council maximises its use of renewable energy, through installing renewables and through procurement.
• District Heating Networks.  Review of whether developments in technology allow for additional networks in Blaenau Gwent.
• Commit that all new builds will be built to Net Zero Standards.
• Commit to take into account carbon costs (the emissions associated with undertaking works) in procurement of building and maintenance works, including setting appropriate carbon standards.

Cllr Dai Davies, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development at Blaenau Gwent Council, commented:
"I’m delighted that this report shows the excellent work that the Council is making in driving forward its ‘Decarbonisation Plan’. I have no doubt that this Plan is one of the most important pieces of work for the Council and we have agreed a very clear direction for the way forward and how we will work to achieve our ambition to become a carbon neutral organisation. It is pleasing to see our carbon footprint falling this year and plans are in place to reduce our energy consumption and emissions in the future. 

This is a global issue and it’s absolutely vital that we act now to protect our environment for the well-being of future generations and our future planning and decision making must reflect this."