Decision details

Approval of a new energy strategy for the Council including decisions to:

·  procure new contracts or a single contract (including authority to spend) for the ongoing supply of gas and electricity to the Council to follow on from the planned expiry of the existing contracts on 31^st March 2024;

·  procure a medium to long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with a renewable energy generator for the purchase of electricity as part of the Council’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon from its activities;

·  commit to delivering a targeted percentage of the Council’s electricity to be supplied through locally based renewables generation;

·  amend the Council’s energy purchasing strategy to allow increased forward hedging of energy prices;

·  adopt sustainable design principles for all new builds commissioned by the Council to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon.

The Director of Resources submitted the annual report which reviewed the work undertaken in response to the declaration of a Climate Emergency made by Leeds City Council in March 2019. In addition, the report also sought the adoption of an Energy Strategy and Action Plan and invited consideration of a range of other actions which support the Council’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon from its activities.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member extended her thanks to the Chief Officer (Sustainable Energy and Air Quality) and her team, together with the members of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee for their continued commitment and work in this area.

Responding to a Member’s comments on the importance of ensuring that an effective communications strategy was in place so that residents were informed about the approach being taken towards achieving established targets, the Board was provided with further information on the range of actions being taken in this area.

Members also discussed the actions being taken alongside partner organisations to encourage and explore the range of options available to further develop energy generation within Leeds via renewable energy sources. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the adoption of the energy strategy and action plan for the Council, as detailed within appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the procurement of new contracts or a single contract (including authority to spend) for the ongoing supply of gas and electricity to the Council to follow on from the planned expiry of the existing contracts on 31st March 2024, be approved;

(c)  That the procurement of a medium to long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with a renewable energy generator for the purchase of up to 65% of the Council’s current electricity demand as part of the Council’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon from its activities, be approved;

(d)  That approval be given to commit to delivering 10% of the Council’s electricity demand through locally based renewables generation by 2025/26;

(e)  That the intention to bring an amended energy purchasing strategy to Executive Board in March 2022 for approval, be noted;

(f)  That the intention to develop design guidance for the Council’s new build programme to support the Council’s net zero target, be noted;

(g)  That the adoption of a new electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy and action plan, as detailed within appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved;

(h)  That the intention to bring a net zero housing plan, a food strategy and a resilience & adaptation plan to Executive Board in 2022, be noted.

Consultation will take place via scheduled meetings with the Director of Resources

Director of Resources