Reference: D57752
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report presenting the annual review of the work that continues to be undertaken both on a Council and a citywide basis following the Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019. The report also reflected upon wider changes which have occurred both regionally and nationally that are relevant to the city’s decarbonisation.
In introducing the report, the Executive Member extended his thanks to officers involved in the delivery of this work, and also to Members for their efforts in this area. Special reference was made to Councillor Dye as Chair of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee, together with all other Members of that Committee.
An overview was provided on the progress being made and the actions which had been taken to reduce carbon emissions in Leeds over the past twelve months. It was noted that such actions were being delivered both via cross-directorate activity and collaboratively with external partners.
A Member raised an enquiry regarding a recent press report regarding the use of incinerators and their potential impact upon the environment. It was noted that significant work had been undertaken following that press report in order to provide reassurance on the use of the RERF (Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility) in Leeds and how it continued to contribute towards the carbon reduction agenda. It was emphasised that at the current time, the RERF provided the best solution. It was then undertaken that the detailed response which had been prepared on such matters would be shared with the Member in question for their information.
RESOLVED – That the progress being made in Leeds’ ambition to become the first net-zero city in the UK, as set out within the submitted report, be acknowledged.
Publication date: 18/10/2024
Date of decision: 16/10/2024
Decided at meeting: 16/10/2024 - Executive Board
Effective from: 26/10/2024
Accompanying Documents: