EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – 4 SEPTEMBER 2006
PART 1 - DELEGATED
19.
NOTTINGHAM DECLARATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
(DCR)
1.
Summary
1.1
This is an opportunity for us to join over 100 Councils in signing the Nottingham
Declaration on Climate Change, thus demonstrating our commitment to tackling
climate change within our areas of responsibility. The Declaration is shown in
the Appendix. If the Declaration is signed, a press release would be issued to
publicise our commitment.
2.
Details
2.1
Climate change poses a genuine threat to our planet and the District. By taking
responsibility for our actions today, the Council can play a key role in ensuring a
more stable environment for future generations. The Declaration was launched
in October 2000 to allow local authorities to show their commitment. It has been
endorsed by central Government. We are already addressing each of the
issues raised.
By signing up we will receive guidance from Government via the Energy Saving
Trust on how to further our activities to date. We would be encouraged,
although not committed, to develop a Climate Change Strategy or suite of more
focussed strategies as appropriate. A good overarching climate change
strategy that incorporates clear targets and actions would also play a key role in
successful funding bids.
3.
Options/Reasons for Recommendation
3.1
This would be following the lead of other local authorities and provide a base
from which we will be able to implement demonstrable measures to tackle
climate change.
4.
Financial
4.1
There is no budget implication to signing the Declaration. However, the follow
up to be pledged will require investment for measures including energy
efficiency.
5.
Legal, Equal Opportunities, Staffing, Community Safety, Website and Risk
Management Implications
5.1
None specific.
6.
Environmental Implications
6.1
TRDC can show their commitment to mitigating climate change by signing The
Nottingham Declaration. An additional benefit is that through signing we would
access additional and bespoke assistance from the Energy Saving Trust for
work which will improve the local and global environment and allow the District
to become more sustainable.
d:\81894184.doc.1
7.
Customer Services Centre Implications
7.1
If the Declaration is signed, CSC will be notified so we can be respond to any
queries from residents effectively.
8.
Risk Management Implications
8.1
The Council has agreed its risk management strategy which can be found on
the website at http//www.threerivers.gov.uk . The risk management implications
of this report are detailed below.
8.2
The subject of this report is covered by the Property and Facilities Management
service plan. Any risks resulting from this report will be included in the risk
register and, if necessary, managed within this plan.
8.3
The following table gives the risks if the recommendation(s) are agreed,
together with a scored assessment of their impact and likelihood:
Description of Risk
1 Public perception that we have misplaced
resources
2 Risk that we may not be able to deliver our
promise – although any of a broad range of
achievements could be cited
8.4
Impact
II
Likelihood
E
III
E
The following table gives the risks that would exist if the recommendation is
rejected, together with a scored assessment of their impact and likelihood:
Description of Risk
3 Public perception that we are not doing
enough to tackle climate change, if we do not
sign the Declaration and follow up with
continued and improved actions.
Impact
III
Likelihood
C
8.5
Of the risks detailed above none are already managed within a service plan.
8.6
The above risks are plotted on the matrix below depending on the scored
assessments of impact and likelihood, detailed definitions of which are included
in the risk management strategy. The Council has determined its aversion to
risk and is prepared to tolerate risks where the combination of impact and
likelihood are plotted in the shaded area of the matrix. The remaining risks
require a treatment plan.
Likelihood
A
B
C
D
3
E
1
2
F
I = Negligible
I
d:\81894184.doc.2
Impact
V=
Catastrophic
IV = Critical
III =
Significant
II = Marginal
II
III
Impact
IV
V
Likelihood
A = >98%
B = 75% - 98%
C = 50% 75%
D = 25% 50%
E = 2% - 25%
F = <2%
8.7
In the officers’ opinion none of the new risks above, were they to come about,
would seriously prejudice the achievement of the Strategic Plan, and are
therefore operational risks. The effectiveness of treatment plans are reviewed
by the Audit Committee annually.
9.
Recommendation
9.1
That the Executive Committee approves signing of the Nottingham Declaration
on Climate Change
Report prepared by Lisa Dores, Energy Officer
Background papers – The Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change
APPENDICES / ATTACHMENTS - The Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change
d:\81894184.doc.3
d:\81894184.doc.4