HC 86/21
Members considered a report that set out progress and
the potential carbon savings (or biodiversity net gain) from
significant projects aligned to two of the three aims as stated in
its Climate Change and Biodiversity Strategy, these being Aim 1,
reducing its carbon footprint to net-zero by 2030 and Aim 3
increasing biodiversity on its own land by 10% by 2025
The report also contained a business case to invest a
further £300,000, in the form of a loan to Fusion Leisure
(the chosen provider for the Councils’ leisure facilities),
to install solar arrays on the four leisure centres within the
Borough.
In discussion the following points were
made:
(a)
When questioned, officers confirmed that,
due to the recent spiralling energy costs, the costs quoted in
Section 6.2 of the published agenda report were now no longer
reflective of the current situation;
(b)
In respect of community planting schemes,
the importance of informing local town and parish councils that
these were taking place was recognised;
(c)
Officers advised that initial structural
survey works had been carried out and it had been concluded that
Solar Panels could be installed on the roof of Meadowlands Leisure
Centre.
It was then RESOLVED:
1. that the progress on plans aligned to the aim of
the Council being net-zero by 2030 and increasing biodiversity on
its own land by 10% by 2025 be noted; and
That
Council be RECOMMENDED to delegate authority to the
Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader of the Council
and the lead Hub Member for Finance to:
2. approve and
agree the lending terms to Fusion Leisure for a loan of up to
£300,000 to facilitate solar panel installation across both
WDBC Leisure Centres over the remaining term of the leisure
contract, in accordance with treasury management advice;
and
3. update the
Council’s Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy and Treasury
Management Strategy for 2022/23 for a £300,000 loan provision
to Fusion Leisure for the solar installation, in accordance with
treasury management advice.