Net Zero Carbon Roadmap

Buildings and energy

• Since April 2020, 100% of our electricity has been purchased from a renewable source. Our present, purchasing arrangements are through an electricity procurement framework and gas utility framework. This allows us to consider low carbon fuel alternatives and identify opportunities to reduce our energy unit cost.
• Our Smart Energy Greater Lincolnshire (SEGL) Programme has seen over 260 businesses and public building owners supported, to implement energy saving advice and measures. A total of 2,500 businesses undertook some engagement with the issues, saving 3,678 tonnes of carbon emissions. Smart Energy Greater Lincolnshire.
• We have installed energy conservation measures in 22 of our buildings. As part of a pilot project to reduce the council’s energy bills and carbon emissions, we installed photovoltaic (PV) solar panels at six sites across the borough. This has now increased to eight sites. Solar – Council projects.
• Working in partnership with EQUANS, the council is providing a £42 million project to deliver major infrastructure investments, industrial sites, and employment creation through the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme (SHIIP). Cress Marsh, our ecological mitigation site, is nationally recognised and a second site is in the early stages of development. South Humber Industrial Investment Programme – Investment and regeneration projects.
• Since September 2017, we have been upgrading our street lighting to Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs, with 94% being LED. Street lighting – Council projects.
• We know local businesses are keen for more advice in the future and for funding opportunities and we are exploring a community energy approach. Community energy projects – Business and community projects.

Future short-term goals (2022 – 2025)

• Complete the rationalisation of our central depot, which will incorporate many energy-saving features.
• Use energy dashboards to set the normal and target use for each building and explore funding to extend this programme.
• Remaining street lighting to be changed to LED.
• Review our procurement strategy and contract procedure rules to reflect this Carbon Roadmap and any new government regulations.
• Make sure businesses have access to EPCs at a reasonable price, for example by co-purchase.
• Work with CATCH and other business supports such as e- Factor to develop the offer to businesses.
• Support the creation of a Freeport innovation hub on the Humber and increase ecological mitigation with the second site being developed related to the SHIIP.

Transport and travel

• 16% of our fleet is already fully electric, that’s 31 vehicles in total. Electric vehicles (EV).
• Real-time bus and at stop information supports and enables public transport use, and we have invested in raised kerb bus stops, modern bus shelters and waiting facilities and bus priority measures.
• We provide Electric vehicle ChargePoint’s at two sites for public access and we deliver new high-quality cycle route infrastructure to support and facilitate safe and convenient cycle access.
• We provide support for businesses, schools, and community organisations to develop travel plans that consider sustainable and active travel options and deliver behavioural change initiatives and events that support walking, cycling and public transport.
• We have been successfully awarded a Total Transport Grant from the Department for Transport to undertake an investigative study to improve transport integration in the area. Total Transport.
• In July 2017, the Council working in partnership with our regeneration partner EQUANS, and other partners and providers, hosted the borough’s first low-carbon transport themed event – Transport 2050. The summary of the event can be read here – Transport 2050 Lessons Learnt Report Final Summary (PDF)

Future short-term goals (2022 – 2025)

• Increase EV public charging capacity in the borough (either at our sites or at others that are privately owned by businesses or investment by businesses on our land) to encourage sustainable travel.
• Use the remodelling of our central depot to increase secure bike storage and welfare facilities in Grimsby town centre, to increase bike to work facilities for all staff.
• Ensure updates to the Local Transport Plan are fully aligned to this Carbon Roadmap.
• Alleviate fears around road safety in relation to active travel.

Climate-conscious behaviour

• Since 2019, climate impact has been documented as part of all key decisions. Our social value toolkit encourages the consideration of a range of issues that could have positive local impacts.
• We have launched energy use dashboards for most of our public buildings, so staff can be more aware of the energy being used. Energy and water consumption, and carbon emission dashboards.
• We have also signed up to several national schemes promoting sustainable travel such as bike to work scheme and reduced tax rates for electric car leasing.
• We have promoted the Big Community Switch in our area, offering competitive fuel deals through large-scale purchasing.

Future short-term goals (2022 – 2025)

• Amend our report writing guide to assist all report authors to complete a climate impact assessment.
• Increase promotion and information of climate impacts and green behaviours, forming part of regular staff communications (a carbon literacy programme).
• Review staff benefit schemes and benchmark against other public sector employers, to ensure we have implemented the greenest possible options available under government guidance.
• Use opportunities in different services and in schools and community groups to start conversations about climate change and what we each can do to make a difference, by harnessing knowledge and collective intelligence.
• Work with the housing developers’ forum to understand and appreciate some of the environmental issues relating to construction.
• Utilise the trusted traders’ scheme, to make sure people have the correct information about how to improve their properties.