To approve the council’s new Carbon Management Plan (CMP) which sets out the council’s approach to reducing carbon emissions for the period 2026/27 to 2030/31. 

Councillor Swinglehurst, cabinet member for culture and environment introduced the report.

It was noted that Herefordshire Council began its carbon reduction journey several years prior to the declaration of a climate emergency and ahead of the UK Government’s net zero legislation. Early action focused on pragmatic, cost?effective measures, including the transition to 100% LED street lighting, reducing energy consumption from 4.7m kWh to 1.7m kWh and delivering significant financial savings.

Further progress includes the installation of over 4,000 solar PV panels and the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Following the declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, the Council accelerated its net zero target from 2050 to 2030. The fourth Carbon Management Plan (2026/27–2030/31) sets out the pathway to achieving this target and, for the first time, incorporates carbon offsetting.

It was noted that emissions have reduced from 27,498 tCO2e in 2008/09 to 5,357 tCO2e at the start of the current plan, representing a 63.5% reduction. The plan has been developed through a task and finish group and provides a refined scope of greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on areas within the Council’s direct control, aligned with international reporting protocols.

It was emphasised that this is a Council-specific plan and does not cover wider county emissions, which are addressed separately through the Herefordshire Environment Board. The Board will continue to support county-wide initiatives, including farm engagement and carbon reduction programmes.

It was acknowledged that further emissions reductions will become increasingly challenging and will require consideration of carbon impacts across all Council decisions and operations. However, the transition to net zero was highlighted as an opportunity, supporting economic growth, skilled employment, public health, and environmental benefits. The local low carbon sector is currently valued at approximately £495m annually and is forecast to grow significantly.

The plan includes proposals for offsetting residual emissions, including potential investment in biochar (via pyrolysis), which has demonstrated positive results in neighbouring authorities and offers both financial returns and environmental benefits.

In response to consultation feedback, it was confirmed that:

• Waste emissions are excluded as they fall outside direct Council control.
• Pyrolysis technology is considered established and already in use regionally.
• Decarbonisation of heating is being explored, although heat pumps are not suitable for all assets.
• Fleet transition and EV strategy are underway.
• Contracted services include net zero requirements.
• Work is ongoing to improve local data on commuting patterns.
• Efforts will be made to present information in clear, accessible language.

The Cabinet Member thanked contributors to the consultation process and noted the inclusion of a written submission from the Independents for Herefordshire Group. 

Comments from cabinet members:

Members welcomed the alignment of the report with the Council’s core strategic plans. It was noted that the introduction of a new public realm contract, including the use of electric vehicles, is expected to support further emissions reductions in the coming year. The report was supported and fully endorsed.

Members noted homeworking and the plan suggests the council could make better use of the council spaces that are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94