Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Brian Jones, Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet agreement to the adoption and implementation of a DCC construction standard for non-domestic new build and major extension/refurbishment construction projects to meet in use and embodied carbon targets.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       agree to the adoption and implementation of a DCC Construction Standard for non-domestic new build and major extension/refurbishment construction projects to meet in use and embodied carbon targets;

(b)       that the implementation of this standard must be done in a way that is compatible to the Council’s Ecologically Positive by 2030 goal, and

(c)        Cabinet confirms it has read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (Appendix 1 to the report) as part of its consideration.

Councillor Tony Thomas submitted the report (in the absence of Councillor Brian Jones due to connectivity issues) seeking Cabinet agreement to the adoption and implementation of a construction standard for non-domestic new build and major extension/refurbishment construction projects to meet in use and embodied carbon targets.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill explained the proposal represented another means to help deliver the Council’s aims of achieving its net carbon zero goal by 2030 following the Council’s Climate Change and Ecological Emergency declaration.  Whilst efforts had been made to reduce carbon emissions from existing non-domestic Council Buildings it was proposed to utilise the standard based on the UK Green Building Council’s definition and best practice for future projects based on an incremental approach in a manner compatible with the Council’s ecological goals.  Reference was also made to the financial implications as a result of the change.

Cabinet discussed with officers the merits of introducing the new target together with the identified risks, in particular the financial implications which would need careful monitoring and staffing resources going forward with upskilling of internal staff and potential use of external consultants.  Whilst the proposal would deliver savings in the long term with improved running/maintenance costs and reduce the environmental impact, it was recognised that there would be an increase in the upfront capital cost for projects with an anticipated 19% uplift.  It was important to take advantage of any pilot funding available from Welsh Government and to ensure that when planning for future projects the full costs were accommodated.  It was also noted that the Welsh Government was likely to look for similar standards for all their funded schemes in future.  Despite the anticipated cost increases from introducing the new standard, Cabinet agreed that it was the right approach to take given the environmental impacts and members were pleased that the Council was at the forefront of those changes and taking a lead from the outset.

Officers responded to further questions and provided assurances regarding the commitment to procuring those materials and services locally where possible confirming that opportunities would be promoted locally and there was a need to consider the carbon cost in addition to monetary cost going forward.  Members were pleased to hear there was much enthusiasm from the local construction industry regarding the green standard and highlighted the opportunities for them to adapt to the new requirements going forward.  With regard to listed buildings, a pragmatic approach would be taken in the application of the new standard and whilst there may be some buildings where it would not be possible due to technical issues, that did not detract from the overall aim of the new standard.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       agree to the adoption and implementation of a DCC Construction Standard for non-domestic new build and major extension/refurbishment construction projects to meet in use and embodied carbon targets;

(b)       that the implementation of this standard must be done in a way that is compatible to the Council’s Ecologically Positive by 2030 goal, and

(c)        Cabinet confirms it has read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (Appendix 1 to the report) as part of its consideration.