Climate change strategy action plan updates

Invest in technology to capture NO2 and PM2.5 particulate matter concentrations.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

The survey results for the anti-idling poster campaign showed no conclusive results. WSP concluded that this was due to the survey length time. Foxhill School will be surveyed again in November and the results shared.

The DEFRA Air Quality Grant bid was submitted in September. We have asked for money with regard to reducing domestic burning. It involves running a behaviour change project to reduce domestic burning and a survey to find out why people burn. If they 'have to', finding out what support can we give them to help change the heating systems.

Enforcement on idling vehicle engines within the borough.

Quarter 1 update - April to June 2023

WSP have contacted 14 schools to run either an assembly or lesson (or failing that a teaching pack will be provided) to help educate about idling.

Engagement from the schools was not good. However the schools that did engage thought it was excellent.

Survey results for the anti-idling poster campaign will be available next quarter.

Enforcement on poor vehicle emissions in the specific AQMAs (Air Quality Management Area).

Reporting on 2 specific AQMA's with aim to reduce levels of NO2.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2022

Download and view the 2022 report. 

Any improvements to reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings and equipment.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

We will be replacing our diesel Toyota Hilux with a new electric Maxus pick-up. This means we now have more electric vehicles in our fleet than diesel or petrol powered.

Monitor the status of priority habitats and species to understand changes that may occur.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

We have received annual data from the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre on Local Wildlife Sites in positive conservation management across the borough. This is known as the Single Data List 160 (SDL160). Local authorities are required to report on SDL160 to DEFRA each year as a measure of their success at protecting their local biodiversity.

The figure for Bracknell Forest for 2023 was 58%, an increase of 4% from the previous year. This was due to the number of qualifying sites for the 5 year period increasing from 29 to 31.

Species monitoring highlights

Harvest mouse identified at Frost Folly during mammal surveys. This is the first time a harvest mouse has been found during these surveys which take place at sites across the borough.

Carry out habitat management works to maintain habitats in favourable conservation status.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Contractors are removing invasive cherry laurel from a 0.25 hectare area of woodland at South Hill Park. This is part of our long-term plan to improve the biodiversity value of woodland at the site. Follow up work to plant native trees will take place in the winter.

Identify deficits and use land management to improve green infrastructure.

Create and enhance more habitats that store carbon and water such as large trees, woodland, meadows and wetlands.

Quarter 3 update - October to December 2021

The Local Wildlife Sites area has increased by 17.7 hectares with the re-designation of Lily Hill Park.

In the climate change context, Lily Hill Park has woodland and meadows that provide urban cooling, carbon storage and supports the survival of biodiversity.

Mulching application is used where feasible.

Quarter 4 update - January to March 2022

The mulching of trees to retain water is now considered business as usual.

A further rainwater capture tank has been installed at The Look Out.

All rangers have been asked to seek and remove areas from regular maintenance where it is no longer deemed necessary.

Quarter 4 update - January to March 2022

Revised grounds maintenance plans have been created and will be implemented in the coming year. A significant amount of land has been removed from regular maintenance where it is no longer necessary. The exact figure will be reported in the next report.

Either plant new trees or replace existing with stocks suited to our climate.

Quarter 1 update - April to June 2023

Trees have been sourced for planting in Winter 2023.

Almost 2000 trees will have been planted at Bucklers Forest by the end of the year.

Report on previous calendar year's figures for consumption of water, electricity and gas and compare to prior records with suitable commentary against differences.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

• 2019 - 6178 tonne CO2
• 2020 - 5325 tonne CO2
• 2021 - 4939 tonneCO2
• 2022 - 3897 tonne CO2
• 2023 – 2222 tonnes CO2 (January to July, electricity and gas data only)

Ongoing production and distribution of 2023 DECs are taking place at present.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Data is a work in progress.

A summary of all CO2e reducing projects' progress within the reporting quarter.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Works completed:

• College Town - oil to gas conversion
• Meadow Vale Primary - Solar Photo Voltaics (PV)
• New Scotland Hill Primary - oil to gas conversion
• Wildridings Primary - Building Management System (BMS) upgrade and sensors
• Wooden Hill Primary - BMS upgrade

To be completed:

• Garth Hill - chiller replacement

A summary of all CO2e reducing projects' progress within the reporting quarter.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Works completed:

• Birch Hill community centre and library - solar installation
• Larchwood Respite - solar and LED installation
• Ascot Heath Library - LED replacement
• Open Learning Centre - LED replacement
• Easthampstead and Wildridings community centre - BMS upgrade
• Ascot Heath - BMS upgrade
• Bracknell Leisure Centre - Solar PV PPA

To be completed:

• Great Hollands community centre and library - fabric, solar and heating upgrade
• Waterside Park - solar installation
• Easthampstead and Wildridings Community Centre - solar PV
• Avenue car park - LED upgrade
• Braccan Walk car park - electric vehicles installation
• The Willows Children Centre - heating upgrade
• Coral Reef - BMS upgrade

In design:

• Crematorium - heat recovery
• The Rowans Children Centre - fabric, solar and heating upgrade (Salix Bid)
• Bracknell Leisure Centre - BMS upgrade

A brief summary of the key recommendations from the suite of Atkins surveys and how the council proposes to develop them.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

The main goal is to make sure of fabric first approach to keep the heat in. Then to look at improving the electrical and mechanical function of the buildings.

Works completed:

• Birch Hill community centre and library - solar installation
• Larchwood Respite - solar and LED installation
• Ascot Heath Library - LED replacement
• Open Learning Centre - LED replacement

To be completed:

• Great Hollands community centre and library - fabric, solar and heating upgrade
• Waterside Park - solar installation
• Easthampstead and Wildridings Community Centre - solar PV and BMS upgrade

Fund application:

• The Rowans Children Centre - fabric, solar and heating upgrade (Salix Bid)

Make sure that properties meet a minimum renewable energy standard.

Quarter 3 update - October to December 2022

Commented on applications involving 2,688 new dwellings to be built this quarter - mixed types for consultation. 

Updating the database to include new or additional properties.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

The Parity Projects database shows 49, 998 properties across the borough.

Of these 50.8% have a logged EPC rating of A. B or C.

The UK government has an ambition for all domestic dwellings to reach band C by 2035.

The Great British Insulation Scheme supports residents who are eligible in the replacement of broken heating systems and upgrading of inefficient heating systems.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Established a webpage to sign post residents. Have signposted several residents to our delivery partner.

The warm, safe and well scheme provides £54,000 per year for 2 years. Funding is for home insulation schemes for eligible residents.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Work has been approved on a further 3 properties.

We have began a process of highlighting those who have registered interest but have not taken the funding up.

This will help us to either make sure they get the funding or learn more about the barriers to accessing this funding.

Green Homes Grant of £275,000 under bid 2 (LAD 2 scheme).

Funding energy efficiency and or renewable energy improvements in E,F,G fuel poverty homes.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2022

The ability to spend allocated funding ended on 30 September. We were tasked with identifying potential homes to benefit. 32 were put forward and 12 were deemed suitable for works or further surveys. Awaiting final project outcomes.

We are bidding for Green Homes Grant bid 3 (Sustainable Warmth).

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2022

We expressed a wish for inclusion in a Berkshire wide successful bid. We were notified of our inclusion late in quarter 2. We will ramp up marketing activities to promote the scheme in quarter. Up to £1 million of retrofit works funding is available. The deadline is March 2023.

Group buying for solar PV and battery storage systems. 

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

The Solar Together scheme launched in July and closed at the end of September.

966 residents in Bracknell Forest registered for Solar PV. Of these, 211 participants accepted the offer for Solar PV. The acceptance rate for solar PV in Bracknell Forest was 22%.

73 residents registered for battery storage. Of these, 9 participants accepted the offer. The acceptance rate for battery storage in Bracknell Forest was 12%.

Emerging policy on flood risk requires development to avoid areas at risk of flooding.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Awaiting implementation of the Bracknell Forest Local Plan (BFLP). The BFLP is currently being examined.

The hearing sessions have been held and the inspector’s post hearings letter has been received. This sets out proposed main modifications needed to make the plan sound.

Emerging policy on sustainable construction requires a reduction in carbon emissions or net zero emissions for new dwellings, water efficiency standards and sustainability standards for non-residential development.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Awaiting implementation of the Bracknell Forest Local Plan (BFLP). The BFLP is currently being examined.

The hearing sessions have been held and the inspector’s post hearings letter has been received. This sets out proposed main modifications needed to make the plan sound.

Emerging policy on sustainable drainage systems (SuDs) requires SuDs for major development and development in areas at risk of flooding.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Awaiting implementation of the Bracknell Forest Local Plan (BFLP).  The BFLP is currently being examined and Stage 1 hearing sessions were held in May and June 2022 and Stage 2 hearings in October 2022.  

Following the hearings, the planning inspectors will prepare a letter and report with precise recommendations, which may include main modifications to the Plan.

Examine how each policy in the emerging Local Plan contribute to achieving sustainable development. For example, the level of, location of and requirements for development.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Awaiting implementation of the Bracknell Forest Local Plan (BFLP).  The BFLP is currently being examined and Stage 1 hearing sessions were held in May and June 2022 and Stage 2 hearings in October 2022.  

Following the hearings, the planning inspectors will prepare a letter and report with precise recommendations, which may include main modifications to the Plan.

Use the procurement register to capture climate change strategies of our suppliers.

Where possible replace with electric vehicles (EVs) or reduce the size of the fleet.

Quarter 1 update - April to June 2023

Library home delivery service vehicle is now an electric vehicle.

Forestcare will be getting 3 new electric vehicles at the beginning of September to replace their current petrol models.

To record annual (calendar) mileage per owned or leased vehicle for calculating emissions purposes.

Quarter 3 update - October to December 2022

Fleet Management are collating total annual mileage for 2022 for submission in near future.

We are working in partnership with Eco Rewards to promote a sustainable travel incentives scheme.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

There have now been 478,000 green miles logged, and a cumulative saving of 133 tonnes of CO2 compared to driving.

Electric vehicles (EV) charge point project and Sustainable Modes Strategy.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

955 charging events recorded at the ORCS-funded sites in quarter 2 (46% increase on quarter 1 2023).

1941 charging events in town centre car parks (18 sockets) in quarter 2 (3% decrease on quarter 1).

8 more chargers due to be installed at Great Hollands have been held up by SSE due to connection complexities. Pressure is being applied to see them installed as soon as possible.

The council will need to secure additional private investment to facilitate further expansion of charge points in the borough. Procurement and legal support will be needed.

Travel Plans and Travel Information for Workplaces and work to support the Bracknell BID (Business Improvement District).

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Dr Bike‘ events were held in July and September for employees on the Southern and Western Business areas.

Cycle September promoted widely. 17 workplaces took part in the challenge and over 1800 cycle trips were recorded. This was a 20% increase on the same event last year.

Officers met with Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to discuss ways of supporting their Green Travel Plan for staff.

ATE funding for this workstream has ended, but work will continue at a reduced level.

This includes Bikeability Cycle Training and promoting initiatives such as Bike to School day.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

97 children received Bikeability training in quarter 2.

An additional £12,420 funding secured to enable more Bikeability spaces to be offered this financial year.

Get more people in residential and business areas walking, cycling or using public transport, particularly where census or public health data suggests uptake is low but could be higher. LCWIP and Emergency Active Travel Measures, work with BID to promote and increase sustainable modes of travel in business areas.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

2 Dr Bike events held in this quarter.

Officers attended 6 ‘Summer of Fun’ events to promote walking and cycling to residents.

2 formal pedestrian crossings were built, outside Edgbarrow Secondary and Owlsmoor Primary schools, to encourage more walking journeys to school.

Reduce emissions from Home to School transport scheme.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2022

The use of low emission vehicles on HTST contracts will factored into the next round of tenders. However no real action can be taken before 2026 as the framework is already in place.

Identifying incentives and alternatives to reduce numbers requiring car transit.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2022

Under the SEND improvement action plan there is a requirement for travel training to be introduced. This, alongside, a coproduced and robust Post 16 transport policy, will reduce contracted travel in the medium to long term.

The concept of independent travel training being “an offer of transport assistance” will require:

• a significant amendment to our Post 16 transport policy
• coproduction
• a public consultation
• the creation of a training team

This is being costed out but will likely require £150k funding each year.  However, in the long term this will bring significant savings as well as climate change positives.

Reduce the percentage of overall waste going to landfill.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

For quarter 2 2023 to 2024 the provisional landfill rate is 7.2%. This is below the same period last year.

Increase the percentage of recycling.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

Provisional quarter 2 recycling rate is 56.5%. The year to date is 57.3%.

The high levels of garden waste have helped boost the recycling rate slightly higher than the same time last year.

Decrease the total waste per household in kilograms. This includes all types of waste.

Quarter 2 update - July to September 2023

To the end of quarter 2 2023 to 2024 there has been a 1080 tonne increase in waste compared to the end of quarter 2 2022 to 2023. This increase is a combination of high garden waste tonnages and an increase in kerbside refuse. When compared to waste amounts 2 years ago though, total waste to the end of quarter 2 is slightly less than to the end of quarter 2 2021.

Alongside the increases mentioned above there have been decreases in food waste recycled at the kerbside, so overall waste composition has changed.

Both garden waste and refuse are at similar levels to those seen 2 years ago. Both dry recycling and food waste remain below the levels of 2 years ago. An element of this could be related to high cost of living as food and its associated packaging are likely to be something that many households are buying and therefore throwing away less of.

Seek to measure emissions, and encourage reductions, in the environmental impact of waste contractors’ vehicles.

Quarter 1 update - April to June 2023

The waste service runs with a diesel-powered fleet, the service and rounds are settled now following the major service change in 2021 so there is minimal change from month to month.

428,319kg of CO2e was emitted by the waste collection trucks during 2022 to 2023, this is 4000kg CO2e down on the previous full year.

Over the year 2022 to 2023 the average CO2 emitted per mile was 2.69kg which is the same as the previous year.