Year two 2021 to 2022
Policy and Engagement
Recognise climate change as a corporate commitment for the council
Ensure climate change issues and biodiversity goals are considered in decision making, by including climate change impacts within all reports to council members.
Ongoing
Work with partners to address climate change issues, lower carbon and adapt to the effects of climate change
Work with Kent County Council and attend the Climate Change Network meetings to ensure collaboration and help to meet targets in the Kent Energy and Low Emissions Strategy.
Ongoing
Launch the Tonbridge and Malling Climate Change Forum. Agree terms of reference with the partners, set work programme/actions for the group and publish on the council website.
June 2021
Evidence, prioritise and agree measures to be taken to lower carbon emissions at the council
Consider carbon reduction options (identified by Laser) from own estate and operations at SSEAB. Agree future targets and publish details.
March 2022
Sustainable Development
Continue to pursue planning policies in the council’s emerging Local Plan that will facilitate the delivery of sustainable development through location, orientation, and design, and through the integration of measures such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), charging points for electric vehicles, water efficiency and habitat creation.
Ongoing
Support, where appropriate, sustainable development which achieves an energy performance better than the regulations through decision-taking on planning applications.
Ongoing
Transport
Support the improvement of walking and cycling infrastructure in the borough
To prepare a new active strategy which will include cycling and walking infrastructure recommendations.
November 2021
Improve the environmental standards of licensed taxis operating in the borough
Undertake consultation with taxi stakeholders regarding a phased vehicle replacement schedule, to meet higher Euro emission standards, working towards vehicles becoming Zero emission capable (ZEC) or Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) over the next 10 years.
November 2021
ULEV
Provide electric charging points across the borough
Subject to consideration by CHAB and subsequent approval of the proposed approach by Cabinet in July, it is the intention to progress the Phase 1 programme of charges in selected car parks as soon as is practicably possible. Phase 2 will be dependent on the outcome of the procurement exercise being progressed on a partnership basis with KCC.
Phase 1 – December 2021
Phase 2 – March 2022
Air Quality
Review Air Quality and put measures in place to reduce emissions
Continue to full implementation of a borough wide Anti Idling Campaign, to reduce emissions from idling engines.
December 2021
In conjunction with the Kent and Medway Air Quality Partnership, refresh the Kent Air website as a one stop shop for air quality matters in Kent and include updated educational material to inform on current air quality and simple steps which can be taken to improve air quality.
September 2021
Adopt and publish TMBC’s revised Air Quality Action Plan.
September 2021
Habitats and Biodiversity
Strengthen local protection and enhance protection of species, habitats and ecosystems
In partnership with Kent County Council, monitor the establishment of the recently planted Tiny Forest in Leybourne. Publish findings.
Ongoing with KCC for 3 years
In partnership with Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, monitor the Roadside Nature Reserve trial in Tonbridge. Publish findings.
Oct/Nov 2021
Publish a tree charter for the borough.
August 2021
Housing and Energy Conservation
The council is working in partnership with Fenland District Council and Clarion Housing Group having successfully obtained £2.25m Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Demonstrator funding
Deliver deep retrofit energy efficiency measures to up to 80 hard to treat Wimpey No Fines constructed homes in Tonbridge. Clarion to provide £2.25m match funding.
December 2021
TMBC has been provisionally allocated £332,903 Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Phase 2 funding
Develop and implement a proposal to help improve 60 homes.
June 2021
Offer energy efficiency advice to landlords and identify properties with a Category 1 Excess Cold hazard present
Proactively target a further 100 privately rented properties in breach of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards following up where landlords have not responded to requests for information in last year’s MEEs initiative and undertaking HHSRS assessment to identify significant hazards including excess cold.
April 2021 – March 2022
Support our residents
We will seek to assist 10 households. Financial assistance is available to assist low income vulnerable to cold households to access affordable warmth in the home while also encouraging these households to take action to reduce carbon emissions.
April 2021 – March 2022
Support any new provision of temporary accommodation within the borough with feasibility studies to advise on potential for improved energy efficiency and any renewable potential.
April 2021 – March 2022
Waste Minimisation and Recycling
Encourage more people to reduce their waste and make it easier for residents to recycle
Continue to reduce waste arisings and increase recycling/composting levels in line with the Kent Resource Partnership Business Plan.
Ongoing
Community and Business Engagement
Support local businesses and encourage sustainable growth in the economy
Promote the climate change strategy and its objectives via the council’s e-bulletin.
Ongoing
Launch the Green Business Grant Scheme.
July 2021
Fund a minimum of 15 initiatives through the Green Business Grant scheme that support carbon reduction and improve energy efficiency amongst our local businesses.
March 2022
Complete the Local Shops and Parades Fund Scheme, with a minimum of 12 projects that support improvements to our independent retail outlets.
March 2022
Work with KCC to promote and support the Lower Carbon Across the South East initiative.
Ongoing
Raise awareness of climate change, providing regular updates and information
Launch new website with greater visibility of TMBC environmental and climate change initiatives. Regular updates and prominent links to be provided from the main home page. Establish a dedicated area within the site for promotion of climate change strategy, Action Plans and related topics. Provide updates about climate change policies and give greater prominence via the live news feed on the homepage.
June 2021
TMBC Estate
Reduce the environmental impact of the council’s activities, increasing the sustainability of all our operations
Continue to progress review of office accommodation with a view to rationalising the space occupied, to reduce energy usage and reduce carbon emissions. Publish findings.
Ongoing
Progress the digitisation of services and reduce the amount of paper both internally and being sent out to clients
Deliver a new lakeside facility at Leybourne Lakes Country Park giving due consideration to environmental credentials including a ground source heat pump and solar panels. Publish findings.
April 2022
Investigate the potential provision of solar panels on the pool hall roof at Larkfield Leisure Centre. Publish Findings.
March 2022
Continuation of cloud migration to enable significant carbon reductions. It is anticipated that the council should see a reduction of 73% (34472kg CO2 / annum).
March 2022
Implement a digital post room to significantly reduce the amount of paper sent out by the council.
March 2022