Year two progress report
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 — Completed
Climate change and biodiversity are included as “Policy Considerations” on all report templates for Council Advisory Boards and Committees. Consequently, many reports have reflected on the climate change and biodiversity impacts of decisions made by the Council.
TMBC appointed a dedicated Climate Change Officer in February 2022.
Climate Change is included in the Corporate Plan.
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 (ELES).
Ongoing — Completed
The Climate Change Officer is a member of the KCC Climate Change Network and regularly engages with KCC to progress targets in the ELES, support work on “Plan Tree” and collaborate on sustainable procurement initiatives.
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 — Completed
The CCF is established with agreed TOR. Minutes will be published online.
The group has secured nearly 1,000 free trees from the Woodland Trust, planted across the borough. The Council will match with 1,000 further trees in the 2022/23 season.
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 — Ongoing
Work underway to appoint consultants to assess energy efficiency and renewable energy options at Larkfield Leisure Centre and Tonbridge Swimming Pool.
Annual carbon audits will be completed from 2022, including backdated audits for 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Sustainable Development
Continue to pursue planning policies in the council’s emerging Local Plan that will facilitate sustainable development through location, orientation, and design, including SuDS, EV charging points, water efficiency and habitat creation.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Work is progressing on the new Local Plan. Building Regulations changes from June 2022 will improve energy performance and require EV charge points.
Support, where appropriate, sustainable development which achieves an energy performance better than regulations through decision-making on applications.
Ongoing — Ongoing
The Council continues to deliver sustainable outcomes within planning decisions. Updated Building Regulations will deliver 31% COâ‚‚ reductions for new homes from June 2022.
Transport
Support walking and cycling improvements
Prepare a new active travel strategy including cycling and walking infrastructure recommendations.
November 2021 — Ongoing
Cycle route priorities were published for consultation. Feedback is being reviewed, pending a KCC audit.
Improve environmental standards of licensed taxis
Undertake consultation with taxi stakeholders on a phased vehicle replacement schedule to achieve higher Euro standards, moving towards ZEC/ULEV over 10 years.
November 2021 — Completed
33 responses received with general agreement and suggestions for stronger net-zero measures.
ULEV
Electric vehicle charging points
Progress Phase 1 installation of chargers; Phase 2 dependent on KCC procurement exercise.
Phase 1 (Dec 2021) — Completed
Phase 2 (Mar 2022) — Completed
32 chargers installed across 6 council car parks.
Phase 2 could deliver up to 106 chargers across more sites.
The Council has also purchased an electric vehicle.
Air Quality
Anti-idling and air quality improvements
Continue borough-wide Anti-Idling Campaign.
December 2021 — Ongoing
DEFRA grant of £36k secured. Project includes air quality sensors and anti-idling signs around schools.
Refresh the Kent Air website with updated educational content.
September 2021 — Completed
Website updated end of 2021; new education materials issued April 2022.
Adopt and publish TMBC’s revised Air Quality Action Plan.
September 2021 — Completed
Habitats and Biodiversity
Monitor establishment of the Tiny Forest in Leybourne.
Ongoing (3 years with KCC) — Ongoing
Monitor Roadside Nature Reserve trial in Tonbridge.
Oct/Nov 2021 — Completed
Findings reported to Communities and Housing Advisory Board in Nov 2021. New sites proposed and approved February 2022.
Publish a Tree Charter for the borough.
August 2021 — Completed
Nearly 1,000 trees planted through CCF with Woodland Trust; TMBC matching with 1,000 more.
Housing and Energy Conservation
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Demonstrator
Deliver deep retrofit measures to 80 Wimpey No Fines homes.
December 2021 — Partially Complete
47 homes retrofitted; further 13 to complete by June 2022. Costs higher than anticipated.
Green Homes Grant LAD Phase 2
Develop and implement a proposal to improve 60 homes.
June 2021 — Completed
Tight delivery timescales and procurement challenges affected installation numbers. 16 homes registered by 31 March 2022.
Private rented sector energy improvements
Target 100 PRS properties in breach of MEES.
April 2021 – March 2022 — Completed
70+ homes became compliant; 100+ landlords contacted; successful landlord forum delivered.
Support low-income households
Assist 10 low-income vulnerable to cold households.
April 2021 – March 2022 — Partially Complete
6 households assisted.
Provide feasibility studies for energy efficiency in new TA provision.
April 2021 – March 2022 — Ongoing
Waste Minimisation and Recycling
Continue reducing waste arisings and increase recycling/composting in line with KRP Plan.
Ongoing — Ongoing
TMBC recycling rate: 51.6% (Kent average 43%, England 42%).
Community and Business Engagement
Support sustainable economic growth
Promote the climate change strategy via e-bulletin.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Launch the Green Business Grant Scheme.
July 2021 — Completed
Fund a minimum of 15 initiatives through the scheme.
March 2022 — Completed
35 initiatives funded across Rounds 1 and 2.
Complete the Local Shops and Parades Fund Scheme.
March 2022 — Completed
14 projects funded.
Support and promote LCSE initiative.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Raise awareness of climate change
Launch new website with improved visibility of climate change information.
June 2021 — Completed
Regular homepage news stories; dedicated climate section established.
TMBC Estate
Reduce environmental impact of council operations
Progress office accommodation review.
Ongoing — Ongoing
Completion expected end of 2024.
Digitisation and reducing paper use
Deliver new lakeside facility at Leybourne Lakes with heat pump and solar panels.
April 2022 — Ongoing
Investigate potential for solar panels at Larkfield Leisure Centre.
March 2022 — Ongoing
Carbon descent plans being procured.
Continue cloud migration to reduce carbon emissions by 73%.
March 2022 — Completed
Implement digital post room to reduce paper output.
March 2022 — Ongoing