Environment and Sustainability Action Plan 2025

Implement energy audit of WL operational estate to deliver energy efficient design
principles for maintaining and retrofitting existing buildings, in summary:

1. Fabric first
2. Optimisation of services
3. Utilisation of renewable technology
4. Off-setting

Initial focus on operation building surveys will be:

• Lighting and controls
• Insulation
• Glazing
• Solar shading
• Energy use monitoring

Comprehensive understanding of opportunities to retrofit buildings operated & occupied by West Lindsey District Council.

Priority areas and timeline for interventions developed

Packages of work including specifications for improvements and changes

Understanding of energy use patterns across the operational estate & options to change usage and habits.

Monitoring Framework 2024/25

Impacts of Policy March 2025 onwards

Using the Climate Change Member and Officer working groups continue to engage in active campaigning and lobbying in relation to key priorities for West Lindsey Residents.

Considered as a monthly standing agenda item.

Implement a targeted lobbying and campaigning strategy.

The council is actively engaged in emerging issues and opportunities relating to Climate Change.

The council proactively influences policy and funding decisions at local, regional, and national levels.

Key stakeholders are engaged and supportive of West Lindsey’s climate and sustainability goals

West Lindsey’s unique rural perspective is represented in wider policy discussions.

Number of policy consultations responded to annually (target: at least 5)

Number of meetings with regional/national policymakers – including representation at webinars and conferences (target: at least 4 per year)

Successful inclusion of West Lindsey’s priorities in regional strategies or funding allocations

West Lindsey’s environmental priorities are reflected in MCCA strategies and initiatives.

Increased funding and support for local sustainability projects.

Improved coordination of county-wide environmental
efforts.

Narrative relating to MCCA meetings/consultations participated in.

Inclusion of West Lindsey’s priorities in MCCA environmental strategies

Increased knowledge sharing and collaborative working on lobbying and campaigns.

Joint funding bids developed and submitted.

Unified Lincolnshire voice on key sustainability issues.

Number of joint initiatives or campaigns launched (target: at least 2 per year).

Number of successful joint funding bids (target: at least 1 per year).

Narrative report on outcomes of collaboration to Member group.

New strategy delivery action plans will include deliverables against Climate Change priorities.

Growth strategy.

Number of climate change related articles published.

Audience number achieved.

Number of Businesses receiving support annually, including cases studies and narrative.

Continued delivery of  KSPF funded business support programmes (and grants) until March 2025 (programme may be extended)

Improved understanding of environmental business operating in West Lindsey.

Improved engagement to deliver synergies & circular economy.

Improved inwards investment.

Create a hub for innovation focused on the environment and sustainability across multisectors.

Increased public awareness and
engagement on local environmental priorities.

Behavioural changes supporting sustainability goals.

Enhanced support for council’s environmental initiatives.

Number of local campaigns launched (target: at least 3 per year – Waste minimisation, energy efficiency, community energy, flood preparedness already identified.

Reach and engagement metrics for campaigns (e.g., social media interactions, event attendance).

Survey results showing increased public awareness of environmental issues.

Green Space Management.

Implement UKSPF: 1.6 Green Space Management and Community Project Development.

Green Space Management.

Implement UKSPF: 1.6 Green Space Management and Community Project Development.

Adoption of woodland management plan.

Option to measure actions following this.

Use new mapping exercise with DNO to increase
understanding & influence over the energy market,
including supply & demand to better support communities
deliver community energy solutions.

Work with other Lincolnshire districts to develop a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) to guide the transition to a low carbon energy system.

Officers and members are better informed and able to provide
support to communities exploring community energy solutions.

Comprehensive understanding of local energy needs, resources, and opportunities.

Clear roadmap for decarbonisation of the local energy system.

Increased resilience and energy security for the community.

Identification of potential community energy projects and investment opportunities.

Narrative, case studies.

Progress in completion of the LAEP.

Projected carbon emissions reduction from LAEP measures.

Number of identified renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Amount of external funding secured for energy projects.

A Communities Strategy will establish the strategic approach to delivering community support, services and intervention to achieve
corporate plan priorities.

Identify communities at risk, which will include those at risk of impacts due to Climate Change. Strategy will be supported by an Action Plan to oversee delivery of community services and projects.

Better informed communities.

Communities develop own local resilience plans.

Help communities develop a robust resilience plan.

Provide training for town and parish councillors.

Coordinate forum for parish, district and LRF representative.

Develop evidence base and information mapping to support future emergency response.

Arrange best practice events and information between parish councils.

Provide advice and support to hard-to-reach cohorts.

Increase utilisation of energy improvement measures to hard-to-treat properties.

Target number of 500 hard-to-reach cohorts across consortium.

Installation of energy efficient measures across over 162 homes.

Continue to refresh Treasury Management Strategy to ensure the council invests
a proportion of funding into ethical & sustainable investments.

It is anticipated that as ethical and environmental investment becomes more mainstream that a greater choice of investment opportunities will be available.

To ensure the council best uses its cash resources to ensure security, liquidity, and yield whilst also taking into account ethical, sustainable and governance factors.

The council continue to evaluate the market & products available to maximise ethical and environmental investment whilst promoting financial sustainability.

Improved access to active travel and sustainable travel options.

Improved environmental outcomes and wellbeing for staff across the district.

Narrative on specific projects identified for 2024, including but not exhaustively:

• Improved hybrid options for meetings
  • Digital technology to allow Benefits customers to self-serve

Reduction in CO2e emissions from the fleet.

Metrics for reduction to be established as part of the recommendations in the strategy.