Climate Action and Carbon Reduction Plan 2024 - 2027

Introduction

Climate change

International, regional, and local context

Hyper-local context: mapping our emissions

• Conversion factors
• Scope 1 and 2 emissions
• Scope 3 emissions
• Sequestration
• Energy efficiency schemes
• Access to green space
• Roadside verges
• Trees
• Biodiversity Net Gain
• Shared transport schemes: Dial-A-Ride
• Active travel: Cycle Forum
• New developments
• Sustainable procurement
• Midlands Net Zero Hub (regional collaboration)
• Waste reduction and the circular economy

What we are doing

Appendix one

Appendix two

Conversion factors

A conversion factor is a figure that is multiplied by another variable (such as fuel consumption) to give an estimated carbon dioxide equivalent figure. Where possible, the Greenhouse Gas Accounting tool produced by Local Partnerships and the Local Government Association (LGA) has been used for emissions conversion factors as this is the standard conversion tool for UK local authorities. Where a variable is not covered by the Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs’ (DEFRA) 2023 Emissions Factors have been used instead.

Scope 1 and 2 emissions

Scope 1 emissions are those that arise from the direct combustion of fossil fuels, and thus encompasses the burning of natural gas across all council buildings fitted with gas boilers, and the combustion of fossil fuels in council fleet vehicles with internal combustion engines. Scope 2 emissions are those that arise indirectly from the production of electricity that is purchased from the grid by a Local Authority. Scope 3 emissions are those that arise indirectly from procurement and the supply chain of goods and services purchased by the council.

Energy tariffs

The council is on a 100% green energy tariff, supplied by npower. There is a contract in place for this financial year 2023-24 for Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) at a premium of 1.25p/kWh across all council-occupied premises (admin buildings, museum, car parks, public conveniences etc.). This is 100% renewable energy. The council’s Gas is supplied by Corona Energy. The council purchased its estimated gas usage for the 13-month period (01/03/2023 – 31/03/2024) at a premium of 2.6p/kWh. Please note that renewable energy is not necessarily emissions free, as biofuels qualify as renewable and carbon neutral (since they can be regrown relatively quickly), but also have emissions since they must be combusted in order to heat a building or generate electricity.

Emissions from council-occupied buildings

The following table is for all council-owned properties that are currently occupied (whole or in part) by Wyre Forest District Council. Each council-owned building has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or a Display Energy Certificate (DEC), depending on building type. These are calculated using the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). All properties get a rating ranging from A (0-25) to G (over 150). The higher the score, the less energy efficient and the more environmentally damaging the property is. Note that EPCs are valid for 10 years after the date of issue, whilst DECs are only valid for a year from the date of issue, and thus should be renewed annually.

Total annual CO2 emissions from council-occupied buildings: 561.05 tCO2e

Fleet emissions

The total fuel consumption for the entire council fleet was 260,495.21 litres of 100% mineral diesel for 2022 (the most recent year for which a full dataset was available), a fall of over 10,000 litres relative to 2021 figures.

The fuel consumption figure was multiplied by the conversion factor for 100% mineral diesel. This resulted in the total fleet emissions for the calendar year 2022 being 703.02 tCO2e.

Scope 3 emissions

Scope 3 emissions are those that arise indirectly from supply chains, procurement, staff travel, and investments/securities. According to the Local Government Association, scope 3 emissions typically account for around 70-80% of the total emissions of a given Local Authority. Therefore, it is vitally important that they are recorded as accurately as possible. By working out which areas of our supply chains and procurement networks are the greatest emitters, it is possible to identify the emissions hotspots of the council. Knowing this then allows a council to prioritise which aspects of its operations should be decarbonised first.

Emissions from leased out buildings are included in appendix one. The total annual emissions from leased out buildings is 1787.37 TCO2e.

Business travel: grey fleet mileage claims

According to 2021 Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census data, 59.9% of people in our district travel to work by car or van. This is far above the England average of 44.5%.

A total of 15,250 miles were claimed for the financial year 2022-23. The council does not require staff to record vehicle type or fuel type on a mileage claim so the conversion factor for “average medium car (unknown fuel)” was used, as this is the default conversion factor to use when the two aforementioned variables are not known. This resulted in a grey fleet mileage claims emissions figure of 4.19 tCO2e

Business travel: rail

Whilst rail travel is recorded via rail expense claims, the origin and destination stations are not a requirement. Therefore, we have estimated the carbon emissions associated with rail travel claims using a spend-based factor. Please note that, for the purposes of display, the following calculations have been rounded to two decimal places.

The distance from Kidderminster to Birmingham New Street by rail is 19 miles (30.58km). When multiplied by the conversion factor for UK National Rail (0.04), this gives a figure of 1.08 kgCO2e.

The average cost of a rail ticket from Kidderminster to Birmingham New Street (without a Railcard) using The TrainLine app is £8.20.

Therefore, using these figures, we can calculate an approximate spend-based factor by dividing the emissions figure by the ticket cost, to give a conversion factor of 0.00013224022 tCO2e for every pound spent on UK National Rail

The total amount of money claimed via rail expenses for all employees of Wyre Forest District Council for the financial year 2022-23 was £2,638.76. Using the spend-based factor, this equates to 0.35 tCO2e total annual emissions for rail travel.

Rather than using a spend-based factor in the future, the council explore the option of asking staff to record the carbon emissions of their journey (in TCO2e) as recorded by train ticket apps such as TrainLine or TrainPal.

Business travel: air

No business travel by air has occurred in the previous or current financial year, and there are no plans for it to occur at any point in the future.

Pension funds

Wyre Forest District Council contributes to the Worcestershire Pension Fund, itself a part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Central Pool. The LGPS is one of the largest pension schemes in the UK with over 6 million members. In the period March 2020 – May 2022, Worcestershire Pension Fund reduced the carbon footprint of its total equities by 13.63%. However, financed emissions have increased by 5.51% from the baseline in this period. This trend was also reflected in the total value of fossil fuel investments in this period, which rose from £122 million to £149 million in the period 2022-23. Wyre Forest District Council has limited ability to influence investment choices by the pension fund, the most recent consultation exercise was undertaken in August 2023 inviting staff to complete an online survey relating to the investment choices. For a more in-depth explanation of Worcestershire Pension Fund’s investments, please see Appendix Two.

Hotel usage

The council regularly pays for Wyre Forest residents to go into hotels or bed and breakfasts as a form of emergency temporary accommodation. The total spent on this for financial year 2022-23 was £174,083. Using the average price of a single room in Kidderminster, this equates to 4,353 nights. Using DEFRA’s GHG conversion factor for UK hotels (10.4 kg CO2e per night), this totals 45.26 tCO2e hotel/guest house emissions.

Sequestration

Wyre Forest District Council commissioned a consultancy firm to conduct an evaluation of the sequestration capacity of all council owned land. The firm divided council owned land into six zones. Three of the six zones have been evaluated so far. The results are as follows:

• Zones 1-3 account for 46.7% of the council’s total green space.
• Carbon storage in soil and vegetation across the 3 zones is 30,986 tonnes, equating to 147.1 tonnes per hectare. This is slightly lower when compared to the initial district wide analysis which predicted 165.87 tonnes of carbon storage per hectare. It is estimated that the total rate of carbon storage for all of the council’s green space will be around 66,351 tonnes.
• Carbon storage in vegetation only is 17,416 tonnes across the 3 zones, equating to 82.69 tonnes per hectare. A slightly lower figure when compared to the initial district wide analysis of 94.25 tonnes per hectare. It is estimated that the total rate of carbon storage for all council green space will be around 37,293 tonnes.
• Carbon capture across the 3 zones is 531 tonnes, equating to 2.52 per hectare. Rates for carbon capture are largely similar when compared to the initial district wide analysis which estimated 2.36 tonnes of CO2 captured per hectare per year.
• Across the 3 zones, 35.5% of the habitats are classified as poor, if these were enhanced to a moderate condition there is an uplift of 167.5 biodiversity units (61.2%). This equates to an average of 2.24 units per hectare, a higher rate compared to initial district wide analysis which estimated 1.67 biodiversity units per hectare.
• Across the 3 zones, 47.9% of the habitats are classified as moderate, if these were enhanced to a good condition there is an uplift of 222.7 biodiversity units (16.7%). This equates to an average of 2.21 units per hectare, a higher rate compared to initial district wide analysis which estimated 1.63 biodiversity units per hectare. Across the 3 zones, 16.6% of the habitats are classified as good, generating 569.5 biodiversity units.

Our study projects the total rate of annual sequestration for all our green space to be approximately 1,137 TCO2e per annum.

Net annual emissions of Wyre Forest District Council

• Total Scope 1 and 2 Emissions: 1264.07 tCO2e
• Total Scope 3 Emissions: 5616.92 tCO2e
• Total Projected Annual Sequestration: 1137 tCO2e
• Net Annual Emissions: 5743.99 tCO2e

Energy efficacy schemes

Refurbishment of Green Street Depot and the Hub

The Council repurposed a former pumping station and sewerage treatment works to act as the base for frontline council operations. The entire buildings were retrofitted to improve their energy efficiency schemes. This was achieved courtesy of a number of strategies, namely: the upgrading of all lighting to Light Emitting Diodes (LED) with motion sensors; the replacement of inefficient heating systems; and the upgrading of insulation.

Improvement of Wyre Forest House

The Council installed a ground source heat pump to assist with the heating of its headquarters at Wyre Forest House on Finepoint Way, Kidderminster.

Act on Energy

Act on Energy is a charity that provides impartial energy advice to residents and small businesses across Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Coventry, Solihull, and Birmingham. Wyre Forest District Council works on various initiatives with Act on Energy to tackle fuel poverty and promote energy efficiency. Examples of initiatives include the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme (HUGS) and the Worcestershire Household Support Fund. The council also works with Act on Energy to raise awareness about energy efficiency support, including grants and fuel bill advice through their free helpline and energy advice surgeries at community events. Act on Energy also carry out training on energy issues for front line workers and volunteers, on behalf of the council.

Home Upgrade Grant Scheme phase 2

The Home Upgrade Grant Scheme (HUGS) Phase 2 is a grant scheme specifically designed for off-grid gas homes. This encompasses homes that use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), coal, and other solid fuels (such as wood) for the purpose of heating their home. Eligible properties include those with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F, or G, and a pre-tax combined income of less than £31,000 per annum. The government has outlined postcodes in which all properties are automatically eligible for HUGS phase 2. The Council has been awarded £1.155 million from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's (DESNZ) for the Home Upgrade Grant Scheme to deliver works to 65 homes. In addition, we have a renewable energy grant which can provide additional measures to support HUGS2, such as providing battery storage for electricity generated through solar panels.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) scheme came into force for England and Wales in April 2018. It stipulates that all private rented and non-domestic properties must be upgraded such that they achieve an EPC of at least Band E. Therefore, properties with an EPC Band of F or G must be upgraded. Where possible, the government wants to upgrade as many of these properties as possible to EPC Band C. Wyre Forest District Council works with landlords to provide MEES advice. For the financial year 2022-23, the council issued a total of 48 Notices: 18 of which were Penalty Notices (in relation to 15 properties), and 30 of which were Compliance Notices. The council expects to issue over 50 notices by financial year 2024-25, and in subsequent financial years also.

Renewable Energy Grants

The Council provides grants to landlords to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort in the private rented sector and renewable energy grants to support homeowners switch to renewable energy generation primarily in off grid properties.

Raising awareness of climate change

The Council plays an important role in raising awareness of climate change and promoting activities everyone can get involved in including through the Greener Wyre Forest brand. This includes promoting awareness of Act on Energy, available energy efficiency schemes and seasonal specific campaigns like staying warm in winter. Work is undertaken with businesses through advice given by the North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration team who also promote energy efficiency measures and grants.

Carbon Literacy training

Carbon Literacy training provides an awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community, and organisational basis. Wyre Forest District Council will be carrying out Carbon Literacy training for our staff and councillors to increase knowledge and understanding and to engage all in taking account of climate change impacts within job roles.

Access to green space

Policy DM.8 of the Wyre Forest District Council’s Local Plan (2016 - 2036) states that for major developments the provision of on-site open space should have regard to the following accessibility standards:

Playing pitches should be situated “within 1.2km of dwellings or within a 20-minute drive in the rural areas of the district”. The situation of green space near to where people live can reduce car usage and increases the possibility of people using that green space for recreation, exercise/sport, and mindfulness.

Roadside verges

The council has a Service-Level Agreement (SLA) with Worcestershire County Council to maintain the highway verges in the district. In support of the Worcestershire Pollinator Strategy 2020-2025, the Council are now mowing their sites less and creating a new wildflower meadow on a former golf course site.

Trees

Part 10.32 of the District Council’s Local Plan views ancient woodland and veteran trees as an irreplaceable and intrinsic feature of Wyre Forest’s ecological network. The National Planning Policy Framework advises that development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons, and a suitable compensation strategy exists (paragraph 180c). In addition, landscape schemes must demonstrate that they will provide adequate room for the growth of existing trees, hedgerows, and plants.

Policy SP.28 of the Local Plan states that the existing Green Infrastructure network will be safeguarded from inappropriate development, and that all greenfield sites exceeding 1 hectare (gross) must consist of at least 40% Green Infrastructure. This figure is 20% for greenfield sites smaller than 1 hectare but larger than 0.2 hectares.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

In the Council’s adopted Local Plan (2016 - 2036), Policy SP.23 (Protecting and Enhancing Biodiversity) sets out the expectation for proposed developments to deliver measurable net gains in biodiversity through the promotion and re-creation of priority habitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of legally protected and priority species populations. This is in accordance with the most recent National Planning Policy Framework which sets out that, where possible, BNG should be maximised for all new developments. It does not set out a numerical BNG threshold that must be met. However, this is subject to change. A minimum of 10% BNG will become a legal requirement for all new major developments as of January 2024 (April 2024 for small developments which fall within a set threshold).

Shared transport schemes: Dial-A-Ride

Wyre Forest Dial-A-Ride is an initiative that focuses on providing shared transport for residents with reduced mobility across the district. The Council provides a portacabin for the use of Dial-A-Ride at its Green Street Depot. The Council also supports Dial-A-Ride via regular grants.

Active travel: Cycle Forum

The Wyre Forest Cycle Forum aims to promote cycling within the area. The Forum acts as a facilitator and consultee for all matters relating to cycling. Members work to raise awareness about cycling and to ensure that new infrastructure for cyclists is convenient and safe to use.  Members of the Forum include local cyclists, cycling organisations and the local authorities; new members are always welcome. Recent activities have included development of cycling route maps, promotion of cycling at events and running an Adult Cycle Training Scheme. The Forum is currently supporting the development of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Wyre Forest towns.

New developments

Table 2.0.1 of Wyre Forest District Council’s current Local Plan (https://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/localplan) establishes planning for the impact(s) of climate change as a key issue facing Wyre Forest district in the context of the consideration of new developments.

Flood risk and mitigation

Much of the Wyre Forest district is classed as being vulnerable to flooding (much of which is enhanced and intensified by climate change), in particular the town of Bewdley (which lies on the River Severn), but also the towns of Stourport-on-Severn (which lies at the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Stour) and Kidderminster (which lies on the River Stour). Policy SP.31 of the Local Plan states that planning permission for development will only be granted where:

1. “The development will be safe for its lifetime taking account of the vulnerability of its users, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and, where possible, will reduce overall flood risk in the area and beyond. This will entail evidence showing consideration of wider benefits and opportunities, including from cumulative impact assessment, to help ensure development will be safe and reduce flood risk in the catchment where possible.”
2. “The natural watercourse and flood plain profiles are not adversely affected. Where practicable, any culverted (piped) watercourses will be opened up to improve drainage and flood flows. Proposals involving the creation of new culverts will not be permitted unless essential to the provision of access.”

In addition, “A minimum 8m access strip is provided adjacent to watercourses for maintenance purposes. It should be appropriately landscaped for biodiversity benefits. The width of the strip may be reduced for smaller ordinary watercourses, where agreed by the Local Planning Authority.”

Water efficiency

Policy SP.29 (Water Conservation and Efficiency) of Wyre Forest District Council’s Local Plan (2016-2036) states that: “the Council will require developments to demonstrate: The incorporation of design features that will reduce water consumption. Proposals for residential development will be expected to demonstrate that a water efficiency standard of 110 litres per person per day can be achieved. New developments will also be expected to demonstrate design features that will support recycling / re-use of water through measures such as rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling, especially where a large demand for water is predicted such as industrial processes or irrigation.”

On-site Renewable Energy Generation (including micro-generation)

Policy SP.37 (Renewable and Low Carbon Energy) of the council’s Local Plan (2016-2036) states that “All new developments, and where possible redevelopment of existing buildings, should consider location, design, siting, and orientation to maximise the use of natural heat and light and the potential for renewable energy micro-generation. Where possible, in appropriate locations, solar panels should be fitted. All new residential, employment or commercial developments should include electric vehicle charging points.”

Sustainable development case studies

Lea Castle Village

The proposed Lea Castle Village development, situated to the northeast of Kidderminster, is a good example of sustainable planning in action. It is a planned development of 1400 new dwellings. In addition to easing housing and accommodation pressures in the district, the development aims to work in relative harmony with nature, by retaining existing woodland and hedgerows. This will be accompanied by the planting of native trees and shrubs to ensure the provision of a substantial green buffer and green infrastructure in and around the proposed site. An area of acid grassland shall be created. Acid grassland is an increasingly rare and ecologically important habitat that was once abundant in the area of the Wyre Forest district. Much of the Wyre Forest district falls within National Character Area (NCA) 66 – Mid Severn Sandstone Plateau. In the profile of this NCA, the area now comprising the Wyre Forest district is described as being once abundant in heathland and acid grassland, therefore this is a key native habitat for this area that should be regenerated where possible. This will also have ramifications for the district’s net zero ambitions as acid grassland is particularly effective at sequestering carbon and can be an important carbon sink. Furthermore, allotments and a community orchard, both of which improve local sourcing of food and reduce food miles, shall be provided. With regards to active travel and sustainable transportation, pedestrian and cycle links shall be created connecting the development to the neighbouring village of Cookley as well as Broadwaters, an area at the north-eastern edge of Kidderminster.

For these plans, the Wyre Forest District Council staff working on this project with Homes England were accredited with a Building with Nature Design Award on 11 June 2021.

Comberton Road Development (Woven Oaks)

This is a proposed development of around 1400 new dwellings that has just completed its consultation phase. The plans also involve the construction of a community hub, primary school, retail outlets, sports pitches, and potentially a GP surgery. The site will be connected with existing developments via the establishment of pedestrian and cycle paths. Local bus routes shall be diverted through the proposed development to ensure public transport provision for those without a private automobile. Furthermore, allotments or a community orchard shall be added, whilst the natural features of the site (and its hedgerows) shall be retained where possible to retain in accordance with Kidderminster East Green Infrastructure Concept Statement. Finally, a linear wetland nature reserve shall be created along the tributary (of the Hoo Brook) that runs along the Western edge of the site. In addition, reducing flood risk and improving the buffer zone between the development and the water courses, this proposed wetland shall provide another area for recreational use, and potentially also for natural play via the provision of trim trails on site.

For these plans, the proposed development was accredited with a Building With Nature Design Award on 22 July 2022.

Sustainable procurement

Wyre Forest District Council’s most recent Procurement Strategy has a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) section that cites “prioritising lower cost over greener alternatives” as a potential risk to the sustainability of a contract. The procurement strategy also goes on to cite the inclusion of environmental considerations to reduce the carbon footprint as a key action to take in procurement exercises. The environmental and social value element of a tender evaluation will typically constitute upwards of 10% of the total score but is becoming more prominent as time goes by. This is aided by the division of larger tenders into separate lots.

Midlands Net Zero Hub (regional collaboration)

Both Wyre Forest District Council and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership are partner to the Midlands Net Zero Hub. This is an organisation run by Nottingham City Council and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero that seeks to encourage decarbonisation projects across the East Midlands and West Midlands regions. The council regularly meets with a representative from the Midlands Net Zero Hub to discuss the progress of the council’s decarbonisation, and to discuss the potential for new renewable energy projects in the region.

Waste reduction and the circular economy

Whilst Wyre Forest’s recycling rate rose marginally from 33.6 to 33.7% from 2021 to 2022, the figure has since fallen back to 33.07%. Annual household waste for the district was 545kg per household in 2022.

Food waste collection

The council is currently collaborating with the other Worcestershire districts to establish a kerbside food waste collection service in 2025.

Single use plastics elimination

Both Kidderminster and Bewdley have been officially awarded the status of Plastic Free Communities in progress. Single use plastics are carbon intensive in terms of their manufacture and are also notoriously hard to dispose of once finished with. They can take anything from 20 to 500 years to break down. Furthermore, plastic never truly biodegrades – it only photodegrades, meaning it remains in the ecosystem in the form of microplastics. This becomes increasingly problematic for organisms higher up on the food chain (including humans). This is due to a process called biomagnification whereby increasingly larger quantities of microplastics are concentrated in the organisms at each successively higher level of the food chain. Therefore, Wyre Forest District Council unanimously agreed to the passing of a motion banning the use of single use plastics across all council occupied properties at the Full Council meeting held July 2019.

Refill

The Refill scheme, an initiative that aims to reduce plastic waste by increasing the availability of water stations where people can refill reusable bottles. Wyre Forest District Council has worked closely with Refill to help establish water stations at a large number of commercial and non-commercial locations across the district.