Agenda item

This report provides an update on the council’s performance against the Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy 2024-2027 (Appendix 3) and its associated Action Plan detailed at Appendix 2.

Recommendation

That the Committee:

       i.          Notes the progress made in delivering the strategy.

      ii.          Agrees to the addition of new actions as outlined at paragraph 3.13 to 3.17.

The Climate Change & Sustainability Strategy Officer presented the report.

Members raised concerns about the quality and longevity of cavity wall insulation, emphasising the need for proper installation to avoid costly removals. Officers responded by explaining the building control regulations and maintenance requirements to ensure insulation effectiveness, and mentioned insurer involvement to align with their recommendations. Members also highlighted challenges related to project viability, capacity constraints, and the need for cost-benefit analysis to ensure taxpayer value. In response, officers spoke about ongoing collaboration with Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP), sharing best practices, data standardisation efforts, and the importance of regional cooperation. The conversation also covered the success of community engagement events like the Careers Fair, and the feasibility of solar canopy projects, with financial and practical constraints limiting implementation, but new technologies and grants offering potential. The committee discussed the Hertfordshire Retrofit Strategy, including tools like the Fairer Warmth app for residents and funding secured to support retrofit workforce development. In addition, the view on achieving net zero by 2045 was addressed, with emphasis on the decarbonisation of the electricity grid, the promotion of solar energy and air source heat pumps, and the critical move away from gas to meet emissions targets.

The Chair requested that paragraphs 3.13 to 3.17 from the report be listed under the recommendation, and also proposed an amendment to paragraph 3.17 as follows: “We will continue to work with Watford Borough Council on future careers event.”

Members highlighted significant progress in sustainability projects over the past year, focusing on community benefits. Key achievements include the installation of solar panels on sport centres that are self-sustaining and help maintain affordable access for lower-income groups. The success of these projects has inspired other organisations, such as the Sea Scouts in Rickmansworth, to pursue similar initiatives using grants like the warm homes grant. Efforts to promote these grants through healthcare channels have increased uptake, including among small businesses, helping stabilise their operational costs. The discussion also covered detailed technical considerations around insulation, fire safety, and building design to ensure social housing remains habitable and efficient.

Further discussion included the need for detailed cost breakdowns for each policy and project within the climate change strategy. Councillor Christopher Alley, seconded by Councillor Reena Ranger, proposed an amendment to the recommendation requiring cost estimates for policies and projects and potential financial impacts on residents or businesses exceeding £50,000. Officers responded by explaining that cost information is already provided through annual budgets, business cases and committee reports, highlighting that some funds come from external sources beyond taxpayers. The Chair explained that without a written amendment submitted in advance, the proposed amendment will not be accepted during the meeting.

The Chair emphasised the importance of air quality strategies, and encouraged Members to participate in related consultations.

Members expressed concern about resource limitations affecting the completion of initiatives, particularly emphasising the importance of recycling food waste from flats, which is expected to increase over the next decade. Members enquired why food waste collection from flats has not progressed as planned since May 2024. Officers responded by confirming that food waste collection from flats does take place in the district, noting that communal collections did experience logistical difficulties but that service provided in Three Rivers was advanced compared to other Hertfordshire local authorities. Some challenges remain in participation and managing collections effectively in flats. Regarding capacity, officers acknowledged limited staff and budget resources, explaining that project timelines are flexible and can be adjusted based on external funding opportunities. The team has effectively utilised recent increases in capacity to accelerate projects and secure external funding.

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved the recommendation with the proposed amendment to 3.17 of the report; “We will continue to work with Watford Borough Council on future careers event.”

On being put to the committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being For: 6, Against: 0, Abstention: 2.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee:

       i.          Notes the progress made in delivering the strategy.

      ii.          Agrees to the addition of new actions as outlined at paragraph 3.13 to 3.17.

   3.13 Work with Grand Union Community Energy to offer Sustainable Streets to residents as a means of supporting sustainable behavioural change.

3.14 The Environmental Forum has now been renamed as the Environmental Network and new Terms Of Reference was recommended by CCLC 14 January 2026 to 6 progress to Full Council 24 February 2026. The March meeting took place in South Oxhey with a focus on energy. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on 28 March 2026, the time and location is to be decided, with transport the planned topic of discussion.

3.15 Draft net-zero policies for new build energy efficiency standards above current Building Regulations were incorporated into the Regulation 18 Local Plan Consultation in Summer 2025. These draft policies aim to secure highly energy efficient new housing which is more closely aligned with net zero targets than current Building Regulations under the Future Homes Standard.

3.16 Three Rivers District Council have worked closely with local community energy group, Grand Union Community Energy (GUCE), to explore the feasibility of major decarbonisation initiatives such as heat networks fed by aquifers and data centres, and solar canopies in council-owned car parks, as well as delivering projects such as Transition Streets under Fast Followers. The council’s collaborative approach to joint projects with GUCE was recognised and Highly Commended by Community Energy England at the Community Energy Awards in November 2025.

3.17 We will continue to work with Watford Borough Council on future careers event.