The Environmental Sustainability Lead has submitted the Net Zero Masterplan 2023-25 which sets out Oxford City Council’s actions over the next two years to achieve its two carbon targets: a Net Zero Estate and Operations by 2030 and a Net Zero City by 2040.

The Panel is asked to consider the Net Zero Masterplan and agree any recommendations

The report will be published as part of a supplementary agenda

The Environmental Sustainability Lead had submitted the Net Zero Masterplan 2023-25 which sets out Oxford City Council’s actions over the next two years to achieve its two carbon targets: a Net Zero Estate and Operations by 2030 and a Net Zero City by 2040. The Environmental Sustainability Lead the update report to the Panel and summarised the main areas which have achieved progress. 

In regards the 2030 plan, the Panel heard that: 

• The biodiversity net gain project is still progressing and an understanding of the number of credits available has been developed. More work is required around processes and assessing viability, but the Council is assessing its small sites in relation to energy potential.  

• In regard to carbon literacy training, progress is still being made and, to date, 33 staff members have been trained with the target being under review. ODS have also received support, and work is progressing to ensure that training is valuable and relevant to specific job roles.  

• In regards, number 6, the details of the Salex project and loans were outlined and the Panel heard that remaining projects have now been completed and submitted within the 10-year paid back window.  

In regards the 2040 plan, the Panel heard that: 

• There are a number of community employment and procurement live plans for which work is ongoing. 

• There is a focus on providing funding for green skills courses which have so far covered around 58 courses.  

• Efforts are ongoing with ODS to ensure highways electricals certifications are obtained to support EV targets. 

Councillor Miles queried whether data on SMEs and those receiving training is gathered to ensure women owned businesses are accessing the support, and gender gaps are being addressed. The Environmental Sustainability Lead noted that she expected the data to be available and committed to reporting back.  

The Environmental Sustainability Lead also explained that there is a focus on surveying and strategising for decarbonisation of the housing stock and noted that the 5-year plan is in place. The Panel heard that as progress is made, corrections to some ratings are being made to ensure work continues the longer-term strategy. 

In regards work with landlords and tenants, the Panel learned that property inspections are ongoing, however proactive enforcement is lacking due to limited resources. An Energy Efficiency Officer has carried out engagement work and letters and bespoke tools are utilised to provide information to homeowners on what they can do to improve their homes. 

Councillor Hunt queried how much insulation is part of the package in terms of efficiency. The Environmental Sustainability Lead noted that support is provided for tenants and landlords with grants to ensure they can apply for more, however in terms of private properties, there is no funding available. The Panel heard that information and support on other available grants from the government is also available.  

Councillor Miles recognised the presence of the leaflets but asked whether uptake comes from a broad range of people, or whether there is a lack of interest from some groups. She also asked whether the extra money within the newly approved Council budget would be used for extra enforcement capacity to support properties with low EPC ratings as a means of enforcing existing policy. The Environmental Sustainability Lead noted that she did not have the information to hand but would report back, explaining that relevant teams do as much as they can to engage broadly.  

Councillor Miles then queried the types of features that are being integrated into the development on Collins Street to which The Environmental Sustainability Lead committed to reporting back with details. 

Councillor Hunt suggested that councillors be offered a site visit to see the features of the new buildings to which The Environmental Sustainability Lead welcomed.  

In regards the eco-mooring project, the Environmental Sustainability Lead informed the Panel that issues with electricity availability caused delays until the start of April. In regards, GULO and street chargers, an agreement has been reached with the County Council to ensure that a tender has gone out on behalf of all the district councils which will be awarded in July 2025. Following this, the installation of chargers can be expected.   

Councillor Hunt asked what provisions exist for waste and sewage regarding eco-mooring. The Environmental Sustainability Lead clarified that this focuses on electricity connection, not waste water and sewage.  

Councillor Miles referred to the electric vehicle chargers and queried their planned distribution to which the Environmental Sustainability Lead explained that householders can request specific locations but that the County Council hold the control for this but base plans off the reality of street geographies.  

Councillor Kerr joined the meeting and apologised for her lateness. 

Councillor Harley queried whether there is information available on the distribution of electric vehicles through the city to which the Environmental Sustainability Lead explained there is not but that instead, plans are designed around how many households have access to on street and off-street parking as well as projected car ownership in each locality. The Panel heard that it is intended for all residents to have access to an electric vehicle charging point within a five-minute walk of their home.   

Councillor Kerr queried the provisions available for larger EV vans. The Environmental Sustainability Lead explained that whilst cognisant of 0 emission zone expansion, there are plans to target localities near the ring road and to provide rapid charging in 4 sites in addition to Redbridge Park and Ride.  

The Panel made the following recommendation(s): 

• The Sustainability team to invite Councillors to visit an exemplary Net Zero New Build, as part of the Council housing stock to see provisions for Net Zero  

Cllr Kerr resumed role as Chair.