Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy

Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset Somerset’s Climate Emergency Strategy Foreword

Climate Change, and its impacts on identify the things we must do now to respond We have some significant challenges ahead, the world we live in, is one of the most to the declared Climate Emergency and the but with these challenges come some real and significant issues facing us all today. further mitigating and adaptive actions we exciting opportunities which we must seize The human effects on Global Warming need to plan for in the medium and longer for the people and businesses of Somerset. are well publicised and pressure is term. However, this is only the beginning of By tackling the climate crisis and by focusing mounting for Governments to act. our journey. We won’t have got everything on clean growth and a ‘green economy’ we right at the outset and we won’t be able to do can create a cleaner, healthier environment As the County Council Member and 4 District everything at once. There are some difficult that both accelerates the transition to Net Council Members with Cabinet responsibilities decisions for us all to make, some complex Zero whilst making Somerset’s communities Cllr. Tom Ronan Cllr. Janet Keen Cllr. Clare Paul Cllr. Peter Pilkington Cllr. Sarah Dyke for Climate Change, it gives us great pleasure issues and challenges to overcome, not least resilient for future generations. Mendip District Sedgemoor Somerset County Somerset West & South Somerset to introduce our response to this call for how this is funded, and we need to prioritise Council District Council Council Taunton Council District Council action - “Towards a Climate Resilient our activities to ensure we make progress We have a beautiful County - an outstanding Somerset”- the Climate Emergency Strategy against our Goals as quickly as is possible. environment with an abundance of natural for Somerset.During 2019, Somerset County resources at our disposal to help us plan for “I don’t think as a human race Council and the 4 District Councils each The Strategy therefore seeks to identify the and mitigate against Climate Change. We that we can be so stupid that declared or recognised a Climate Emergency outcomes we all want to achieve and the need to work with and support our most we can’t face an existential and agreed to work together with partners to steps each organisation, individual community vulnerable communities as they will be threat together and find a produce a Climate Emergency Strategy for the and household needs to commit to, to work impacted the most. A low carbon future will common humanity and whole County of Somerset. The ambition was towards Somerset being carbon neutral by be hugely positive for Somerset providing to produce a Strategy to lead this work for the 2030 and help build our resilience against the a more equitable society who experience solidarity to respond to it. whole County, not just to guide the actions impacts of Climate Change both now and in better health and wellbeing, a thriving ‘green’ Because we do have the and investment decisions of each of the Local the future. Being climate smart with decisions economy and with nature restored. capacity and the means to do Authorities in Somerset. we take now and into the future will help it - if we have the political will.” ensure that the right actions are taken at the Join us in making this happen. Tackling the impacts of Climate Change is right time for the best value. Mary Robinson, not something the Local Authorities can do Former President of Ireland, alone. It requires the commitment of every The Strategy has been developed in October 2019 organisation, business, community and citizen consultation with a range of partners, climate of Somerset and requires, in some cases, action experts and local interest groups and fundamental societal change around the way through engaging with, and listening to, the we live our lives and the choices we make. feedback from our communities, both adults Our Goals are ambitious. We have begun to and young people.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET Executive Summary

Climate Change, and its impacts on the world The focus of the Strategy The Built Environment - where and how What is Climate Change? So why do we need to act? Challenges to achieving our Goals we live in, is one of the most significant The 5 Local Authorities agreed to work we live and work, the types of homes we The scientific evidence is clear. Concentrations Urgent action is needed now. If we do not act The Local Authorities understand that issues facing us all today. The human effects together to develop a shared Climate live in, our commercial and industrial of harmful greenhouse gases (mainly carbon decisively, the impacts of Climate Change the Goals set are ambitious and will be on Global Warming are well publicised and Emergency Strategy for Somerset built around buildings and what we want for buildings dioxide CO , methane CH4, nitrous oxide N2O, across Somerset will be considerable. Our challenging to deliver. The 5 Local Authorities pressure is mounting for Governments to act. these 3 Goals: in the future 2 ozone O3, chlorofluorocarbons and water coastal communities and the Somerset will lead the way by cutting emissions from In response to the overwhelming evidence, GOAL 1 Our local economy - specifically our vapour) in our atmosphere are increasing Levels are at high risk from coastal flooding their own operations and through building and growing concern from local communities To decarbonise Local Authorities, the Business, Industry and Supply Chains rapidly - carbon dioxide levels are now 40% as sea level rises. Sedgemoor is named resilience into service delivery. We will lobby and residents for urgent, decisive action, wider public sector estates and reduce higher than in pre-industrial times and greater the 3rd most vulnerable area in the UK in a the UK Government for policy changes each of the 5 Somerset Councils has passed our carbon footprint Our Natural Environment - how we can than any time in the past 800,000 years. recent Government report. Significant sea and further funding, and work with other resolutions declaring or recognising a Climate protect it and utilise it to reduce the Human activities, such as burning fossil level rise and extreme weather events will organisations across Somerset to drive Emergency. Each declaration aspires to: GOAL 2 harmful impacts of Climate Change fuels for power generation and heating, are result in flooding, damage to properties, the change. We know that the reach, funding and l contributing significantly to Climate Change, destruction of transport infrastructure and resources of Local Authorities are limited. A Carbon Neutral Somerset by 2030 To work towards making Somerset Our Farming & Food - what, where and releasing millions of tonnes of additional interruption to power and communications l Building our resilience for, or adapting to, a Carbon Neutral County by 2030 how we produce our food and crops, vital greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, networks. Heatwaves and droughts bring If we are to reach our Goals, we will need the impacts of a changing climate to the rural economy of Somerset causing average global temperatures to rise at water shortages and will reduce our water support and ‘buy in’ to our vision from GOAL 3 This Strategy - ‘Towards a Climate Resilient Our Water resources - how they are an alarming rate. quality, posing significant human health risks every organisation, business and resident Somerset’ - is Somerset’s response to the To have a Somerset which is prepared managed to minimise the impacts of to the vulnerable, impacting on agricultural of Somerset. The decisions we each take, Climate Emergency declarations. Led by for, and resilient to, the impacts of flooding and drought on our residents, Somerset’s emissions productivity, causing damage to soils, and the everyday choices we make, will Somerset’s 5 Local Authorities, with support Climate Change reducing biodiversity and habitat, with the loss ultimately have the biggest impact. To deliver buildings and landscapes Although UK carbon emissions have been and guidance from a range of organisations of many native species. It is well understood fundamental and lasting changes, we must reducing since 1990 levels, they are not and individuals with sector expertise, the The management of our Waste & Resources that the economic and health benefits of encourage, empower and enable our residents Work began to understand where Somerset’s reducing quickly enough. The latest carbon Strategy serves as: - how we handle and treat our waste acting on Climate Change outweighs the to take personal decisions that reduce their carbon emissions are generated, identifying 9 emissions data estimates indicate in sectors which have a major impact upon our costs, especially with a future of clean own carbon footprints and help us meet our 1 An evidence base, setting out how our How we Communicate and Engage - with 2018, a total of 3,269 ktCO (kilotonnes of 2 growth, high quality employment in the ‘green’ goals. climate is changing and the challenges ambition to become a carbon neutral County carbon dioxide) were emitted in Somerset Somerset’s citizens to enable us all to make economy, low carbon transport and better and opportunities we face by 2030. These 9 sectors are: from industrial, agricultural, domestic and life choices which reduce our impact on health and wellbeing. Covid 19, clean growth and ’green’ recovery the environment locally, nationally & globally transport-related sources, with the largest 2 A policy document, outlining our goals The Energy we use, the emissions amount of carbon emitted by the transport Whilst this Strategy was being written, the and ambitions for tackling Climate produced from its use and the types of Specialists led work on each of the 9 sectors, sector (46%), followed by industrial processes Covid-19 pandemic changed our lives, causing Change here in Somerset, and energy we will look to harness in future analysing and prioritising current and future (25.3%), the domestic sector (24%) and devastating effects on human health and the Our Transport networks - when and 3 A high level action plan, setting out the issues, considering local and UK Government agriculture and land use (4.7%). economy. Due to the extensive lockdowns critical actions needed to deliver our goals, where we travel, and the means we policy implications, and identifying a series of and reduction in economic activity, there was enabling us all to adapt and thrive in the choose to make these journeys actions needed to minimise emissions and future. build resilience within each area of work. Contents a significant, albeit temporary, fall in global Sector summaries and outcomes Communication and engagement SECTION TITLE PAGE NO. greenhouse gas emissions. But this effect is 01 Introduction: ‘Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset’ 1 A summary of findings from each of the 9 An essential element to support the aims only temporary. Carbon emissions must be sectors is presented in Chapter 7, setting out of this Strategy will be a comprehensive 1.1 About this Strategy 1 cut consistently, year after year, to halt global the main outcomes needed to tackle Climate communications and engagement plan to aid warming. 1.2 Why has this Strategy been developed? 1 Change and meet our Goals along with the the discussion about the Climate Emergency 3 main opportunities and challenges each and encourage our residents, communities 1.3 Scope and guiding principles As we recover from the pandemic, and sector faces. A detailed report for each sector and businesses to support the Strategy and 1.4 Prioritisation 3 face a new ‘normal’, we must seize the is available in the Appendices. take affirmative action to tackle Climate opportunity to make the Covid-19 recovery 02 Focusing the Strategy: Our approach 4 Change. a defining moment in tackling the climate 4 Action Plan, monitoring and review 2.1 Climate Emergency Framework crisis, strengthening our resilience to Climate Summary 2.2 Climate Emergency Strategy 4 Change impacts, whilst driving new economic From the 63 outcomes identified, a series 5 activity. A ‘green’ recovery shifting away of actions have been developed into a high- We urgently need to take action to tackle 2.3 The 9 key thematic sectors from polluting, carbon based, fossil fuels can level Action Plan. The Plan outlines what the Climate Emergency. This Strategy is the 2.4 Climate Emergency Action Plan 6 create a cleaner, healthier environment whilst actions are needed, who will deliver them, beginning of our journey. We all face difficult 03 So What is Climate Change? 7 investments in low-carbon, climate-resilient how much it will cost where that is known, decisions and have many challenges to 7 industries can create jobs and stimulate and what funding is available, or required. The overcome, but by working together we can 3.1 How fast are temperatures rising? economic recovery. In Somerset, Hinkley Point Actions will be dynamic and flexible in nature, make significant progress to deliver our Goals 3.2 Emissions by sector 8 C and the Gravity Campus in Sedgemoor are continuously adapting to the most up-to-date for a brighter future. 3.2.1 Global emissions 9 UK-wide leading examples of how clean, low evidence, methodologies, funding sources, carbon growth can and will create high value emerging innovation and ideas. The Action 3.2.2 UK emissions 10 jobs, benefit the local supply chain and help Plan will be reviewed regularly and reported 3.2.3 Somerset emissions 11 deliver a ‘Net Zero’ future. on. 3.3 Emissions from what is consumed within Somerset 15 3.4 Why is it important to act? 16 3.4.1 The global response 16 3.4.2 The UK response 16 3.5 What are the impacts of Climate Change? 17 3.5.1 Global impacts 17 3.5.2 Summary of expected local impacts of Climate Change 19 3.6 The co-benefits of acting on Climate Change 21

SECTION TITLE PAGE NO. SECTION TITLE PAGE NO. 7.7 Water Sector Summary 65 04 Our Goals 23 7.8 Waste and Resources Sector Summary 68 4.1 Goal 1: To decarbonise the Local Authority and public sector estates 23 and reduce our carbon footprint 7.9 Communications Sector Summary 75 4.2 Goal 2: To work towards making Somerset carbon neutral by 2030 23 08 Turning Strategy into Delivery 81 4.3 Goal 3: Have a Somerset which is prepared for, and resilient to, 23 8.1 Climate Emergency Action Plan 81 the impacts of Climate Change 8.2 Work with communities 82 05 Challenges to achieving these Goals 26 8.3 Lobbying of the UK Government and ‘big asks’ 82 5.1 The Local Authorities’ role 26 09 Measurement, Monitoring and Review 91 5.2 Transport 26 9.1 Prioritisation of actions 83 5.3 Low carbon energy 27 9.2 Somerset CAN Measurement Tool review 83 84 5.4 Funding 27 9.3 Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) analyses 85 5.5 Skills, knowledge and innovation 27 9.4 Monitoring and review 9.5 Communications and engagement plan 86 5.6 Everybody must play their part 28 10 Summary 87 06 Covid-19 and the opportunities from a ‘green recovery’ 29 11 Glossary of terms: an explanation of the terms used in this document 88 6.1 Build Back Better 30 12 Climate Emergency Strategy acknowledgements 92 6.2 Risks to Net Zero and Build Back Better 30 13 Appendices 95 07 Thematic Sector Summaries and Strategy Outcomes 32 14 References 96 7.1 Energy Sector Summary 33 7.2 Transport Sector Summary 42 7.3 Built Environment Sector Summary 47 7.4 Business, Industry and Supply Chains Sector Summary 51 7.5 Natural Environment Sector Summary 56 7.6 Farming and Food Sector Summary 61 The Strategy addresses SECTION 1.1 About this Strategy 1.2 Why has this Strategy been developed? This Strategy ‘Towards a Climate Resilient Human activities have already contributed to a To achieve these aims, the 5 Somerset Local The Definition of Carbon Neutrality Somerset’ is our collective response to the 1°C rise in global average temperature above pre- Authorities agreed to work together to develop Climate Emergency being declared all around industrial levels which has had a significant impact and deliver a Climate Emergency Strategy for The Councils have agreed upon the following definition of carbon neutrality: the world. It sets out the evidence of how our on the human and natural world. The science on Somerset. ‘Carbon neutrality (having a Net Zero carbon footprint) refers to achieving Net

climate is changing, the impacts it will have at a the Climate Emergency is clear, we need urgent Zero carbon emissions by minimising CO2 emissions and by balancing the global, national and local level and outlines the action now to reduce our global carbon emissions Building Climate Resilience remaining amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered many challenges we face, and the measures and to keep any global temperature rise below 1.5°C to or offset’ opportunities we must take here in the County prevent disastrous consequences. of Somerset to enable us all to adapt and thrive Climate Mitigation in the future. In response to the overwhelming evidence and growing concern from local communities and These are the actions we can take to minimise or cease harmful emissions The Strategy residents for urgent, decisive action, each of the caused by human behaviour which damage our environment 5 Somerset Councils (Mendip District Council, Introduction: outlines 3 ambitious Goals which set Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County Climate Adaptation out “what we want to achieve?” Council, Somerset West and Taunton District ‘Towards a Climate Council and South Somerset District Council) This is adapting how and where we live to the actual or expected impacts of 1Resilient Somerset’ details outcomes and objectives passed resolutions which declared or recognised Climate Change and extreme weather events needed to meet these Goals a Climate Emergency (see Appendix 1). “how will Somerset be different as Carbon Sequestration & Storage a result of our collective actions?” Each declaration, although slightly different, aspired to work towards: This is how we can utilise technology and our natural resources to help explains what actions to take to achieve l A Carbon Neutral Somerset by 2030 capture atmospheric carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon and store them these outcomes “what we need to do?” l Building our resilience for, or adapting to, Source: https://www.calgary.ca long-term to either mitigate or defer global warming the impacts of a changing climate identifies organisations and individuals to lead these actions “who will do what?” Carbon Offsetting

provides indicative timescales for these This is buying carbon credits equivalent to the amount of carbon you emit actions need to be delivered ‘’by when?’’ to ensure your overall impact on the environment is ‘Net Zero’. This can be helpful in tackling emissions which are difficult to prevent or expensive to cut. However, buying carbon credits is controversial as it utilises economic power (money) to buy a way out of having to act on reducing your emissions and avoiding taking direct responsibility for your actions.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 1 PAGE 2 1.3 Scope and guiding principles 1.4 Prioritisation SECTION 2.1 Climate Emergency Framework This ambitious County-wide Strategy, although The Strategy demonstrates Somerset’s In developing this Strategy, each course of action The Somerset Councils’ Climate Emergency The first step on the road to carbon neutrality led by Somerset’s 5 Local Authorities, requires the commitment to the UK Government’s 2050 target has been reviewed to reduce any risk that it might Declarations set out shared ambitions to deliver: was to engage the people, communities and commitment from every organisation, business, of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to ‘Net create unintended consequences, that’s to say, by l A Carbon Neutral Somerset by 2030 businesses of Somerset in a discussion about community and resident of Somerset if we are to Zero’ and supports the UK’s 2015 Paris Agreement fixing one problem, we don’t unintentionally cause l Building our resilience for, or adapting to, Climate Change. achieve our goal of becoming a climate neutral pledge to keep global temperatures below 2°C a problem elsewhere. the impacts of a changing climate’ county by 2030 and building our resilience to the by 2050. A high-level Climate Emergency Framework impacts of Climate Change over the forthcoming We are responding to a ‘Climate Emergency’ The 5 Councils agreed to work together to tackle document was produced, setting the context, years for a better, brighter future. Following the publication of this Strategy, we will and know our residents and communities are the Climate Emergency and develop a shared identifying the sources of emissions and scoping also take the opportunity to develop numerous eager to see actions on the ground. We have Strategy for Somerset built around these 3 Goals. out the potential workstreams for action. This was The Strategy follows the ‘One Planet Living “Big Asks” of Government and actively lobby for exercised caution in focusing on “Quick Wins” or released for a wide online public consultation in 1 Principles’ which take a holistic approach to the necessary amendments to legislation and undertaking activities that could be seen as simply GOAL 1 Spring 2020. The feedback from the consultation sustainability and focuses on how we all live for funding to enable Somerset to deliver on its “Greenwashing.” Instead, the outcomes and helped frame the Climate Emergency Strategy at a our lives - going beyond cutting carbon and Climate Emergency Goals. actions are based on the best available knowledge, To decarbonise Local Authorities, the wider public local level and identified what residents see as the conservation to enhancing wellbeing, building evidence of need, and impact they will have in Focusing the Strategy: sector estates and reduce our carbon footprint priorities for action for Councils, communities and better communities and businesses, promoting cutting emissions and/or building resilience. Our approach individuals. A full report on the public consultation sustainable consumption and production and the They will be prioritised to ensure any investment GOAL 2 is available in Appendix 3. need for socially sustainable procurement as well makes the biggest contribution to achieving the 2 as a move towards a circular economy. Goals of this Strategy. To work towards making Somerset a Carbon 2.2 Climate Emergency Strategy Neutral County by 2030 The journey will undoubtedly require overcoming Following the consultation, work began shaping a series of challenges that require legislative GOAL 3 the Strategy based on the feedback received and changes at both national and local levels and clear analysis of the changes required for Somerset to funding mechanisms to implement the extensive To have a Somerset which is prepared for, and become carbon neutral and increase our resilience changes needed. Only through this shared resilient to, the impacts of Climate Change to the risks posed by Climate Change at a local level. commitment and a sharp focus on the actions needed to meet our Goals will we be able to deliver To utilise the expertise available within the County, transformational, sustainable and long-lasting a wide range of partners with sector expertise change to benefit our County. were invited to inform and lead several workstreams within the Strategy along with input and review from a range of key organisations with Climate Change and sustainability sector intelligence. To ensure the approach taken was on a sound scientific basis, further guidance was also taken from academics at Exeter University. TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 3 PAGE 4 2.3 The 9 key thematic sectors 2.4 Climate Emergency Action Plan

The Strategy identifies 9 key sectors responsible The 9 sectors, or themes, identified within the The sector lead and relevant experts developed From the objectives and outcomes listed, a high- These plans compliment the Climate Emergency for the majority of carbon emissions released Strategy are: each chapter by: level Action Plan has been created setting out a Action Plan, focusing on actions needed within across Somerset, action on which will have a list of actions that are needed to start us on the each administrative area, detailing how and when The Energy we use, the emissions produced l analysing the current and future issues faced major impact on our journey to carbon neutrality journey to carbon neutrality. See Appendix 16 projects will be delivered and funded in response from its use and the types of energy we will by their specialist sector to area-specific issues. Again, these plans will by 2030. look to harness in future l considering the national and local policy Some of these actions have been costed, key leads be dynamic and flexible in nature, continuously The Strategy also outlines a wide range of Our Transportnetworks - when and where context affecting or impacting the sector identified and timescales for delivery set, whilst adapting to the most up-to-date evidence, objectives and outcomes that each sector will we travel, and the means we choose to l researching and prioritising the key issues other actions require further work, more detailed methodologies, funding sources, emerging feasibility studies, wider consultation with the innovation and ideas. Links to each of the County need to deliver in order to cut emissions and make these journeys l developing a range of climate mitigation and and District environmental plans are shown in to adapt and build our County’s resilience to adaptation responses public and project funding identified. The Action The Built Environment - where and how we the adverse impacts of Climate Change in the Plan is a ‘live’ document which will be reviewed Appendix 4. live and work, the types of homes we live in, l where possible, identifying and evaluating immediate, medium and longer term. and updated regularly to monitor progress, new our commercial and industrial buildings and the costs, benefits and timescales of the technologies and innovations, national and local what we want for buildings in the future actions needed to meet the Goals The aim is for the Strategy to be ratified and policy, legislation change, and funding streams as l working together with other sector teams on formally adopted by all 5 of Somerset’s Local they become available or cease. Our local economy - specifically our cross-cutting issues and avoiding any Authorities by the end of 2020. It is hoped that Business, Industry and Supply Chains unintended secondary consequences from other key organisations and communities across As this is a Somerset-wide Strategy, the range the actions listed Somerset will endorse and adopt the Strategy Our Natural Environment - how we can protect of actions listed will need collaboration from and its recommendations and use it as a guide it and utilise it to reduce the harmful impacts businesses, communities and individuals from By following this approach, the findings of each or ‘route map’ to prioritise action, activities and of Climate Change both within, and outside, the County. sector are based on the latest research, evidence investment at community, organisational and Our Farming & Food - what, where and how and thinking from a wide range of individuals, individual level. In addition to the actions listed in the Action Plan, we produce our food and crops, vital to the interest groups, specialists and organisations. the County Council, District Councils and other rural economy of Somerset In addition, because there are potential health and partners will produce, or have already produced, wellbeing implications from the impacts of Climate Our Water resources - how they are managed their own bespoke Environmental or Carbon Change within all sectors, public health experts to minimise the impacts of flooding and Management plans to deliver significant cuts in reviewed and contributed to each of the thematic drought on our residents, buildings and emissions from their own estates and operations, sections of the Strategy. A summary of the landscapes and to build resilience into future service delivery, findings from each Sector is provided in Section estates and assets. The management of our Waste & Resources 7 of this Strategy. The full detailed report from - how we handle and treat our waste each workstream is available in Appendices 6-14. A complete table of all the outcomes derived How we Communicate and Engage - with from all sectors is presented in Appendix 15. Somerset’s citizens to enable us all to make life choices which reduce our impact on the environment locally, nationally and globally

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 5 PAGE 6 8% 3% Other 30% 3.1 How fast are temperatures rising? 3.2 Emissions by sector Waste SECTION Electricity and Climate Change refers to a large scale, long Since the industrial revolution, the earth`s average 3.2.1 Global emissions Heat Production term shift in the earth`s weather patterns temperature has risen by 1°C, a very rapid change In 2017, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate and average temperatures which is driven by in terms of our global climate system. Also, the Change (IPCC) estimated that the total annual 5% increased concentrations of greenhouse gases world is not warming evenly, so the temperature greenhouse gas emissions, including from Buildings in our atmosphere. The ‘greenhouse effect’ is increase is higher in some parts of the world. land-use change, reached a record high of 53.5

a naturally occurring process by which carbon The UK Met Office stated that as of 2018, the 20 (Gigatonne’s) GtCO2e. These emission estimates dioxide, water vapour, methane, ozone and warmest years on record globally had occurred in can be broken down by the economic activities nitrous oxide form a blanket around the earth the past 22 years3. This warming is shown on the that lead to their production as shown here. in our upper atmosphere. This traps heat from graph below. the sun, preventing it from radiating back out to Electricity and Heat Production (30%) space, thereby regulating our climate. Since the Most of these anthropogenic emissions will The burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for mid-1800’s Industrial Revolution, humans have, remain in the atmosphere for centuries and electricity and heat is the largest single source of by using fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil for continue to cause long term changes to our global greenhouse gas emissions. So what is heat and power generation, released millions of climate system. Also, as the earth warms, the tonnes of additional greenhouse gases such as speed at which further warming occurs increases Industry (18%) primarily from fossil fuels burned Climate Change? carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide into and we become more at risk of reaching a ‘tipping on site at facilities for energy. This sector also the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect point’ whereby large and abrupt changes occur, includes emissions from industrial processes 3 such as arctic permafrost thawing rapidly or the such as chemical, metallurgical and mineral causing the temperature of the earth to rise. Carbon dioxide levels are now 40% higher than Greenland ice sheet melting away causing extreme processing and waste management activities. pre-industrial times and greater than any time in and catastrophic events. (Note: Emissions from industrial electricity use are the past 800,000 years. excluded and are instead covered in the Electricity 18% and Heat Production sector). Greenhouse gases are measured in carbon dioxide Transportation

equivalents (CO2e), this allows the various global Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (18%) warming potentials of each types of gas to be mostly from agriculture (cultivation of crops and converted into a single, comparable measure. A livestock) and deforestation. This estimate does

tonne of CO2e equates to driving approximately not include the CO2 that ecosystems remove 18% 11,800 km or 7,300 miles in a small, economical from the atmosphere by sequestering carbon in diesel car or the equivalent emissions generated biomass, dead organic matter and soils, which 18% Industry by a single person travelling on a flight from offset approximately 20% of emissions from this London to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia2. sector. Agriculture, Forestry, Source: hadcrut4, noaa, nasa and and Other Land Use cowtan & way datasets IPCC 2018 Estimated Global Emissions by sector 2016 chapter 1 Framing & context Source: https://ourworldindata.org/emissions-by-sector

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 7 PAGE 8 Transportation (18%) primarily from fossil fuels such as transport (28%) and the built environment 3.2.3 Somerset emissions burned for road, rail, air and marine transportation. (15%) have made little progress since 1990. Almost all (95%) of the world’s transportation energy comes from petroleum-based fuels, largely Transport was the largest emitting sector of UK Energy supply delivered the largest reduction in from petrol and diesel. greenhouse gas emissions in 2018 emissions from 2017 to 2018 EMISSIONS BY SECTOR FOR SOMERSET 2018 (KTCO2) Buildings (5%) arising from onsite energy 2017-2018 1990-2018 Somerset West Sedgemoor South Somerset Mendip Somerset Emissions % change % change generation and burning fuels for heat in buildings & Taunton % or cooking in homes. (Note: Emissions from Transport 1% 3% electricity use in buildings are excluded and Industry & Commercial 158.8 196.2 263.2 206.2 824.4 25.2 are instead covered in the Electricity and Heat Energy supply 7% 62%

Production sector). Agriculture 43.3 23.8 38.4 32.4 137.9 4.2 Business 3% 31%

Housing 212.8 165.1 239.7 167.5 785.1 24.0 Waste (3%) emissions arising from treatment and Residential 4% 14% disposal of waste. Transport 408.9 450.9 386.3 259.5 1505.5 46.1 Agriculture 1% 16%

Other (8%) all emissions including those from Waste management 1% 69% Land-use, Land-change -56.6 29.4 -9.5 52.5 15.8 0.5 fugitive emissions from industrial processes and & Forestry (LULUCF) those from the energy sector which are not directly Other 2% Other 8% 89% associated with electricity or heat production, such as fuel extraction, refining, processing and Other includes Public, Industrial Processes and the Land The energy supply sector has accounted for around half 767.1 865.4 918.1 718.1 3,268.7 100 transportation. Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sectors of the overall reduction in UK emissions since 1990, at (note that LULUCF acts as a net sink of emissions). The which point it accounted for 35% of all emissions in the TOTAL 3.2.2 UK emissions percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding. UK. It was the largest emitting sector until its emissions fell below transport in 2016. In 2018, the UK greenhouse gas emissions Source: BEIS 2018 UK Greenhouse Gas Emission published by the Department for Business, Energy Statistics and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)4 were estimated to be 451.5 million tonnes CO2e, a significant reduction of around 43% since 1990. However, most of this progress derives from decarbonising electricity production, down 62% from 1990, as coal power generation has been phased out and replaced with less polluting energy generation Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions methods. Emission reductions in key sectors, national statistics 2005-2018

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 9 PAGE 10 The latest carbon emissions data estimates The largest amount of carbon emissions Transport sector 46% Reducing transport emissions in Somerset will be Domestic sector 24% Therefore, minimising and decarbonising energy published by BEIS shows that in 2018, a total of generated by sector within Somerset were Transport emissions in Somerset have remained a considerable challenge, due to the rurality of the Emissions from the domestic sector accounted consumption in buildings will be crucial to meeting

3,269 (kilotons) of ktCO2 were emitted in Somerset produced by the transport sector (46%) with a stubbornly high, at 1,500 ktCO2, with little change County, which makes it difficult for public transport for 24% of the total emissions released in the carbon neutrality targets by 2030. Through from industrial, agricultural, domestic and further 25% produced from industrial processes, in the volume of emissions since the mid 2000’s schemes to connect dispersed communities. The County in 2018. The graph below shows a slow planning, Local Authorities have the power to transport related sources5. 24% from the domestic sector, 4% from despite improvements in modern vehicles geography of Somerset, and variation in access and steady reduction from all the administrative influence the location, type of development,

agriculture and 0.5% from LULUCF. becoming cleaner, less polluting and more to public transport, means it is unlikely there is a areas from around 1,300 ktCO2 in 2006 to 785 materials used, low carbon building design and

2018 Carbon Emissions (%) in Somerset efficient. single low carbon transport solution appropriate ktCO2 in 2018. The majority of these reductions renewable energy generation requirements for by Sector (ktCO2) across all areas. were due to the decarbonisation of the energy new development.

Transport Sector Emissions in Somerset (ktCO2) sector, not significant improvements in energy However, the Local Authorities are positively efficiency within properties across the County. However, most buildings that will be standing by 4% encouraging a modal shift away from journeys Progress has slowed in recent years as some of 2030 have already been built and influencing how AGRICULTURE undertaken in cars to more active travel choices the easiest carbon reduction actions have been this existing housing stock can be improved or or public transport with the aim to make walking, taken and supporting mechanisms to encourage retrofitted regarding energy efficiency measures cycling and public transport (in that order and individuals to take action (Solar PV feed-in-tariff and cutting carbon emissions is far more wherever possible), the most convenient modes and Green Deal) have either ceased or not been challenging and complex. 24% of travel. They will seek investment in developing, widely adopted. 25% DOMESTIC improving or upgrading appropriate existing New developments and existing buildings and INDUSTRY transport links and networks to support this Domestic Sector Emissions in Somerset (ktCO2) infrastructure will also require considerable approach. investment to adapt them and build resilience to the projected impacts of Climate Change such as increased flood risk and overheating and more frequent extreme weather events.

0.5% LAND USE, LAND-CHANGE 46% & FORESTRYY TRANSPORT

Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions national statistics 2005-2018

Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions national statistics 2005-2018 TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 11 PAGE 12 Industry and commercial 25% Industry & Commercial emissions Agriculture 4%

In 2018, emissions from the industry and by administrative area ktCO2 The total carbon emissions from the County’s The Climate Change narrative around farming and commercial sector made up 25% of the annual agricultural sector have remained static over the food is one of “complexity” not only with regard carbon emissions for the County at 824.4 ktCO past 12 years at around 138 ktCO , which equates to agriculture’s role as an emitter and sequester 2 158.8 2 (excluding Agriculture). Since the mid 2000’s SOMERSET WEST to around 4% of the total carbon emissions for of carbon, but also around how the land is, and the volume of emissions has declined by over & TAUNTON Somerset. It should be noted that methane from should be, managed plus the role farming plays 50% with steep falls from emissions from large agricultural practices is a much greater source regarding the delivery of wider social, health and industrial installations and commercial electricity. 2018 Total of greenhouse gas emissions rather than carbon environmental benefits. As such it should be noted 196.2 emissions from the sector. This explains the that this is an emerging and dynamic policy area SEDGEMOOR Industry & Commercial Sector Emissions in Emissions disparity between agriculture accounting for and will need to be reviewed over time to reflect (ktCO ) Somerset (ktCO2) 2 10% of the UK greenhouse gas emissions, which sector innovation, new evidence, science and best (excluding includes methane (as shown in section 3.2.2) practice. agriculture) 206.2 and only 4% of carbon emissions for Somerset MENDIP which does not take methane emissions into It must also be noted that the agricultural sector account. Agriculture and food production are will be significantly impacted by the effects of crucial elements in the management of our local Climate Change. Rising temperatures, altered 263.2 environment and the economy of Somerset. They rainfall patterns and variations to atmospheric SOUTH SOMERSET also have national significance in terms of the CO2 concentrations will impact operations and quality of the landscapes and natural environment productivity, as well as pest prevalence and bring and the contribution to UK food production. the potential for the introduction of new invasive 824.4 species within the UK. Agricultural Sector Emissions in Somerset (ktCO ) SOMERSET 2

Source: UK local authority & regional CO emissions Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions 2 national statistics 2005-2018 national statistics 2005-2018

There is a relatively even spread of emissions Whilst the dataset is used to calculate emissions from this sector across all 4 District Council Areas at an overall District level, it only includes with Somerset West & Taunton District having emissions generated within the County and does not include emissions generated from supply the lowest emissions at 159 ktCO2 and South chains and distribution beyond the County’s Somerset District the highest at 263 ktCO2. borders.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 13 PAGE 14 3.3 Emissions from what is consumed for the UK’s territorial emissions in 2017. This 3.4 Why is it important to act? In 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 3.4.2 The UK response within Somerset gap between the UK’s consumption emissions Change’s (IPCC) published its detailed special and territorial emissions reflects the difference Due to emissions released over the next few decades report8 on Global Warming of 1.5°C, outlining the The UK has been at the forefront of Climate In addition to those emissions directly produced between the imported emissions to satisfy UK added to the emissions already within our atmosphere, significant impacts this level of warming will have Change legislation and established the UK Climate in Somerset, to which the above statistics are consumption and the emissions embedded in global average temperature will rise by over 1.5°C on the world. It also identified substantial number Change Programme in 2000 to cut greenhouse relevant, there are further indirect emissions. UK exports. and climate related risks to health, the environment of climate risks that would be avoided by keeping gas emission and deliver the emissions reductions These arise from the manufacture or delivery of and economic prosperity will increase significantly. warming to below 1.5°C compared to a greater agreed in the Kyoto protocol. products, goods and services that are purchased, The UK has a similar consumption footprint to increase. used or consumed by the residents, businesses many European countries, with consumption 3.4.1 The global response Climate Change Act 2008 9 and communities of Somerset but made or footprint CO e emissions per person greater than Climate extremes Temperature extremes are In 2008, the Climate Change Act was passed 2 At a global scale, there have been several created elsewhere. France, but lower than Germany and significantly expected to increase by 2-3 times the increase in enshrining a legal duty to ensure that UK landmark commitments and legislation (See global average temperature between 1.5°C and greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 80% by lower than non-European developed countries appendix 5) to take action to cut greenhouse It is important that we do not focus solely on such as the USA, Japan, Russia and Canada6. 2°C. Around 420 million fewer people would be 2050 and established the UK Committee on reaching ‘Net Zero’ by regarding emissions gas emissions including the: exposed to extreme heatwaves if warming was Climate Change (CCC) to advise the Government. l establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel produced at a local level only. Carbon emissions Calculating emissions produced by industries kept to 1.5°C rather than 2°C. on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 to provide will still be generated elsewhere to provide us and businesses is particularly difficult, primarily Climate Emergency 2019 detailed scientific research and reporting on Ecosystems Risks of species extinction on land with products and services further contributing to due to emissions from their supply chains. Not In 2019, following a review of the latest scientific how and why our climate was changing and and in the ocean are lower at 1.5°C than 2°C. future Climate Change. all emissions have to be publicly disclosed by evidence, the CCC published its own report what can be done to prevent the damaging For example, the fraction of global land area that 10 businesses, so there is a lack of data available to ‘Net Zero’ which supported the previous IPPC However, measuring the volume of ‘consumption’ impacts would change ecosystem type due to Climate findings. They advised the UK Government to assess the emissions of individual organisations. Change factors at 2°C (13%) would be roughly emissions is complex, with limited ‘experimental’ l 1992 United Nations Conference, or Rio Earth revise its long term 2050 carbon emissions halved if warming was kept below 1.5°C (7%). UK data on consumption emissions published by From the latest estimated data, 54% of the Summit, whereby member states were brought target from an 80% cut, to a ‘Net-Zero’ target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. the Department for Environment, Food and Rural UK’s consumption footprint emissions were together to cooperate on environmental issues Distribution of risks The increase in climate Affairs (Defra) available annually. Consumption produced in the UK and are therefore counted in and agree the first Framework Convention risk between a 1.5°C and 2°C warming would Following the report, the UK Government revised emissions statistics have higher uncertainty than the UK’s territorial account. An additional 10% on Climate Change to stabilise Greenhouse disproportionately impact the poorest. Poverty its carbon emissions target to Net Zero by 2050 the area-based emissions described above. This is are produced in EU countries, meaning around Gas concentrations in the atmosphere and disadvantage have already increased with and became the first national Government to due to the large amount of national accounts and two-thirds of the UK’s consumption footprint l establishment of the annual United Nations recent warming and will increase for many declare a Climate Emergency in May 2019. Now trade data required, in addition to Greenhouse Gas falls within countries that have legislated, or Conference of the Parties (COP) which has populations as average global temperatures over 270 Councils, as well as countless other inventories, to map the global flows of goods and have currently proposed, an equally ambitious resulted in ground-breaking legislation increase from 1°C to 1.5°C and higher. private and public sector entities, educational services which provide inputs for a final product long-term emission reductions target as the UK. including the 1997 Kyoto Protocol which set establishments and not for profit organisations consumed in the UK. Emissions produced in China contribute 8% of the the first obligations for industrialised countries Irreversible changes Marine ice sheet instability have followed suit and declared or recognised a UK’s consumption footprint. The large number of to cut carbon emissions and the 2015 Paris in Antarctica and/or irreversible loss of the Climate Emergency. In 2017, the most recent year for which estimates regions that make a significant contribution to the Agreement whereby 195 countries agreed to Greenland ice sheet could possibly be triggered are available, the UK’s consumption CO2e UK’s carbon footprint reflects the complexity of adopt legally binding carbon reduction targets by warming between 1.5°C and 2°C. Keeping emissions footprint was estimated to be 772 current global supply chains7. to keep global warming below a 2°C average warming below this level reduces the risk of MtCO2e. This is larger than the 505 MtCO2e temperature rise. triggering these large-scale irreversible shifts. TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 15 PAGE 16 The Environment Bill 2020 economy. Underpinning all of these aims and l Damage to marine ecosystems - Rising ocean This diagram illustrates some of the drivers The UK Government has also looked to address ambitions is the need to align our public and temperatures, ocean acidification and ocean of Climate Change and the impacts they several issues related to the natural environment private finance with the Paris Agreement and that anoxia (lack of oxygen) are damaging to marine could have on the climate system. by introducing the Environment Bill. This through these campaigns, we can not only ‘do no life such as fish and coral reefs. legislation will create legally binding environmental harm’, but also rebuild our economies better than improvement targets, deliver biodiversity net ever before. l Ocean acidification - occurs when the ocean gain on future developments and create a new absorbs carbon dioxide and becomes more independent Office for Environmental Protection. 3.5 What are the impacts of Climate Change? acidic, a damaging side effect from more Its role will be to scrutinise environmental carbon in the atmosphere. policy and law, investigate complaints and take 3.5.1 Global impacts enforcement action against public authorities Some of the possible impacts of Climate Change to uphold environmental standards. include: l Conflict and climate migrants - Climate Change is a stress multiplier - it can take l Rising sea levels - Rising temperatures cause 2021 UNFCCC Conference of the Parties existing problems, such as lack of food or glaciers and ice sheets to melt, increasing (COP 26) and G7 Presidency shelter and make them worse. This can cause runoff resulting in global sea level rise. Seas In 2021, under the UK’s Presidency, the delayed people to compete or fight over scarce and oceans absorb 90% of the extra heat from 26th UNFCCC climate summit11 will be held resources (food, water, and shelter), global warming: warmer water expands taking in Glasgow. The UK Government will take this or to migrate. up more space. opportunity to demonstrate its leadership on climate mitigation and adaptation by encouraging an increase in global climate ambition. It will focus l Flooding of coastal regions - Coastal towns the world on ‘green growth’ aiming not only to and cities are at greater risk from flooding as meet our Climate Change targets set under the sea levels continue to rise. Paris Agreement, but also demonstrating how to deliver multiple benefits from developing clean l Extreme weather events – Climate changes renewable energy and zero emissions transport causes extreme weather events to become to boost economic growth, create jobs, whilst more intense and frequent, such as heatwaves, Drivers of climate change improving public health through cleaner air. droughts and floods It will also promote how, through protecting and restoring nature, we can improve the resilience, Changes to the climate system sustainability and economics of agriculture. l Food insecurity - High temperatures, extreme By incorporating adaptation and resilience into weather events, flooding and droughts damage Impacts recovery plans, we can better prepare for an soils and reduce biodiversity affecting crop uncertain future while supporting the global yields year on year. Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/climate-change/ what-is-climate-change TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 17 PAGE 18 3.5.2 Summary of expected local impacts of Climate Change UK Progress in preparing for Climate Change

Infrastructure Natural environment More extreme weather with climate change will disrupt infrastructure services, The health of the natural environment such as electricity, telecommunications, and transport needs to be improved so it can cope with climate change Targets to improve the natural environment are Storm Desmond in 2015 being missed and are showed telephone and Long-term declines in due to expire in 2020 broadband services are TRANSPORT THE BUILT BUSINESS & THE NATURAL WATER HEALTH & £15 million key species continue vulnerable to flooding Infrastructure failures, allocated for NETWORKS ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT & (FLOOD RISK WELLBEING such as bridges, can natural flood have widespread management AGRICULTURE & DROUGHT) consequences projects Agricultural efficiency has been increasing Water and energy Better co-ordination and data infrastructure is becoming sharing between infrastructure more resilient providers is needed Disruption to transport Overheating risks Costs to reduce Risk to vulnerable Increase risk of coastal, Increase in heat-related networks from extreme in housing, offices, emissions and adapt species and habitats pluvial and fluvial illness and death Flooding weather events, (flood schools, hospitals and infrastructure flooding Climate change is set to increase 18,000 new homes due to be built in the highest risk parts the frequency and intensity of of the floodplain per year and heat) impacting on social care settings to Climate Change Impacts on ‘eco- Risk to the elderly and flooding, with four million homes local economy, health & system services’ Increased flash flood very young with heart in England already at risk Sewer networks lack Progress in preparing sufficient capacity for wellbeing Damage to buildings Disruption to enjoyed by people risk from extreme and respiratory disease heavier rainfall for climate change and infrastructure from transport, energy weather events Flood risk to transport Key messages from the Adaptation extreme weather events and communications Impacts of increased Disrupted access to Sustainable drainage Sub-Committee’s second report to infrastructure drought Further stress on services and facilities systems are not being widely used Parliament on the UK Government’s Need to retrofit Risks to supply chains already under pressure from extreme weather Heavy rain/high winds National Adaptation Programme buildings to build both local, national Damage to natural water resources events Flood defence spending leading to more has increased, with resilience and global habitats from water £2.5bn being invested accidents, treefalls, 2015-2021 road closures and stress Increased competition Flooding impacts on delays New design standards Increased prices for for water between health, wellbeing and needed for drainage, raw materials, goods, Pests and disease risk agriculture, industry, livelihoods Overheating in the Coastal regions Risk of slope/ insulation and building and other imported of invasive/non-native households and the built environment Green spaces and Climate change will increase Heatwave temperatures trees help to keep tidal flooding and the rate of temperatures embankment failures fabric etc Increased commodities species colonising needs of the natural Air quality impacts will become a normal coastal erosion. UK waters are 11,000 homes were down flood risk environment exacerbated summer by the 2040s becoming warmer and this will protected against coastal Overheating/failure of affect fisheries erosion between 2010 Reduced comfort in Changes to growing and 2015 signalling & comms The resilience of UK Increased water stress buildings impacting seasons Drought impacts on ports to sea level No building rise is not known on productivity water quality and standards in place More action Risk of rails buckling, to avoid new homes needed to protect cables sagging and Disruption to power Heat stress on supply overheating communities from and communication Changes to markets livestock coastal change roads softening in heat Hospitals, care homes, There is evidence 60% of coastal schools and prisons are that plankton is networks and demand habitats are in not being adapted for becoming less Area of urban greenspace is good condition Discomfort on public warmer weather abundant in warmer Damage to crops & no longer falling transport landscapes from UK waters flooding www.theccc.org.uk/publications Read our new report èProgress in preparing for climate change – 2017 Report to Parliament #UKClimateAction

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 19 Source: www.theccc.org.uk/publications PAGE 20 3.6 The co-benefits of acting on SUMMARY OF CO-BENEFITS OF ACTING ON CLIMATE CHANGE Climate Change ECONOMIC SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL The scientific evidence presented above describes why we must take urgent action to reduce our carbon emissions. However, there is also much Clean and inclusive growth Improved air quality Reduced flood risk to be gained from doing so as part of a ‘smart in the local economy (coastal, pluvial and fluvial) and sustainable’ future for Somerset. Since Lower living costs the publication of the Stern report in 2006 on Low carbon technologies Improved access to the economic impacts of Climate Change, it More active, outdoor lifestyles greenspace and nature has been well understood that the benefits of High quality employment acting to reduce carbon emissions outweigh the Healthier diets Improved & enhanced costs12. While there are considerable challenges Improved productivity biodiversity and habitats associated with reaching our carbon neutral target Fuel poverty alleviated by 2030, the benefits of taking action significantly Diversification to more Improved land management outweigh the costs over time. sustainable markets Less demand on health services Cleaner air Reduced heat & energy costs Improved mental health Cleaner water Increased energy security Fewer work & school days Greater water security Reduced imported fuels missed and materials Carbon sequestration Less premature deaths in all habitats Reduced congestion Warmer, healthier homes Less risk of heatwaves and Reduced costs from flood extreme weather events & extreme events Quieter, safer streets Less waste/less resource Reduced waste Improved community cohesion use

A circular economy Better work/life balance Reduced/reverse species decline Less waste

PAGE 22 GOAL 1 be made. This is where the Local Authorities have A primary objective of this Strategy is to identify IMPACT OVER TIME GOAL 1 SHORT TERM the greatest ability to influence and contribute to clear pathways by which carbon emissions from SECTION To decarbonise Local Authorities, the wider public 1A Decarbonise Local Authority estates the wider Goal 2 (See below). all sectors within and beyond Somerset can be sector estates and reduce our carbon footprint and reduce our carbon footprint directly reduced, avoided or mitigated against. The Goal 1B 5 Local Authorities have a key role in both leading 1B Encourage and Support the GOAL 2 The aim of Goal 1b is to encourage and support and supporting others to act but its success will decarbonisation of the wider Public the decarbonisation of the wider public sector rely on significant national and local policy change Sector Estates and reduce its carbon To work towards making Somerset a Carbon estate across Somerset, reducing the carbon and the commitment of others to act and rapidly footprint Neutral County by 2030 footprint of its operations and activities. Whilst the adopt significant changes to existing lifestyles and ability to direct the type or speed of the activity behaviours. GOAL 3 to cut carbon emissions is not solely within the HIGHER gift of the 5 Local Authorities, many public sector Achieving this Goal will require far reaching and 2020 To have a Somerset which is prepared for, and partners across Somerset are already on a similar unprecedented changes in all aspects of society. resilient to, the impacts of Climate Change journey to decarbonise their estates and assets. It is therefore possible for the Local Authorities GOAL 2 Our Goals 4.1 Goal 1: To decarbonise the Local to lead by example, share learning, look for joint SHORT TO MEDIUM TERM Authority and wider public sector estates working opportunities and share services and Work towards making and reduce our carbon footprint assets where economies of scale can be identified. Somerset carbon Local neutral by 2030 4 Authority This Goal is formed of 2 discrete parts and should 4.2 Goal 2: To work towards making ability to be considered a short-term Goal delivered within Somerset a carbon neutral County by 2030 the next decade. influence GOAL 3 This is considered a short to medium term Goal MEDIUM TO GOAL 1A with the ambition to have delivered this by 2030. 2030 LONG TERM The aim of Goal 1a is to decarbonise the Local Whilst by setting the Goal of Carbon Neutrality Have a Somerset Authority estate, assets and operations across by 2030 goes much further and faster than the which is prepared Somerset, reducing its overall carbon footprint Climate Emergency declarations made by the UK for, and resilient in the short term. The ability to act and affect a Government and some other Local Authorities, to, the impacts of positive change lies directly within the gift of the it was agreed that this Strategy should set this Climate Change 5 Somerset Local Authorities. ambitious target in order to address the pressing need for rapid action on Climate Change. We In order to meet this aim, significant investment, all must take ownership and achieving this LOWER along with a comprehensive review of how and goal will require a strong commitment from our 2080 where services are delivered, how staff travel and communities, our businesses, our partners and work and what is purchased, and from where, is our citizens. needed to identify where the carbon savings can TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 23 PAGE 24 4.3 Goal 3: To have a Somerset which is 5.1 The Local Authorities’ role 5.2 Transport prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts SECTION of Climate Change The role of the Local Authorities will be to show The composition of Somerset, both geographically leadership by adapting its own estate, assets and demographically, adds to the difficulties in This is considered a medium to long term Goal, Achieving this Goal for the whole of Somerset and operations, lobbying the UK Government delivering our Goals. Whilst the beauty of the with resilience being developed from now until the will be beyond the limited control of the Local for funding and legislative changes as well as natural environment and rurality of the region middle and latter parts of the century. Authorities alone. Its success will largely rely influencing, enabling, supporting and working makes Somerset a special place to live, reducing This Goal seeks to ensure that the County of on major policy changes at a national level, with individuals and organisations to drive emissions from the transport sector is less Somerset is prepared for, and builds resilience to, with regards to building standards for homes change. By working with an array of groups, Local simple than in an urban town or city with a more the likely impacts of future Climate Change. This and infrastructure, significant funding being Authorities can empower, encourage and support concentrated, less dispersed population. will require action across all sectors within the made available to help fund the levels of future the strategic actions required to achieve carbon There are 6,604km (4,104 miles) of roads in the County, as well as commitment and support from proofing needed and the commitment of others neutrality for Somerset. This underlines why it County with a total of 4.31 billion miles travelled business and industry, farming and food sectors, (businesses, communities and individuals) to act is essential to build a consensus and ensure upon them in 201813.Whilst urban centres like communities and individuals. Action will need and make significant changes to lifestyles and Somerset residents share ownership of the Taunton, Yeovil and Bridgwater are relatively well to be taken to adapt or ‘future proof’ the homes behaviours. Strategy and the delivery of its actions. connected, accessibility is an issue in rural areas we live in, the places we work, our transport and Challenges to due to the limited local road network and a paucity communication networks and how goods and achieving these The policies, strategies and regulatory powers of public transport in areas like the Mendip Hills, services are provided and delivered across the of the Local Authorities can make significant Exmoor and between Somerset’s many villages County. 5Goals contributions to reductions to net emissions and hamlets. across Somerset. For example, the ability of It requires focusing on adapting the built Local Authorities to stipulate higher standards Additionally, the presence of arterial roads environment (homes, offices, industrial buildings, for new developments is limited by the National spanning Somerset (the M5 and A303) contributes roads and railways) where possible to protect Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) but local to a large proportion of transport emissions against rising temperatures, changing patterns of planning policies can set more challenging carbon with journeys not necessarily originating or rainfall, sea level rise as well as extreme weather reduction targets for new developments to cut terminating within the County. 26% of Somerset’s events (heatwaves and flooding). emissions, as opposed to continuing a ‘business total transport emissions derive from the M5 as usual’ approach to development. However, it is alone. Changes in national policy are needed to In addition, our natural environment will be likely the NPPF will require significant amendment tackle emissions generated from these transient impacted, growing seasons will change, pests and to enable Councils to enforce these standards journeys as they fall largely outside the remit of disease could become more prevalent and our without fear of developers launching and winning the Somerset Local Authorities. soils and vegetation will be at risk from extreme costly, damaging appeals against local planning events such as drought and flood. Through careful policies and decisions. thought and planning, any potential benefits that may arise from our changing climate can be captured and exploited.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 25 PAGE 26 5.3 Low carbon energy

Furthermore, the abundance of protected For many years, Somerset has hosted nuclear prevent us from taking immediate action in areas In broad terms, Somerset has a greater proportion Whilst the Local Authorities can set policies and landscapes, such as Exmoor National Park and the power production, which is recognised as a low that already have a strong evidence base. The of people with NVQ1-3 skills levels (i.e. up to and create programmes to drive things forward, it is four Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), carbon power generator. With Hinkley A having Committee on Climate Change’s Net Zero report including further education) and marginally fewer ultimately Somerset’s residents, and the everyday add to the natural capital within Somerset, yet may ceased production and Hinkley B nearing the end provides clear guidance as to the ‘least regret people with NVQ4+ skills (i.e. degree level and choices they make, that will have the biggest prove problematic when identifying areas suitable of its productive life, the Hinkley C plant currently options’ and interventions that will be necessary above). However, the County has leading skills impacts. In order to deliver fundamental for renewable energy generation and storage, and under construction will continue low carbon in order to deliver on a carbon neutrality target. and innovation strengths in industries such as and lasting change, in the absence of national Climate Change adaptation projects. energy production in Somerset for decades to aerospace, nuclear and advanced engineering and legislative drivers, we (the Local Authorities) must come. 5.5 Skills, knowledge and innovation manufacturing. Achieving carbon neutrality, whilst encourage, empower and enable our residents to Initial scoping work has highlighted the need for profiting from the opportunities of transition, will take personal decisions that will reduce their own retrofitting or the upgrading of a large number 5.4 Funding Research shows that a wide array of both higher require the development of new skills as well as personal carbon footprints and change behaviours of existing domestic and commercial buildings and lower-level skills will be needed to meet the repurposing of others, enabling workforce so the Goals of the Strategy can be met. in Somerset to improve energy efficiency, The UK Government’s target for national carbon carbon neutrality objectives, cutting across mobilisation across sectors, capitalising on However, we also understand that adopting a low decarbonise heat and power, and ensure future neutrality by 2050 means that centralised funding multiple industries and supporting activities such competitive advantages we have in certain carbon lifestyle, by purchasing an electric vehicle, resilience. To meet the national Net Zero target, for initiatives may be out of step with our 2030 as low-carbon heating and energy, the production industries, whilst plugging inevitable skills gaps retrofitting a home, buying low energy appliances it is estimated that 26 million properties across target unless the investment is front-loaded in and maintenance of low-emission vehicles, as elsewhere. and buying locally sourced and healthier foods can the UK will require a deep retrofit by 205014. the 2020s. We will need to lobby Government to well as the wide-scale retrofitting of homes15. The be expensive and unaffordable for many residents This equates to 16,000 properties per week, yet prioritise Somerset for investment if our Goals challenge for Somerset will be in understanding 5.6 Everybody must play their part and households on low incomes. currently only around 20,000 per year are in receipt of carbon neutrality are to be met. New funding the specific skills required and ensuring that of energy efficiency measures. streams and programmes are being announced as the current and future workforce has access to All the challenges described above require a Town and Parish Councils, with their detailed part of the ‘green’ recovery following the Covid-19 appropriate training. It is important to ensure that whole system approach to tackling Climate local knowledge, understanding of local needs The lack of disposable income and prevalence pandemic, such as the Green Homes Grant, but it individuals understand the opportunities in relation Change and demonstrate the need for a joined- and ability to connect with and empower local of fuel poverty in some of our communities, is too early to judge what impact these will have. to carbon neutral jobs both now and in the future. up strategic plan for delivery. The biggest gains residents to take action are ideally placed to as well as the limited opportunities for Local This will ensure Somerset has an appropriately in direct emissions reduction will be delivered via support communities to take these steps. They Authorities to influence the energy standards With limited resources available for Local skilled workforce ‘pipeline’ which fully meets the decarbonisation of the energy and transport are in a position to share information about the of private properties, present barriers to project Authorities to deliver projects and infrastructure demand. sectors through electrification. However, there impacts and opportunities presented by Climate implementation. Furthermore, the end of life change, prioritising resource allocation is will be constraints on how hard and fast we are Change, to plan the responses needed and they disposal or recycling of any low carbon or essential. We collectively have finite and limited The Hinkley Point C project16 demonstrates the able to go, not least from funding, but also due will play a critical role in the collective efforts for renewable energy technologies (electric vehicle funds, and a significant proportion of this money demand for both high-level skills and more basic to constraints on our electric grid system. Somerset to become carbon neutral, and building batteries, solar panels or wind turbines) needs is already allocated. We must ensure we gain skills when delivering large-scale low carbon future resilience at a community and household to be carefully considered at the implementation optimal benefits and emissions reductions from all projects. This dynamic of requiring a combination level. stage in order to minimise any future our investments. Whilst there is a role for in-depth of higher (NVQ4), to lower-skilled (NVQ2-3) roles environmental impact. analysis and longer-term planning, it should not is replicated across low-carbon industries, from heating and energy to electric vehicle production.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 27 PAGE 28 Whilst this Strategy was being drafted, the world Since the onset of Covid-19, due to the extensive “The Covid-19 crisis has shown the importance SECTION was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdowns and reduction in economic activity, of planning well for the risks the country faces. rapid development of this public health crisis there has been a significant, albeit temporary, fall Recovery means investing in new jobs, cleaner changed all our lives, with devastating impacts in greenhouse gas emissions both in the UK and air and improved health. The actions needed to on human health and the economy. It triggered around the world. Indeed, the International Energy tackle Climate Change are central to rebuilding our

the worst recession in living memory (around a Agency (IEA) suggest that global CO2e emissions economy. The Government must prioritise actions 20% contraction in the UK for the 3 months from are likely to fall by as much as 8% this year – six that reduce climate risks and avoid measures that March to May 2020 according to the Office for times larger than the reduction seen following the lock-in higher emissions” National Statistics17) and raising unemployment global financial crash18. to levels beyond the 2008/09 financial crisis. The 6.2 Risks to Net Zero and Build Back Better

extraordinary steps taken to slow infection rates But this effect is only temporary. CO2e emissions and protect public health created new economic must be cut consistently year after year until they The Covid-19 crisis however also presents and social pressures with significant changes to reach Net Zero to slow and halt global warming potential threats and obstacles to delivering the how we live and work. if we are to address the cumulative problem of UK’s Net Zero goal. Inevitably, greater measures rising concentrations of greenhouse gases in the to protect public health will affect the ability to Covid-19 and the There were marked decreases in local and regional atmosphere. Innovative and radical solutions are deliver some climate measures (e.g. continued traffic levels (down around 40% according to needed to cut emissions permanently as people social distancing will hinder moves towards public opportunities from AA reports) as society locked down, shops and return to pre-Covid-19 routines and practices transport, and some low-carbon investments will 6a ‘green’ recovery businesses closed, and commuting ceased unless greener, low carbon options are made be delayed). as people either worked from home or were available and, in some cases, enforced. furloughed. Passenger flights from major airlines In the short term, with the economy operating well in the UK and around the world decreased by 6.1 Build Back Better below capacity, action by Government must aim up to 90% and there was a massive increase in to tackle unemployment and inequality, protect active travel modes (walking and cycling), with As we recover from the pandemic and return workers and businesses, restore confidence, an uptake in cycling of over 200% in many areas. to a new ‘normal’, the Committee on Climate encourage spending and rebuild a greener These modal shifts away from car use has led to Change (CCC) has called on the UK Government economy, particularly for the most affected significant improvements in localised air quality to seize the opportunity to make the Covid-19 regions and sectors. These objectives can be and health. recovery a defining moment in tackling the climate strongly complementary to the UK’s climate goals crisis, framing a recovery that both accelerates but must avoid locking in any carbon-intensive Other impacts of lockdown were that electricity the transition to Net Zero and strengthens our activities in the long term. demand fell, the four remaining UK coal fired resilience to the impacts of Climate Change, power stations were taken offline, and renewable whilst driving new economic activity19. In May energy sources supplied nearly 40% of the energy 2020 Lord Deben, Chair of the CCC, stated: used. People shopped more locally buying local produce.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 29 PAGE 30 As described previously, 9 key sectors, responsible Specialists led work on each of the 9 sectors, for the majority of the CO e emissions released analysing and prioritising current and future Longer term, a ‘green’ recovery shifting away from technologies along with investment and space 2 within Somerset, were identified: issues, considering local and UK Government polluting, carbon-based fossil fuels can create to make it easy for people to walk, cycle and SECTION policy implications, and identifying a series of a cleaner, healthier environment. Investments work remotely The Energy we use, the emissions produced actions needed to minimise emissions and build in low-carbon and climate-resilient industries l from its use and the types of energy we will Improved green space management including resilience within each area of work. and infrastructure can create jobs and stimulate peatland restoration, improving the productivity look to harness in future economic recovery, change the trajectory of UK and resilience of our food supply, strengthening A workstream lead, supported by a wide range of emissions toward Net Zero, whilst improving our Our Transportnetworks - when and where investment in water management, flood relevant sector and subject-matter experts and resilience to Climate Change impacts. we travel, and the means we choose to protection and coastal defences, protecting make these journeys stakeholders worked to: and enhancing biodiversity and researching l analyse the current and future issues faced In Somerset, Hinkley Point C and the Gravity the development of natural carbon storage The Built Environment - where and how we by their specialist sector Campus are leading UK examples of how clean, at a much larger scale live and work, the types of homes we live in, low carbon growth can create high value jobs, our commercial and industrial buildings and l consider the national and local policy context benefit the local supply chain and help deliver Public money should not support industries or what we want for buildings in the future affecting or impacting the sector a ‘Net Zero’ future. infrastructure in any way that is inconsistent with l research and prioritise the key issues Our local economy - specifically our the future Net Zero economy or that increases l Business, Industry and Supply Chains develop a range of climate mitigation and There are clear economic, social, and environmental exposure to climate risks. Thematic sector adaptation responses benefits from immediate expansion of the Our Natural Environment - how we can l following measures: summaries and identify the key outcomes each sector would protect it and utilise it to reduce the need to work towards to achieve the Climate l Investment in low-carbon and climate-resilient 7Strategy outcomes harmful impacts of Climate Change Emergency Strategy’s Goals infrastructure Our Farming and Food - what, where and l Support for reskilling, retraining and research how we produce our food and crops, vital A summary of the findings from each sector, for a Net Zero, climate-resilient economy to the rural economy of Somerset along with the outcomes needed to lead us l Greater investment in renewable energy towards carbon neutrality, is presented here. technologies and the wider development of a Our Water resources - how they are The organisation(s) who will lead, support and resilient and flexible ‘smart grid’ energy system managed to minimise the impacts of enable the delivery of each outcome are identified, to allow these technologies to support more of flooding and drought on our residents, along with the goal(s) the outcome delivers our changing energy demands buildings and landscapes against. Also included is the indicative timescale l Upgrading and retrofitting homes and The management of our Waste and by when each outcome will need to be achieved other buildings to improve energy efficiency, Resources - how we handle and and some of the likely co-benefits that may arise implementing low carbon heating and ensure treat our waste from enacting each. properties are resilient for the future How we Communicate and Engage A detailed report from each of the sectors, and l Decarbonising the transport system by - with Somerset’s citizens to enable us a complete table of the 63 sector outcomes is investing in electric vehicle charging all to make life choices which reduce provided in Appendices 6-15. infrastructure, rail electrification and hydrogen our impact on the environment locally, nationally and globally PAGE 32 No. ENERGY SECTOR Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS OUTCOME Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium Supports or Long Term

1 Develop and deliver an Energy Plan for Somerset - Local Authorities, 1, 2 & 3 Short, Medium Stimulate the market, green Introduction Roadmap to decarbonising the energy system Delivery Partners, & Long Term economy, growth and We all depend on energy to power, light and heat Within the region, there are major players in the in Somerset. whole systems approach (buildings, Businesses, Industry, prosperity, energy security. our homes and businesses. Across Somerset, we energy sector with whom the Local Authorities will heat, transport and power generation). Agriculture, WPD, SSEN currently consume approximately 2,451 GWh of work closely to develop projects and proposals electricity20 and 3,179 GWh of gas per annum21. In through to delivery so as to address some of the 2 Local Authority Energy Performance is smarter, Local Authorities 1& 2 Short, medium Minimised running costs, addition to this, we consume approximately 2,570 challenges this paper presents and ensure an more efficient and eliminates the use of fossil & long term stimulate market & supply GWh of residual fuels such as petroleum, coal, optimal outcome for Somerset. Close working fuels for heating and transport by 2030 (Estate chain, demonstrate real world solid fuels, bioenergy and waste (excluding road relationships with Western Power Distribution and Operations) examples, leading by example transport22). To become a carbon neutral County, (WPD), Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks it is critical that we eliminate the use of fossil fuels (SSEN), EDF Energy, public sector partners, 3 100% of Local Authority energy demand is met Local Authorities 1 & 2 Short, medium Stimulate the market, green and support the UK’s transition to a low carbon, Somerset Community Energy (SCE), community through locally generated and locally owned & long term economy, growth and prosperity, predominantly electric, smart, flexible, Net Zero energy groups, the University of Exeter Centre for renewable energy by 2030. (Estate & Operations) energy security, leading by example energy system. This will include the electrification Energy and the Environment, Regen, The Centre for of transport and heating, mitigating the rise in Sustainable Energy (CSE), the South West Energy 4 Low carbon and renewable energy generation, Local Authorities 1 & 2 Short, medium Stimulate the market, green demand for electricity and significantly reducing Hub, the South West Energy Unit, and others will storage and schemes supporting smarter grid & long term economy, growth and prosperity, energy consumption through energy conservation, be vital to achieving success. flexibility are delivered on Local Authority land energy security, leading by example efficiency, increasing renewable energy generation and assets. and embracing smart grid technologies across In addition, the Heart of the South West (HotSW) Somerset. Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has reframed 5 A significant proportion of electricity demand UK Government, LEP, 1 & 2 Medium to Energy security, affordable energy its Local Industrial Strategy in relation to delivering across Somerset is met by locally generated and DSOs, partners, long term for all, money spent on electricity ENERGY SECTOR A ‘whole systems’ approach to transforming the clean growth23. It will be important for the Local locally owned low carbon and renewable energy Energy Hub, community stays within the County, community 7.1 energy system is required. Every topic within Authorities to engage closely with the LEP as (excluding nuclear) by 2030, moving towards energy groups, investment, green economy, growth SUMMARY this chapter could be considered individually, into ’on the ground‘ delivery through its emerging 100% and then becoming a net exporter by 2050 individuals, businesses and prosperity. with projects arising from each taken forward Energy Strategy Action Plan24. The electricity grid is smarter, more flexible and UK Government, Ofgem, 1 & 2 Medium to Unlocks huge economic potential. in isolation, but major inter-dependencies and 6 opportunities would be missed by taking this Considering the Covid-19 crisis, the accompanying peak demand is met through low carbon and LEP, DSOs, Local Authorities, long term Local energy markets, affordable approach. A ‘whole systems’ approach to energy recession and the amount of economic stimuli renewable energy, energy storage and improved Energy Generators, energy for all policy is required nationally and locally. that will be necessary to achieve a recovery, there demand side response. Businesses, Individuals is an opportunity for Somerset to re-prioritise and Heat demand within Somerset is reduced and UK Government, Local 1 & 2 Medium to Stimulate the market, green stimulate the economy through investment in 7 renewable energy and energy efficiency to deliver decarbonised as far as possible by 2030 and Authorities, Community Energy, long term economy, growth and prosperity, our carbon neutral Goals. fully by 2050 Businesses, Individuals energy security

8 Energy infrastructure in Somerset is adapted UK Government, 3 Short, medium Energy security/ reliability TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 33 and resilient to the projected impacts of DSOs, Local Authorities. & long term PAGE 34 Climate Change. Renewable energy The Somerset Local Authorities will: Opportunities and benefits Hinkley Point C l Switch to 100% renewable energy tariffs l Energy security Somerset has significant untapped potential in (short term solution) with a medium to l Reduce the County’s dependency on imported The construction of Hinkley Point C (HPC) offers During construction, supply chain, skills relation to renewable energy generation. The long term view to purchase energy from fossil fuels transformational potential for Somerset. HPC development and inward investment all benefit 2015 ‘The Power to Transform the South West’ local community energy schemes and is the largest ‘low carbon’ energy project in the significantly from this £21bn project, with over l Money spent on electricity stays within the Report considers, at a high level, the renewable renewable energy generators in the County. UK and offers a range of economic, social and £1.3 billion already invested directly to South County energy opportunities across the South West. l Explore and implement opportunities for environmental opportunities during and after the West Businesses. At peak construction at least l Community energy investment It suggests that 152% of total future energy generating renewable energy and battery construction period. 5,600 workers will work on site each day. The l needs for Somerset could be produced through storage initiatives on Local Authority land Community energy groups could be a HPC education, skills and employment pipeline is renewable energy in the County to a tune of vehicle for energy conservation and HPC plays a vital role in the UK’s move to Net continuing to ensure that the huge opportunities l Support and develop partnerships with 3,646 MWe (electrical) and 1,320 MWth (thermal) efficiency initiatives. Zero. Once operational (unit 1 is expected to be available throughout the construction of the new community energy initiatives and explore generation (assuming a 40% reduction in demand l commissioned in 2025, with unit 2 approximately power station can be accessed by individuals from how to support these organisations. Green economy, growth and prosperity through energy efficiency improvements25). The l Develop skills and training a year later) HPC will provide 7% of the nation’s across Somerset and the South West, whether County Council is a founding member of UK 100’s l Map and analyse low carbon and renewable electricity, enough to supply 6 million homes. they are in school, exploring careers or accessing l Countryside Climate Network and has pledged to energy resources and opportunities across Stimulating the market and supply chain 26 EDF estimates that 9 million tonnes of CO2 will be apprenticeships and other career routes . secure the future of the County by shifting to 100% the County to a suitable level of detail to l Promote existing schemes such as Solar avoided per year when compared with electricity clean energy by 2050. support allocation of sites and identification Streets generation from gas power stations. EDF also Several initiatives are already under way to of suitable areas through Local Plans. l Transition to a smart, flexible grid network estimates that in order to build HPC, around 3 secure a clean energy legacy from HPC, There is a well-established community l Define a clear pathway for increasing renewable l Local energy markets MtCO2 will have been produced or generated, including: energy sector within Somerset and working in energy in the County with road maps to 2030 meaning that the plant will only need to operate for l Nuclear South West partnership to support community energy is key and 2050. Barriers and challenges around 4 months to offset the emissions released l The South West Nuclear Hub to the transition. Community energy offers an l during its construction. Develop an Energy Plan for Somerset in l Grid capacity is a significant issue for l opportunity for communities to take a direct and Nuclear Sector Deal partnership with the DSOs and key Somerset active role in reducing their energy consumption stakeholders. The power plant is expected to operate for at l The construction of HPC will create a lasting and costs, increasing renewable energy Grid issues may be a barrier to connection least 60 years. HPC is identified in the new Local l Design Local Authority new buildings and legacy from the investment in skills, business generation, and benefitting economically, socially in certain areas, e.g. high connection costs, Industrial Strategy as key to delivering ‘Energy developments to maximise opportunities development, the supply chain, environment, and in terms of security of supply. costly grid reinforcements and long waiting Futures’ for the Heart of the South West. ‘Energy for renewables including potential for housing and infrastructure, with the opportunity times. Futures’ is defined as the opportunity for clean, micro-grids and heat networks. to create and sustain a strong clean energy l Engaging landowners inclusive growth associated with the nuclear l Enact planning policies and strategies to create industrial sector based around high-technology l Changing public perception and industry, marine renewables and improvements a positive and proactive environment to enable industry, new sectors and a highly skilled work misconceptions to energy infrastructure. renewable energy generation and which force, benefitting the growth of the wider green supports the transition to a smart, flexible economy. energy system.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 35 PAGE 36 Electrification of transport The Somerset Local Authorities will lead by Opportunities and benefits Heat The Somerset Local Authorities will: Opportunities and benefits example in the electrification of their vehicle l Reducing the County’s dependency on l Reduced emissions associated with heat, The Committee on Climate Change Net Zero fleets and in the development of an Electric imported fossil fuels 37% of carbon emissions in the UK are derived l Lead by example: retrofitting existing LA owned hot water, cooking and industrial processes Vehicle Charging Strategy for Somerset. The from heat30 and approximately 70% of homes in Report identifies that extensive electrification of l Energy security buildings (offices, public buildings, schools l Reduce the County’s dependency on surface transport is required to meet Net Zero, Strategy will provide the basis for the Somerset Somerset are connected to the gas network31. l Reduced CO emissions and improved air and social housing, etc.) imported fossil fuels coupled with major expansion of renewable Local Authorities to: 2 Gas is the predominant heating source across quality l Alleviate fuel poverty and low carbon power generation27. The shift the County, however, with approximately 30% of l Vehicle to grid (V2G) - enabling consumer homes not connected to the network, there is l Lead by example: All LA new builds to be l Warmer, healthy homes to electric vehicles has the potential to reduce l Develop and deliver projects on their own participation in smart grid a significant proportion of homes being heated exemplar in terms of carbon neutrality, l Green economy, growth and prosperity the annual cost of transport in the UK by £5 land and assets as appropriate, informed by 28 l by other means including LPG, oil, electricity, smart energy systems and future resilient l billion and combat local air quality issues. The the best way to ‘future proof’ investment, Electric vehicles are cheaper and cleaner Develop skills and training biomass, solid and other fuels32. shift to all electric cars and vans by 2050 “would maximise opportunities and benefits. to run l Stimulate the market and supply chain require 3,500 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers near l l Local Plans to contain policies requiring low incentivising households, businesses and l Optimise energy performance of public motorways to enable long journeys and 210,000 community investment in renewable energy The CCC Net Zero Report identifies that heat carbon heating and connection to heat l Influence investment in the grid and work to estate public chargers in towns and cities. Today in (e.g. charging car batteries using roof top should be decarbonised across the building networks where opportunities exist release capacity in the grid by the Distribution total there are 21,000 public chargers of all solar etc) stock, with all new buildings, all non-residential 29 Network Operators (DNOs). buildings and 90% of existing homes having their Barriers and Challenges speeds ”. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure l Green economy, growth and prosperity 33 l Engage households, landlords, businesses, l in Somerset needs to scale-up significantly. heat demand met by low carbon heat . This is Current building regulations. New Builds l Develop skills and training communities and wider public sector to There are concerns that the grid currently has l a significant increase on the 4.5% of existing not carbon neutral in design and operation, Set policies and guidance and allocate specific promote clean, carbon neutral alternatives insufficient capacity to accommodate electric l Stimulating the market and supply chain buildings which currently meet their heat demand (fossil fuel boilers, etc.) sites for charge point development though to fossil fuel heating (gas, oil, LPG, etc.), vehicles on a wide scale within Somerset. from low carbon sources. The Report identifies l Clearer guidance from the UK Government Local Plans and other means. insulation and heating controls. Significant action is required from the whole Barriers and challenges that meeting this target will require far greater and required e.g. Heat Strategy community, locally, and internationally - working l Grid capacity is a significant issue for faster roll out of heat pumps, hybrid heat pumps l l Cost to retrofit together. Local Authorities have limited options Lobby the UK Government and others on the and district heating, in conjunction with hydrogen, l Engage Colleges and the Further Education Somerset l Meaningful incentives needed for retrofitting prerequisites for proliferating electric vehicles and new smart storage heating, combined with Sector to develop skills and training and funding available to accelerate the shift to l Requires a detailed plan to influence energy efficiency and low carbon heating in Somerset. high levels of energy efficiency as well as no new zero emission vehicles so the Strategy will identify investment on the grid / release capacity systems how Somerset’s Local Authorities can work closely homes being connected to the gas grid from 2025. l Incentives for the take-up of electric vehicles l Map and analyse potential heat network l Changing public perception and misconceptions with the UK Government, industry and other l Understand what their role should be on and charge points opportunities across Somerset stakeholders to bring about change. delivering electric vehicle charging points l Lack of skills and supply chain for heat pumps l Range anxiety and networks going forward. l Issues regarding off-street parking, l Risk that technology such as heat pumps l Time needed for planning processes and wil not be installed / optimised correctly construction of infrastructure, etc. l Initial cost of purchase

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 37 PAGE 38 Energy consumption and efficiency Opportunities and benefits Decentralisation and the transition to a Opportunities and Benefits l Optimising the energy performance of the smart energy system l Local Authorities to demonstrate real world Across Somerset, we currently consume Key challenges include the cost to retrofit and Local Authority estates and operations examples of smart energy initiatives 34 implement energy efficiency measures, and it’s meters to understand energy costs and manage approximately 2,451 GWh of electricity and epitomises responsible stewardship of “Anyone who pays an electricity bill contributes l Unlocks huge economic potential 3,179 GWh of gas a year35. In addition to this, not just about existing buildings. We cannot consumption and smart devices, which will act as public money to the cost of running the network, so a more l continue building new homes and non-residential generators, discharging electricity from batteries Energy security we consume approximately 2,570 GWh of l Engage and collaborate with the wider public efficient and flexible network will provide better buildings that require retrofitting in the future. at key times. This will increase renewable power l Smarter, more flexible management of supply residual fuels such as petroleum, coal, solid fuels, sector value for money. The alternative would be to spend bioenergy and waste (excluding road transport36) . It is imperative that new buildings are carbon millions on upgrading the network infrastructure capacity connected to the grid and reduce energy and demand l Energy efficient and energy managed buildings neutral in their design and operation. to accommodate the UK’s maximum energy demand during peak hours. Smart grids will unlock l Releases existing network capacity to enable with minimised running costs Energy consumption from high carbon electricity demand. Because there is uncertainty about how, huge economic potential, increase renewable faster, cheaper connections l Finance is available for Local Authorities to generation is one of the main of causes of Climate Energy UK identifies that nationally, “a 25% where, when and how much electricity we will use energy generation capacity and take the UK a step l Enables penetration of variable renewable invest Change. We use energy to light, heat and power reduction in domestic energy use could be in the future, using the network in a flexible way is further towards an affordable, zero carbon energy energy and optimises electricity system our homes, businesses, in our manufacturing and achieved through existing low-cost measures l Energy security a smarter solution”. system which will reduce the overall costs for operation industrial processes, and in transport. To achieve alone, and would save the equivalent amount l 38 consumers. Alleviation of fuel poverty by reducing energy Western Power Distribution l Reduces costs to consumers carbon neutrality and mitigate Climate Change it of energy to that produced by six nuclear power costs l Enables greater consumer and community is essential that we minimise energy waste and stations the size of Hinkley Point C – and deliver Historically, electricity generation has been The Somerset Local Authorities will: l Reduced energy demand in buildings participation improve energy efficiency. Minimising energy average bill savings of £270 per year. This energy delivered though large coal, gas and nuclear power l Lead by example e.g. microgrids on new l Transition to a flexible, smart energy system waste can be as simple as switching off energy could instead help to meet the substantial need stations connected to the transmission network. Local Authority owned developments, l Barriers and Challenges consuming equipment when it’s not required. for electricity to support decarbonisation in other Green economy, growth and prosperity Many coal and gas fired power stations have utilising Council owned land for large Energy efficiency refers to using less energy areas, such as transport and heating37” l Creation of jobs closed or will close in the next few years. More scale renewables and storage, smart l Significant investment is required to upgrade the network to perform the same task, through upgrading, l Developing skills and training recently there has been a significant increase buildings and vehicle fleet charging. retrofitting existing equipment and the use of a Somerset Local Authorities will: in renewable energy generation connected to l Public perception of smart metering l Stimulating the market and supply chain l Communicate what it means in practice smart grid. l Lead by example by optimising the energy local distribution networks. These changes in to achieve Net Zero i.e. transitioning to a l Lack of awareness of smart energy systems performance of their estates and operations Barriers and challenges the energy sector have driven the UK’s overall smart, flexible system with consumers and the importance of consumer participation Through energy conservation and improving through investment in energy conservation, emissions reductions39. The result of changes in l Cost to retrofit taking a more active role in balancing l Local energy markets energy efficiency, complemented by the use efficiency, renewable energy generation and how energy is produced and consumed is a less supply and demand in future, explaining l Meaningful incentives are needed for l Socio-technology concern of smart technologies, we can reduce the smart energy initiatives with a target to being centralised and more complex network, with a the importance of smart metering, etc. UK’s overall demand for energy, the amount of carbon neutral by 2030 retrofitting energy efficiency and low carbon shift in roles and responsibilities from DNOs to l Technical challenges, interoperability, l Develop an ‘Energy Plan’ for Somerset additional energy generation required, minimise heating systems (domestic, commercial DSOs40. A smart grid network is the vision for network communications, distribution l Deliver an energy awareness campaign for in partnership with the DSOs and key capacity issues, and enable the transition to and industrial) a modern electricity system and is central to Somerset residents and businesses, and stakeholders. smarter Energy Futures. l Current building regulations. New Builds are achieving the UK’s Net Zero plans, whereby DSOs l Lobby the UK Government for improved l not carbon neutral in design and operation. use information and communications technology Engage with DSOs in their Business Planning Building Regulations- that will deliver buildings to monitor and actively control energy generation for RIIO-ED2 (Revenue = Incentives + that are carbon neutral in their design and l Underdeveloped local Supply chain for skills in near real time. Within a smart grid, consumers Innovation + Outputs - Electricity operation, smart grid compatible and Climate to retrofit and communities play a more active role in helping Distribution 2) and beyond. Change resilient. to balance supply and demand, utilising smart TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 39 PAGE 40 Grid capacity This sector describes transport and its emissions Transport CO emissions which are within the The grid underpins the transition to Net Zero. The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) 2 The electricity grid in Somerset is constrained, is an independent regulator of the UK’s energy within Somerset, including those sections of the influence of Local Authorities (i.e. excluding trunk M5 and A303 in the County, although due to our roads outside our control) are around 1094 ktCO ageing infrastructure is inflexible and unable to system and energy companies operating within 2 cope with significant additional demand and it. Its role is to facilitate the most cost-effective limited impact on through traffic, focuses mainly per annum. In 2018, BEIS showed that transport generation in certain locations. (WPD) and path to Net Zero at the lowest cost to consumers, on transport movements within the County. remains the largest emitting sector, responsible 41 for 28% (124.4 MtCO e) of all greenhouse gas (SSEN) are the main DNOs within Somerset. in the context of UK Government policy . DNOs 2 WPD provides network capacity maps and base their business plans for network upgrades emissions in the UK, only 3.0% lower than in 1990. offers opportunities for customers to participate and reinforcement on ‘Future Energy Scenarios’ in flexibility programmes at peak times. from National Grid. These forecasts align with the UK Government’s target of achieving Net Zero by TRANSPORT EMISSIONS IN SOMSERSET (KTCO2) WPD is working to understand how the grid can 2050. Price controls are set by Ofgem to determine be made smarter by increasing its flexibility how much DNOs can spend, earn and what and reducing the costs of expensive grid consumers receive as a result. RIIO-ED2 is the reinforcement. With population growth, and the next Business Plan period and will run for 5 years need to electrify heat and transport supported from 2023-2028. strongly by the CCC as key aspects of a Net Zero future, electricity demand is likely to increase The Somerset Local Authorities will: significantly over the next 10 years and beyond. l Engage with DNOs during their Business In addition, we will need the ability to significantly Planning for RIIO-ED2 and beyond. increase decentralised power generation l Develop an Energy Plan for Somerset (renewable energy) in the County to meet our in partnership with the DSOs and key TRANSPORT SECTOR carbon neutral targets. The transition to a smart, stakeholders. 7. 2 flexible grid will facilitate this but, in the short term, SUMMARY there are issues with network congestion and insufficient capacity to facilitate new connections to the network in certain locations. This has resulted in long waiting times and high connection costs (grid reinforcements, etc.).

Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions national statistics 2005-2018

PAGE 42 SOMERSET TRANSPORT EMISSION (KTCO2) 2018

Reducing the need to travel through better design The Covid-19 travel patterns reiterated the scale A- ROADS MOTORWAYS MINOR DIESEL TRANSPORT TRANSPORT of new developments and homeworking, enabling of the challenge. According to the IEA, surface ROADS RAILWAYS OTHER TOTAL walking and cycling by providing infrastructure transport emissions declined by over 40% at the Mendip 133.3 - 105.2 19.8 1.3 259.5 for footpaths and cycle paths, improving public peak of Covid-19 restrictions but are bouncing transport options and encouraging car-sharing back. Overall, the Covid-19 pandemic will only lead Sedgemoor 102.7 254.7 86.8 4.5 2.1 450.9 schemes can all improve air quality, reduce to an overall 8% drop in global carbon emissions emissions and cut congestion. in 2020 but this scale of reduction is needed on a Somerset West year-by-year basis to meet our emissions target. and Taunton 111.2 135.9 152.5 4.2 5.1 408.9 Reducing longer distance car trips will have the Post-Covid-19 there is a unique opportunity to South Somerset 244.7 - 121.4 18.3 1.8 386.3 greatest impact on emissions. However, many ‘lock in’ the recently changed travel behaviours, short distance road journeys, particularly in such as working from home and an increase in urban areas, could be achieved by other transport walking and cycling. Somerset Total 592.0 390.6 465.8 46.8 10.3 1,505.5 modes. Also, encouraging multi-modal journeys such as bike/train or bike/bus journeys, common The impacts of Climate Change in other European countries, can deliver great benefits. Transport and transport infrastructure are In 2018, within Somerset, transport was The challenge vulnerable to many Climate Change impacts, responsible for 1,505 ktCO2 (46%) of emissions. Covid-19 including sea and river level rises, storms, flash This is significantly higher than the total UK Reducing Somerset’s transport emissions is flooding, periods of drought and extremes of emissions from transport (28%). The main a major challenge due to the rurality of the During the Covid-19 lockdown there was a sharp temperature. source of emissions from this sector is the region. Transitioning to electric and ultra- reduction in all types of travel. Traffic levels use of petrol and diesel in road transport. low emission vehicles for both the general in Somerset fell by up to 80% but have since If such impacts are not anticipated and planned The emissions for the Local Authority areas population and businesses is considered a rebounded to 10% lower than pre-Covid-19 levels. for in future transport infrastructure design and of Somerset are shown in the table above. ‘fool-proof’ solution and must form a key pillar As we transition out of lockdown, and public maintenance, those changing climate and weather of any national transport decarbonisation transport capacity is limited for social distancing conditions will accelerate the deterioration of plan. However, whole life-cycle emissions and measures, there is an increasing reliance on transport infrastructure, increase severe damage an underdeveloped market for re-using older private cars, walking and cycling. Longer term, risks and cause traffic interruptions and accidents electric vehicle batteries mean that modal shift it is hard to predict how behaviours will evolve which could directly affect economic activities to active travel modes (walking and cycling), in and if travel responses seen in lockdown will be and the wellbeing of communities. addition to decarbonisation of vehicles, would be maintained. more beneficial for both cutting emissions and improving public health.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 43 PAGE 44 No. TRANSPORT SECTOR Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS OUTCOME Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium Supports or Long Term Opportunities and Benefits Barriers and Challenges 1 Change in Vehicle Types: UK Government, 1 & 2 Short to Health and wellbeing benefits, l Health and wellbeing benefits l Funding and capacity to deliver By 2030, carbon emissions generated on Local Authorities, Medium Term air quality improvements Improved health outcomes from reductions Sustainable funding mechanisms needed Somerset’s roads are reduced through Businesses & in air pollution and particulates and an to provide consistent and appropriate funding the change to electric vehicles, ultra-low Industry & increase in active travel modes (walking streams, along with greater resource capacity emission commercial vehicles and an Residents and cycling). to research and develop appropriate transport overall reduction in road use (no. of miles l Improved, demand responsive, public solutions and bid for funds. travelled). transport l Dispersed nature and geography of Somerset More varied forms of traditional public Settlement patterns and geography make it Behaviour Change: Local Authorities, 2 Short to Health & wellbeing benefits, 2 transport and mobility as a service. extremely challenging to deliver cost effective By 2030, carbon emissions from transport Businesses & Medium Term air quality improvements, l public transport. Need more interconnected are reduced by encouraging and facilitating Industry & increased community cohesion Better connected and improved networks routes to widen the network. behaviour change including: Residents of footpaths and cycle ways - reducing the number of single occupancy Economic benefits derive from higher footfall, l Lack of national standards for electric vehicle vehicle journeys undertaken by promotion dwell time and spend per head when walking infrastructure of car sharing and cycling rather than using a car. Ad-hoc approach to infrastructure and - increased public transport use Increasing the numbers of people living solutions for electric vehicles, without - combining trips in urban areas brings positive impacts common standards and specifications, - replacing vehicular journeys with active and complements ‘Shop Local’ campaigns. will prove a barrier to wider adoption in the travel modes (walking and cycling) l Community cohesion short term. Co-location of housing, employment and l Changing travel behaviours Adaptation Planning: Local Authorities 3 Short, Medium Health & wellbeing benefits, leisure reduces car use. Changing residents’ travel choices and 3 Climate Change adaptation plans have & Delivery Partners and Long term economic & societal benefits behaviours requires both policy instruments been developed and implemented to build to reduce the attractiveness of car travel and and maintain the resilience of Somerset’s encouragement to adopt walking and cycling. transport infrastructure. l Existing approach to new developments New developments need to be centred 4 Spatial Planning: Local Authorities 3 Short to Health & wellbeing benefits, around sustainable travel. Transport inequality has been addressed & Delivery Partners Medium Term economic & societal benefits l Cost of electric vehicles preventing wider by reducing the need for car travel through adoption improved spatial planning, public transport Current cost of electric vehicles preventing options/availability and public service delivery their wider adoption, particularly amongst those on low incomes. As their market share increases and a second-hand market is established, costs are likely to reduce.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 45 PAGE 46 DOMESTIC SECTOR EMISSIONS FROM SOURCE KTCO2 Retrofitting existing housing stock

This chapter describes the built environment In 2018, data from BEIS showed that emissions The UK has the least energy efficient housing and addresses the issues, opportunities and from the built environment in Somerset accounted stock in Europe and currently more than 12 challenges that Climate Change presents to both for 24% of the total emissions released in the 2018 million homes fall below the Energy Performance existing and new developments. This includes County. The graph shows a slow and steady DOMESTIC Certificate (EPC) band C (graded from A-G) and the location, form and design of developments, reduction from all Local Authority areas from only 29% of homes meet this standard. retrofitting of existing buildings to improve energy around 1,300 ktCO in 2006 to 785 ktCO in 2 2 Research suggests if every UK home had cost efficiency and cut CO emissions, and how we plan 2018. The reductions can mainly be attributed 2 SOMERSET WEST SEDGEMOOR SOUTH MENDIP SOMERSET effective, conventional energy saving measures and prepare for a resilient Somerset by adapting to decarbonised electricity generation. However, & TAUNTON SOMERSET TOTAL installed, energy use would fall by 25%. If the full to expected Climate Change impacts. There are progress has slowed in recent years. technical potential of conventional measures was Electricity 65.6 52 77.1 49 243.6 approximately 250,000 homes in the County, realised, regardless of cost, energy use could be Gas 109.3 79.3 108.4 89.9 386.9 many of which have a poor energy performance Minimising and decarbonising energy reduced by about 53%. as indicated by local data held on Energy consumption from buildings is crucial to Other 37.9 33.8 54.2 28.6 154.5 Performance Certificates. meeting carbon neutrality targets by 2030. TOTAL 212.8 165.1 239.7 167.5 785.1 To meet emissions reduction targets, nearly all However, most buildings that will be standing heat generation in homes and industrial processes EMISSIONS FROM THE DOMESTIC SECTOR by 2030 have already been built. Influencing will need to be decarbonised. For new homes, how the existing housing stock can be improved 2006 - 2018 (KTCO2) Urban areas are often not designed with the Spatial planning low carbon heat is expected to be primarily or retrofitted is more challenging and complex. impacts of Climate Change in mind. Both met by heat pumps, heat networks in some new developments and existing buildings and With regards to new development, local planning circumstances and via direct electric heating The impacts of Climate Change infrastructure will require considerable investment authorities are responsible for the preparation of where buildings are particularly energy efficient. to adapt them to make them more energy efficient Local Plans which set policies to regulate land BUILT ENVIRONMENT Many of our existing settlements are vulnerable and to build resilience to the projected impacts use and development. These are informed by Many of our existing homes and non-residential 7. 3 to the projected impacts of Climate Change, of climatic change which will accelerate the locally derived evidence but importantly must be properties currently rely on the gas grid for SECTOR SUMMARY including fluvial (river), pluvial (rain) and marine deterioration of infrastructure, impact economic in conformity with national planning policy. This heating. These buildings will need to move over to flooding as well as coastal change, overheating activity and the wellbeing of communities. may be impacted by the Planning White Paper and heat pumps with opportunities for heat network and drought. other regulatory reforms currently being proposed developments in some settlements. The spaces between our buildings provide vital by the Government. opportunities to make settlements more adapted The UK Government’s recently launched ‘Green and resilient to these projected impacts (i.e. Local planning authorities can stipulate zero Homes Grant’ will look to tackle the issues of our through retrofit of sustainable urban drainage carbon development through Local Plan policies existing inefficient housing stock. systems (SUDS), tree planting and space for however, it must be demonstrated to be viable and growing food), but the very location of some deliverable. Local Plans are limited with regards settlements puts them in harm’s way from rising to setting policy around the energy performance sea levels and coastal erosion. of dwellings to a maximum 19/20% improvement over 2013 Building Regulations. TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 47 PAGE 48 No. BUILT ENVIRONMENT SECTOR Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS OUTCOME Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium Supports or Long Term Opportunities and benefits Barriers and Challenges All new developments (new homes and non- Local Authorities, 1(a), 1(b), Short, Medium Economic, environmental 1 l Planning opportunities l Legislation and planning policy residential) will be highly energy efficient, at Businesses & Industry, 2 & 3 and Long Term & societal benefits, We have opportunities to reduce carbon dioxide The UK Government recently consulted on least zero carbon and climate resilient from Delivery Partners health & wellbeing benefits emissions and deal with flood risk when making a new national Future Homes Standards. as early a date as possible. & Residents planning decisions. We need the confidence This proposed that significantly improved 2 All new developments will be constructed from Local Authorities, 1(a), 1(b), Short, Medium Economic, environmental to act in the certainty of a strong National levels of energy efficiency would not come sustainable, carbon neutral materials designed Businesses & Industry, 2 & 3 and Long Term & societal benefits, Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and through into force until 2025 and, even then, rely heavily for reuse with circular economy principles in Delivery Partners health & wellbeing benefits the best use of existing policy, legislation, and on decarbonisation of the electricity grid in mind from as early a date as possible. & Residents technology. order to meet zero carbon rather than enabling l the very highest levels of energy efficiency All new developments will reduce the need to Local Authorities, 1(a), 1(b), Short, Medium Economic, environmental Green Homes Grant 3 possible in new developments. travel to access key services and employment Businesses & Industry, 2 & 3 and Long Term & societal benefits, In July 2020, in recognition of the need for opportunities and facilitate sustainable movement Delivery Partners health & wellbeing benefits urgent action in tackling the retrofitting of the l Supply chain and skills patterns in and around them by default. & Residents UK’s inefficient housing stock and as part Supply chain limitations and skills shortages of the ‘green’ recovery from the Covid 19 are potential issues which prevent the more 4 All new Local Authority buildings & commissioned Local Authorities, 1(a), 1(b), Short, Medium Economic, environmental pandemic, the UK Government launched the rapid delivery of zero carbon buildings. There builds are designed to be zero carbon exemplars in Businesses & Industry, 2 & 3 and Long Term & societal benefits, ‘Green Homes Grant’ to cut carbon emissions, needs to be a local, regional and national focus sustainability and resilient for future climate impacts Delivery Partners create jobs and reduce householders’ bills. on building the supply chain and plugging the 5 All Local Authority housing stock to be at Local Authorities, Businesses & 1(a), 1(b), Short & Economic, environmental & l Taunton ‘Garden Town’ skills gaps. least EPC C by 2030 Industry, Delivery Partners 2 Medium Term societal benefits, health & The designation of Taunton as a “Garden Town” l Deliverability of planning proposals: wellbeing benefits gives us the impetus and focus to direct efforts Local planning authorities must consider and funding to creating a ‘holistically planned the viability of plans, policies and proposals. 6 All private landlords’ properties to be at least Local Authorities, Businesses 1(a), 1(b), Short & Economic, environmental & new settlement which enhances the natural The impact of delivering zero carbon new EPC C standard by 2030 & Industry, Delivery Partners 2 Medium Term societal benefits, health & environment, tackles climate change and homes needs to be considered in the context & Residents wellbeing benefits provides high quality housing and locally of other priorities which will impact upon 7 A significant number of private homes Local Authorities & Businesses 1(a), 1(b), Short & Economic, environmental & accessible jobs in attractive, healthy and development viability including affordable are rated at least EPC C by 2030 & Residents Local Authorities 2 Medium Term societal benefits, health & sociable communities’. housing, infrastructure and wider design and wellbeing benefits l Local Authority built assets space standards. Local Authorities can show leadership by l Five-year deliverable supply of land Development Planning is undertaken on a Somerset Local Authorities, 1(a), 1(b), Short & Economic, environmental 8 ensuring all the buildings we commission, Local Authorities with responsibility for wide basis with a County wide Development Businesses & Industry, 2 Medium Term & societal benefits build or retrofit (schools, offices and housing) housing must maintain a five-year deliverable Planning Document (DPD) adopted Delivery Partners & Residents are super energy efficient and served by low supply of land for housing and can come 9 Somerset communities and infrastructure are Local Authorities, Delivery 2 & 3 Medium & Economic, environmental & carbon energy services with a reduced under pressure to approve developments resilient, safe and well adapted and co-benefits Partners & Residents Long Term societal benefits, health & ecological footprint. which are less sustainable than they could be. of Climate Change are realised wellbeing benefits 10 The incidences and impacts of fuel poverty are Local Authorities, Delivery 2 & 3 Medium & Economic, environmental & significantly reduced across Somerset Partners & Residents Long Term societal benefits, health & PAGE 50 wellbeing benefits The impacts of Climate Change Covid-19

This sector describes the implications for, and 2018 data from BEIS shows that emissions from Social pressure, legislation and economic factors Irrespective of size, all businesses have a The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic issues associated with, Business, Industry and business and industry make up 20% of the annual will increasingly encourage business and industry direct impact on the climate as a result of their on Somerset’s business community has been their Supply Chains. In Somerset, there are over carbon emissions for the UK (89.2 MtCO ). Since 2 in Somerset to reduce their environmental impact, production and consumption of goods and profound. There has been a steep rise in the 24,000 VAT and/or PAYE registered businesses. the mid-2000s, the volume of emissions has but there is an important role for Local Authorities, services, and through their operational practices. claimant count across Somerset, with 5.1% 99.8% of these are SMEs employing fewer declined by over 50% with steep falls in emissions economic development and business support of Somerset’s working age population claiming than 250 people, with 89.6% employing fewer from large industrial installations and commercial partners to play in supporting the shift to a low There are multiple impacts of Climate Change out-of-work benefits in July 2020 compared than 10 people. However, Somerset does have electricity generation. Within Somerset, the carbon economy. Priority areas of focus will on businesses and other organisations, which with 2.3% in March 2020. many large employers, including Leonardo, EDF emissions from the Industrial and Commercial include: create a series of risks. Besides the most obvious Energy, Oscar Mayer, Numatic, Refresco, C & J sector were 25% (824.4 ktCO ) of total emissions, 2 physical risks (e.g. the operational impacts of Also, as of the July 2020, over 78,000 Clark International, Yeo Valley, Relyon, Western excluding agriculture. l Renewable Energy extreme weather events, or supply shortages employments had been furloughed which Provident Association, UK Hydrographic Office, Sustainable means of generating power such caused by water scarcity), companies are exposed represents a take up rate of 30% of the furlough Morrisons Distribution Centre and Butlins. as wind, tidal and solar technologies, to ensure to transition risks which arise from society’s scheme in Somerset. A further 25,000 self- clean and green growth. response to Climate Change, such as changes employed people claimed income support, 73% INDUSTRY & COMMERCIAL SECTOR EMISSIONS l in technologies, markets and regulation that can of those eligible. Many businesses also had to IN SOMERSET (KTCO2) Energy Efficiency Better insulation of buildings, the use of more increase business costs, undermine the viability access emergency grant support to remain viable. energy efficient equipment and better utilisation of existing products or services, or affect asset of technology. values. Much of the economic impact is still emerging, and there is bound to be long-term economic l Supply Chains But Climate Change also offers businesses ‘scarring’ and labour market dislocation. Whilst Need to make supply chain and supplier opportunities. By increasing energy efficiency, the underlying context in which specific climate arrangements based on environmental they can reduce their costs. Businesses can adapt policies will be implemented has undergone BUSINESS, INDUSTRY considerations as much as economic ones. 7. 4 supply chains or reduce reliance on price-volatile significant change, the impetus for a broad range & SUPPLY CHAIN fossil fuels by shifting towards renewable energy of policies orientated towards achieving a carbon- SECTOR SUMMARY technologies. neutral economy has never been greater. Climate Change can also spur innovation in products and services which are less carbon intensive, or which enable carbon reduction by others. Together, these actions can foster competitiveness and unlock new market opportunities. Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions 2005-2018

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 51 PAGE 52 No. BUSINESS, INDUSTRY Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS & SUPPLY CHAIN SECTOR Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium Clean growth and green recovery OUTCOME Supports or Long Term

The risk of de-prioritising carbon neutrality in our 1 Businesses in Somerset will have a reduced Local Authorities, 1 & 2 Short to Emissions reduced, health and desire to restart the economy at pace will only carbon footprint (incl. both direct and indirect Businesses, Medium Term wellbeing benefits, air quality exacerbate existing climate issues. The need emissions) Industry & Agriculture, improvements to provide substantive stimuli to aid economic Delivery Partners recovery post-Covid-19 presents an opportunity & Residents for the carbon-neutral agenda to be tied to this wider priority, whilst simultaneously achieving 2 Businesses in Somerset will have increased Local Authorities, 2 & 3 Medium to Economic and environmental broader Climate Emergency objectives. resilience to the impacts of Climate Change Businesses, Long Term resilience to Climate Change (incl. both direct and indirect impacts) Industry & Agriculture, impacts, profitability and jobs Longer term, a ‘green’ recovery shifting away from Delivery Partners safeguarded polluting, carbon-based fossil fuels, can create & Residents a cleaner, healthier environment. Investments in low-carbon and climate-resilient industries 3 Businesses in Somerset will have a strong Local Authorities, 1 & 2 Short to Able to make informed decisions and infrastructure, such as that proposed at the understanding of the challenges and benefits Businesses, Medium Term and seek opportunity for new Gravity Enterprise Zone in Sedgemoor, can create of transitioning to a low carbon, clean growth Industry & Agriculture, products & services and to jobs and stimulate economic recovery, change economy Delivery Partners grow new and existing market the trajectory of UK emissions toward Net Zero, & Residents share whilst improving our resilience to Climate Change impacts. 4 Somerset will have transitioned to a Local Authorities, 3 Long Term Economic prosperity, health Clean Growth economy Businesses, and wellbeing benefits Industry & Agriculture, Delivery Partners & Residents

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 53 PAGE 54 Opportunities and Benefits Barriers and Challenges l Clean growth l Business benefits l Reducing the environmental impact of Clean Growth sits at the ‘dynamic heart’ of Developing and following sound businesses This section describes the impacts, challenges It has already been identified at national level the Heart of the South West (HotSW) Local environmental policy is not only good Business and industry will need to minimise and opportunities for Somerset’s natural that there are potential opportunities for the UK, Industrial Strategy’s long-term growth for the environment but it’s good for the environmental impacts of production, environment from Climate Change. arising from a modest level of Climate Change, ambitions, informing the three key themes business too, especially in an environment services, exports and imports through through extended growing seasons and improved of Energy, Engineering and Digital Futures. where customers and consumers are greener supply chain management. The current situation productivity in agriculture, forestry and fisheries It is also core to the Somerset Growth and becoming more environmentally conscious l Grid capacity and infrastructure and in diversifying and restoring natural assets. Recovery Plan. Somerset has significant and making more ethical choices in buying The existing energy grid and distribution These opportunities can only be realised, if limiting strengths in advanced manufacturing and goods and services. Reduced costs and new Somerset is a large, rural County rich with infrastructure requires considerable factors such as water availability, soil health and engineering (notably aerospace and marine), markets for clean or green products and fertile agricultural land, abundant with wetlands, investment to adapt to future energy pests and diseases are managed. Therefore 4 key energy, and increasingly digital technologies, services offer a great opportunity for peatland, trees and hedgerows which naturally demands and emerging technologies. focuses for the Natural Environment within this presenting clear business opportunities in businesses to increase profitability. sequester and store greenhouse gases including Without improved infrastructure, businesses carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere. If Strategy are: the transition to a clean growth, low carbon l Sustainable tourism cannot fully exploit electric vehicles, or invested in, protected and regenerated these economy. Marketing Somerset as a ‘sustainable’ on-site renewable energy opportunities. holiday destination has considerable natural resources within Somerset can help us l protecting what we already have l Funding mechanisms Hinkley Point C (HPC), the UK’s first commercial economic potential and by promoting and mitigate against the increasing impacts of flooding l restoring nature at scale to enable natural Adequate funding to support and incentivise nuclear power project in 20 years, is central celebrating our natural environment, rolling and drought. They can also provide new economic processes, such as carbon sequestration businesses to reduce emissions and their to Somerset’s drive towards clean growth. countryside and coastline, the visitor opportunities in green and eco-tourism, help us and natural flood management to function. environmental impacts is essential. HPC is a low carbon energy source in its experience has an appeal beyond the become more resilient to the impacts of Climate We should lead by example and be bold in Appropriate finance models and support own right, as well as being key to achieving environmentally conscious. Change and reverse biodiversity decline, while our approach setting a target of at least 30% (including Green Finance) is needed to drive improving our health and wellbeing. ambitious carbon emissions reduction targets l of Somerset’s land cover being managed Digital Infrastructure change and meet the needs of Somerset’s at a county, regional and national level. positively for nature with healthy natural Improved digital infrastructure (both mobile small, dispersed business communities. The future health and sustainability of our rural HPC has and will continue to act as catalyst and broadband) will be crucial in helping NATURAL processes by 2030 l Legislation economy, particularly our agriculture, food and for employment growth in new technology Somerset reduce its carbon emissions. 7. 5 l engaging communities and landowners in To meet the UK Government’s carbon tourism sectors and protected landscapes, will consistent with clean growth. Digital solutions enable newer, more agile ENVIRONMENT protecting and restoring nature for their own reduction commitments, new legislation and be largely dependent on the decisions we make and flexible ways of working, which can benefit and wider benefit of the environment requirements will be placed upon businesses SECTOR SUMMARY now. How we utilise the land we have, and our It has created thousands of jobs, many of reduce the necessity for travel. l and residents. It is essential that we support attitude to protecting our natural environment and identifying investment to support Somerset’s which have been local, and enabled £1.5 billion The Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) businesses to respond and adapt, to ensure making the most of these natural resources is natural environment to deliver biodiversity gain of contracts to businesses across the South project team reports that as of June 2019, continued growth and resilience. critically important. There are many opportunities and protect indigenous flora and fauna through West. Building on the experiences of HPC, 89% of Somerset’s premises had access to positive changing land use, positive marine l Timescales for change to be derived by understanding the benefits and a number of other key projects are emerging, superfast broadband. protection and from harmful invasive species The financial cost and effort required to put potential of our rich natural resources. including the smart innovation campus and diseases such as Ash Die Back transformational change into place will mean proposals on the Gravity Enterprise Zone, providing space for green innovation. a longer-term, planned programme of change for many businesses.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 55 PAGE 56 Impacts of Climate Change Impacts on biodiversity and habitat

Somerset is on the UK’s frontline of Climate l Habitat loss l Insect Decline Change, with the County’s long coast and large Climate Change will exacerbate the challenges Insects make up the bulk of known species areas of low-lying land, facing increased risks faced by habitats. Storms can sweep away on earth and are integral to the functioning from river flooding, drought and sea level rise. precious topsoil; greater temperatures can of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, Likely climate issues include: mean newly planted hedgerows struggle to performing vital roles such as pollination, seed establish and sea level rise linked to storm dispersal and nutrient cycling. They are also l Warmer, drier Summers: surges can damage precious dune systems food for numerous larger animals, including Altered growing seasons and lead to inundation of land. birds, bats, fish, amphibians and lizards. Increased drought and water stress The main causes of decline include habitat Reduced stream flow and water quality l Soil Loss: Quantity and Quality loss and fragmentation (partly caused by Soil depth and soil quality (not compacted with Climate Change), and the overuse of pesticides. the right levels of soil organisms) are crucial l Wetter, milder winters: to food production, flood reduction, and l Pests and diseases Increased winter flooding and waterlogged abundance of nature. A compacted As our local flora is put under increasing stress soils, Damage to soil structure impoverished and thin soil can lead to due to Climate Change effects, it can become increased flooding and runoff causing weaker and more susceptible to pests and l Rising sea levels: multiple problems within river systems diseases. This is compounded by imported Inundation of land plant stocks from abroad which enable Increased erosion diseases to spread more easily. l Water Quality Salination of freshwater Poor water quality has a significant impact on the ecosystems it supports. Natural England Carbon sequestration l Extreme weather events recently issued guidance on the impact of Damage from flooding and wind water quality on the protected (Ramsar) Somerset’s landscapes are uniquely placed to Loss of land due to flood and erosion wetlands of the Somerset Levels in a move be part of the solution to tackle Climate Change towards nutrient neutrality. Many options by both reducing emissions and acting as a to tackle water quality issues, such as carbon sink. We must preserve and enhance the diffuse pollution (pollution from multiple, carbon reserves already in our soils, vegetation, often intermittent sources which collectively hedgerows, trees, wetlands and peatlands. impact water quality) or point sources of nutrients (from waste water discharged into watercourses in urban areas or industry via pipe networks) could either help or hinder achieving Net Zero’ aims.

PAGE 58 No. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT SECTOR Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS OUTCOME Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium Supports or Long Term Opportunities and Benefits Barriers and Challenges 1 Biodiversity and bio-abundance are increased Local Nature 3 Medium Improvements in land management, l Collaborative approach by the Local Nature l Carbon sequestration and the creation of l Funding and natural processes including carbon storage, Partnership to Long Term greater resilience, environmental, Partnership (LNP) saltmarsh Current funding is often spent inefficiently water quality and natural flood management economic & societal benefits, The LNP includes representatives from Saltmarsh habitat is an effective way of which adversely impacts moves towards across Somerset’s natural environment are health & wellbeing benefits, air agriculture wildlife, nature, water, tourism locking up large amounts of carbon. Sea level zero carbon and increased biodiversity restored through a clear shared vision and spatial quality improvements and environment organisations Local rise is a serious threat to Somerset, but coastal targets. Redeploying existing funding to plan embedded in decision-making processes Authorities, Areas of Outstanding Natural re-alignment, with the creation of saltmarsh, achieve benefits for nature, such as the Beauty (AONB), Exmoor National Park (ENP) could offer large scale carbon sequestration through the new Environmental Land 2 Healthy soils and watercourses underpin healthy Local Nature 2 & 3 Medium Increase in biodiversity & habitat, as well as major employers. Partnership opportunities while protecting vulnerable Management Schemes will be crucial to ecosystems across Somerset which have Partnership to Long Term improvements in land management, collaboration is crucial to unlocking the communities and infrastructure. achieving shared goals. increased biodiversity, locked-in carbon and greater resilience, environmental, latent opportunities provided by our rich l support healthy productive farming and land economic & societal benefits, natural environment and to overcoming the Woodland regeneration and tree planting l Speed at which Climate Change progresses management with reduced flood risk health & wellbeing benefits, challenges to our communities and natural Woodland regeneration and appropriate Matching the rapidly changing climate with supply of quality local produce habitats brought about by the impacts of tree planting brings multiple benefits for people’s livelihoods and the state of nature Climate Change. flood prevention, carbon capture, shading, will be a constant challenge and shows how crops, health benefits and soil retention. important a robust nature recovery network 3 Everyone in Somerset has access to good Local Nature 3 Long Term Environmental, economic & societal l Somerset Pollinator Action Plan ‘The right tree in the right place’ is based will be. quality natural environments resilient to Partnership benefits, health & wellbeing benefits, This Plan sets out actions to ensure pollinators on which native species of tree sequesters Climate Change benefitting their health air quality improvements are factored into decision-making and the most carbon in the short, medium and l Consistent political will and wellbeing and increasing productivity planning, that pesticide use is reduced, longer term and can survive in a changing Lack of coherent and consistent policies at habitat increased, protected, connected and climate. UK Government level to end the market for 4 A Nature Recovery Network and natural Somerset Wildlife 3 Long Term Environmental, economic & societal improved, and awareness of the importance carbon emitting industries and encourage capital solutions are co-ordinated and Trust and others benefits, health & wellbeing benefits, of pollinators to the UK economy for food a switch to less damaging products and delivered through community action air quality improvements production is raised. businesses. New ways of embedding consistent political support, looking beyond the current electoral cycles. 5 Somerset communities are prepared for locked-in Local Nature 3 Long Term Increased environmental awareness, Climate Change taking a natural climate solutions Partnership increase in biodiversity & habitat, l Lack of responsibility for actions and Adaptation Pathways approach improvements in land management, The long discussed ‘polluter pays’ principle greater resilience must become mainstream. Clear penalties are needed for organisations causing pollution, with liability for clean-up costs. 6 Soil health, carbon storage and biodiversity are Local Nature 2 & 3 Medium Environmental, economic & societal improved through changes to land management Partnership to Long Term benefits, health & wellbeing benefits, practices by farmers and landowners supply of quality local produce

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 59 PAGE 60 This sector describes the impacts, challenges The current situation in farming is very volatile. Altered growing seasons Agricultural emissions differ from other sectors and opportunities for Somerset’s Farming and The recent impacts of Covid-19 and the lack of Increased drought and water stress of the economy as the main greenhouse gas Food Sector from Climate Change. Agriculture and transparency on future trade agreements the Reduced stream flow and water quality emissions produced are methane and nitrous

food production are crucial to the economy and UK will enter into once we exit the European Decreased crop yields oxide rather than CO2 which most other sectors environment of Somerset with over 10,000 people Union, along with the associated tariff and non- l Wetter, milder winters emit from fossil fuel use. employed in the sector. It has national importance tariff barriers, mean greater uncertainty for Increased winter flooding and waterlogged NFU’s “Achieving Net Zero” Farming’s 2040 Goal in terms of the delivery of food and management food producers and the food supply chain, and soils, damage to soil structure The NFU’s Strategy sets out 3 Key Pillars to of the natural environment with 275,000ha of farmed difficulties in developing future business models Risks to livestock describe the opportunities and benefits derived land in the County. Within the South West, farming with any confidence. This, coupled with the Reduced access to land through changes in farming policy and practice: contributes over £1bn to the regional economy. ongoing consultations on the Agriculture Bill and l Rising sea levels Environment Bill, mean that the sector cannot l Boosting productivity and reducing emissions: Loss of productive land due to: be sure when and how the UK Government will improving farming’s productive efficiency will The current situation Increased coastal flooding provide support for decarbonisation of the sector. enable farmers to produce the same quantity Inundation of land The latest BEIS data shows that the total carbon Many farmers are keen to find solutions that of food, or more, with less inputs, in smarter Increased erosion emissions from the County’s agricultural sector provide stability in the short to medium term, ways. This, in turn, will enable the sector to Salination of freshwater have remained static over the past 12 years at but the agricultural sector will need clarity on reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. around 133 ktCO , which equated to around 4% l Extreme weather events 2 market risks and opportunities. l Farmland carbon storage: By improving of the total emissions for Somerset in 2018. Crop damage from flooding and wind land management and changing land use to The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has committed However, methane produced from farming Risks to livestock capture more carbon, through the provision to ‘Net Zero’ by 2040 so, as an industry, there is practices is a much bigger contributor to Climate Loss of productive land due to flood of bigger hedgerows, more woodland and more leadership and support for developing Net Zero Change. and erosion carbon-rich soils. This has positive benefits to policies that support farmers and the delivery of FARMING & FOOD Damage to buildings, infrastructure and the environment, wider landscape and local 7. 6 It is arguable that Climate Change is already wider environmental and social benefits. Farm risks to health biodiversity by locking up harmful emissions SECTOR SUMMARY incomes are derived from a variety of sources, having an impact at a farm level across Somerset. whilst conserving existing carbon stores in which adds to the complexity, highlighting the Changes to the way rainfall events happen over a Carbon sequestration grassland and pasture. year, coupled with changes to temperature in the need for effective “business support”. l Coupling bioenergy to carbon capture, utilisation different seasons, has meant increased challenges Agriculture in Somerset is uniquely placed to be and storage: boosting renewable energy and for farming. At a farm level this results in farmers Impacts of Climate Change part of the solution to tackling Climate Change by the bio-economy to displace greenhouse gas changing dates for sowing and harvesting, housing both reducing emissions and acting as a carbon Farmers will need to plan for many issues related emissions from fossil fuels and create greenhouse livestock for longer, dealing with extreme weather sink. Farmers have a special role to preserve to a changing climate. Likely issues include: gas removal through photosynthesis and carbon events, rapidly moving from very wet periods, and enhance the carbon reserves already in our l capture. Deliver savings of greenhouse gases managing flooded land or erosion risks, to very Warmer, drier Summers soils and vegetation and this places considerable from the atmosphere through the development dry weather and providing feed for livestock or Heat stress to poultry and livestock importance on ensuring that existing pastoral of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage irrigating crops. Increased risk of disease in crops farming involving livestock is maintained and enhanced within the County. and the use of bio-based materials in construction and insulation, such as hemp fibre and sheep’s wool. TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 61 PAGE 62 No. FARMING & FOOD SECTOR Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS OUTCOME Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium Supports or Long Term Opportunities and benefits Barriers and Challenges 1 The overall Agricultural Sector emissions are Local Authorities, 2 Short to Environmental, economic l NFU Achieving Net Zero l Hard to engage producers significantly reduced as we work towards to Businesses, Industry Medium Term & societal benefits NFU’s Strategy “Achieving Net Zero Farming’s Partnership working and the promotion of ‘Net Zero’ by 2030. & Agriculture & Residents 2040 Goal” sets out how agriculture can play common messages through local networks, a key role in tackling Climate Change and charities, the UK Government and non- 2 Significant growth of the local food economy Local Authorities, 1(a), 1(b) Short to Economic & societal benefits, achieving ‘Net Zero’ by 2040. government organisations will be required with a greater number of local farm businesses public sector & 2 Medium Term health & wellbeing benefits, l Carbon sequestration to achieve mass engagement on Climate supplying to local markets, businesses and public organisations, Businesses, local employment and Agriculture is uniquely placed to capture CO Change issues with all producers. sector including Somerset’s Local Authorities. Industry & Agriculture supply of quality local produce 2 from the air and utilise it to produce a wide l Legislation and guidance and Delivery Partners range of crops, foods, fibres and fuels. ‘Carbon Planning policies must support farms in capture’ positively contributes by removing making appropriate investments in measures Somerset residents making informed purchasing Local Authorities, 2 & 3 Short, Medium Environmental, economic & societal 3 harmful emissions from the atmosphere to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and decisions which reduce the impacts on the Businesses, Industry & & Long Term benefits, health & wellbeing benefits, balancing out agriculture’s emissions of build resilience, such as renewable energy. environment, support healthy, less carbon intense Agriculture & Residents supply of quality local produce methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). l diets and locally sourced products and produce. Funding and infrastructure l Local markets and local produce Limited access to the energy grid, high speed 4 Farm businesses have transitioned to farm operations Businesses, Industry 2 & 3 Medium Environmental, economic benefits Opportunity to develop local markets broadband and research and development with lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced & Agriculture and & Long Term & societal benefits, health & supporting shorter ‘climate friendly’ supply (R&D) investment limits the technologies environmental and biodiversity benefits and are Delivery Partners wellbeing benefits chains and improve links between the local farms can invest in, either to export energy better adapted for the impacts of Climate Change. farming sector, consumers and communities produced by on farm renewables, or innovative making a positive impact on the local food technologies to cut emissions, improve 5 Farmers have adapted their means of production Businesses, Industry 2 & 3 Medium Economic and environmental economy whilst supporting farming efficiency and build climate resilience to support the supply of local, regional, national & Agriculture and & Long Term benefits businesses. l Farm economics and markets and international markets whilst minimising their Delivery Partners l On-farm renewables Future trade deals will have a significant impact greenhouse gas emissions Growth of on-farm renewables will help cut on the market value of agricultural products, costs, reduce emissions and help balance a major driver in business decisions and 6 Local communities are more engaged in food Local Authorities, 2 & 3 Medium Environmental awareness raised out energy demand. abilities to invest, meaning that farmers’ ability production and the impact of sourcing local food in Businesses, Industry & & Long Term l Improved on-farm recycling to act on Climate Change is currently limited. reducing Climate Change Agriculture, Delivery Improved on-farm recycling saves money, l Carbon footprint Partners & Residents reduces energy from sourcing and processing The wide range of tools available to undertake new materials, cuts carbon emissions and baseline monitoring of emissions, uncertainties 7 The carbon sequestration and storage potential of Local Authorities, 2 & 3 Medium Increase in biodiversity & habitat, creates new market opportunities from farming within the data and lack of scientific data to Somerset’s landscapes (including soils, biomass, Businesses, Industry & Long Term improvements in land management, by-products whilst preventing waste products support monitoring of measures such as coastal areas, hedgerows, etc) are fully mapped & Agriculture, greater resilience entering local waterways and the environment. carbon sequestration in soils make it difficult and evaluated and land management measures Delivery Partners for farmers to demonstrate positive impacts have been adapted to maximise this resource to taken to reduce their carbon footprint. cut carbon emissions across Somerset TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 63 PAGE 64 This sector describes the impacts, challenges and flooding and drought. The latest UK Government Flood risk Adaptation opportunities for water within Somerset. The roles Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) and responsibilities for water, flood and coastal identifies Sedgemoor District as in the top 3 Local The response to flood risk management Somerset’s innovative ‘Adaptation Pathways Adaptation measures to address climate erosion risk management are complex, involving Authority areas at risk from flooding, alongside often remains piecemeal and reactive. The in Somerset’ (APIS) and ‘Co-Adapt’ projects impacts should seek to achieve multiple benefits. many organisations and authorities. To respond to Hull and Portsmouth. Additionally, the complex Environment Agency (EA) has recently set out a are examples of collaborative approaches to Techniques such as Natural Flood Management our changing climate, we must secure buy-in and water management practices on the Levels and broad framework to approach things differently, managing these risks and ensuring the County is and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) support from those charged with managing the Moors have high energy demands. Finding ways describing the significant level of extra investment adequately prepared for the future. They draw on are already widely implemented addressing water environment beyond the Local Authorities to reduce energy usage and mitigate the carbon needed to enable communities to adapt to Climate the expertise and experience of multiple decision flood and water management challenges in a to ensure water is appropriately captured, utilised, costs of water management will be essential if the Change. The EA estimates that nationally, on makers and those affected by their decisions more sustainable way and offering increased sustainably managed and treated at all stages in County is to become carbon neutral. average at least £1 billion annual investment to develop adaptation plans, through a process carbon sequestration and improved catchment between for the benefit of all. is needed in flooding and coastal change known as co-creation. management. As Climate Change progresses, flood risk zones infrastructure over the next 50 years. The sector’s operational emissions, from the water will change; new areas will be vulnerable, whilst The APIS project has been recognised as ‘best These innovative projects often include collection, treatment and supply services, make up regions currently susceptible will increase in A key risk, and opportunity, in the water sector is practice’ by the EA, Meteorological Office and engagement with the local community to develop approximately 0.7% of the UK’s total greenhouse risk. The type of flooding that devastated the that many decisions taken today on replacing or others. More on APIS can be found in appendix 12. opportunities and “co-create” solutions, raising gas emissions, around 781,000 MtCO in 2017, improving water management infrastructure need awareness of Climate Change and flooding risks. 2 Somerset levels in 2013/14 is likely to become predominantly due to the highly energy-intensive more frequent. Tidal and coastal flooding around to take account of what the environment will be Water shortage pumping and treatment activities of large volumes the Somerset coastline will increase, presenting like in 50+ years due to the long design life of such of water and wastewater. Water UK, along with the Tackling water resource issues is one of the five significant risks to coastal communities along with infrastructure. English Water Companies, have pledged to achieve priority risks identified by the CCC. If action is not increased risk of flooding from local sources ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions for the whole sector taken in the immediate future, parts of the South (ordinary watercourses, surface water, groundwater) Therefore, due consideration is needed when by 2030, the first industrial sector in the UK to and South-East of England could run out of water WATER SECTOR with implications for many urban areas. including climate adaptation or resilience 7.7 make such a pledge. measures as it is expensive or difficult to reverse within 20 years. Reducing demand is essential SUMMARY to prevent water shortages as water companies Flooding from local sources cannot be tackled in these decisions and could increase vulnerability if The impacts of Climate Change we get them wrong or they are inadequate. are running out of low-cost options for increasing isolation as multiple sources often combine to water supply. The consequences of Climate Change pose produce a flood event. No one organisation has Key resilience decisions occur when planning new significant threats to Somerset. Given the current sole responsibility to manage flood risk from all developments, maintaining or upgrading current Private water companies are currently responsible risk and future projections, Somerset will be these sources; we therefore recognise the value infrastructure or when recovering from extreme for promoting the need to reduce household water disproportionately affected by changes to storm and importance of working with others to manage events. Utilising these decision points to plan for consumption, but water use has continued to rise. and rainfall patterns, causing increased drought, flood risk and to fulfil our respective roles and the future can increase resilience, and at a lower flooding and coastal erosion. The County’s long responsibilities. Climate Change will also impact cost than if these opportunities were not taken. coast and large areas of low-lying land make it on water availability and quality and exacerbate one of the UK’s most climate-vulnerable areas, the effects of pollution damaging ecology and facing increased risks from sea level rise, river biodiversity. TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 65 PAGE 66 No. WATER SECTOR Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS OUTCOME Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium Supports or Long Term Opportunities and benefits Barriers and Challenges 1 The energy used in the management and Water Companies 1(a), 1(b) Short & Reduced costs, and reduced bills to l Water UK - Net Zero 2030 l Resources and funding movement of water is optimised & other Risk & 2 Medium Term consumers and taxpayers Water UK and the English Water Companies Significant levels of extra investment are Management Authorities have pledged to achieve ‘Net Zero’ carbon needed to enable our communities to adapt Water conservation measures are Risk Management 2 & 3 Medium Reduced water pollution, leading to emissions for the whole sector by 2030, to Climate Change with around £1 billion 2 implemented at all levels (households, Authorities (Local Authorities, & Long Term increased environmental benefits the first industrial sector in the UK to do so. required annually for flooding and coastal businesses, industry and agriculture) SRA, Water Companies, and reduced water treatment costs. l The ‘Refill’ campaign change infrastructure over the next 50 years. across Somerset and water is EA) Businesses, Industry & Reduced household bills. Bottled water is around 900 times more l Legislation and guidance appropriately treated Agriculture, Residents carbon intensive than tap water. The water Lack of coherent policies leading to an often- industry is leading a national shift towards reactive approach to flood risk management. Flood risk is increasingly managed Risk Management Authorities 2 & 3 Medium Environmental, economic & social benefits 3 refilling water bottles through the ‘Refill’ l Water management infrastructure through nature-based solutions (EA, Drainage Boards, Local & Long Term e.g. increase in biodiversity, water quality, campaign, whilst committing to stopping The long design life of water infrastructure which also sequester carbon Authorities, SRA, Water increase in tourism revenues, provide 4 billion plastic bottles ending up as waste means that decisions taken today on Companies), Businesses & recreational opportunities for citizens, by 2030. replacing or improving water management Industry, Agriculture, and help lower temperatures and l Somerset Rivers Authority infrastructure need to take account of the pollution levels in urban areas Following the 2013-14 flood event, the environment 50+ years from now. 4 Flood risk from fluvial and coastal Risk Management Authorities 2 & 3 Medium Environmental, economic and social Somerset Rivers Authority was formed Mal-adaptation is expensive or difficult to sources is managed through mitigation (EA Local Authorities, SRA), & Long Term benefits e.g. increase in biodiversity, offering a means to raise money locally reverse, increasing vulnerability if we get and adaptation measures Businesses, Industry & increase in tourism revenues, provision to provide additional standards of protection decisions wrong or they are inadequate. Agriculture, Residents, of recreational opportunities for citizens according to local priorities. l Complexity of flood risk Flood risk from local sources (surface Risk Management Authorities 2 & 3 Medium Environmental, economic and social l Adaptation Pathways in Somerset Flooding cannot be tackled in isolation as 5 water, groundwater, ordinary watercourse) (Local Authorities, SRA, Drainage & Long Term benefits e.g. increase in biodiversity, This work puts Somerset at the forefront of many factors can combine to produce a flood is managed through mitigation and Boards), Businesses, Industry & increase in tourism revenues, provision the strategic assessment of Climate Change event. All organisations have to coordinate adaptation measures Agriculture, Residents of recreational opportunities for citizens vulnerabilities and interventions throughout activities and working together to manage the UK. and reduce flood risk. The impact of invasive non-native species Risk Management Authorities Medium Increase in biodiversity and ecological 6 3 l Improved resilience to Climate Change l Extent of Climate Change is unknown on the water environment will be better (EA Water Companies, & Long Term status of the water environment. impacts Adaptation measures, such as We cannot know what the pace of Climate understood and managed appropriately Local Authorities, SRA & Natural Flood Management and Sustainable Change will be, therefore the risks we are Delivery Partners) Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) are being designing for are uncertain. How well we plan 7 Changing patterns of flood risk, sea level Risk Management Authorities 3 Medium Building community resilience and implemented to address flood and water for and manage that uncertainty, will have a rise and extreme weather events are (EA Local Authorities, Drainage & Long Term preparedness. Reduced damage from management challenges in a more sustainable significant impact on the resilience of the understood by residents and communities Boards, Businesses, Industry & flood events and extreme weather, and way, achieving multiple benefits by offering County. across Somerset and resilience is Agriculture, Delivery Partners improved ability to recover fully & quickly increased carbon sequestration and providing developed through co-created solutions landscape-based resilience to Climate Change.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 67 PAGE 68 This sector describes the management of waste Somerset is well placed to adapt to the demands Somerset Waste Partnership In Somerset, 85% of households take part in the and resources and its emissions within Somerset. of a circular economy and is focused on collecting recycling collections whilst 62% take part in food The latest greenhouse gas emission data from high quality materials that are in demand by UK SWP manages household waste services and waste collections. Somerset Schools still lag 23L 18L BEIS shows that this sector accounts for 4.6% of re-processors. Further changes to what we collect schools’ waste on behalf of all 5 Local Authorities behind, with recycling rates of 25%. The current SURPLUS CAPACITY PTT & CARTONS the total carbon emissions released in the UK in and how we collect it might be needed to ensure in Somerset and collects waste from over 250,000 household recycling rate is 52.41% and of this 2018. Since 1990, UK emissions from this sector that we are best placed to support a circular households. material, 91% was recycled in the UK, with almost

have fallen from 66.6 MtCO2e to 20.7 MtCO2e economy within Somerset – including moving 46% reprocessed in Somerset. Food waste still in 2018, a decrease of nearly 70%. Increased up the waste hierarchy to focus much more on SWP makes over 20 million collections each year, accounts for a large percentage of the waste in the reuse and recycling, reducing the biodegradable reduction, repair and reuse than on recycling and taking place from five collections depots serving refuse bin and has the biggest carbon impact. materials entering landfill, and moving away from reprocessing. the County. There are also 16 Household Waste reliance on landfill to dispose of waste has been Recycling Centres across the County providing The impacts of Climate Change crucial to this achievement. facilities for households to recycle additional THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY materials including garden waste, bulky items, Waste Sector assets and operations are vulnerable Within Somerset, domestic waste and recycling electricals and hazardous waste. The recycling to many climate-change impacts. There is likely to 42L 27L EXISTING RECYCLING GARDEN WASTE is managed by the Somerset Waste Partnership Raw materials centres achieved a recycling rate of 69% in be increased disruption to waste collections due (SWP). Somerset is independently ranked within 2018/19. to extreme weather events; flooding, heatwaves, the top 10% of Local Authorities in England in d recov stormy weather and damage to infrastructure and d an ered cle m carbon saving from its household waste and cy at SWP recently introduced a new fleet of vehicles vehicles, delayed collections due to inaccessibility, e er recycling services, saving 103kg of carbon R ia ls which will increase the capacity for recycled and higher levels of waste created from the equivalent per person, mainly due to how well materials by 27,000 tonnes and will save around clearance of flooded and damaged homes and WASTE & RESOURCES and how much gets recycled within the County. 30% of emissions compared to the previous businesses. However, waste still makes a significant A vehicles. 7.8 R contribution to our carbon emissions from e Circular Higher summer temperatures may increase risk of

SECTOR SUMMARY w s o Economy methane produced by the decomposition of a Currently the market for alternative fuelled waste smells and vermin around poorly managed waste, u e s r s t c biodegradable waste. In the UK alone, an estimated e u vehicles is not sufficiently advanced to make the and impact on collection crews who are working e 14L 56L

d m r FOOD WASTE RESIDUAL WASTE 10 million tonnes of food and drink are wasted e n current electric or hydrogen vehicles viable for a outside in the heat of the day. a c a n o post-farm gate annually, worth around £20 billion. a v n large rural County but it is assumed by 2024/25 g e io e ry t m p when the fleet is replaced the technology will Increased temperatures will also increase the e an m Waste is a valuable resource and developing a n d su have matured. risk of odour and vermin around waste transfer t on ‘circular’ economy would see us keeping more C stations and working landfill sites. This will make resources in use for as long as possible, extracting working conditions difficult for the site staff. the maximum value from them. We should recover However, the increased heat will increase the rate and regenerate products and materials whenever at which the waste breaks down and will quicken we can, giving them a new lease of life. Source: Resources & Waste Strategy for England the rate of power generation to the grid through the anaerobic digestion process. TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 69 PAGE 70 No. WASTE & RESOURCES SECTOR Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS No. WASTE & RESOURCES SECTOR Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS OUTCOME Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium OUTCOME Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium Supports or Long Term Supports or Long Term

1 By 2030, Somerset’s Waste Carbon Footprint Local Authorities, SWP, Businesses, 1 (a), 1 Short & Health and wellbeing, 7 The majority of food waste is removed Local Authorities, 1 (a), 1 Short & Economic & social has reduced significantly from 2020 Industry & Agriculture, Residents, (b) & 2 Medium economic & social & from general waste and processed in a SWP, Businesses, (b) & 2 Medium & environmental benefits & Delivery Partners Local Authorities, Term environmental benefits way to minimise the release of greenhouse Industry & Agriculture, Term SWP, Businesses, Industry & Agriculture, air quality improvements gas emissions and generate energy Residents, & Residents, & Delivery Partners Delivery Partners

2 By 2030, (where possible) Somerset has a Local Authorities, SWP, Businesses, 2 & 3 Economic & social & 8 By 2030, the volume of single-use plastics has Local Authorities, SWP, 1 (a), 1 Short & Economic & social fully developed circular economy, managing Industry & Agriculture, Medium environmental benefits significantly decreased without a switch to Businesses, Industry (b) & 2 Medium & environmental benefits our own waste and resources. The infrastructure Residents, & Delivery Partners & Long unsustainable alternatives. & Agriculture, Residents, Term is in place to achieve this and support local Term & Delivery Partners innovation. We gain value from items discarded by returning them back into the system 9 Within schools, residual waste is reduced, and Local Authorities, 1(b) & 2 Short & Economic & social & rates of re-cycling are at similar levels to domestic SWP, Schools, & Medium environmental benefits 3 Domestic and non-domestic waste has reduced Local Authorities, SWP, 1 (a), 1 Short, Economic & social & recycling Delivery Partners Term significantly following circular economy and waste Residents, & Delivery Partners (b), 2 & 3 Medium environmental benefits hierarchy principles of refuse, reduce, reuse and & Long 10 The Local Authorities in Somerset are exemplars Local Authorities, 1 (a), 1 Short & Economic & social recycle. This is enabled by the mechanisms and Term in the County with regards to waste management SWP & Delivery (b) & 2 Medium & environmental benefits support to allow easier sorting and recovery of waste and use of their purchasing powers to change the Partners Term local commercial waste market. 4 Recycling of ‘on the go’ waste has increased from Local Authorities & SWP Local 2 Medium Social & environmental a (very) low base Authorities, SWP, Residents & Term benefits Businesses, Industry & Agriculture

5 By 2030, the waste vehicle fleet is made Local Authorities, SWP, Businesses, 1 (a), 1 Short & Economic & social & up of low carbon or electric vehicles Industry & Agriculture, (b) & 2 Medium environmental benefits, Residents, & Delivery Partners 2 Term health & wellbeing benefits, air quality improvements

6 By 2030, year-on-year reductions in Local Authorities, SWP, Businesses, 1 (a), 1 Medium Environmental benefits levels of fly-tipping achieved Industry & Agriculture, (b) & 2 Term Residents, & Delivery Partners

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 71 PAGE 72 Opportunities and benefits Barriers and Challenges l Increased rates of recycling l Resources and funding l Markets Utilising initiatives such as Recycle More to The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant Our success in reducing disposal is highly engage with residents and drive up recycling impact on the delivery of the SWP dependent on accessing recycling markets. rates. programmes, causing delays to the These are variable and can be subject to Recycle More and Slim My Waste initiatives. dramatic upturns and downturns, such SWP staff will be fully engaged supporting as during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prices l Reducing the amount of waste generated their roll out up to 2022 which will impact Restricting refuse capacity to make people fluctuate, making it less economical for future priorities and decision-making. consider how to generate less waste and producers to use recycled material, where their waste comes from. highlighting the need to prioritise waste prevention, reduction and reuse. l Behaviour change Encouraging all residents to adopt measures l Better engagement with business to minimise, sort and recycle all waste is Provide advice and guidance to businesses challenging and will require resources to regarding legislation, sustainable material engage with ‘hard to reach’ households. choices for production and packaging, and encourage better sorting of waste to increase recycling. l Engaging with businesses Many small businesses lack the staffing levels, expertise, time and resources to l Improved public sector waste and recycling make changes regarding their waste. Optimise recycling across the public sector estate by providing the means, scale and guidance for recycling a wide range of l Legislative changes products and material types. The UK Government set out an ambitious policy agenda focussed on producer responsibility and quality. However, with l Reducing emissions and building resilience further consultations expected, there is a lack across the waste management sector of clarity around policy, making investment Tackling emissions from waste operations more challenging. and the vehicle fleet by investing in innovative, sustainable, low carbon technologies and adapting assets and delivery methods in the face of a changing climate.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 73 PAGE 74 CONSULTATION SURVEY RESPONSE: LEVELS OF RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS REGARDING THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY This Strategy, whilst developed by the 5 achieve carbon neutrality and over time develop a The findings were based on two Somerset-wide Local Authorities, is a strategy for the whole County which is resilient to the impacts of Climate 2% 1% surveys among adults (16+) and young people of Somerset: for our City, Town and Parish Change. This will be done through an underpinning 3% Dont know/Not sure (11-18), and visitor feedback from 4 public communities, our people, our businesses Communications and Engagement Plan. I’m not at all consultation events which were held in Taunton, and specific communities of interest. I’m not very concerned Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil. The Communications and Engagement Plan concerned The success of the Strategy in achieving its will have 4 key areas of focus: The vast majority of respondents are either ‘very’ Goals and outcomes is dependent on 4 things: l Messaging and promotion 16% or ‘somewhat’ concerned about Climate Change. l the effectiveness of the leadership and the l Community engagement commitment within the public sector and I’m The results of the online surveys and consultation l Lobbying and influencing the UK Government private sector in working towards carbon somewhat events give a clear picture that the public believes and policy neutrality concerned that the Councils were focusing on the right issues l Influencing behaviour change in the Climate Change Framework. l every citizen, community and organisation in Somerset having a common understanding Current public perceptions The public welcomed the direction of travel of the issues and opportunities we are facing expressed in the Framework and the actions and an understanding of the actions we can Initial consultation on the Climate Emergency proposed, with many actions receiving a take towards making Somerset carbon neutral Framework document which was proposed to remarkable 90% plus approval rating as a ‘priority’ l form the basis of the emerging Strategy was effective engagement with and buy-in from or ‘major priority’. In fact, of the 33 proposed undertaken in January and February 2020 our citizens and communities, actions, the least popular is still regarded as a l everyone knowing what part that they can priority or major priority by 76% of respondents. COMMUNICATIONS play in the success of the Strategy, and The public consultation exercise was 7.9 commissioned to: SECTOR everyone making effective, lasting, behavioural There is a high level of desire for action to tackle change l provide an opportunity for Somerset residents both the causes and impact of Climate Change SUMMARY to comment on the proposed draft Framework among adults and young people in Somerset and We need to ensure everyone in Somerset document that the Councils should support action as soon understands the issues we are facing as a result l understand what residents feel Councils as possible. of the way we live our lives, the impact this has should prioritise when addressing the had and continues to have on our climate. Climate Emergency, based on the options Areas that are deemed the most pressing are We need to ensure that everyone understands provided in the draft framework transport and energy generation, while the impact what we are seeking to achieve through this l understand what further action residents 78% of Climate Change in Somerset is most associated Strategy and the actions we will need to take as believe Councils, communities, groups and with flooding. individuals, communities and organisations if individuals can and should take to address Im very Concerned we are to reverse the damage already caused, this challenge TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 75 PAGE 76 Behaviour change l The feedback provided gives a clear indication as Nearly all survey feedback showed residents feel In order to reduce the negative impacts on our change diets to include local, seasonal, organic to what the public wants Somerset’s Councils to Climate Change is real and needs addressing climate caused by everyday living, we need to food and vegetable protein to improve their do if the political will, legislation and funding were through action to reduce carbon emissions. The re-evaluate the way we live our lives and to make health available: respondents do not need convincing that Councils a conscious choice to make changes to our living, l be responsible for maintaining our countryside, l Defend against the impact of Climate Change should do something but want to see evidence sleeping, travelling, eating and consumption our natural habitats and open spaces to by developing suitable flood defences and that Councils will or are doing something. habits. improve lives and promote good health water management and wellbeing For those who do not ‘buy into’ the Climate l l Encourage, support and subsidise renewable Based on the ‘One Planet Living Principles’, encourage and support the businesses and Change narrative, any changes to their lifestyles energy schemes for public buildings, we need the citizens of Somerset to: organisations they work in to reduce their will be met with resistance. To address this, any community schemes, businesses and homes l reduce consumption, reuse and recycle more to carbon emissions and consumption changes need to be shown as positives, such as l Lead by example through switching Council achieve zero waste and zero pollution both in cheaper electricity, lower fuel bills, safer routes to Without these changes being made, we may not vehicles to electric or ultra-low emissions their homes and at work school, cleaner air and security from flooding. achieve our Goals of carbon neutrality and building and installing renewable energy generation l make their homes energy efficient and resilient a sustainable Somerset resilient to the impacts of on all Council properties to the impacts of Climate Change There is a much larger task in effecting significant Climate Change. l Planning support and priority for building and lasting behavioural change in those l use water efficiently, protecting local water (new and retrofit) or transport schemes that businesses, communities and individuals who do sources and reducing flooding and drought An aim of the Strategy is to help support these are carbon neutral or carbon negative not see that climate issues are a priority for them. l help protect and restore land for the benefit necessary behaviour and lifestyle changes by of all people and wildlife, maximising the developing understanding, promoting the positive Transport is seen as a particular sticking point The final point from the feedback was the desire natural potential for our environment to act changes which can be made and by supporting in rural Somerset; many residents would not from the public for Local Authorities to ‘get on as a carbon sequester and store local communities in reducing any negative opt for public transport as a mode of travel as it with responding to the Climate Emergency’, l reduce the need to travel, and consider the impacts on the climate and our environment. is thought to be inadequate or insufficient, and produce the Strategy as soon as possible and alternatives of walking, cycling, low carbon for many using an electric car is not an option move to delivering actions. As a result of this transport and working from home where as electric vehicles are too expensive to buy. feedback, a decision was taken not to go back out possible Whilst this theme is seen to be the top priority for consultation on the Final Climate Emergency l support their local communities in promoting for residents, it is thought that being able to do Strategy. A report detailing the full findings of the a culture of sustainable living something effective might be more challenging for consultation can be found in Appendix 3. l use more materials from sustainable sources Councils. It is seen that lower cost impact can be made in better provision for walking and cycling, l reduce their carbon footprint by buying local and this was a key priority for residents. Joining l help promote and maintain sustainable, up cycle routes, better engineered junctions and humane farming general town planning that puts walkers and cyclists first would clearly address some of the residents’ needs. TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 77 PAGE 78 No. COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR Outcome Which Goal TIMESCALE CO-BENEFITS OUTCOME Delivered by? Outcome Short, Medium Supports or Long Term Opportunities and benefits Barriers and Challenges 1 Every individual, organisation and business Local Authorities, 2 & 3 Short Economic, environmental and l This Strategy is an opportunity to get people l Still a reticence in significant quarters of across Somerset is aware of the Climate Community Groups, societal benefits, health and and businesses within Somerset interested the population to accept that Climate Emergency Strategy and what it is trying Business Organisations wellbeing benefits in climate matters; consider their own carbon Change is impacted by human activities to achieve footprints, address the myths surrounding and that significant behavioural and lifestyle Climate Change and encourage them to changes need to be made by the majority 2 There is widespread ownership of the Local Authorities, 1, 2 & 3 Short to Economic, environmental and take affirmative action. of the population. Strategy and every individual, organisation Community Groups, Medium societal benefits, health and l By working with those closest to communities, l Many people are still not informed or clear and business understand the part they Business Organisations wellbeing benefits there is an opportunity to develop and deliver about the causes of Climate Change and have to play in achieving Net Zero carbon Local Authorities, actions that have the most impact and lasting don’t know how to tackle it. emissions by 2030 in Somerset Community Groups, benefit for areas, whilst also considering and l Business Organisations Climate Change is not a key consideration reducing inequalities such as fuel poverty for most people when making everyday and social isolation through the delivery of The Public and Private sectors understand Local Authorities, 1 & 2 Short to Economic, environmental and decisions regarding what they wear, eat, 3 local initiatives. what they can do to contribute to carbon Community Groups, Medium societal benefits, health and where they work, how they travel, how reduction, and all organisations are actively UK Government wellbeing benefits l It is an opportunity to encourage local they heat and light their homes. working towards a carbon reduction culture communities and community groups to l Need to engage people in Climate Change which is embedded at all levels come together, share ideas and best practice, discussions to break down barriers that collaborate on schemes and projects to exist, highlight how lifestyles and attitudes 4 People understand Climate Change and Citizens and Businesses 1, 2 & 3 Short to Economic, environmental and maximise utility, and gain economies of can contribute to the issue and work towards what is causing it. Medium societal benefits, health and scale to tackle the Climate Emergency. solutions. wellbeing benefits l An effective communications strategy can l Many actions for people and businesses to empower people and make them feel more take to reduce carbon footprints require 5 People and organisations consider Climate Local Authorities, 1, 2 & 3 Short to Economic, environmental and invested in the issues, not just part of the significant levels of investment, and Change when making their decisions and UK Government Medium societal benefits, health and problem. substantial financial outlay with potentially embrace the positive changes that result. wellbeing benefits l There is an opportunity to collaborate in long pay-back periods. our attempt to shape local, national and 6 The ‘big asks’ of the UK Government are Local Authorities, 1, 2 & 3 Short to Economic, environmental and supranational policy through collective agreed and influencing national and regional Local Businesses, Medium societal benefits, health and lobbying. policy and funding Community Groups, wellbeing benefits Citizens

7 Somerset is recognised as a leader and exemplar 1, 2 & 3 Medium Economic, environmental and for the Climate agenda regionally & nationally societal benefits, health and wellbeing benefits

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 79 PAGE 80 This Strategy is underpinned by a series of actions Projects have been prioritised through an A move away from fossil fuels to power transport These Environmental and Carbon Management 8.3 Lobbying and influencing the UK SECTION designed to achieve the outcomes detailed assessment of: and to heat and light homes and businesses Action plans will continue to evolve and change Government and policy - the ‘Big Asks’ in section 7 and these actions are detailed in l strategic fit with this Strategy will require significant investment from both the as actions are completed, as new actions the Climate Emergency Strategy Action Plan public and private sectors. This will not be easy are developed, as funding streams become l activities which can be taken forward quickly Whilst a number of the actions identified in the (Appendix 16). They will provide all partners and to achieve in line with the timescales required to available, policy and legislation changes or as Climate Emergency Strategy Action Plan are l scale of impact organisations involved in supporting the Climate deliver on the aims of this Strategy. technical drivers or innovative new solutions are already funded or could be funded via the Local Emergency declarations with a clear framework of l deliverability risk implemented. Authorities, many others, especially where new tasks to manage and implement in order to deliver l timescales to completion A number of the changes required will necessitate statutory duties arise, will require the support and on the 3 Goals of the Strategy. l resources and capacity to deliver investment from households, individuals and 8.2 Work with communities leadership of the UK Government and a change businesses to deliver the necessary carbon l funding required and available to initiate to national strategy and policy. Significant new reductions. Investment in electric vehicles and 8.1 Climate Emergency Action Plan and enable the activity Although Local Authorities can play an integral sources of funding will need to be secured and / electrified heating and lighting solutions, if not role in carbon reduction by setting local policies or existing sources of funding made more flexible l costs of projects against return on investment The overarching Strategy Action Plan provides subsidised or incentivised, may be dependent on and strategies, by directly funding schemes and to support environmental and Climate Change (in terms of carbon saved and progress an overview of actions, timescales and disposable income being available and prioritised. playing a significant local leadership role, their focused programmes and projects. responsibilities for the delivery of the short-and- towards achieving our agreed Goals and resources and the scope of their direct influence outcomes) Turning Strategy medium term outcomes. It also provides some Investment in the active travel (walking and is finite. Choices must be made by individuals It has been agreed that within the South West detail of the longer-term projects and activities l benefit to Somerset cycling) and public transport has historically and communities to take ownership of carbon we will work together to develop a number into delivery which require significant policy and lifestyle l sustainability and future legacy lagged behind expenditure in the highways emissions within their own spheres of influence of “Big Asks” of the UK Government and it 8 changes and adaptive responses. Our ability to deliver on these actions is entirely network, which facilitates a greater number and concern. is acknowledged that there is strength and dependent on our ability to: of cars on the roads. Recent announcements consistency in this agreed approach. The most The Strategy Action Plan supports the Local l secure and maintain partnership buy-in and of funding for walking and cycling and We require the support of our local communities appropriate route to lobby the UK Government Authorities and other partners in prioritising and ownership of the Strategy green industrial recovery are welcome, but a and individuals to take forward many of the on these “Big Asks” is via the Heart of the South identifying the resources required to deliver these fundamental change is needed in mindset from proposed actions and we will work with local City, West Joint Committee and this will be developed l engage all segments of our community in actions. It identifies who will lead the actions, if UK Government Departments to prioritise funding Town and Parish Councils (including appropriate contributing through the South West Councils over the next funding has been secured. if further funding bids consistently to support a reduction in carbon community groups in non-parished areas). Their 12 -18 months. are required, and where the funding will come from l lobby for and secure UK Government support, emissions and building resilience for assets, detailed local knowledge, understanding of local to take these actions to implementation. national policy change, funding and resources infrastructure and our natural environment. needs and ability to connect with and empower local residents to take action are ideally placed to Activities that are as yet unfunded make up the Underpinning the Strategy Action Plan, localised support communities to drive forward the agreed majority of the identified actions and are marked Environmental and Carbon Management Action activities. Communities and community groups accordingly in the Action Plan. Significant new Plans have been drawn up (or will be completed) have access to funding that is not available to funding from the UK Government will be required by each of the 5 Somerset Local Authorities Local Authorities and the onus will be on those in addition to any funding already earmarked by and detailed Project Plans developed for groups to identify and secure funding to deliver the Somerset Local Authorities to deliver on the each proposed activity to ensure the planned localised schemes. Goals of the Strategy; especially Goals 2 and 3. programme of work can be appropriately and efficiently managed, resourced, sequenced and TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 81 delivered. PAGE 82 9.1 Prioritisation of actions Somerset CAN’s brief was to identify a tool or To aid with the evaluation, a set of criteria most cost-effective project to the least. Projects highest CO2e abatement and Built Environment

SECTION suite of tools that will enable the respective was identified against which each tool was with high CO2e reductions will show as wide bars. Project 1 delivers the most cost-effective At both a UK Government and Local Authority Local Authorities to: assessed, which reduced the overall list down emissions reduction. The projects above the zero level, there must be a sea-change in how l calculate the carbon benefits of proposed to 22 shortlisted resources. These 22 tools were The graph illustrates the principle in comparing 9 line represent a net investment over the project decisions and investments are made in order to actions, commissioned activity or procured then further reviewed against 14 high priority projects across the Built Environment, Transport lifetime. Of these, Transport Project 3 delivers support the carbon reduction agenda. Not only goods and services criteria. Significant gaps were identified in the and Waste sectors. Projects below the zero line the highest CO2e reductions. The full detail of the Built Environment and Business, Industry and represent a net saving over the lifetime of the Somerset CAN report is available in Appendix 17. must due regard be given to the carbon impact l enable analysis of the relative benefits of Supply Chain sectors. In the Built Environment project. Of these, Transport Project 1 delivers the of investment decisions, but also investment into different options to deliver proposed outcomes schemes that actively reduce net carbon must be sector, there appears to be no consistent tool in l calculate both the direct (carbon) benefits prioritised if carbon reduction targets are to be use to support action to retrofit homes, one of the ILLUSTRATIVE MACC CHART AGGREGATING SECTOR PROJECTS and the co-benefits of the proposed actions met. Strategy areas with the largest emissions figures. SOURCE: SOMERSET CAN MEASUREMENT TOOLS REPORT, 2020 l calculate and compare value metrics in terms However, the most significant gap identified is As the Councils will have a finite amount of of finance, carbon emissions and co-benefits the absence of an aggregating tool that can bring 30 30 P2 funding at their disposal to support this work, l provide transparent metrics for investment coherent measurement of all programmes and there is a need to measure the impact and relative decision-making and prioritisation projects across the 9 sectors into overview. P3 P3 Measurement, merits (value for money) of each of the proposed l measure progress against intended impacts 10 10 activities within the 9 workstreams to support The main recommendation from the research is P3 l benchmark against other Local Authorities, P2 monitoring decision making and funding prioritisation. that the Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC)

where appropriate and agreed £/tCO2 e approach is used and developed into both the P1 P2 9and review -10 P1 -10 aggregating tool and within sectors. 9.2 Somerset CAN Measurement Tool Review A draft list of 300 wide ranging actions from all sector workstreams was provided to Somerset In order to help prioritise which actions should be CAN to help understand the type of actions the 9.3 Marginal Abatement Cost Curve -30 P1 -30 adopted or invested in, Somerset Climate Action tool would need to assess. From their research, (MACC) analyses Network (Somerset CAN) were commissioned 65 resources were identified, many of these to investigate if there were any existing tools or developed in the last 5 years, showing how rapidly MACCs have been extensively used as a powerful -50 -50 methodologies that support decision making with this field of ‘carbon calculation’ is developing. method of comparing the cost effectiveness of prioritisation of investments in policies and actions Over 75% of the tools identified covered mitigation different measures and technologies for reducing and the ongoing monitoring of progress towards carbon emissions. The vertical axis of a MACC actions only, with a few suitable for adaptation -70 -70 carbon emissions reduction across the County. chart plots the costs or savings per unit of CO e projects and some covering both. 2 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000 over the lifetime of the project. The horizontal axis Cumulative tCO2e plots the quantity of CO2e abated, with the whole axis representing the cumulative CO e abated 2 Built Environment WasteTransport across all projects. Each project is displayed as a bar with height and width representing these two Project 1,2,3 Project 1,2,3 Project 1,2,3 metrics, ranked in order from left to right, from the

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 83 PAGE 84 The MACC summarises overall cost-effectiveness. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SMART GOALS At a programme level, the Local Authorities will impacts, and support them to address their own Digital Communications The MACC approach can be further developed set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to regularly carbon footprints by encouraging them to take by assessment of the net social costs or benefits review progress at both an individual action level affirmative action and the appropriate adaptive An online presence will be the centrepiece of each project. The analyses will consider and for the sector as a whole, which will determine responses. of communications and engagement for the the different types of benefits between, for SPECIFIC whether the Action Plan is effective, or whether Strategy. This will be the ‘hub’ for information example, health and the wider environment. This Define the goal as much as possible with no unclear language any changes need to be made at a project or The Communications and Engagement Plan about what Somerset is doing regarding carbon Who is involved, what do I want to accomplish, where will it be done, information can then be added to MACC charts, S why am I doing this - reasons, purpose, which constraints and/or programme level. Progress towards the Strategy will have 4 key areas of focus: neutrality and in tackling the impacts of Climate so that co-benefits of projects can be included requirements do I have? Goals will be reported to the Somerset Local l Messaging and promotion Change. It will include case studies, progress in decision making. The overall Net Zero carbon Authorities annually. l Community engagement updates, toolkits for individuals and businesses, target can be shown as a vertical line on MACC and information on how to get involved (including l Lobbying and influencing the UK Government charts, helping to ensure that interventions can A strong governance process will be needed to online surveys and resources packs for schools MEASURABLE and policy be prioritised so that collectively, they meet the Can you track the progress and measure the outcome? ensure delivery of the actions within the Action and other audiences). Its associated social media l target. MACCs can be updated regularly to monitor How much, how many, how will I know when my goal is Plans. A steering group, committee or task force, Influencing behaviour change channels will be critical to informing and engaging progress. M accomplished? combining Officers and Members from across the wider public. the Local Authorities, and representatives from By working with those closest to communities, Further work and research are needed to develop key organisations will be needed to oversee the there is an opportunity to develop and deliver the MACC approach, but this is likely to form delivery of these actions. They will also advise actions that will have the most impact and lasting the cornerstone for how actions are prioritised ATTAINABLE/ACHIEVABLE on future courses of action, agree funding benefit for those areas, whilst reducing inequalities to ensure an efficient, cost effective approach Is the goal reasonable enough to be accomplished? How so? priorities and help communicate the successes such as fuel poverty and social isolation through to delivering the biggest carbon reductions in Make sure the goal is not out of reach or below standard and challenges that Somerset faces as we aim the use of local initiatives. A performance Somerset. With so many diverse sectors all for a carbon neutral County by 2030. needing to play their part and multiple actions This is also an opportunity to encourage local identified, knowing which should be implemented 9.5 Communications and Engagement Plan communities and groups to come together and first will help in tackling the significant challenge of share ideas, best practice and to collaborate on achieving a carbon neutral Somerset by 2030. RELEVANT An essential element to support the aims and schemes and projects to maximise utility and gain Is the goal worthwhile and will it meet your needs? ambition of this Strategy will be a comprehensive economies of scale. An effective communications Is each goal consistent with other goals you have established R Communications and Engagement Plan. The far- strategy can empower people, helping them and fits with your immediate and long term plans? 9.4 Monitoring and review reaching actions and activities required to deliver become invested in the issues and, as a result, the Goals are beyond the scope of Somerset’s seeing themselves as part of the solution, not part The monitoring approach for each individual Local Authorities and partner organisations of the problem. action will be embedded into the Action Plan, TIMELY and will require ‘buy in’ and ownership from which will be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Your objective should include a time limit. Ex: I will complete the businesses, residents and communities in Achievable, Relevant and Time scaled) and this step by month/day/year Somerset. The Local Authorities will facilitate the T It will establish a sense of urgency and prompt you to have monitored on a regular basis. discussion about Climate Change, its causes and better time management

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 85 PAGE 86 This Strategy ‘Towards a Climate Resilient l effective engagement with and buy-in from An explanation of some of the terms used within this Strategy SECTION Somerset’ is Somerset’s Local Authorities’ our citizens and communities SECTION Adaptation, or Climate Change Adaptation: BREEAM and Building Research Establishment collective response to the Climate Emergency l the residents of Somerset knowing what ways in which we act to manage the unavoidable Environmental Assessment Method: is a way of declarations around the world. At the beginning, part they can play in the success of the risks and impacts of Climate Change, building assessing, rating and certifying the sustainability we set out our ambitious aims of delivering: Strategy and everyone making effective, resilience within, or adapting, our natural and built of buildings, infrastructure and projects. l A Carbon Neutral Somerset by 2030 and lasting, behavioural changes environment both now and into the future. l Building our resilience for, or adapting to, The CCC has called on the UK Government to Carbon Credit: a term used to describe any the impacts of a changing climate seize the opportunity to make the Covid-19 Adaptation Pathways: an approach which tradeable certificate or permit giving the holder a recovery a defining moment in tackling the climate considers many possible future scenarios and right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide, or the We have presented the evidence of how our crisis, framing a recovery that both accelerates permits all the options and their potential impacts equivalent amount of a different greenhouse gas. climate is changing, the impacts those changes the transition to Net Zero and strengthens our to be considered. will have, outlined the many challenges we face, resilience to the impacts of Climate Change, Carbon Footprint: the total greenhouse gas and the measures and opportunities we must whilst driving new economic activity. Anthropogenic: originating from human activity emissions caused by an individual, event, take, here in the County of Somerset, to enable organisation, service or product expressed as Clean growth and a ‘green’ recovery mean us all to adapt and thrive in the future. APIS: stands for ‘adaptation pathways in Somerset’. carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), expressing Summary investing in new jobs and cleaner energy ensuring Glossary of Terms the size of the impact something has on the that the actions needed to tackle Climate We have worked with a wide range of sector Arable farming: using farming land to grow crops. environment experts, delivery partners, organisations, Change are central to rebuilding our economy. 10 individuals, interest groups, and specialists The UK Government must prioritise actions that 11 Baseline: the measure of the County’s current Carbon Neutrality: (also having a Net Zero reduce climate risks and avoid measures that to identify what, to the best of our collective and future greenhouse gas emissions without carbon footprint) refers to achieving Net Zero lock-in higher emissions. Within Somerset, the knowledge, experience and current thinking, is reference to any changes to current policy and carbon dioxide emissions either by balancing development of Hinkley Point C and the Gravity needed to deliver on our ambitions. We have action. This is the ‘line’ against which change is, carbon emissions with carbon removal, or simply Campus provide an exciting opportunity for us to started formulating the actions to take us there. and will be, measured. eliminating carbon emissions altogether. show leadership to the whole of the UK. The success of the Strategy in achieving its However, this is only the beginning of our journey. BEIS: the Department for Business, Energy and Carbon Offsetting: a mechanism used to Goals and outcomes is dependent on: We won’t have got everything right at the outset Industrial Strategy, part of the UK Government. compensate for, or ‘offset’, carbon dioxide or l the effectiveness of the leadership of the and we won’t be able to do everything at once. greenhouse gas emissions made elsewhere. Local Authorities and the commitment within There are some difficult decisions for us all to Big Asks: the list of changes to national strategy, The process involves a business, individual the public and private sectors in working make, some complex issues and challenges to policy and funding flexibility and sources, or country providing the funds for activities toward carbon neutrality overcome, not least how all this is funded, and which will require UK Government support so or projects that improve or enhance the l every citizen, community and organisation in we need to prioritise our activities to ensure we Somerset can work effectively and efficiently environment or buying ‘carbon credits’ to Somerset having a common understanding make progress against our Goals as quickly as is on environmental and Climate Change focused balance out the emissions from their own of the issues faced, opportunities presented, possible. programmes and projects. activities. and the actions needed to make Somerset carbon neutral Join us to help make it happen. TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 87 PAGE 88 Carbon Sequestration and Storage: removing Co-Adapt project: in Somerset, the Co-Adapt EA and Environment Agency: a non-departmental Gravity campus: a 635 acre site of mixed-use IEA: the International Energy Agency, an Local Authority and Local Authorities: a Council carbon dioxide and other forms of carbon from our Project will invest in the development, testing and public body with responsibility for protection and commercial development focused on clean independent intergovernmental organisation or several Councils. In the Strategy this is likely to atmosphere and storing it for the long term rolling out of nature-based solutions to increase enhancement of the environment in England. growth based near Junction 23 of the M5 at which focuses on energy security, economic mean the 5 Somerset Councils. capacity to adapt to the water-related effects of Puriton in Somerset. development and environmental protection, CCC: the UK’s Committee on Climate Change, Climate Change. Ecosystem Services: the many and varied benefits particularly mitigating Climate Change and Local Enterprise Partnership and LEP: formed mainly from a group of scientists, which provided by the natural environment and healthy Greenhouse gases: the primary greenhouse gases promoting alternate energy sources including voluntary partnerships between Local gives independent advice to the UK Government CO2: carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. ecosystems eg. pollination of crops, clean air, in the earth’s atmosphere are water vapour (H2O), renewable energy. Authorities and businesses to help determine on building a low-carbon economy and preparing extreme weather mitigation, human well-being, carbon dioxide (CO2) methane (CH4), nitrous oxide local economic priorities and lead economic for Climate Change. CO2e: a measurement of the carbon dioxide clean water, waste decomposition and resilient, (N2O) and Ozone (O3) IPCC and International Panel on Climate Change: growth and job creation in the area equivalent of the amount of other greenhouse productive food systems. an intergovernmental body dedicated to providing CCRA: every 5 years, the UK Government is gases emitted by an event or action. GWh: Gigawatt hour, a unit of energy representing objective scientific information relevant to LNPs and Local Nature Partnerships: required under the terms of the 2008 Climate Enterprise Zones: designated areas benefiting one million kilowatt hours or one billion watt hours. understanding the risk of human induced these collaborations bring together local Change Act, to publish a Climate Change Risk County: the County of Somerset. from tax breaks and UK Government support for Gigawatt hours are often used as a measure of the Climate Change, its natural, political and organisations, businesses and people who want Assessment. This Risk Assessment must address local economic growth. output of large electricity power stations. economic impacts, risks and possible responses. to improve their local natural environment. “the risks ... from the current and predicted Covid-19: An infectious disease caused by the impacts of Climate Change”. most recent Coronavirus, first identified in 2019 Flood Risk Zones: all land in England is zoned Heart of the South West Joint Committee: KPIs and Key Performance Indicators: ways Marginal abatement cost curve (MACC): a chart and which has resulted in an ongoing pandemic. by the Environment Agency as 1, 2, 3a and 3b, a partnership of Leaders and lead representatives of measuring the success or failure of a team, showing estimates of the volume and costs of Circular Economy: an economic system aimed indicating the area’s probability of river or sea from each of the 17 Local Authorities in Somerset, project, product or organisation using information different ways to reduce emissions in a given year. at eliminating waste and the continual use of Defra: the Department for the Environment, Food flooding. Devon, Plymouth & Torbay, Dartmoor and on the achievements considered most important resources, and seeking to de-couple growth and Rural Affairs, part of the UK Government. Exmoor National Parks, and three NHS Clinical to success. Mitigation and Climate Mitigation: ways to cut from the consumption of finite resources. Framework: the 5 Councils’ joint document Commissioning Groups which oversees a or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases and

Distribution line: cabling which moves electricity outlining the proposed areas of focus for the Productivity Strategy and discusses a range ktCO2: kilotonnes of carbon dioxide. limit the impacts of future global warming. Climate Change: the rising average temperature from a substation to a customer Strategy. The document details some actions of policy areas with the UK Government. of earth’s climate system, called global that councils, residents, businesses and other MtCO2e: million tonnes of carbon dioxide Mixed farming: farming livestock and crops. warming, is driving changes in rainfall patterns, Distribution Network Operators (DNOs): organisations within Somerset can take to help HotSWLEP and Heart of the South West Local equivalent. extreme weather, arrivals of seasons, and more. companies licensed to distribute electricity in reduce carbon emissions. Enterprise Partnership: collaborations between MWe: megawatt electrical. Collectively, global warming and its effects are Great Britain eg. Western Power Distribution 17 Local Authorities and businesses who decide LIS and Local Industrial Strategy: led by the Heart known as Climate Change. Fuel Poverty: households are considered to be in economic priorities, drive growth and create local of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, MWth: megawatt thermal. Distribution System Operators (DSOs): ‘fuel poverty’ when their members cannot afford to jobs and prosperity across the ‘Heart of the South this promotes the co-ordination of local economic Climate Emergency: a situation in which urgent those responsible for operating, ensuring the keep adequately warm at a reasonable cost given West’ area – Somerset, Devon, Plymouth & Torbay. policy and national funding streams and Natural capital: the stock of natural assets eg. action is required to reduce or halt Climate Change maintenance of and, if necessary, developing the their income. establishes new ways of working between national geology, soil, air, water and all living things. and avoid potentially irreversible environmental distribution system in an area and ensuring long- and local government, the public and private damage resulting from it. term ability to meet reasonable demand. sectors.

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 89 PAGE 90 Natural flood management: using natural Ramsar: wetland sites designated to be of V2G: a system whereby electric vehicles charge We would like to give a special thanks to Senior Management Group and Workstream Leads methods to reduce the risk of flooding eg. international importance. more slowly at a time when there is high demand SECTION all those that contributed to this document Michele Cusack Director of Economic & restoring river bends, land and soil management, for electricity from the grid, and when plug-in including: Community Infrastructure Commissioning, strategic tree planting. RIIO-ED2 and RIIO-ET2: the next electricity electric vehicles return electricity from their Somerset County Council distribution and transmission mechanism used charged batteries to the electricity grid. Climate Emergency Portfolio Holders (Senior Responsible Officer) Nature recovery network: a Wildlife Trust initiative by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets Cllr Tom Ronan Mendip District Council Stewart Brock, Public Health Specialist, where interlocking projects aim to protect nature (Ofgem) to control network prices. This will be Water UK: A trade association representing the Cllr Janet Keen Sedgemoor District Council Somerset County Council and increase its resilience and services through a tougher on network companies, who must deliver major water companies of the United Kingdom. Cllr Clare Paul Somerset County Council Dave Crisfield Specialist - Strategic Planning, multitude of government interventions, plans and innovation, reliability and investment at the least Cllr Peter Pilkington Somerset West South Somerset District Council people. cost to consumers. RIIO stands for Revenue using & Taunton District Council Jonathan Doyle Strategic Manager, Incentives to deliver Innovation and Outputs. Cllr Sarah Dyke South Somerset District Council Somerset County Council Net Zero: achieving an overall balance between Mark Fortune Climate Emergency Programme emissions produced and emissions taken out of Solar PV: solar photovoltaic - a method of Task and Finish Group Manager, Somerset County Council the atmosphere. generating electricity from sunlight, commonly Cllr Tom Ronan Mendip District Council, Chair Jan Gamon Programme Director, using rooftop and panels at ground level. Cllr Shane Collins Mendip District Council, South Somerset District Council NFU: National Farmers’ Union Climate Emergency Frome Keyford Ward Julie Jackson Performance & Improvement Electricity distribution 2: the next round of Cllr Bob Filmer Somerset County Council, Brent Officer, Mendip District Council NPPF and National Planning Policy Framework: electricity network price controls which start in Strategy Division, Sedgemoor District Council, Knoll Ward Tracy Aarons Deputy Chief Executive, Mendip the land-use planning policy in the UK. 2021. 12 Cllr David Mansell Somerset West & Taunton District Council (Transport Workstream) acknowledgements District Council, Wiveliscombe & District Ward Nick Bryant Head of Strategy, Somerset ‘One Planet Living’ Principles: ten principles that SME: small and medium-sized enterprise: a Cllr Paul Maxwell South Somerset District Council, West & Taunton District Council cover all aspects of social, environmental and business with fewer than 250 employees. Eggwood Ward (Built Environment Workstream) economic sustainability. Cllr Tessa Munt Somerset County Council, Steve Dury Project Manager, Somerset County SuDS: sustainable urban drainage systems, Wells Division Council (Water Workstream) Passivhaus and passive house: an ultra-low also sustainable drainage systems. Ways of Cllr Kathy Pearce Sedgemoor District Council, James Gilgrist Senior Economist, Somerset energy use standard for buildings, needing managing water which allow rain and flood water Bridgwater Westover Ward County Council (Business, Industry and Supply little energy for heating or cooling. to drain from land using deliberately placed water Cllr Brian Smedley Sedgemoor District Council, Chain Workstream) management systems, like storage areas, so as to Bridgwater Westover Ward Mickey Green Managing Director, Somerset Waste Pastoral farming: uses pasture, or grassland, to reduce the risk of water and flood damage. Cllr Gerard Tucker South Somerset District Partnership (Waste and Resources Workstream) support livestock, like dairy farming, and farming Council, Turn Ward Teresa Harvey Group Manager, Sedgemoor beef cattle and sheep for wool. Transmission line: cabling which moves electricity Cllr Loretta Whetlor Somerset West & Taunton District Council (Built Environment Workstream) from a power plant or station to substations. District Council, Watchet & Williton Ward Abigail Lamberti Energy Manager, Somerset R&D: research and development. Cllr Gwilym Wren Somerset West & Taunton County Council (Energy Workstream) District Council, Milverton & District Ward Melissa Neill Communications Manager, Somerset County Council (Communications Workstream) TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 91 PAGE 92 Dan Martin Somerset County Council Christopher Garnsworthy Western Power Alex Perry Croftdale Services Business, Industry and Supply Chains Farming and Food Waste and Resources (Water Workstream) Distribution Lynda Pincombe South Somerset District Council James Gilgrist Somerset County Council Paul Cottington National Farmers Union Mickey Green Somerset Waste Partnership Mike O’Dowd-Jones Strategic Commissioner for Clive Goodman Western Power Distribution Julie Reader-Sullivan Mendip District Council (Workstream Lead) (Joint Workstream Lead) (Workstream Lead) Highways & Transport Services, Somerset County Matt Harley Exmoor National Park Authority Andrew Reading Sedgemoor District Council Marie Ainsworth South Somerset District Council Adam Lockyear Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group Chris Cooper South Somerset District Council Council (Transport Workstream) Alastair Higton Somerset County Council Malcolm Wilkinson Highways England Michele Cusack Somerset County Council - South West (Joint Workstream Lead) Adrian Gardner Sedgemoor District Council Graeme Thompson Strategy Specialist, Brian Landau EDF Energy Kinga Grabarczyk Sedgemoor District Council Lydia Cox National Farmers’ Union Chris Hall Somerset West & Taunton Somerset West & Taunton District Council David Lewis South West Energy Hub Built Environment Dan James Exmoor National Park Authority Nigel O’Grady South Somerset District Council District Council (Energy Workstream) Anna Meares Sedgemoor District Council Teresa Harvey Sedgemoor District Council David Julian Somerset County Council Melanie Squires National Farmers’ Union Paula Hewitt Somerset County Council Brendan Cleere Head of Localities, Economy Steve Mewes Somerset Climate Action Network (Joint Workstream Lead) Julie Reader-Sullivan Mendip District Council Julie Searle Somerset Waste Partnership & Climate Change, Somerset West & Taunton Gerry Mills Somerset West & Taunton Nick Bryant Somerset West & Taunton District Mark Wathen Somerset West & Taunton Water Haylee Wilkins Mendip District Council District Council District Council Council (Joint Workstream Lead) District Council Daniel Martin Somerset County Council Cara Naden Somerset Climate Action Network David Baxter Sedgemoor District Council (Workstream Lead) Communications Project Team (not included in the above list) Clare Reid Exmoor National Park Authority Heather Brunt Somerset Independent Plus Natural Environment Steve Dury Somerset County Council Melissa Neill Somerset County Council Samantha Shaw Climate Change Investment Dan Stone Centre for Sustainability James Cawley Somerset County Council Georgia Stokes Somerset Wildlife Trust (Joint Workstream Lead) (Workstream Lead) Fund Manager, Somerset County Council Diana Tellwright-Watkin South Somerset Vicki Dawson South Somerset District Council (Workstream Lead) Ann Rhodes Somerset West & Taunton Elizabeth Price Mendip District Council Jackie Swabey Business & Benefits Analyst, District Council Matthew Hibbert Somerset County Council Will Barnard Farming & Wildlife Advisory District Council Richard Birch South Somerset District Council Somerset County Council Hayley Warrens Mendip District Council Maria Kelly Homes in Sedgemoor Group - South West Axe Brue Internal Drainage Board Robert Downes, Somerset West & Taunton Ross Withy Climate Change Strategy Support Hazel Williams Regen Mark Leeman Somerset West & Taunton Simon Breeze Somerset County Council Blackdown Hills, Quantock Hills & Mendip AONBs District Council Officer, Somerset County Council District Council Simon Clarke Somerset Wildlife Trust Environment Agency Claire Faun Sedgemoor District Council Transport Andrew Lloyd Somerset County Council Samantha Dawe Environment Agency Exmoor National Park Mark Ford Somerset Waste Partnership WORKSTREAMS Tracy Aarons Mendip District Council Jeremy Manners Mendip District Council Leon DeBell Somerset Environmental FWAG SW Martin Hacker South Somerset District Council (Joint Workstream Lead) Anna Meares Sedgemoor District Council Records Centre Mendip District Council Becky Howatt Somerset West & Taunton Energy Mike O’Dowd-Jones Somerset County Council Ian Preston Centre for Sustainable Energy Steve Dury Somerset County Council Parrett Internal Drainage Board District Council Abigail Lamberti Somerset County Council (Joint Workstream Lead) Lisa Redston Somerset West & Taunton Chris Edwards Quantock Hills Area of Sedgemoor District Council (Joint Workstream Lead) Natasha Bates Somerset County Council District Council Outstanding Natural Beauty Somerset Catchment Partnerships Consulting Organisations Graeme Thompson Somerset West & Taunton Stewart Brock Public Health, James Reseigh Live West Anne Halpin Somerset Wildlife Trust Somerset Civil Contingencies Unit Paul Allen Centre for Alternative Technology District Council (Joint Workstream Lead Somerset County Council Sarah Richards Somerset West & Taunton Jim Hardcastle Mendip Hills Area of Somerset County Council Highways Nina Bell Hopestone Research Liam Aldron Western Power Distribution Paul Browning Somerset West & Taunton District Council Outstanding Natural Beauty Commissioning Team Katherine Bright WSP Dave Baxter Sedgemoor District Council District Council Steve Sheldon Low Carbon Expert Ltd Matthew Heard Natural England Somerset Rivers Authority Lottie Leigh-Browne Ecountability Sonya Bedford MBE Stephens Scown & Michael Carrington National Health Service Kate Thomas Centre for Sustainable Energy Simon Larkins National Trust Somerset West and Taunton Council Bill Butcher eCountability Somerset Climate Action Network Simon Edwards National Health Service Graeme Thompson Somerset West & Taunton Katy Menday South Somerset District Council Somerset Wildlife Trust Barny Evans WSP Sam Bryan Bristol City Council Ian Harrison Heart of the South West Local District Council Steve Mewes Somerset Wildlife Trust South Somerset District Council Simon Hooton Ash Futures Christine Chapter Regen Enterprise Partnership Christian Trevelyan Somerset Independent Plus Simon Stennett Royal Society for the Wessex Water Hugh Hopestone Hopestone Research Freddie Collins Bristol City Council Jim Lovatt Network Rail Jonathan Twomey Centre for Sustainable Energy Protection of Birds Westcountry Rivers Trust Tim Lenton Exeter University Rachel Coxcoon Centre for Sustainability Steve Melia University of the West of England Chris Willmott Homes in Sedgemoor Jonathon Stevens Somerset West & Dr Becky Mitchell Exeter University Stewart Crocker Somerset Community Energy Sunita Mills Somerset County Council Taunton Council Nick Pyatt Trioss Ricky Duke Western Power Distribution Catherine Nolan SPARK Somerset Gillian Risdale WSP Anna Francis Frome Town Council Laurence Oakes-Ash City Science Andrew Southall PAVA Consulting David Symons WSP TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 93 PAGE 94 Appendix 1: The 5 Somerset Council’s Climate Emergency Declarations 1 One Planet living principles https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org SECTION SECTION 2 One tonne of CO2e: https://ecometrica.com/white-papers/the-one-tonne-race Appendix 2: Key Climate Change Terms and Definitions 3 Met Office warmest 20 years: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/climate-change/what-is-climate-change Appendix 3: Climate Emergency Framework Consultation (Somerset CAN) Report 4 BEIS Emissions data: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ Appendix 4: The 5 Somerset Local Council’s Environmental or Carbon Management file/863325/2018-final-emissions-statistics-summary.pdf Action Plans 5 BEIS Emissions data for Somerset: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-local-authority-and-regional-carbon-dioxide- Appendix 5: Climate Change Legislation Summary emissions-national-statistics-2005-to-2018 6 Global Carbon budgets data 2019; https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/ Appendix 6: CE Strategy Energy Sector Detailed Report 7 Defra Carbon Footprint Data; Appendix 7: CE Strategy Transport Sector Detailed Report https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/reducing-uk-emissions-2020-progress-report-to-parliament/ 8 IPCC Report 1.5°C: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/ Appendices Appendix 8: CE Strategy Built Environment Sector Detailed Report References 9 UK Climate Change Act: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/27/contents 10 CCC ‘Net Zero’ report: Appendix 9: CE Strategy Business, Industry and Supply Chain Sector Detailed Report https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/net-zero-the-uks-contribution-to-stopping-global-warming/ 13 14 11 UK COP26 Glasgow: https://www.ukcop26.org/uk-presidency/ Appendix 10: CE Strategy Natural Environment Sector Detailed Report 12 Co-benefits of acting on Climate Change: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/grantham-institute/public/publications/briefing- Appendix 11: CE Strategy Farming and Food Sector Detailed Report papers/Co-benefits-of-climate-change-mitigation-in-the-UK.pdf 13 Miles travelled on Somerset’s roads: https://roadtraffic.dft.gov.uk/local-authorities/5 Appendix 12: CE Strategy Water Sector Detailed Report 14 Retrofit: https://energypost.eu/retrofitting-energy-efficiency-in-uk-homes/ 15 Green Jobs: Appendix 13: CE Strategy Waste and Resources Sector Detailed Report https://www.ecuity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Local-green-jobs-accelerating-a-sustainable- Appendix 14: CE Strategy Communications Sector Detailed Report economic-recovery_final.pdf 16 Hinkley Point: Appendix 15: CE Strategy Outcomes Table https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/hinkley-point-c/about/realising- socio-economic-benefits Appendix 16: CE Strategy Action Plan 17 ONS Covid 19: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/grossdomesticproductgdp/articles coronavirusandtheimpactonoutputintheukeconomy/april2020 Appendix 17: CE Strategy Carbon Measurement Tool Analysis (Somerset CAN Report) 18 IEA Covid 19 Global Emissions: https://www.iea.org/articles/the-impact-of-the-covid-19-crisis-on-clean-energy-progress

TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT SOMERSET PAGE 95 PAGE 96 19 CCC Green Recovery: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/reducing-uk-emissions-2020-progress-report-to-parliament/ 37 Energy UK (2019) The Future of Energy: Reducing emissions from buildings, available at https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/files/docs/The_Future_of_ 20 BEIS (2019) Sub-national electricity sales and numbers of customers: 2005-2018, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ Energy/2019/FutureofEnergy_ReportSection_Chapter3_PartA&B_04.19.pdf [accessed 17/02/2020]. regional-and-local-authority-electricity-consumption-statistics [accessed 14/02/2020]. 38 Western Power Distribution The future of our electricity network Consultation to engage communities in future DSO Strategy, available at 21 BEIS (2019) Sub-national gas sales and numbers of customers: 2005-2018, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/gas- https://www.westernpower.co.uk/smarter-networks/network-strategy/dso-strategy sales-and-numbers-of-customers-by-region-and-local-authority [accessed 14/02/2020]. 39 Western Power Distribution’s Distribution System Operability Framework- Issue 2- June 2018 22 BEIS (2019) Sub-national residual fuel consumption statistics: 2005 to 2017, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ 40 DNO Transition Western Power Distribution. December 2017 Update estimates-of-non-gas-non-electricity-and-non-road-transport-fuels-at-regional-and-local-authority-level [accessed 14/02/2020]. 41 OFGEM Decarbonisation programme action plan, available at https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/system/files/docs/2020/02/ofg1190_decarbonisation_action_ 23 HotSW LEP (2019) HotSW: Local Industrial Strategy, available at: https://heartofswlep.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/6.1-HotSW-LIS-Full-draft-17- plan_revised.pdf REF 41 07-2019-LEP-Board-Jul19.pdf [accessed 18/02/2020]. 24 Carbon Trust (2019) Joint LEP Energy Strategy: CWIS, Dorset and HotSW LEPs, available at https://heartofswlep.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/5.- Joint-LEP-Energy-Strategy-Delivery-Plan-v4.2-02.01.19-FINAL-converted.pdf [accessed 18/02/2020]. 25 The Resilience Centre (2015) The Power to Transform the South West: How to meet the region’s energy needs through renewable energy generation, available at https://mollymep.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/The-power-to-transform-the-South-West_FINAL1.pdf [accessed 14/02/2020]. 26 Hinkley point C: Realising the Socio- economic benefits 2020 https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default. aspx?pubname=&edid=dd86b444-cd47-459c-8e34-fdca673f1808 REF 26. 27 CCC (2018) Net Zero: The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming, available at https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Net-Zero- The-UKs-contribution-to-stopping-global-warming.pdf, [accessed 14/02/2020]. 28 Ibid. 29 Ibid. 30 BEIS (2018) Clean Growth – Transforming Heating, available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/766109/decarbonising-heating.pdf [accessed 14/02/2020]. 31 BEIS (2019) Sub-national estimates of properties not connected to the gas network 2018, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sub- national-estimates-of-households-not-connected-to-the-gas-network [accessed 14/02/2020]. 32 Ibid. 33 BEIS (2019) Sub-national electricity sales and numbers of customers: 2005-2018, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ regional-and-local-authority-electricity-consumption-statistics [accessed 14/02/2020]. 34 BEIS (2019) Sub-national gas sales and numbers of customers: 2005-2018, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/gas- sales-and-numbers-of-customers-by-region-and-local-authority [accessed 14/02/2020]. 35 BEIS (2019) Sub-national residual fuel consumption statistics: 2005 to 2017, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ estimates-of-non-gas-non-electricity-and-non-road-transport-fuels-at-regional-and-local-authority-level [accessed 14/02/2020]. 36 BEIS (2019) Sub-national residual fuel consumption statistics: 2005 to 2017, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/ estimates-of-non-gas-non-electricity-and-non-road-transport-fuels-at-regional-and-local-authority-level

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