Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Compliance & Environment Officer.

The Working Party received and considered the report of the Compliance & Environment Officer, supported by a detailed update of ongoing and planned activity to support the Council’s carbon reduction objectives.

Members were advised that, following completion of the West Witney project, the Project Officer would provide increased focus to climate action priority areas. This would include internal engagement with the Operations Manager to identify smaller-scale, practical measures, as well as liaison with energy providers regarding the potential for the installation of smart meters across Council buildings.

It was further noted that discussions would take place with the West Oxfordshire District Council as the planning authority to clarify requirements relating to potential installations at the Corn Exchange due to its protected building status. Officers also confirmed that available grant funding opportunities would be actively pursued, including maximising the use of match funding available through Energy Solutions Oxfordshire and Members were supportive of Officers intentions to submit an application ahead of the 9th September deadline.

Members discussed potential options for carbon reduction measures, including solar PV and air-to-water heat pump systems. It was noted that while both options were of comparable indicative cost, the air-to-water system could deliver more significant carbon savings. Members also suggested that the estimated cost of solar installation may be lower than initially indicated; however, it was acknowledged that the procurement of the required quotations in line with the Council’s Financial Regulations would provide further clarity of competitive costings.

In response to a query regarding heating usage at the Corn Exchange, Members were advised that a heating engineer would be attending site to provide guidance on system operation, efficiency improvements and programming..

The Working Party reflected on the Council’s overall carbon footprint, currently estimated at 65.08 tCO?e. Members acknowledged that some emissions were inherently linked to operational requirements, particularly where equipment did not yet have suitable low-carbon alternatives.

Members were reminded that a budget of £50,000 was available and that, in line with previous decisions of the Climate & Biodiversity Committee (Meeting 19.05.2026 Minute: CB251 Relates), priority should be given to projects at the Corn Exchange and Windrush Cemetery. The Working Party agreed that Burwell Hall should also be included within the scope of works to maximise overall carbon reduction impact.

Members emphasised the importance of identifying “quick wins” including measures that could be delivered through existing maintenance budgets or improved staff awareness. A proposal was made that smaller-scale items be grouped and considered as part of general maintenance activity, alongside increased staff engagement and education.

It was noted that matched funding applications to Energy Solutions Oxfordshire could be submitted in stages as individual projects are developed, allowing flexibility and responsiveness in delivery. Members also welcomed the commitment to, where possible, procure locally and utilise local contractors, in line with existing financial and tendering policies.

Members requested that a clear schedule of works be developed by Officers, outlining planned activities and progress. It was agreed that authority be delegated to Officers to proceed with grant funding applications to ensure that opportunities are not missed within required timescales.

It was noted that the focus of the current plan related to Council-owned buildings, including its halls and buildings. Any works to the Town Hall or Reception Office would require approval from the Town Hall Charity as the property owner. Members who sat on the Town Hall Charity were encouraged to raise this matter at forthcoming meetings of the charity.

Members also noted that water usage formed part of the Council’s overall carbon footprint and this had increased in recent years, partly reflecting the success of facilities such as Café 1863 and the Splash Park. It was noted that steps had already been taken to improve efficiency, including the removal of the water tank at the Corn Exchange, allowing direct mains supply and reducing water wastage.

Overall, Members welcomed the progress being made and the clear direction of travel, recognising the importance of a structured and deliverable programme of works to support the Council’s carbon neutrality ambitions.

Recommended:

1. That, the report and update be noted and,
2. That, Officers be delegated authority to develop and implement a carbon reduction programme focusing on the Corn Exchange, Windrush Cemetery and Burwell Hall and,
3. That, a schedule of works be prepared and presented to Members, identifying priority actions including “quick wins” and maintenance-based improvements and,
4. That, Officers progress grant funding applications as opportunities arise in order to maximise external funding support and,
5. That, measures to improve operational efficiency, including staff engagement and system optimisation, be incorporated into the programme of works.