D9 - Environment and Green Investment Committee

Authority for exercising all powers and implementing all strategies associated with the Council’s climate change, sustainable development, energy and environment functions which are not otherwise reserved for Full Council or any other body.

Authority to respond, as appropriate, on behalf of the Council to government consultation in respect of policy and/or legislation affecting planning, clean growth, energy and the environment and its impact upon health outcomes and health inequalities.

Authority for exercising the Council’s functions in respect of all areas covering the following:

(i) To oversee the funding and implementation of the Climate Change and Environment Strategy, its targets and action plan including the development of new policies that may be required to support delivery including engaging and encouraging residents, businesses, community and voluntary groups and other authorities and all stakeholders to adopt environmentally sustainable measures as well as supporting health and wellbeing outcomes;

(ii) County planning – minerals and waste;

(iii) Historic environment;

(iv) Flood and water management;

(v) Clean energy and green investments;

(vi) Growth and development policy and management, including the Council’s position on major planning and applications and s106 negotiations;

(vii) Waste management including the waste contract;

(viii) RECAP (Recycling in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Partnership);

(ix) Greening the Council’s finances and investments and using this to support and develop green innovation;

(x) Management of the capital projects within the Committee’s portfolio as agreed within the Council’s Business Plan;

(xi) Funding bids as they relate to the Committee;

(xii) Decarbonisation of transport, land and buildings; and

(xiii) Identification and management of strategic and project based climate and environmental risks for Council’s assets, its service delivery and the wider community.

To recommend to Council and monitor the Council’s Climate Change and Environment Strategy and Environment Fund.

Authority to exercise the statutory functions in relation to the scrutiny of flood risk management under the provisions of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

To respond as necessary to consultations and proposals relating to the Oxford to Cambridge Arc, including the Spatial Framework and any government plans for new settlements.

Authority to nominate representatives to outside bodies other than the Combined Authority, Greater Cambridge Partnership, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority, the County Councils Network Council and the Local Government Association.

To lead the development and growth of environment income streams including those that generate sufficient surplus for investment in further opportunities and to help offset costs of other activities.

Greening finance - Ensure current and future financial risks and opportunities from climate and environmental factors are integrated into mainstream financial decision making.

Accelerate and test green finance and new business models to support the delivery of the UK’s and Council’s carbon targets and doubling nature ambitions, to secure deeper and faster change to benefit our communities.

To oversee development of staff and councillor skills to deliver a net-zero carbon and an improved natural capital future.

Authority to appraise and monitor all energy, low carbon (including nature based solutions) investments and renewable schemes.

To act as the shareholder on behalf of the Council in relation to Swaffham Prior Community Heat Network Limited.

Authority to exercise functions in relation to production and supply of heat under the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

To lead the Council’s work in shaping policy and priorities for sustainable economic growth across the County, working with partners, including the Combined Authority, Greater Cambridge Partnership and district councils.

Authority to lead the Council’s development and delivery of the digital infrastructure strategy for Cambridgeshire to drive economic growth, help communities thrive and make it easier to access public services. Working in partnership with government and the Combined Authority.

Authority to contribute to the Council’s duties relating to public health by assessing the health implications of decisions, seeking synergies and avoiding harmful health impacts, in order to improve population health and health equity.