Climate change impact assessment
The purpose of this assessment is to help us understand the likely impacts of our decisions on the environment of North Yorkshire and on our aspiration to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2030, or as close to that date as possible. The intention is to mitigate negative effects and identify projects which will have positive effects.
This document should be completed in consultation with the supporting guidance. The final document will be published as part of the decision-making process and should be written in Plain English.
If you have any additional queries which are not covered by the guidance please email climatechange@northyorks.gov.uk
Version 2: amended 11 August 2021
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Title of proposal |
Corporate Property Strategy (CPS) 2025 - 35 |
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Brief description of proposal |
The Strategy setting out how NYC will manage its Corporate Land and Building assets |
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Directorate |
Resources |
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Service area |
Commercial, Property and Procurement |
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Lead officer |
Kerry Metcalfe |
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Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment |
Jonathan Dunk Jos Holmes |
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Date impact assessment started |
23/09/2025 |
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Options appraisal Were any other options considered in trying to achieve the aim of this project? If so, please give brief details and explain why alternative options were not progressed.
The option of not publishing a CPS was considered and rejected because;
Transparency and Accountability: NYC is expected to demonstrate how public assets are managed. Not publishing a strategy may raise concerns about governance and openness.
Risk of Fragmented Decision-Making: Without a published strategy, decisions may lack cohesion, leading to inefficiencies or reputational risks.
Community and stakeholder engagement: Without a published CPS, clear and consistent engagement with external Community Groups and Stakeholders is more difficult leading to miscommunication.
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What impact will this proposal have on council budgets? Will it be cost neutral, have increased cost or reduce costs?
Please explain briefly why this will be the result, detailing estimated savings or costs where this is possible.
Through the implementation of the CPS, a model centralising property management enables economies of scale in procurement, maintenance, and service contracts.
Property budgets are transferred from service departments to a centralised team, allowing for better financial oversight and prioritisation of investment.
Strategic Investment Planning, property investment decisions align with corporate objectives, enabling targeted capital investment and better Return on Investment. This will help us act corporately and justify decisions with robust business cases. There are potential energy savings from retrofit activities and renewable energy development.
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How will this proposal impact on the environment?
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Positive impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant) |
No impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant) |
Negative impact (Place a X in the box below where relevant) |
Explain why will it have this effect and over what timescale?
Where possible/relevant please include: · Changes over and above business as usual · Evidence or measurement of effect · Figures for CO2e · Links to relevant documents |
Explain how you plan to mitigate any negative impacts.
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Explain how you plan to improve any positive outcomes as far as possible. |
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Minimise greenhouse gas emissions e.g. reducing emissions from travel, increasing energy efficiencies etc.
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Emissions from travel |
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x |
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Emissions from construction |
x |
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Avoid unnecessary new builds: By repurposing or refurbishing existing assets, we can reduce the need for carbon-intensive new construction.
Consolidation of space: Reducing the number of properties and optimising space usage lowers the demand for new developments. |
Integrate sustainability into asset lifecycle planning, ensuring carbon reduction is a core objective. |
Align the property strategy with corporate sustainability goals. |
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Emissions from running of buildings |
x |
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We will set minimum energy performance targets for all buildings in the portfolio
We will consider retrofit older buildings with insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.
We will consider smart building technologies like automated lighting, heating, and occupancy sensors help optimise energy use. |
Design for Operational Efficiency.
Monitor and Manage Energy Use. |
Engage Occupants and Stakeholders to improve behaviours.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Technologies. |
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Emissions from data storage |
X |
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We will consolidate data storage systems through a single corporate system.
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Include IT teams in property decisions to ensure data storage requirements are considered early. |
Regularly review and update the strategy based on performance data and emerging technologies. |
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Other |
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x |
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Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic |
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Reduce water consumption |
x |
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Consolidation of space: Reducing the number of properties and optimising space usage lowers the demand for water. |
Integrate sustainability into asset lifecycle planning, ensuring water usage is a core objective. |
Align the property strategy with corporate sustainability goals. |
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Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)
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x |
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Energy-efficient buildings reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Smart Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning systems reduce indoor and outdoor air contaminants.
On-site waste management systems prevent illegal dumping and promote recycling. |
Conduct ecological assessments where appropriate. |
Continuous Monitoring: Use building management systems to track energy use.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involve employees, local communities, and environmental experts in planning and feedback. |
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Ensure resilience to the effects of climate change e.g. reducing flood risk, mitigating effects of drier, hotter summers |
x |
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Site selection and elevation planning, developments will avoid flood-prone zones.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS): Use permeable surfaces, swales, retention ponds, and green roofs to manage stormwater. |
High upfront costs: Use lifecycle cost analysis to justify investments and seek green financing or government incentives. |
Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with users, communities, and environmental experts.
Monitor and adapt: Use data analytics to continuously improve. |
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Enhance conservation and wildlife
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x |
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Preserving natural habitats during development (e.g., woodlands, wetlands, hedgerows).
Creating green corridors to connect fragmented habitats and support species movement.
Incorporating biodiversity features like bird boxes, bat roosts, insect hotels, and native planting. |
Habitat disturbance during construction: Conduct ecological surveys and implement mitigation plans.
Water feature safety: Ensure ponds and wetlands are safely designed for both wildlife and people. |
Collaborate with ecologists: Engage experts in habitat design, monitoring, and enhancement.
Educate and involve staff: Run awareness campaigns and professional training sessions. |
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Safeguard the distinctive characteristics, features, and special qualities of North Yorkshire’s landscape
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x |
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Designing buildings that complement local architecture, using traditional materials like stone and slate.
Integrating green infrastructure that reflects the local ecology. |
Habitat Fragmentation: Avoid disrupting wildlife corridors and implement ecological mitigation plans.
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Engage Local Stakeholders: Consult with communities, conservation groups, and planning authorities.
Use Landscape Character Assessments. |
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Other (please state below)
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Are there any recognised good practice environmental standards in relation to this proposal? If so, please detail how this proposal meets those standards. |
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Sustainability & Carbon Reduction
Estate Optimisation
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Summary Summarise the findings of your impact assessment, including impacts, the recommendation in relation to addressing impacts, including any legal advice, and next steps. This summary should be used as part of the report to the decision maker.
The adoption of a Corporate Property Strategy will allow a planned an organised approach to mitigating managing climate change in relation to our assets. A Corporate Governance Structure will ensure appropriate reporting and oversight of performance to allow Strategic Alignment and decision making.
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Sign off section
This climate change impact assessment was completed by:
Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature):
Date:
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