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

Please note: You may not need to undertake this assessment if your proposal will be subject to any of the following: Planning Permission Environmental Impact Assessment Strategic Environmental Assessment However, you will still need to summarise your findings in the summary section of the form below. Please contact climatechange@northyorks.gov.uk for advice.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Title of proposal

Strategy for a Sustainable Future: consultation draft NYC response

Brief description of proposal

To delegate authority to Officers to make the response, following engagement, within the timescale

Directorate

Environment

Service area

Environment and Sustainability

Lead officer

Jos Holmes

Names and roles of other people involved in carrying out the impact assessment

 

Date impact assessment started

27.04.26

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Not to respond to the consultation.

This was rejected as it is important that NYC reviews the Strategy to ensure it supports NYC strategy and priority.

 

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.

 

There will be no impact on Council budgets. However, the Strategy will guide future funding of the YNYCA and lobby for Government funding to deliver on the Strategy priorities.

 

How will this proposal impact on the environment?


N.B. There may be short term negative impact and longer term positive impact. Please include all potential impacts over the lifetime of a project and provide an explanation.

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.

 

Explain how you plan to improve any positive outcomes as far as possible.

Minimise greenhouse gas emissions e.g. reducing emissions from travel, increasing energy efficiencies etc.

 

Emissions from travel

x

 

 

The strategy highlights emissions reduction opportunities from travel

 

To ensure NYC transport priorities are reflected

Emissions from construction

x

 

 

Biobased construction is included in the Strategy.

 

Ensure that NYC Property team are involved in the consultation response

Emissions from running of buildings

x

 

 

Retrofit is a key aspect of the Strategy.

 

Ensure that NYC Property team are involved in the consultation response

Emissions from data storage

 

x

 

At present, the Strategy focusses on operational emissions.

Review the opportunity to reduce data storage emissions in the Strategy

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise waste: Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost e.g. reducing use of single use plastic

x

 

 

The Strategy includes references to Circular Economy

 

Ensure the Waste team are engaged in the Strategy response

Reduce water consumption

 

x

 

This aspect doesn’t specifically feature in the Strategy

Ensure resource efficiency is included

 

Minimise pollution (including air, land, water, light and noise)

 

x

 

 

The Strategy references the positive co benefits of taking climate actions.

 

 Ensure this is referenced in the response

Ensure resilience to the effects of climate change e.g. reducing flood risk, mitigating effects of drier, hotter summers

x

 

 

Climate adaptation is referenced throughout the Strategy

 

Ensure this is supported in the response

Enhance conservation and wildlife

 

x

 

 

Natural capital is referenced in the Strategy

 

Ensure this is supported in the response

Safeguard the distinctive characteristics, features and special qualities of North Yorkshire’s landscape

 

x

 

 

Protected landscapes are referenced in the Strategy

 

 

Ensure PL services are responding to the consultation

Other (please state below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are there any recognised good practice environmental standards in relation to this proposal? If so, please detail how this proposal meets those standards.

 

 

 

Summary

Due to engagement of NYC Officers and Members throughout, there are no significant ‘red flags’. It is anticipated that NYC’s response will be supportive of areas where our priorities align and also offer comment on areas of improvement or development.

 

Sign off section

This climate change impact assessment was completed by:

Name

Jos Holmes

Job title

Climate Change Strategy Manager

Service area

Environment and Sustainability

Directorate

Environment

Signature

 

Completion date

27.04.26

Authorised by relevant Assistant Director (signature): Michael Leah

Date:                                                                                    15.05.26