Frequently Asked Questions - Cotswold’s Climate Initiatives and Future Plans

Cotswold District Council is steadfast in its commitment to addressing the climate emergency and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Recognising the critical role that local government plays in the global effort to combat climate change, the council has embedded climate action at the heart of its policies and operations. These pages outline the council’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, detailing the steps taken and the strategies implemented to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and foster a sustainable future for all residents.

The council itself is responsible for only a small percentage of the district’s total emissions, making it vital that we work collaboratively with our residents and businesses. Encouraging and supporting the entire community to take action is essential in our joint fight against climate change. Together, we can ensure that our Cotswolds remain green and pleasant, not brown and dry, for our children, their children, and future generations.

As you explore these pages, you will find detailed accounts of the council’s ongoing projects and future plans, reflecting our commitment to making the Cotswold district a leader in sustainability. We are dedicated to continually assessing and improving our strategies, ensuring that we meet our climate goals and contribute to the global effort to secure a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Transport

Transport is a large source of carbon emissions for both the Cotswold district as a whole and the Council, mirroring the trend observed across the UK. Addressing transport emissions is therefore a critical component of our climate action strategy.

This section outlines our efforts and plans to reduce transport-related emissions.

Transitioning the Council Vehicle Fleet to Electric

A large proportion of Cotswold District Council’s vehicle fleet consists of waste trucks used for residential rubbish collection. These vehicles are operated by UBICO, a company owned by CDC along with several other councils. UBICO has been instructed to conduct a feasibility study for transitioning the vehicle fleet to electric (EVs). Currently a number of electric vehicles are being trialled. The adoption of EV waste trucks is at an early stage therefore the council is also exploring the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel as an alternative. The trials form part of a crucial assessment of the benefits, constraints and necessary infrastructure needed to support the transition to net zero. It is important to note that this transition will be costly and will depend heavily on securing the necessary funding.

In addition we have electric pool cars/vans to enable council officers to conduct site visits across the rural district sustainably, and have installed Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs) at our offices to facilitate this.

Shared Transport Schemes

The council has actively lobbied for The Robin, a new on-demand shared rural transport service operated by Gloucestershire County Council. This service provides a vital connection for residents in rural areas, offering a flexible, bookable bus service that helps to reduce car dependency and improve access to essential services. More information about The Robin can be found here.

Additionally, the council promotes local businesses that contribute to sustainable transport options in the district. For instance, Cotswold E-Bikes and Cotswold Bike Hire offer residents and visitors the opportunity to rent bicycles and e-bikes, promoting eco-friendly travel in the area. You can find more information about these services here and here.

Workplace Parking Levy

The council has considered a workplace parking levy however the rural nature of the district and limited public transport options mean that many staff do not have viable alternatives to commuting by car. A workplace parking levy is not appropriate at present therefore.

Supporting the Expansion of Public EV Chargers

The council has actively supported the expansion of the public EV charger network across the district. EV chargers have been installed in five car parks, funded through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ (OZEV) On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). Additionally, in 2023, the council was awarded further funding, which will be used to roll out additional chargers across more car parks during 2024/25. These efforts aim to support residents, tourists, shoppers, and commuters in transitioning to electric vehicles.

No High Carbon Transport Projects

The council has not approved, expanded, or built any high carbon transport projects since 2020. This includes roads or airports.

Waste Reduction and Food

This section covers Cotswold District Council’s initiatives and efforts to manage waste reduction and promote sustainable food practices.

Cotswold District Council is responsible for waste collection, while Gloucestershire County Council handles the waste processing. The Council, in collaboration with several other local councils, owns UBICO, which operates the waste services on our behalf.

Waste reduction at events

The Council’s Licensing Policy for large events requires event organisers to produce an Event Management Plan, which includes a Refuse and Recycling Plan.

Support for Circular Economy

The council supports the circular economy through our funding programme deriving from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). We support projects that address the climate crisis, for example Men’s Sheds, which promote reuse, repair, and other circular economy practices. Cotswold District Council also makes people aware of the district’s repair cafes where people can bring along items for repair thereby reducing waste and promoting a more circular economy: https://www.gloucestershirerecycles.com/repair-cafes/cotswolds-repair-cafes-cirencester-and-lechlade/

Support for Surplus Food Redistribution

Cotswold District Council promotes the use of the OLIO app, which facilitates the redistribution of surplus food from local stores and individuals, contributing to food waste reduction efforts in the community.

The council also runs communication campaigns to provide tips and advice on how to deal with surplus food, for example: https://www.facebook.com/CotswoldDC/videos/331542599924210/ and https://www.facebook.com/CotswoldDC/posts/pfbid05Ccsb6GGsubMHMuS9YpjQTZLKj61WpEZTvgjnKG5LWaTdPRZdU9ZDogfH3X4wr3Sl.

The council is part of the Cotswold Food Network, which aims to enhance food sustainability and reduce food waste. The council has partnered with Feeding Gloucestershire and other organisations to explore the creation of a comprehensive food network that addresses food-related issues such as food waste and food inequality.

As part of this effort, the council has launched the Cotswold Connected Community and Food Programme, committing £40,000 to this initiative. This programme supports various community food projects, including community fridges, pantries, and larders, in collaboration with Feeding Gloucestershire, The Long Table, and FareShare. These projects are designed to reduce food waste, improve access to food, and foster community resilience.

A notable project under this programme is the Cirencester Pantry, a community-led initiative aimed at reducing food waste and supporting residents who are struggling with the cost of living. The pantry operates on a membership basis, allowing members to receive food at a reduced cost while contributing to waste reduction efforts. The council provided £6,350 in start-up funding for this project, which is now part of the district-wide food network. For more details, you can visit the Cotswold Connected Community and Food Programme and the Cirencester Pantry project.

In addition we support the creation and distribution of Greener Gloucestershire’s communication campaigns which include food waste reduction campaigns.

Our Sustainable Food Strategy - Participation in Sustainable Food Partnership

A new role has been created within the council to drive forward action on food sustainability. This role will work as part of a sustainable food partnership, including key organisations such as Feeding Gloucestershire. The council is committing £40,000 from 2024 to 2026 to support the development of a district-wide Cotswold Food Network. This role will also engage with the local voluntary and community sector to support initiatives that reduce food waste and improve access to nutritious and affordable food for everyone. More information can be found on the council's food sustainability page.

Support for Local Food Growing

Cotswold District Council launched Crowdfund Cotswold, an awarding winning crowd funding platform, where residents, businesses, the council and others can pledge money to support community projects. This has enabled community projects such as 1. Cut the Mustard which has run gardening sessions at the local organic nursery for school groups and 2. Kemble community gardens.

Weekly Kerbside Food Waste Recycling

The council provides weekly food waste collections to all households in the district. Residents are supplied with food caddies, and the collected food waste is taken to an anaerobic digestion plant, where it is converted into electricity and compost. Further details can be found here.

Recycling Rate

Cotswold District Council’s recycling rate is 59%. This makes CDC one of the top-performing councils in the country. You can find more details in the performance report.

Household Waste Amount

The council meets the first-tier criteria, with 365kg of waste per household. More information is available in the performance report.

Governance and Finance

This section covers the governance and finance mechanisms Cotswold District Council uses, and outlines our efforts and plans to place climate action at the heart of these mechanisms and strategies.

Net Zero Embedded in Corporate Plan

Cotswold District Council has embedded a net-zero target within its corporate plan, making tackling the climate emergency one of its main priorities. This commitment is central to all strategic decisions. More details can be found in the corporate plan document.

Net-Zero Embedded in Mid-Term Financial Plan

Responding to the climate change emergency is a key priority in the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy. The council has allocated £250,000 to the Climate Emergency Reserve. Additionally, the Capital Strategy references climate change actions, such as providing electric vehicle charging points, investing in renewable energy, and supporting community-led renewable energy projects.

Climate Change Risk Register

Climate change is included in the council's Corporate Risk Register. The council is committed to achieving net zero both countywide and within its own estate. The Risk Register identifies the potential consequences of failing to meet these targets, and recognises the council's dependency on government funding to achieve them. Further details can be found in the risk register document.

Emission Data Reporting

Cotswold District Council has reported on its own greenhouse gas emissions, including Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions in its climate change strategy, and also in the annual carbon emissions reports available here.

Climate Change Decision-Making

The council has adopted new governance and decision-making processes that prioritise climate change. All reports prepared for decision-making purposes now include a mandatory section on the implications for the Climate and Ecological Emergencies. Additionally, the council is trialling a Sustainability Impact Assessment Tool, designed to ensure that sustainability considerations are reviewed at key stages of projects including the design stage when beneficial changes can still be made. The tool ensures for example: the carbon implications of building/operating new buildings is assessed; opportunities to mitigate negative impacts by design is identified; facilities and access to sustainable transport is provided; and ecological enhancement in site landscaping is maximised.

Sustainable Procurement Policy

The council's sustainable procurement policy is included in the current contract management strategy. However, this strategy is due to be updated to align with the New Procurement Act 2023, which we hope will afford us the opportunity to enhance the focus on sustainability and climate action.

Supplier Environmental Action Requirements

The council requires suppliers to have carbon reduction plans where the annual contract value is above £5 million. Below this value, the council advises carbon reduction is factored into the contract negotiation process. The council’s electricity contract is founded on 100% renewable energy.

Elected Climate Change Portfolio Holder

The council has a designated Cabinet Member responsible for the Climate Change and Sustainability Portfolio, currently held by Cllr Mike McKeown. This role is pivotal in driving the council’s climate initiatives.

Staff Time on Climate Action

The council is currently investigating the exact percentage of staff time dedicated to climate action. Staff members across most departments contribute to the council's climate initiatives. Departments include climate, planning, property, communications, economic development, procurement, parking and communities. Given the small number of directly employed council staff, the percentage of staff time dedicated to climate action is likely to be relatively high.

Carbon Literacy/Climate Awareness Training

Publica, of which Cotswold District Council is a part, recently achieved silver status and became an accredited Carbon Literate Organisation by the Carbon Literacy Project. It is aiming to achieve Gold status by 2025. At least 60% of the workforce will need to be certified as Carbon Literate to achieve that. As part of that, senior management have either undertaken climate awareness training or are due to. The council is rolling out climate awareness training for all councillors in autumn 2024 in addition.

Funding for Climate Action from Property Development

The council has ring-fenced income for climate action through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). A portion of these funds, specifically 10%, is allocated to infrastructure projects that help deliver actions related to the council’s Climate and Ecological Emergencies.

Climate Bond

The council has launched a Climate Bond and successfully raised £500,000 of funds for climate action through this initiative. Further details about this achievement can be found here.

Additional Funding for Climate Action

The council has successfully raised additional income for climate action through various sources, including

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support building energy efficiency/decarbonisation
The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to support businesses reaching net zero
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for energy efficiency/decarbonisation works at both leisure centres, the Moreton Area Centre, and the Corinium Museum storage site.
The Office of Zero Emission Vehicles for the deployment of electric vehicle charging points across the district
Southwest Net Zero Hub for retrofit engagement work.
Crowdfund Cotswolds which supports fundraising for a wide range of community projection, including climate related such as solar installations, community energy, energy efficiency and biodiversity. Over £1M has been raised.

Council Investments in High Carbon Industries

The council does not have direct investments in airports or carbon intensive energy industries.

Collaboration and Engagement

Council Website - Information for Residents

Cotswold District Council's climate pages include detailed information on the behaviour changes residents can make to reduce their carbon footprint. These resources are easily accessible on the climate action section of the council’s website, which can be found here. Additionally, the council provides links to further support and resources to help residents implement these changes effectively.

Climate Action Plan

Cotswold District Council has published a comprehensive climate action plan that covers the entire area through Climate Leadership Gloucestershire (CLG). CLG is a partnership that includes all Gloucestershire councils, working collaboratively to address local climate challenges. This plan is publicly accessible here. Cotswold District Council have also published their own Climate Emergency Strategy Plan which can be viewed here.

Published Annual Report

An annual carbon emissions report has been published setting out the Council's carbon emissions and progress against net zero target here. The council also embeds climate action within its performance reporting framework, ensuring regular updates on progress. These updates are reported quarterly, and the most recent performance report can be accessed through the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting minutes here. This approach ensures transparency and keeps residents informed of the council’s efforts toward meeting its climate goals.

Lobbying the Government for Climate Action

Cotswold District Council (CDC) is an active member of UK100, a network of local government leaders committed to achieving net zero emissions as soon as possible. As part of its commitment to this goal, CDC has been proactive in lobbying the UK government for stronger climate action.

In July 2024, the council sent a letter to the government calling for increased support to local authorities, specifically to aid in the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in public spaces. This lobbying effort is part of a broader strategy by CDC to ensure that local authorities have the necessary resources and powers to effectively combat climate change.

Sharing Best Practice Between Councils

Cotswold District Council (CDC) is deeply engaged in sharing best practices and collaborating with other councils and external partners to drive climate action. CDC is a member of UK100, a network of local government leaders committed to achieving net zero emissions.

CDC has presented on best practices around fundraising for climate action and retrofit initiatives at the UK Climate Emergency Local Government Climate Academy.

CDC is an active member and current chair of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire (CLG), a collaboration of public sector bodies across Gloucestershire. This group includes all the councils within the county, as well as the police, NHS, universities, and other public sector entities. Through CLG, these organisations work together to drive forward coordinated climate action across the region.

Furthermore, CDC has:

contributed a case study to Friends of the Earth
collaborated with FarmEd to produce a case study on regenerative agriculture, which is featured on the Ashden website here.
reported to CDP in 2022 and 2023

The council also engages directly with the UK government to build a case for increased support and resources to enable greater climate action.

Residents' Engagement

Cotswold District Council is committed to ensuring that residents have ongoing opportunities to influence the implementation of the Council’s Climate Action Plan.

Key Initiatives:

Council Meetings and Direct Communication: Residents can engage directly with the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Mike McKeown, during regular council meetings or through direct communication via email and phone.
Cotswold Climate Action Network: Co-Founded by Mike McKeown and local residents, this initiative connects individuals passionate about climate action in the Cotswolds. The network offers both in-person and virtual meetings and has an active WhatsApp community with sub-groups focused on areas such as Active Travel, Regenerative Agriculture, Biodiversity & Nature Recovery, and more.

Representative Residents' Engagement

The council's engagement efforts are inclusive, particularly focusing on those most affected by climate change. For instance, the council supports residents affected by flooding through advice, flood warden schemes, and alleviation projects. Additionally, through the Warm and Well scheme, which offers free advice and grants to low-income households on energy use and retrofitting renewable energy technologies, ensuring that those most vulnerable are supported in adapting to and mitigating climate change.

Funding for Community Climate Action

Since 2021, Cotswold District Council has distributed its community grants budget through a crowdfunding platform, Crowdfund Cotswolds. With over £1,000,000 raised, this fund supports a range of community activities, including climate-related projects. The platform has been instrumental in funding initiatives such as the installation of solar panels on community buildings and supported the creation of Thames Head Community Energy, a not-for-profit that has helped 16 homes install solar and batteries and is working on developing a community energy solar farm. The effectiveness of this approach was recognised when Spacehive, which powers Crowdfund Cotswolds, won 'Funding Team of the Year' at the Unlock Net Zero Awards in 2024.

Health Services Partnership

Cotswold District Council collaborates with health services through the Climate Leadership Gloucestershire (CLG) forum. This partnership works across 10 cross-cutting themes, including adaptation, biodiversity, behaviour change, and more. The council also runs The Active Cotswold Programme, a 10-year initiative aimed at improving the health and lives of residents, with active travel being a core component. Additionally, the council has an air pollution officer dedicated to monitoring and improving air quality, thereby reducing health risks associated with poor air quality.

Partnerships with Cultural Institutions

The council is actively working with cultural institutions to encourage decarbonisation. A significant initiative includes the proposed installation of Solar PV at Brewery Arts in Cirencester, which offers arts and crafts workshops and spaces for small businesses. The council, which owns the building, plans to sell green energy to the tenant via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The council has also provided grant aid for solar PV installations at the Cirencester Open Air Pool and local villages hall through the Crowdfund Cotswold and Rural England Prosperity schemes – this not only provides solar but also heating and insulation and other improvements to village halls to help them provide community services, many of which are local culture related.

Partnerships with Young People

The Council helps facilitate youth representation through Climate Leadership Gloucestershire’s Youth Panel. This forum facilitates and empowers young people to take an active part in climate decision making.

Partnerships with Business

The Council funds The Growth Hub, a business support service which provides a Net Zero programme. Regular events are held for businesses, which include advice on how to measure and reduce carbon emissions. Recently the council also hosted an event in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce entitled Working towards net zero. The Council have also collaborated with The UK Business Climate Hub and encouraged businesses to fill in The UK Net Zero Business Census.

Biodiversity

Cotswold District Council recognises the critical importance of biodiversity in maintaining the health and resilience of our natural environment. In response to the ongoing ecological challenges, the council has developed an Ecological Emergency Action Plan, which outlines our commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity across the district. This plan is designed to complement our broader environmental strategies and aims to address key issues such as habitat loss, species decline, and the impacts of climate change on our ecosystems. Through targeted actions and partnerships, the council is working to create a sustainable future where biodiversity can thrive. For more detailed information, you can view the full Ecological Emergency Action Plan here.

Peat-Free Compost and Soil

The council uses peat-free compost/soil in all landscaping and horticulture.

Pesticides

The council has a standard contract in place that refers to the use of pesticides and herbicides. This contract states that these substances should be specified by the commissioning officer and used correctly by the contractor. Current practice within the council includes the use of eco-plugs to control regrowth of tree stumps where it is not desirable.

Mowing of Green Spaces

Areas are left un-mowed where requested/ a need has been identified so as to assist wildlife. In specific locations areas are left un-mown to allow wildflowers, etc to grow.

Tree Cover

The council manages very little land or trees, but it has a tree management policy (Link) that promotes the planting of replacement trees where necessary for health and safety reasons. The policy also encourages the planting of new trees and their good management. The council is committed to increasing the quality and quantity of its tree stock by planting in suitable locations with appropriate species, enhancing the enjoyment of open spaces, promoting local distinctiveness, and conserving the environment. Additionally, the council is actively participating in implementing the Gloucestershire Tree Strategy, which has ambitious targets for tree planting.

Green Flag Awards

The council does not own any parks, and therefore no parks under its management have been awarded Green Flag status.

Planning Ecologists

The council employs a planning ecologist who is responsible for scrutinising planning reports to ensure improvements in biodiversity in new developments, such as achieving biodiversity net gain.

Biodiversity Net Gain

At present, the council does not require a higher biodiversity net gain (BNG) commitment from new developments beyond the minimum 10% required by the UK Government. However, this is likely to be an area of discussion as the review of the Local Plan moves forward. The updated plan might require a higher BNG on a site-by-site basis, though no decision has been made yet.

Green Space Factor

The council has not yet introduced a Green Space Factor to increase habitat in new developments. However, this is likely to be considered during the ongoing review of the Local Plan. The council’s approved Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy includes various standards, and existing and emerging policies make reference to this strategy. There is a strong emphasis on increasing both the quality and quantity of green infrastructure, as outlined in the Building with Nature GI standards.

Buildings and Heating

Recognising the significant impact of these emissions, Cotswold District Council has undertaken numerous initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency across its building portfolio and in residential homes and businesses.

The council has made substantial progress in retrofitting key council buildings, with a strong focus on eliminating fossil fuels and enhancing energy efficiency. In addition an agile working policy has been introduced to reduce the need to travel thereby reducing the council’s carbon impact. 40% of office space in the main office has been freed up as a result. This space has been rented out to tenants to ensure the space remains well utilised and heating and power is used efficiently

In addition to its efforts on council properties, the council plays a pivotal role in regional partnerships dedicated to promoting retrofitting and renewable energy. These partnerships offer critical resources and support to homeowners aiming to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Through these combined efforts, the council is making significant strides toward its long-term goals of reducing carbon emissions, advancing energy efficiency, and fostering sustainable development across the district.

Council Buildings - Retrofit

The council has completed extensive retrofit work on several significant buildings, including leisure centres and offices. The retrofit work, valued at £1.3 million, includes the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems in both leisure centres, and the Museum Resource Centre, with air source heat pump systems. Solar PV systems have been installed on both a leisure centre and the main office at Trinity Road. Additionally, energy systems at the leisure centres have been upgraded to improve energy efficiency. Lighting at Moreton Area Centre Office has also been made more efficient.

Council Buildings - Target to Retrofit

The council adopted an Asset Management Strategy in May 2024, which ensures that all decisions regarding investment, acquisition, or disposal of buildings consider the ability to retrofit or acquire net carbon-zero buildings.

Council Buildings - Renewable Energy Tariff

The council's electricity is supplied by 100% renewable energy.

Council Homes - EPC Ratings & Retrofit Targets

While the council does not own or manage any council homes, it works closely with social housing providers to ensure homes have high energy efficiency standards. For example the council is working in partnership with Bromford Housing Association to deliver a net zero affordable housing scheme. This scheme will be used as an example of how good quality, affordable net zero homes can be built.

Retrofit Partnerships

The council is actively involved in a retrofit partnership through Climate Leadership Gloucestershire (CLG). This plan is publicly available, via CLG Meeting Notes and CLG Action Plan that outlines the steps and strategies being taken to promote home retrofitting across the region. Furthermore, the internal officers' retrofit group within the councils actively takes forward this action plan, ensuring that the partnership's goals are met and that progress is consistently made.

Through the Climate Leadership Gloucestershire (CLG) partnership, the council is involved in developing and implementing a comprehensive retrofit support service for county residents through the development of the web based The Retrofit Centre - Your front door to a lower carbon home.

A significant achievement of the council's involvement in this partnership is the successful acquisition of funding to employ a dedicated officer who will engage homeowners in the district, informing them of the benefits and opportunities of retrofitting their homes. This initiative aims to make a substantial impact on reducing carbon emissions from homes and improving energy efficiency across the region.

In addition to the partnership activities, the council is also focused on workforce development. The recruitment of a green skills coordinator is a critical step in ensuring that the necessary skills and knowledge are available within the local workforce to support the retrofitting efforts. This role will involve working closely with local employers and training providers to develop the skills needed to meet the growing demand for retrofit projects.

Staff Working on Retrofit

The council is currently recruiting for a full-time Retrofit Engagement Officer who will work specifically on retrofitting projects across the council area. This recruitment is a positive step towards enhancing the council's capacity to support residents and businesses in improving energy efficiency and a key part of our broader partnership with CLG.

Housing Efficiency Standards Enforcement

The council has begun enforcing the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the private rented sector. A review of MEES commenced in early 2024, during which a database was created to track properties that are exempt and those that require compliance.

Homeowner Support - Retrofit

Cotswold District Council offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at helping private homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes. A key initiative is the Innovate to Renovate Partnership (I2R), formed by all Gloucestershire-based councils. This partnership represents the first phase of a broader effort to develop and deliver a countywide retrofit service. The initial phase has already resulted in the creation of a countywide retrofit online platform and a support offer specifically designed for those self-financing home retrofits. This platform provides homeowners with access to essential information, guidance, and resources, helping them navigate the complexities of retrofitting their homes.

As part of the ongoing efforts, Cotswold District Council, in collaboration with other councils, is working to further develop this service. The plans include recruiting dedicated retrofit engagement officers specifically targeting those with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below C. Additionally, the council is in the process of procuring a specialist supplier to enhance the functionality of the retrofit platform, aiming to deepen engagement with Gloucestershire homeowners and provide even more tailored support.

To complement these efforts, Cotswold District Council provides an online toolkit designed to guide homeowners through the process of planning a net-zero housing project. This toolkit is available on the council's website and serves as a practical resource for anyone looking to undertake significant energy efficiency improvements.

Furthermore, the council has launched the Cotswold Home Solar initiative, a scheme designed to make rooftop solar installations more accessible and affordable for residents. This initiative simplifies the process for homeowners, helping them to explore their options, understand potential risks, and achieve reliable, cost-effective solar installations. Through this programme, the council aims to increase the uptake of solar energy in the district, contributing to the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.

More information about these initiatives can be found on the Gloucestershire Retrofit Centre.

Homeowner Funding - Retrofit

Cotswold District Council offers funding for home retrofitting through its Warm and Well service, which provides free, fully funded bespoke energy efficiency reports, advice and grants for low-income homes.

The council works in partnership with Severn Wye, an energy charity, to provide free, fully funded bespoke energy efficiency reports and advice for homeowners and landlords and assistance to assess installer quotes, check installations, and optimise new systems. More details about the services offered can be found on the Severn Wye website: Severn Wye Householder Services.

Renewable Energy Purchasing Schemes

The council has negotiated the Cotswold Home Solar scheme, allowing residents to purchase renewable energy at a reduced cost through collective buying. This scheme, designed to simplify the process of installing rooftop solar PV, offers residents the opportunity to make informed decisions about solar energy, minimise risks, and achieve reliable, cost-effective installations.

Community Renewable Energy

Cotswold District Council actively supports community energy initiatives within the district, including Thames Head Community Energy. This not-for-profit Community Benefit Society (CBS) organisation, based in the Cotswolds, aims to develop local renewable energy projects to benefit the community and the environment. CDC’s support has included policy backing, financial contributions through Crowdfund Cotswolds, and participation in broader regional initiatives such as Climate Leadership Gloucestershire's Community Energy workstream.

Some of the notable initiatives supported by Thames Head Community Energy include:

Home Solar and Battery Installations: Launching an initiative for home solar and battery installations, which has resulted in 16 homes installing solar panels and batteries. This initiative has saved over 20 tonnes of CO₂e and £20,000 in energy costs annually.
Village Hall Heating System Update and EV Chargers: Updating the heating system and providing EV chargers for Somerford Keynes village hall.
Heat Network Feasibility Study: Conducting a feasibility study for potential heat networks in the area.
Further Funding and Development: Thames Head Community Energy has raised an additional £40,000 from the Southwest NetZero Hub to broaden the search and deepen development planning for community solar farms.
Regional Collaboration: Thames Head Community Energy actively engages in the Community Energy workstream of Climate Leadership Gloucestershire, supporting community energy projects across the county. This collaboration involves working with various community energy organisations to promote renewable energy initiatives.

Planning and Land Use

As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing the climate emergency, Cotswold District Council is currently working on a new Local Plan, which will be central to our ambition to make the district "Green to the Core." This new Local Plan, aligned with our corporate plan and the council's declared Climate Emergency, aims to significantly enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions across the district, particularly in the areas of building and heating.

The new Local Plan is expected to come into effect around 2026 and will guide development until 2041. However, we recognise the urgency of the climate crisis and are committed to issuing plan updates based on the new Local Plan prior to its formal adoption.

Net Zero in Local Plan

The council's current Local Plan does not include area-wide net zero as a strategic objective. However, this will change with the emerging Local Plan, which will have this objective at its core and is expected to reach the Regulation 19 stage by December 2024.

Council Homes - Energy Efficient and Low Carbon

While Cotswold District Council does not own or manage or plan to build more than 100 council homes, the council actively collaborates with social housing providers to ensure that new social housing developments are built to high energy efficiency standards and designed to avoid fossil fuel heating by integrating solar panels and battery storage wherever feasible.

New Homes - Low Carbon Requirements

The current Local Plan does not require new homes to exceed the energy and carbon standards set by Part L of the building regulations. However, the emerging Local Plan, expected to reach Regulation 19 stage by December 2024, will introduce more stringent requirements to ensure that new developments contribute to carbon reduction and align with our net zero ambitions.

New Homes - Energy Efficiency Requirements

The council’s current Local Plan does not mandate a fabric-first approach for new developments. However, this approach will be incorporated into the emerging Local Plan, which is scheduled to reach the Regulation 19 stage by December 2024. This will ensure that new homes exceed the government's minimum building regulations, focusing on energy efficiency from the outset.

New Homes - Net Zero Requirements

The existing Local Plan does not require that new homes be built to operationally net zero standards. However, this is a priority in the emerging Local Plan, which aims to set operational net zero as a standard for all new homes. The Local Plan will reach the Regulation 19 stage by December 2024.

New Builds - Embodied Emissions

Currently, the council’s Local Plan does not require developers to conduct whole life-cycle carbon assessments for new build developments. The emerging Local Plan, expected to be at Regulation 19 stage by December 2024, will address this gap by introducing policies that mandate such assessments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to reducing the carbon impact of new developments.

New Builds - Water Efficiency

The adopted Local Plan does not currently mandate a higher level of water efficiency for new homes. However, the emerging Local Plan, anticipated to reach the Regulation 19 stage by December 2024, will include stricter water efficiency requirements, ensuring that all new developments meet a higher level of water efficiency.

Car Dependency - Parking Standards

The council’s current Local Plan has not removed minimum parking requirements for new residential developments. Work is ongoing to determine new parking standards for the area, which will be included in the emerging Local Plan at the Regulation 19 stage by December 2024.

Sustainable Neighbourhoods

The concept of 15/20 minute neighbourhoods is being implemented in practice, though the term is not explicitly used due to political sensitivities. The emerging Local Plan will reflect this approach by ensuring that new developments are within 15 minutes of essential services, facilities, and employment, while also addressing gaps in provision.

Flood Plain

The council is committed to avoiding new housing developments on functional flood plains. The current and emerging Local Plans prohibit housing development in Flood Zone 3b and, to a significant extent, in Flood Zone 2 as well. This policy reflects the council's strong stance on mitigating flood risk in new developments.

Renewable Energy Generation in New Development

The current Local Plan does not include a minimum requirement for on-site renewable energy generation in new developments.

Renewable Energy - Suitable Areas

While the council has not yet identified suitable areas for solar energy, wind developments, or district heat networks, a Renewable Energy Study has been commissioned which will identify suitable areas and enable such considerations to be incorporated into the emerging Local Plan.

We are currently exploring funding opportunities to conduct a heat network feasibility study within the district.

Renewable Energy - Approved Applications

The council has approved numerous planning applications for new or expanded solar and renewable energy projects, including district heat networks, wind developments, and battery storage since 2019. Examples of these include applications 21/02735/FUL: 20/04499/FUL; 21/00059/SPANOT: 22/03389/FUL; 22/03227/FUL; 22/04175/SPANOT; 22/03236/CLOPUD, among others.

Climate action