3.1 Two questions were asked by SF to be resolved by the board:
- 1) What is the overarching target for the city?
- 2) What steps will we take to bring the city to this target?
3.2 SF outlined the target, which was proposed by the strategy subgroup, for Portsmouth to become carbon net-zero by 2030. This was decided because it matches the majority of other organisations and cities; it is also sufficiently ambitious relative to other cities and organisations.
3.3 JC and SN questioned the achievability of the target and emphasised that offsetting should only be used as a last resort. The board widely agreed that we cannot rely on offsetting to achieve our target.
3.4 SF expanded on the target stating that an external body, like the Carbon Trust, will be used to identify the city’s baseline emissions. The pathways we can pursue to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 will then be outlined. These pathways will be presented to a citizens’ assembly to consider which pathway is reasonable and achievable. The citizens’ assembly will therefore influence our final target, this could be by pulling the target date earlier or pushing it back later.
3.5 KN stated that all board members will need to be comfortable with the board’s target, and the extent to which their organisations are willing and able to pursue this target.
3.6 KN suggested the board should work on increasing climate literacy in the city. This will ensure the views of the citizens’ assembly are close to those of the city’s residents.
3.7 NS agreed that the Board should conduct awareness campaigns while the citizens’ assembly is being setup. PT also suggested that the Board can get involved in existing campaigns to become more recognised in the community.
3.8 DY suggested that the Board specify the scopes (GHG Protocol Scopes) it wanted to audit and address. NS responded that the Carbon Trust can provide estimates for scope 3, however the board should focus on areas it can influence.
3.9 SF moved onto the requirement of funding for the board to progress the strategy; all board members are expected to contribute some money. The approximate total funding amount for the carbon audit and citizens’ assembly will be £100,000.
3.10 SN recommended that the board use a crowed funding initiative to raise additional funds. For instance PCC has a fund matching scheme which Shaping can assist the board in applying for.
3.11 SN also asked where the money for the Board will be held. KN suggested PCC could act as an accountable body for the Board; however this will come with terms on procurement rules.
Conclusions
3.12 The Board’s target is for Portsmouth to become carbon net-zero by 2030.
3.13 A carbon audit will be held to determine the future pathways to achieve this target.
3.14 The target will then be further refined by the citizens’ assembly.
Actions
3.15 TT to distribute a final paper confirming the Board’s strategy and target.
3.16 SF to confirm and request funding from each board member.