Climate Change Strategy

In 2008 Coventry City Council published its Climate Change Strategy which included 9 objectives. It has been successful in delivering at least one of these. But most are of doubtful success.

Council Successes

The council’s greatest success in reaching its Climate Change Strategy aims is that it has achieved a reduction in greenhouse gas emission of 46% between 2008/9 and 2017/8. They well exceeded their target of a 27.5% reduction by 2020 compared to the emissions in 2005.

In addition, the Coventry Recycling Club reported that in 12 months Coventry increased its recycling rate to 41%. They did not say in which 12 months this happened. They still have some way to go to meet the 50% target of objective 6: To achieve a waste recycling rate of 50 per cent for the city by 2020

Council Failures: Eco-Schools

3. To ensure that every school in Coventry is registered to the Eco-Schools programme and that 50 percent achieve and maintain the Eco-Schools “Green Flag” status by 2020

Regarding objective 3, In 2017 it was reported that Coventry had 6 Green Flag Primary Eco-Schools but many more are invested in the Eco-Schools programme already and have some have Bronze and Silver flags. But in 2019 we have only been able to find one school, Holy Family Catholic Primary, which appears to still be taking part in the Eco-Schools programme.

However it has to be said that the status of schools have changed since 2008, many are now Academies and the influence of the Education Department is far less that it was.

5. To systematically implement a dynamic climate change community engagement plan that engages, informs and empowers over 20 per cent of the population of the city by 2020 to build a sustainable city

We have found no evidence of such a plan.

8. To increase green space and protect the habitats of plants and animals; and encourage the production of locally grown food

We can find on evidence for this, but we would be glad of any information.

9. To improve the city’s resilience to a changing climate by working with partners to raise awareness of the risks resulting from climate change and encouraging infrastructure improvements

We would be glad of any news about progress in this objective.

City wide domestic and behavioural change carbon action plan

In March 2010 Coventry City Council in conjunction with the Energy Saving Trust local authority one-to-one support programme produced a City wide domestic and behavioural change carbon action plan (downloadable here). The plan aimed to

develop a strategic approach to the work the Council takes in order to realise reductions in area-wide carbon emissions, with the Council central to facilitating all activities. The action plan encompasses both the Council’s internal organisational activities and the crucial role of Council as community leader, partner to all.

The plan included may recommendations and actions. So far we have failed to find any reports of progress in implementing these.

Is Anybody Responsible?

In 2008 the Climate Change Strategy included the details of a Sustainable Communities & Climate Change Team. However this team no longer seems to exist.

In addition there does not appear to be any member of the Cabinet who has responsibility for implementing any of the recommendations in the documents listed above.

More Information

Downloads on Home Energy and Warmth from City Council website