Question from John Milner (on behalf of Gravesham and Dartford Extinction Rebellion)

Are GBC able to locate ( on a map ) all the trees that GBC are responsible for and would the council consider allowing local residents to adopt a tree and water it , in addition to the councils maintenance regime , and report ill heath or poor condition to a nominated officer?

Do the council report trees that were planted on National Highways land as part of highway improvements works ( within the borough ) and have died to National Highways and what results from this reporting?

The following questions had been submitted:-

Questions from John Milner (on behalf of Gravesham and Dartford Extinction Rebellion)

1.    Are GBC able to locate ( on a map ) all the trees that GBC are responsible for and would the Council consider allowing local residents to adopt a tree and water it , in addition to the Councils maintenance regime, and report ill health or poor condition to a nominated officer?

Response by Cllr John Burden, Leader of the Council:

The Council’s trees are not currently mapped, however this is something that is under consideration as we understand maintaining the trees that we have in the borough is just as important as planting more.

The Council have initiated the ‘Adopt an open space’ scheme, which builds on the success of the street champions giving people the opportunity to share a little time to flag issues in our parks and open spaces and allow residents to adopt a tree. Gravesham Borough Council will continue to explore this further to utilise technology and marketing to promote this program.

2.    Do the Council report trees that were planted on National Highways land as part of highway improvements works ( within the borough ) and have died to National Highways and what results from this reporting?

Response by Cllr John Burden, Leader of the Council:

If we become aware of failed tree planting on highway land, then we report via the Kent County Council website and this is acknowledged directly on the software that is used to highlight problems or issues.  It would then be for Kent County Council or National Highways to take action as they feel appropriate.

3.    In respect of the published update to the GBC climate delivery plan, specifically items 2.3.1/2.3.2 and 2.9.5, can the Council confirm that low carbon renewable heat is now mandated in the Council’s Employers Requirements to avoid expensive retrofitting of heating systems in the future?

Response by Cllr John Burden, Leader of the Council:

Low-carbon renewable heating will be specified in the Employer's Requirements for new housing developments where appropriate and practical. The recent specification of heat pumps for the design and build of housing at St Columba’s Close and Worcester Close shows this being implemented.

4.    In respect of the published update to the GBC climate delivery plan, specifically item 1.4.1, can the Council confirm what percentage of renewable energy has been targeted in the 'extended contract' with Lazer?

Response by Cllr John Burden, Leader of the Council:

Whilst no specific percentage of renewable energy has been targeted, the energy framework with Laser provides significant flexibility for increasing the use of renewable energy where it is cost-effective to do so. This could include selling any electricity generated by the Council through the framework (Power Purchase Agreements), use of renewable energy generated by others through Power Purchase Agreements (sleeving facilitation) or directly from the framework via a Green Basket, and the purchase of Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin and Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin certificates.

Question from Mrs Catherine Marshall/Miss Tina Brooker (on behalf of concerned residents)

5.    I would like to know why Gravesham Borough Council called a Climate Emergency in June 2019 when it has been proven that CO2 is plant food, (photosynthesis) the basis of all life on Earth, as it remains unclear from the Minutes of the meeting in June 2019 why this motion was passed and could you please provide the irrefutable evidence that CO2 emissions are the main driver of global warming?

The above question was received with supplementary information together with a 53 page document which is available via the following link:- https://clintel.org/world-climate-declaration

Response by Cllr John Burden, Leader of the Council:

In 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency based on the evidence set out by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC informs governments about the state of knowledge of climate change. It does this by examining all the relevant scientific literature on the subject. This includes the natural, economic and social impacts and risks. It also covers possible response options. Thousands of scientists and other experts volunteer to review the publications. They compile key findings into "Assessment Reports" for policymakers and the general public. Experts have described this work as the biggest peer review process in the scientific community.