Quick Navigation
- Attendees
- 1. Welcome and Introductions
- 2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
- 3. Actions and Recommendations from the Last Meeting
- 4. Communication Strategy
- 5. Progress Report — Transport and Economy and Resources
- 6. Devon Climate Emergency Workshop on 17 April 2025
- 7. Recommendations for the Response Group
- 8. Any Other Business
- 9. Next Meeting
Attendees
- Claire Pearce, University of Plymouth (Chair)
- Colin Taylor, South West Infrastructure Partnership
- Richard Betts, Met Office/ University of Exeter
- Patrick Devine-Wright, University of Exeter
- Doug Eltham, Devon County Council
- Tim Jones, South West Business Council
- Emily Reed, Devon Climate Emergency (Secretariat)
- William Jackson-Nichols, Devon Climate Emergency (Secretariat)
- Hannah Lawrie, Ricardo and the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management’s South West Centre Council
- George Middlemiss, Regen
- Gill Westcott, Transition Exeter and New Prosperity Devon
- Lisseth Ring, PhD Student, University of Plymouth
- Ian Hutchcroft, Energiesprong UK
- Peter Nickol, Exeter and District Bus User Group
- Nik Bowyer, WSP
1. Welcome and Introductions
Claire Pearce opened the meeting and Colin Taylor introduced himself and the purpose of the Southwest Infrastructure Partnership. Following this, everyone introduced themselves.
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were accepted with no amendments needed.
3. Actions and Recommendations from the Last Meeting
Tim Jones provided an update on the government’s statement about no longer needing community support for offshore wind farms, highlighting the transition to planning officer-led decision-making. George Middlemiss discussed the visit from GB Energy directors and their priorities, including community energy models and solar on public sector land.
4. Communication Strategy
Richard Betts raised concerns about misinformation in local media and suggested a more proactive media engagement strategy. Emily Reed acknowledged the need for consistent media engagement and mentioned existing relationships with the BBC.
ACTION: Emily Reed to follow up on the communication strategy and explore more consistent media engagement.
5. Progress Report — Transport and Economy and Resources
Emily Reed provided updates on various indicators. For Transport, she noted that the superfast broadband rollout and EV charging points installation are on track, but rates of active travel, the transition to low emission buses, and reductions in HGV emissions are not. In terms of Economy and Resources, the action regarding the need for a regional ethical bank and the action regarding waste treatment emission reductions are not on track. She also highlighted the high demand for school visits to assess school waste and support for schools to develop climate action plans. Regarding green skills, training offers are increasing within the county, but there are still bottlenecks in skills for heat pump installation which are impacting on installation.
ACTION: Emily Reed to circulate the link to the online version of the monitoring indicators once available.
ACTION: Emily Reed to follow up on the status of the low carbon procurement officer role.
6. Devon Climate Emergency Workshop on 17 April 2025
Emily Reed outlined the agenda for the upcoming workshop, including partnership achievements, breakout groups, and the involvement of Nigel Topping.
ACTION: Emily Reed to confirm the venue for the workshop on 17 April and ensure the agenda is shared with all attendees.
ACTION: Emily Reed to keep a close eye on workshop attendance and ensure representation from the breadth of the partnership.
7. Recommendations for the Response Group
Richard Betts and Nik Bowyer suggested changing the RAG rating for certain transport actions to red. Ian Hutchcroft emphasised the need for a holistic approach to market development and skills training. Tim Jones highlighted the importance of learning from best practices in waste management, such as the Holsworthy biogas plant.
ACTION: Emily Reed to explore the possibility of inviting representatives from the Holsworthy biogas plant to present to the group.
8. Any Other Business
Ian Hutchcroft raised the issue of anti-climate action graffiti and suggested its removal. Richard Betts mentioned upcoming climate events at the University of Exeter and the Met Office in July.
ACTION: Emily Reed to engage with national highways to address the removal of anti-climate action graffiti.
9. Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for 12 June 2025 at 10:00 AM.
