10.0 Monitoring Progress
How do we know what effect we are having and whether it is working?
10.1 Data collection will be important to inform the impact of implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan. Some of the key targets will include:
- The current interim target for net zero from the Covenant of Mayors is a minimum 55% reduction of 1990 levels by 2030 with a UK Government target now set for a 68% reduction and a 100% reduction of 1990 levels by 2050;
- Increasing the area of green space managed to protect nature across the city from 11% working towards 30% by 2030;
- Local accessible green space of at least 2ha within 300 metres of the doorstep of residents;
- Increase tree canopy cover across the city, striving to plant 360,000 trees by 2032;
- Increase rates in recycling up to at least national average 45%, striving to aim above this. Further targets will be developed around key areas including adaptation and resilience and the green investment, jobs and skills.
10.2 It is important that the Council are transparent around the progress we are making as a city to tackle climate change. The Climate Action plan developed alongside the Strategy sets out the practical actions that the Council, a well as our partners, businesses and communities need to take to meet net zero and create a more sustainable future city. The city’s Climate Change Board will help to hold it accountable. It is a live document, which will evolve to reflect the growing programme of activity around this agenda.
10.3 Progress on tackling the causes and consequences of climate change will be reported publicly in the Council’s One Coventry Performance Indicators Report, which will identify whether targets and goals have been achieved or on track to do so, as many of the actions are longer term than a year.
10.4 The Action Plan, like the Strategy is divided into the five Pathways alongside a section on Council action. The actions include existing, planned and aspirational projects, looking over the short, medium and long term. It defines the delivery lead, alongside partners, potential funding and resource requirements and gives a priority rating to identify the highest impact projects. Whilst the Council is assigned the role of project lead on many of the actions, there are a number of projects that rely on others taking a lead or supporting role in delivery, which includes individuals, communities, businesses and organisations across the city, emphasising that action is required on a citywide level.
10.5 It is also important that we consider how pathways and projects in the Action Plan interconnect. There will be many instances where the delivery of one action impacts upon another. It is important to understand the relationships between the five pathways, and how some actions could benefit or potentially hinder another. We will aim to ensure activities across these different areas are closely monitored and encourage cross-partner and project working. Opportunities for actions in one area may also present new opportunities for other areas of activity, we will encourage this too.
10.6 We will continue to lead with strong governance to manage the action plan, with the city’s Climate Change Board and pathway groups providing an important assurance role to support delivery.