ANNUAL CLIMIATE CHANGE ACTIVITY REPORT

Members considered the report which provided an update on the annual Climate Change Duties Report to Scottish Government for the year ending 31st March 2025, and the Declaration of the Climate Change Duties reports for submission to Scottish Government. Jen Cassells (JCassells) highlighted a number of key points as detailed in the paper.

In discussion the following matters were raised:
• Members were assured the Police Scotland were on target to meet Scottish Government timescales on emissions but would not meet their own environmental strategy target of 35%. JCassells explained that the estates masterplan had been developed with input from the sustainability team and Police Scotland will work with Scottish Government to maximise any additional funding schemes. The Police Scotland sustainability team has been given funding for their own studies on areas like gas consumption and LED roll out.
• Members noted that estate disposals do not necessarily reduce the carbon footprint for Scotland and sought further comment. JCassells agreed the carbon footprint issue would be transferred but disposing buildings that are too big or not sufficient creates an efficiency element. She advised that in several cases, disposed buildings are demolished as they are not fit for purpose for the new owner, but it was recognized Police Scotland only get the carbon bonus once with disposed buildings. JCassells explained that this was one reason the Environmental and Sustainability Plan is refreshed routinely.
• Members sought comment on preparedness for short- and long-term climate change. JCassells responded from an organisational viewpoint, advising there was an Adaption Strategy to help assess buildings for climate change impacts, and to help ensure refurbished buildings are future proof. DCCConnors provided comment from an operational viewpoint, advising that Police Scotland recently hosted a multi-agency response meeting for dealing with extreme weather, with a focus on strategic management of these incidents. Regular multi-agency exercises, workshops and briefings help with officer training and learning. Members also heard that Business Continuity plans are reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose.
• Members sought comment on transformation links with and heard there was pressure within Scottish Government resources on supporting resilience, but the Scottish Resilience Partnership is looking at capability and capacity.
• Members heard that partnership working will be a part of the new Sustainability Strategy. Gas, electricity, and fossil fuels, as the main emissions, will be a focus within the estates plan and future fleet work. Police Scotland will also look to work with Local Authorities to learn from their heating schemes. JCassells advised that output from the Sustainability Steering Group will allow the organisation to share and gain knowledge, all of which will be fed into the strategy.
Members noted the report.

The Chair and Chief Constable both paid tribute to retiring Chief Executive Lynn Brown, praising her financial management and oversight and support of policing in Scotland. Lynn Brown thanked Members, the Police Scotland Executive team, SPA corporate staff, the Director of Forensic Services and key stakeholders for their support and stressed the importance of having open and transparent governance.

The remaining items were taken in private.