Unlike the UK government, Newcastle City Council has a world-leading plan to become net zero by 2030 achieving international recognition and status for our work. Working in partnership with other anchor institutions, it is decarbonising public buildings by installing solar panels, heat pumps, efficient lighting and insulation. This is part of a plan to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
This will involve reducing energy consumption in homes including installing low carbon heating systems for households and tower blocks. As the city faces rising energy bills it will help tackle both climate change and fuel poverty.
Reducing the carbon footprint
Street light bulbs are being replaced with low energy LEDs lowering overall carbon emissions. Existing electric-vehicle chargers will be upgraded and the network of charging points expanded.
To reduce non-recyclable waste going landfill, the council has brought in technology to use waste plastic and rubber from tyres as part of the roadstone mix when resurfacing roads.
Similarly, the council is championing changes to road space to boost walking and cycling whist introducing school street pilots and new cycle lanes. Acres of bee-friendly verges and wildflower meadows are to be installed.
Schools and voluntary groups working to address climate emergency
Local schools too are playing a key role. St Cuthbert’s Primary in Kenton has gone green and is a ‘forest school’. The school is working towards eco-standards Green Flag accreditation as part of a move for pupils to be aware of the challenges the planet faces. So far, youngsters have been involved in a battery recycling project, a clothing bank, and ink cartridge recycling.
Voluntary groups like Newcastle Climate Change are carrying out regular litter picks – the most recent being cleaning out the stream next to Nuns Moor North.
All these measures are positive steps towards tackling the climate emergency and the ecological challenges Newcastle and the wider region face.
Coun Stephen Lambert
Coun Ged Bell
Coun Anya Durrant
Kenton Ward
