Sustainable South Tyneside 2020-2025

Foreword

South Tyneside Council is committed towards a sustainable future, striving towards carbon neutrality across Council buildings and operations by 2030.

We stand at a critical juncture in our actions towards climate change, by the end of the coming decade we will be on one of two paths.

A path in which we have past the point of no return, risking the health and safety of everyone on this planet, or a path of resolve with sustainable solutions that limit global temperatures beyond 1.5°C by the end of the century.

The signs are unmissable with the impacts of global warming being more severe than previously understood:

• Sea level rises are accelerating
• Oceans are warming
• Ecosystems are becoming more vulnerable
• Ice caps are melting
• Extreme weather events are increasing

To limit the global temperature rise to the necessary 1.5°C by the end of the century will require a reduction in emissions of 45% from 2010 levels by 2030, and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

According to the latest Emissions Gap Report from the UN Environment Programme, greenhouse gas emissions have risen 1.5% a year over the last decade.

At current trends, we are looking at global warming of between 3.4°C and 3.9°C by the end of the century.

The impact of all life on the planet, including ours will be catastrophic.

However, with rapid global action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, we can still reduce the impact of global temperature rises.

South Tyneside Council’s commitment towards climate change is strong and focused; implementing strategies that bring about real change, significantly reducing the amount of carbon being emitted, while increasing our renewable capabilities moving to a cleaner, greener renewable source for our energy supplies.

We have already taken actions to reduce Council emissions through:

• A significant building rationalisation programme
• Installation of Solar PV to Council buildings
• LED lighting upgrades
• Building modernisation and retrofit improvements

Some of our future plans include:

• The Viking Energy Network in Jarrow, which will use a cutting-edge river source heat pump to heat Council buildings, while providing electricity from a solar PV farm
• Renewable electricity generation at the Council’s Middlefields Depot, which includes a wind turbine, solar PV coupled with battery storage.

Climate change is a responsibility that we all must share without full engagement we will be unable to deliver the reductions required.

We must open our eyes to the imminent threat facing us all, there is no time and no reason to delay.

Introduction

Climate change is the defining issue of our time.

The state of the climate and the health of our planet are closely linked, with changes in one radically affecting the other.

The planet’s average surface temperature has risen around 1°C above pre-industrial levels.

Global warming occurs through the increased levels of ‘greenhouse gases’ building up in the atmosphere, which prevents heat escaping from the earth. This intensifies the so called ‘greenhouse effect’ causing global temperatures to rise, resulting in climate change and instability.

The world is at risk of crossing a point of no return on climate change. As we move into uncharted territory, we face disastrous consequences. We must take immediate action to address the significance of our climatic changes.

The action required is significant but not insurmountable, but we must act now. The only solution is rapid, ambitious, transformative action by all - Governments, regions, businesses and society must work together towards a common climate goal.

It is not too late to change course, but every day that passes means that the world heats up a little more and the cost of inaction mounts. Achieving a sustainable future is not the job of one person; we are all in this together.

Understanding climate change

Causes of climate change

Greenhouses gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), trap heat in the atmosphere stopping it escaping into space. These gases exist naturally through volcanic activity, changes in solar activity, or natural sources of CO₂. However, scientists have been able to rule out natural events as the cause and speed to which climate change is taking place. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy (coal, oil, and natural gas) and the clearing of forests, is having a direct impact, increasing global temperatures significantly, altering our planet’s climate, resulting in more extreme and unpredictable weather events.

Impacts of climate change

Greenhouse gases act like a blanket, the thicker the blanket, the warmer our planet becomes. At the same time, the Earth’s oceans also absorb some of this extra carbon dioxide, making them more acidic and less hospitable for sea life. Humans, animals and eco-systems face new challenges for survival due to the effects of climate change.

More frequent and intense droughts, storms, heat waves, rising sea levels, melting glaciers and warming oceans will have a direct impact on the places we live, impacting on livelihoods and communities.

As climate change worsens, dangerous weather events are becoming more frequent or severe, with people across cities and towns now facing the consequences.

Adapting to climate change

To avoid the worst effects of climate change, we need to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. We must prepare for the significant and unavoidable consequences of climate change through increasing temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, ocean acidification and the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.

Policy context

International context

In December 2015 the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) was held in Paris. The conference marked a significant milestone bringing countries together to address the impacts of climate change.

The Paris Agreement was established with a central aim to keep global temperature rises this century well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5°C.

In October 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a special report on the impacts of global warming at 1.5°C.

The report clearly highlighted that limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require “rapid, far reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society”.

National context

The UK Climate Change Act sets a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions against 1990 levels to net zero by 2050.

The UK’s 2050 net zero target is one of the most ambitious in the world and was recommended by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the UK’s independent climate advisory body.

The Climate Change Act requires the Government to set legally-binding ‘carbon budgets’ to act as stepping stones towards the 2050 target.

Local context

Meeting challenging reduction targets of net zero by 2050 cannot be achieved by the Government on its own.

As a Local Authority we must commit to playing a leadership role, guiding at a local level pursuing and implementing actions that bring about change, supporting reductions in emissions.

The Regional Low Carbon Strategy (RLCS) commissioned by NECA Economic Directors (Green Economy Working Group) provides advice on low carbon project themes. The Strategy demonstrates a cohesive regional approach and contributes to wider regional economic development.

The RLCS also aligns closely to that of the North East Local Economic Partnership (NELEP) Energy for Growth Strategy.

Government figures show that in South Tyneside during 2005 to 2017, carbon emissions have fallen by 37%, across three sectors, domestic, transport and commercial/industrial. Per capita this represents a fall from 5.6 tonnes in 2005 to 3.5 tonnes in 2017.

Development of the Strategy and Action Plan

The UK’s climate is changing. To limit the most damaging impacts, we must all work together. As a community leader we must encourage and facilitate behaviour change not only across Council buildings and services, but across the wider community, adopting a collective approach that supports reductions in emission, while adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change.

The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan covers two key aspects:

Climate Change Mitigation: focusing on the actions we need to take to reduce our carbon emissions, helping to mitigate against further global temperature rises; and

Climate Change Adaptation: establishing the necessary steps that we must take to prepare and adapt to future changes in our climate

The Strategy brings a wide range of plans and strategic actions across the Council into one place, through the establishment of a 5 year action plan focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation requirements.

Data analysis and research

Through research, data collection and monitoring we must understand the issues we face and the actions we must take to address the impacts of climate change. The following areas of research were undertaken to help inform the Strategy:

• Policy and legal drivers for mitigating against and adapting to climate change
• Working with Council colleagues and key stakeholders, identifying actions already underway, and the impacts being delivered
• Identifying future delivery opportunities that will support on-going reductions
• Identifying baseline carbon emission levels
• Researching measures to support reductions in the Council’s carbon footprint, working towards carbon neutrality by 2030
• Increasing the knowledge and understanding of the impacts of climate change, looking at past trends and future projections across the Borough
• Prioritising areas for action, implementing measures to support carbon reductions

Public consultation and engagement

Awareness-raising and public engagement has been a key aspect in the development of the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. Through effective engagement we have provided the opportunity for members of the public and key stakeholders to have their say in relation to climate change.

The Council understands that it will be able to achieve far more by working in partnership with communities, organisations, businesses and individuals.

Consultation activities have helped to provide a better understanding of stakeholders’ values, interests, issues, and concerns, in relation to climate change, while supporting the generation of new ideas.

The consultation process included:

• Online public consultation and questionnaire
• Workshops with Members and Council Officers, identifying past, present and future delivery options and solutions addressing the impacts of Climate Change
• Awareness raising and presentations to Community Area Forums (CAFs); Cleaner Greener Board; Public Health and Youth Parliament

Respondents provided, feedback, local views and ideas on how the Council and communities can work together to tackle climate change.

Of those that responded to the consultation, 99% said they were concerned about the impacts of climate change.

Key areas of concern included:

• Environmental destruction
• Extreme weather events
• Species extinction
• Rising Temperatures
• Flooding

Comments and areas for investigation were received on a wide range of topic areas, including:

• Development of renewable energy solutions
• Sourcing renewable energy supplies
• Investing in LED Street lighting
• Developing greener, cleaner transport options
• Protecting the environment and greenspaces, while enhancing biodiversity
• Waste reduction and increased recycling activities
• Working with the Business community to develop a thriving Green Economy across South Tyneside

The information obtained has been considered, analysed and used to inform the Strategy and Action Plan.

Our commitment

This Strategy and Action Plan is driven by our climate change objective, in which we strive to become carbon neutral, while ensuring we play our part in meeting wider National and International targets.

The 21st Century will see a critical turning point in the relationship between the global economy, society and the natural environment.

To meet climate change challenges now and in the future we must develop and implement new models of low carbon growth and climate resilience.

To be successful we will need to drive investment and innovation, identifying solutions to address the challenges we face.

In 2019, the Government amended the UK’s emission reduction target, to “net zero” greenhouse gases by 2050, demonstrating a strong commitment towards the fight against climate change. South Tyneside Council has made a pledge to take all necessary steps to become “carbon neutral by 2030”.

As we embark on this journey we must acknowledge that this will be challenging, with the need for significant change and investment, which will require a collective approach, with everyone playing their part.

We must call upon the Government to provide the necessary powers and financial support if we are to successfully achieve both National and our own carbon reduction targets, working towards limiting global warming to less than 1.5°C.

It is equally important that we embrace the opportunities available in the low carbon and green industry, supporting our drive and ambition towards:

• Economic growth
• Job creation
• Skills and training
• Ensuring the health and wellbeing of our residents
• A safe and sustainable future for all

The transition to a cleaner, greener, low carbon future will require all employees, partners, businesses and residents to support and adopt new lifestyles and operations.

This Strategy marks South Tyneside Council’s commitment towards climate change, providing a platform for collective actions and a shared vision for a successful and vibrant future supported by a prosperous and flourishing natural environment.

(Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal from improvement activities, where this cannot be achieved emissions may then be removed through carbon offsetting)

South Tyneside Council’s “Climate Emergency” pledge

Councils around the world are responding by declaring a “Climate Emergency”. South Tyneside Council recognises its role as part of this global community of Council’s to limit the impact of climate change by being proactive locally and demanding action from Government. To support this delivery we:

1. Declare a “Climate Emergency”
2. Take all necessary steps to make South Tyneside Council carbon neutral by 2030.
3. Lead by example by establishing South Tyneside Council as a champion for a carbon neutral future for the Borough. This will include using the Council’s advocacy role to influence actions across all our communities and across the region that promotes carbon reduction.
4. Call on the Leader and Chief Executive to write to the Government to pass the necessary legislation and provide the powers and resources necessary to deliver our climate change goals.
5. Produce a comprehensive Climate Change Strategy that will set clear and unambiguous targets for carbon reduction, including interim targets. This will be the product of consultation with key stakeholders including the voluntary and community sector and will be considered by Council by 31 March 2020. This will include an Action Plan for the next five years.
6. Prepare a report for Full Council on at least an annual basis setting out performance against agreed targets and recommending any amendments to the published Action Plan.
7. Convene a “Climate Emergency” summit in 2020 to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change, provide expert support and advice and seek commitments from partners and stakeholders.
8. Ensure that all Council strategic decisions, policies and strategies are in line with the shift towards carbon neutral by 2030.

South Tyneside Council’s carbon emission position

Reducing the amount of carbon we emit is essential if we are to keep global temperature rises below the IPCCs recommended 1.5°C

South Tyneside Council has actively been involved in delivering solutions that support the reduction in consumption and emissions, through various schemes, including a significant property rationalisation programme; LED upgrades to street lighting, along with various building improvement programmes.

South Tyneside Council has been required to report its carbon emission for a number of years through the Governments Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) mandatory emissions scheme. This scheme no longer operates (final emission reporting year was 2018/19).

Under this scheme we demonstrated significant reductions. In 2014/15 we reported 21,217 tonnes of CO₂, in 2018/19 the final reporting year of the scheme we reported 10,793 tonnes of CO₂, a 49% reduction.

However, we are unable to use this as the baseline reporting position as it excludes a number of key areas, such as fleet and schools.

Due to the incomplete data, we have established a more accurate data set, establishing 2018/19 as the new baseline year, for all future reporting to be measured against.

Areas of exclusion under the new reporting year includes:

• Schools that are not managed or operated by South Tyneside Council (i.e. Academies, PFIs, Trusts and Voluntary Aided Schools)
• Tenanted Factory Units
• Social Housing Stock
• Short-term hired vehicles

The Council’s baseline start point for 2018/19 is 19,010 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).

This is the figure, in which all future actions and improvements will be measured and reported against.

The Council’s aspirational target of carbon neutrality by 2030 will be extremely challenging. To achieve this target the Council has set interim reduction targets of:

• 25% reduction within 3 years (March 2023)
• 50% reduction within 5 years (March 2025)

The Council will undertake a detailed review of emission reductions as part of the monitoring and review process, providing an annual update in terms of delivery against targets.

Reduction targets set are dependent on successful delivery of innovative projects identified, along with capital investment into current and future carbon reduction schemes. Changes in scheme delivery and capital investments will have a direct impact on successful delivery of the figures identified.

South Tyneside Council emissions

South Tyneside Council activities account for 59% of total carbon emissions reported, 11,176 tonnes CO₂.

The main source of South Tyneside Council emissions comes from the Council’s use of electricity.

South Tyneside Homes emissions

South Tyneside Homes activities account for 23% of total carbon emissions reported, 4,413 tonnes of CO₂.

The main source of South Tyneside Homes emissions come from gas usage.

School emissions

School activities account for 18% of total carbon emissions reported, 3,421 tonnes of CO₂.

The main area source of school emissions come from gas usage.

Key delivery themes

South Tyneside Council understands its position well in relation to a clear emission reduction programme.

Our sustainable ambitions must shape the strategic decisions being made, embedding a culture of “climate first” across all Council activities.

The Climate Change Strategy provides a framework for South Tyneside Council, detailing the necessary steps and actions that must be taken to drive and deliver change, reducing emissions from our buildings, operations and those services we provide.

The Strategy commits to a wide-range of actions, including areas that will investigate and implement, where feasible new and sustainable sources of onsite energy generation and supply.

The actions identified have been established through the analysis of consumption and emission data,identifying key areas which contribute most to the Council’s carbon footprint.

In addition, Members and Officers workshops were undertaken to ensure full engagement, providing additional focus on the key areas that will bring about the most change in terms of emission reductions.

The Strategy and supporting five year Action Plan sets-out the Council’s objectives across 11 key delivery themes:

• Reducing emissions from Council buildings
• Street lighting
• Transportation and staff travel
• Environment and biodiversity
• Schools
• South Tyneside Homes operations
• Procurement
• Policy
• Adaptation
• Cultural change and awareness
• Championing a carbon neutral future

Theme 1 - Reducing emissions from Council buildings

The Council has actively implemented direct improvement measures across its building stock resulting in significant reductions in carbon emissions, while increasing on-site energy generation improving the sustainability of our buildings.

A significant building rationalisation programme has seen old and inefficient buildings replaced with centralised hubs installed with improved LED lighting, building management systems, in addition to renewable and energy efficient technologies.

The installation of renewable technologies has been targeted at sites that we know contributed the most to our emission levels, reducing reliance on carbon intensive grid-supplies.

Delivery actions

Reference

C1

Delivery objective

Implement a clear and specific Environmental Policy across South Tyneside Council

What South Tyneside Council will do

Develop and implement a clear Environmental/Energy policy for South Tyneside Council that demonstrates our commitment and focus towards reducing the impacts that we have on the environment, while supporting carbon reductions from our buildings and operations

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low/Medium

Owner

Energy Team

Climate Change Team

Reference

C2

Delivery objective

Undertake Energy Audits across Council Buildings, focusing on highest emitting buildings first, identifying opportunities and investment requirements that support the transition towards carbon neutrality

What South Tyneside Council will do

Analyse current carbon emission levels from our buildings and operations to establish highest emitters

Undertake energy audits focusing on highest emitting buildings first to establish areas for improvement

Establish an action plan highlighting required improvements across key delivery areas, establishing investment requirements, reduction impacts and delivery timescales

Implement agreed improvement actions across Council Buildings following the completion of energy audits

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium

Owner

Asset Management Team

Building Managers

Key Delivery Leads

Reference

C3

Delivery objective

Continue to deliver Asset Management/ Transformation Programme on Council buildings through a programme of building reviews and rationalisation

What South Tyneside Council will do

On-going review of Council Buildings to identify and remove old and inefficient building from the Council Asset portfolio through building rationalisation and relocation programmes

Estimated CO₂ impact

High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Reference

C4

Delivery objective

Continue the programme of energy efficiency improvements and incorporation of renewable/low carbon technologies in Council owned buildings - striving towards carbon neutral buildings

What South Tyneside Council will do

Utilise the findings of energy audits to retrofit improvement measures across Council buildings

Where identified as feasible and clearly supporting carbon emission reductions introduce low carbon technologies to existing Council buildings

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Team

Reference

C5

Delivery objective

Implementation of the Viking Energy Network in Jarrow

What South Tyneside Council will do

Successfully implement the Viking Energy Network Scheme in Jarrow to provide a cuttingedge renewable energy source that will harness low-grade heat from the River Tyne to heat Council-owned buildings.

The scheme will combine a river source heat pump, CHP, 1 MWp solar farm, private wire electrical network along with battery storage

Estimated CO₂ impact

High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Team

Reference

C6

Delivery objective

Implementation of Hebburn Minewater District Heat Network

What South Tyneside Council will do

Successfully implement the Hebburn Minewater District Network Scheme to heat several Council buildings from former coal seams utilising a minewater source heat pump coupled with CHP systems, supported with thermal storage and boilers, providing a sustainable heat source

Estimated CO₂ impact

High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Team

Reference

C7

Delivery objective

Implementation of Middlefields Energy Centre

What South Tyneside Council will do

Successfully implement the Middlefields Energy Centre to provide on-site renewable electricity generation to key Council buildings through the implementation of a 900kWp Wind Turbine, 100kWp PV Installation supported with 1MWp battery storage

Estimated CO₂ impact

High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Team

Reference

C8

Delivery objective

Explore future renewable energy generation schemes across South Tyneside

What South Tyneside Council will do

Demonstrate leadership through the investigation of renewable energy schemes across South Tyneside introducing renewable technologies to encourage on-site generation and supply opportunities, including focus on current and future developments

Estimated CO₂ impact

High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Regeneration Team

Energy Team

Planning

Reference

C9

Delivery objective

Investigate and identify opportunities for low carbon heat network across South Tyneside

What South Tyneside Council will do

Demonstrate leadership through the investigation and development of a low carbon heat network across South Tyneside- Develop future expansion opportunities to encourage new and future development activities to link into heat delivery networks where feasible

Estimated CO₂ impact

High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Regeneration Team

Energy Team

Planning

Reference

C10

Delivery objective

Seek funding opportunities to undertake feasibility studies to ensure identified renewable generation projects are viable

What South Tyneside Council will do

Identify and apply for funding to seek viability of proposed renewable generation schemes across South Tyneside, including wind development sites

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Asset Management Team

Regeneration Team

Energy Team

Reference

C11

Delivery objective

Invest in building management systems to help improve heating controls across Council Buildings

What South Tyneside Council will do

Complete a review of existing Council buildings to identify opportunities for the implementation of BMS to improve heating controls supporting emission reductions

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low/Medium

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Team

Reference

C12

Delivery objective

Work with key service delivery leads to set specific annual emission reduction targets for aspects of STC estates and operations, which will be monitored on a quarterly basis

What South Tyneside Council will do

Develop carbon factsheets across key building delivery groups to establish current carbon footprint

Establish robust reduction targets supported by delivery actions that demonstrate how reductions in emissions will take place

Establish quarterly monitoring process to measure target reductions, identifying any risks that may impact upon successful delivery of emission reduction targets

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Energy Team

Fleet Management Team

Strategic Leads (Council Buildings; Schools and STHs)

Reference

C13

Delivery objective

Produce annual carbon emissions report against South Tyneside Council’s emissions position, identifying whether measures and interventions being implemented are meeting agreed reduction targets

What South Tyneside Council will do

Produce an annual carbon emission report, highlighting delivery position against agreed reduction targets

Highlight any areas of under achievement establishing actions that will address any identified gaps

Highlight any key areas of risk, establishing mitigating actions required

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Reference

C14

Delivery objective

Develop training on sustainable property management

What South Tyneside Council will do

Deliver training on sustainable property management to building managers and key delivery leads, providing the skills and knowledge base to ensure effective sustainable property management

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Management Team

Climate Change Team

Theme 2 - Street lighting

Public street lighting is an essential element of an urban environment. It affects residents’ sense of safety and social inclusion. It provides visibility for motorists, helps to reduce crime, while creating an inviting environment after dark.

Street lighting is undeniably important, but in a time of environmental awareness and budget cuts, we need to look at innovative lighting solutions to help reduce our costs and emissions, while keeping abreast of new street lighting innovations.

Operating street lights across South Tyneside accounts for a significant proportion of the Council’s electricity budget and reported carbon emissions.

Delivery actions

Reference

SL1

Delivery objective

Replace old and inefficient sodium street lights to LED

What South Tyneside Council will do

Continue investment to upgrade old and inefficient street lights to LED through capital investment programme

Estimated CO₂ impact

High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Team

Special Projects Officer

Reference

SL2

Delivery objective

Investigate opportunities in relation to alternative street lighting solutions

What South Tyneside Council will do

Investigate opportunities and feasibility in relation to the introduction of timed street lights/solar street lights, along with other available lighting solutions

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium/High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Team

Special Projects Officer

Reference

SL3

Delivery objective

Investigate innovative delivery solutions that will help remove the reliance on grid supply electricity for street lighting

What South Tyneside Council will do

Investigate and review opportunities that will look at the options available to move away from current grid supplied electricity for Council street lighting, looking at renewable supply options or alternative carbon neutral sources of supply

Estimated CO₂ impact

High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Team

Special Projects Officer

Reference

SL4

Delivery objective

Keep abreast of SMART/ Intelligent street lighting solutions

What South Tyneside Council will do

Investigate and seek new ways to decrease energy usage from street lights by keeping up-to-date on emerging street lighting technology

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium/High

Owner

Asset Management Team

Energy Team

Special Projects Officer

Theme 3 - Transportation and Staff Travel

South Tyneside Council understands that radical changes are required to the way we operate and deliver services to support emission reductions.

This change will be brought about in multiple ways; the Council’s Transport and Fleet Services are actively engaged in developing Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) options to support this transition.

In addition, for staff who commute and use their own vehicles for business purposes we have already put in place a pool of electric vehicles for staff useat our main operational building, South Shields Town Hall, while encouraging sustainable modes for everyday travel.

We are aware that much more needs to be undertaken to ensure that this transition is successful. Providing reliable alternatives to the private car for everyday journeys will be one of the simplest ways to reduce emissions. This will be assisted by the emerging Local Plan; Highways Asset Management Plan and Integrated Transport Strategy, which aims to improve the quality and quantity of infrastructure available to all.

The Council will continue to drive improvements by:

• Reducing the need to travel
• Promote the use of public transport and active travel
• On-going installation of EV charge points at council sites
• Investigating, Implementing and Promoting sustainable transport
• Decarbonising fleet vehicles
• Ensuring that businesses that work/contract with the Council have green fleet and carbon neutral ambitions

Delivery actions

Reference

TS1

Delivery objective

Improve the performance of fleet vehicles, supporting cleaner-fuelled vehicles along with the increased use of ULEV, Electric and Hybrid fleet vehicles across the Council where feasible

What South Tyneside Council will do

Ensure improved performance of the Council’s fleet to reduce emissions, including supporting and identifying opportunities for alternative solutions including Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV), Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium

Owner

Fleet Services

South Tyneside Homes

Corporate Procurement

Reference

TS2

Delivery objective

Promote driver awareness and training, to include vehicle advice and fuel economy training

What South Tyneside Council will do

Implement and promote fuelefficient driver training for our fleet drivers

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low/Medium

Owner

Fleet Services

South Tyneside Homes

Reference

TS3

Delivery objective

South Tyneside Council will investigate, implement and promote the use of active and sustainable transport options for utilisation by employees allowing the delivery of business activities in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way

What South Tyneside Council will do

Complete feasibility studies to investigate opportunities for the development of sustainable transport hubs across key Council locations

Undertake a staff survey to establish and understand baseline staff travel behaviours

Increase pooled vehicle opportunities

Increase EV charge points across key Council locations and the wider Borough supporting the on-going development of the E.V Infrastructure

Investigate the feasibility towards the implementation of Electric and Standard Bikes for staff use for short business journeys

Increase the number of metro passes for corporate travel extending operating times

Undertake review of current car mileage policy

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low/Medium

Owner

Highways and Transport Team

Strategic Transport Team

Transport Strategy Team

Reference

TS4

Delivery objective

Promote active staff travel through campaigns and incentive schemes encouraging employees to look at alternative and sustainable travel options when travelling to work, including the use of public transport, car sharing in addition to healthier lifestyle options including walking and cycling

What South Tyneside Council will do

Increase the proportion of staff travel by active and sustainable means

Deliver staff campaigns to promote active and sustainable transport options

Investigate and develop mechanisms to encourage more people to cycle and walk to work

Promotion of cycle to work scheme

Investigate opportunities in relation to electric bike try before you buy scheme to encourage update of alternative travel to work solutions

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low

Owner

Transport Strategy Team

Climate Change Team

Theme 4 - Environment and biodiversity

Healthy ecosystems are fundamental to life on our planet; small changes in average temperatures can have a significant impact upon them.

The climate emergency and biodiversity crisis we see today are inextricably linked. Nationally the impact of climate change has resulted in:

• Catastrophic collapse of nature’s ecosystems, with more than 40% of insect species declining and a third endangered
• Total mass of insects have fallen by 2.5% a year for the last 25-30 years

Global warming is likely to be the greatest cause of species extinctions this century. The IPCC says a 1.5°C average rise may put 20-30% of species at risk of extinction. If the planet warms by more than 2°C, most ecosystems will struggle.

The natural environment will have to make its own adjustments in response to climate change. However, sustaining and optimising the benefits we receive from ecosystems will require some forms of human intervention.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework along with the Council’s emerging Local Plan places significant focus on the protection of our natural environment. As the Local Planning Authority we have set out strategic policies on the ‘conservation and enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment, addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Parks, green spaces and allotments will all have a significant role to play in helping to address the Council’s response to the climate change emergency.

Trees will also play a significant role in our fight against climate change at present South Tyneside tree canopy coverage is approximately 10%, with a clear commitment to increase this further.

Delivery actions

Reference

EB1

Delivery objective

South Tyneside will have a natural, healthy, thriving and resilient environment that makes a positive contribution to carbon capture and storage, offsetting harmful carbon emissions

What South Tyneside Council will do

Continue to increase the tree coverage across South Tyneside, by planting at least 3,000 trees per year

Investigate and implement proposals that will encourage residents to become actively involved in tree planting activities. Establish awareness raising schemes and campaigns (i.e. Plant a tree 2023)

Investigate opportunities to introduce sensor lighting across parks and green spaces, supporting carbon reductions, while limiting disruption to wildlife at night

Enhance planting and hedgerow planting across South Tyneside to offset carbon emissions and traffic pollution in urban areas

Investigate habitats that sequester carbon such as wetlands, establishing ways to manage land differently to reduce emission and/or increase carbon capture and storage

Investigate opportunities for the integration of green walls and roofs across South Tyneside

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium

Owner

Asset Management Team

Greenspace Team

Planning Team

Climate Change Team

Reference

EB2

Delivery objective

Manage appropriate areas of South Tyneside Council’s land to maximise biodiversity and bioabundance, creating a wildlife rich Borough where species can more readily adapt to climate change pressures

What South Tyneside Council will do

Work with the Council’s agricultural tenants to seek opportunities to enhance existing hedgerows and plant new ones

Investigate opportunities to improve wildlife value of existing green spaces, allotments, community and public gardens

Review and implement actions to ensure natural habitats are in prime condition for carbon sequestration and storage

Undertake a mapping exercise to identify existing wildlife corridors which will in turn help to identify gaps where habitats could be created or improved to increase connectivity

Investigate opportunities that help improve and encourage biodiversity and wildlife, enhancing natural habitats in and around South Tyneside, including trees, riverside habitats and grasslands for biodiversity/pollinators

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low/Medium

Owner

Asset Management Team

Greenspace Team

Planning Team

Climate Change Team

Reference

EB3

Delivery objective

Work programmes across South Tyneside Council will deliver a modern, flexible working environment, removing unnecessary waste, while implementing alternative solutions that support activities in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way

What South Tyneside Council will do

Introduce electronic payslips replacing paper copies

Develop digital and IT services to replace internal printed forms and manual processes across Council delivery areas

Introduce new digital tool offerings to help employees work collaboratively across different locations in an environmentally friendly and efficient way

Engage employees in the Councils Smarter Work Programme to help identify processes and forms that need to be changed helping to deliver alternative and efficient solutions

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low

Owner

Business Development and Strategy

Climate Change Team

Communication Team

Digital and ICT Services

Reference

EB4

Delivery objective

Development of practical solutions that support the reduction and removal of single use plastic, whist promoting and increasing recycling facilities across Council buildings

What South Tyneside Council will do

Investigate and implement actions that reduce single use plastics across the Council

Undertake a review of all current recycling facilities across Council Buildings to help increase and maximise recycling opportunities

Introduce glass recycling facilities across Council Buildings

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Business Change and Delivery Team

Climate Change Team

Reference

EB5

Delivery objective

Investigate opportunities that provide access to healthy, locally grown food, while increasing the offering of vegetarian and plant based menus within Council canteens and cafes

What South Tyneside Council will do

Investigate opportunities to develop and maximise the use of locally produced food sources across the Council

Work with Council café/ canteens to increase the offering of vegetarian and plant based foods within menus

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Cafes/Canteens

Theme 5 - Schools

There may be no greater threat facing our younger generation than climate change. This mounting global crisis will bear the greatest burden on the young of today and the future. As temperatures increase, and extreme weather events expand our children’s lives and futures will be the most disrupted.

We have the opportunity to tackle this crisis before it is too late. Decisive and immediate action must be taken to cut emissions. We must educate children to adapt to the immediate challenges faced in relation to climate change - effectively educating today’s children so they fully understand their role in the future.

We must listen to the voices of children and young people, who will inherit the significant challenges faced in relation to a changing climate.

Schools lie at the heart of our community providing a fundamental gateway in the education of our children.

Our children’s role, now and in the future cannot be underestimated, we must embrace their learning environment, educating them effectively so they will have the skills and knowledge base to adapt and drive on-going improvements, towards a low-carbon and sustainable future.

There are 64 schools in South Tyneside, of which 37 are Council maintained. The remaining 27 schools are managed under Academy Trusts, Private Finance Initiatives (PFIs), Voluntary Aided or Trust Status and are excluded from figures being reported.

The main sources of emissions from schools include:

• Energy use in buildings
• Pupil, staff and school transport
• Management, disposal and recycling of waste

Delivery actions

Reference

S1

Delivery objective

Support and promote the identification of delivery objectives clearly focused on environmental sustainability improvements and carbon reduction activities across South Tyneside Schools

What South Tyneside Council will do

Support the development and implementation of an Environmental Policy within schools (where not already in place) establishing clear environmental objectives and carbon reduction targets

Develop a Climate Change Toolkit to support schools in implementing actions that support the delivery of energy reductions, environmental improvements and carbon reductions

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Schools

Reference

S2

Delivery objective

Undertake Energy Audits across Council maintained School Buildings identifying opportunities and investment requirements that support the transition towards carbon neutrality

What South Tyneside Council will do

Analyse and establish current carbon emission levels from Council maintained school buildings

Undertake energy audits to identify areas for improvement that will support emission reductions across Council maintained schools

Identify improvements that support the delivery of carbon reductions

Work with schools to look at ways to support the implementation of identified actions following the completion of energy audits

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium/High

Owner

Asset Management - Schools Team

Energy Team

Reference

S3

Delivery objective

Investigate opportunities in relation to low carbon/ renewable energy generation solutions across Council maintained Schools supporting the delivery of energy efficiency improvements, while supporting the drive towards carbon neutrality

What South Tyneside Council will do

Where identified as feasible investigate opportunities in relation to the implementation of low carbon/renewable technologies across maintained schools

Investigate opportunities for Council maintained schools to look at financial options available through Salix Loan Scheme for School to support installation of low carbon/ renewable energy solutions

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium/High

Owner

Asset Management - Schools Team

Energy Team

Schools

Reference

S4

Delivery objective

Work with Council maintained schools to establish specific annual emission reduction targets

What South Tyneside Council will do

Develop carbon factsheets across maintained schools to establish current carbon footprint

Support maintained schools in the development of reduction targets supported by delivery actions that demonstrate how reductions in emissions will take place

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Reference

S5

Delivery objective

Produce annual carbon emissions report against South Tyneside Council’s emissions position, identifying whether measures and interventions being implemented are meeting agreed reduction targets

What South Tyneside Council will do

Produce an annual carbon emission report, highlighting delivery position against agreed reduction targets

Highlight any areas of under achievement establishing actions that will address any identified gaps

Highlight any key areas of risk, establishing mitigating actions required

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Reference

S6

Delivery objective

Schools will provide a sustainable learning environment, where children’s voices will be heard. Our children will develop the skills and knowledge to support the drive toward a brighter, sustainable, low carbon future, delivering positive results towards the fight against climate change

What South Tyneside Council will do

Work with schools across South Tyneside to help identify and support teachers in the completion of the accredited United Nations climate change training course, establishing climate change leads across schools

Establish a delivery network of climate change leads across schools to support actions that raise awareness and implement actions that help address the impacts of climate change

Support and encourage schools in the development of a schools climate change committee, providing a forum for pupils to share and discuss ideas on ways to help reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions

Encourage schools (where not already engaged) to use Eco-Schools Programme to help address environmental and sustainability issues across schools

Keep schools up to date and informed of resources and organisations that can help deliver key messages and solutions to support emission reductions

Support schools in the provision of climate change information and educational tools, to support the development of their own learning resources for implementation across schools

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low

Owner

Climate Change Team

Reference

S7

Delivery objective

Encourage schools to actively promote sustainability and become models of good practice to pupils, staff, families along with the wider community

What South Tyneside Council will do

Help influence behavioural change as part of the school run, establishing targeted schemes that encourage sustainable and alternative travel options to schools to support emission reductions and improved air quality

Work with schools to improve sustainability and recycling including the reduction/ removal of single-use plastics

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low

Owner

Climate Change Team

Schools

Theme 6 - South Tyneside Homes operations

South Tyneside Homes (STH) is an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) created by South Tyneside Council in April 2006 to manage, maintain and improve its 18,000 Council homes and estates. Extensive improvement programmes have been delivered during this time resulting in sustainable homes that meet increasing levels of need, while reducing inequalities and tackling fuel poverty, improving wellbeing across all stages of people’s lives.

In addition to the significant improvements to social housing, considerable efforts have been made to improve the energy efficiency of buildings directly controlled by STH, including Operational Buildings, Housing Plus Schemes, High Rises and Common Rooms.

Low carbon and renewable solutions have been installed across a number of STH’s buildings, including the installation of solar PV along with LED lighting upgrades.

The implementation of a diverse range of energy efficiency measures and improvement works has resulted in significant and recognisable benefits, clearly supporting reductions in energy usage and cost, while supporting on-going reductions in carbon emissions.

(Emissions from Social Housing are not included within this strategy and action plan. Energy usage that contributes to carbon emissions from Social Housing are outside the control of the Council and are therefore excluded from monitoring and reporting activities. However, we will lead by example, providing an advocacy role to support and influence actions that promote carbon reductions across our communities).

Delivery actions

Reference

ST1

Delivery objective

Maintain and enhance South Tyneside Homes current fuel poverty plan to ensure it remains current and that identified objectives are achievable

What South Tyneside Council will do

Review the fuel poverty and asset management plan annually, ensuring the action plan is up to date, relevant and aligns with South Tyneside Councils strategy.

Communicate the plan to both staff and customers.

Consult with STC on any changes to the plan annually.

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium

Owner

STH - Asset Management

Reference

ST2

Delivery objective

Develop STH building condition information exploring options for additional building fabric improvement measures.

What South Tyneside Council will do

Surveys will be undertaken to identify opportunities for investment to reduce energy consumption and improve building efficiencies. This includes insulation, windows, electrical installations and heating installations.

Review survey information and determine options regarding feasibility, finance, efficiencies and estimated timescales to prioritise initiatives.

Develop specifications and programmes of work to implement agreed schemes.

Ensure that all residents and STC Members are effectively communicated with prior to the implementation of any programmes.

Establishing positive impacts resulting from the work, highlighting financial, consumption and carbon reduction benefits.

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium

Owner

STH - Asset Management Team

Reference

ST3

Delivery objective

Continue to research and identify potential funding streams, looking at low carbon opportunities to enhance STH Managed Buildings

What South Tyneside Council will do

Continue to work with current partners in a bid to identify funding opportunities, i.e. NEA, Osborne Energy, Dyson.

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low

Owner

STH - Asset Management Team

Reference

ST4

Delivery objective

Work closer with South Tyneside Council’s Asset Management Team to ensure effective joint working on delivery projects, i.e. Energy Network in Jarrow and Minewater project in Hebburn

What South Tyneside Council will do

STC and STH to establish effective mechanisms to communicate with each other on energy investment and improvement programmes, providing a joined-up and cohesive approach to deliver carbon reductions and improved sustainability across Council/STH buildings and operations.

Ensure that investment is focused, where possible at collaborative/joint working activities, driving environmental improvements while ensuring the delivery of value for money.

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium to High

Owner

STC Asset Management Team

Energy Team

STH Asset Management Team

Reference

ST5

Delivery objective

Promote the importance of Energy efficiency with staff and tenants.

What South Tyneside Council will do

Utilise social media and the internet to ensure that energy efficiency and climate change are communicated effectively.

Promote all improvement works undertaken by STH, which contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and energy reductions.

Ensure that staff and residents (where possible) have the opportunity to be involved in training and awareness activities in relation to climate change and carbon reduction.

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium

Owner

STC Asset Management Team

Reference

ST6

Delivery objective

Replacement of South Tyneside Homes existing Fleet with a more efficient and sustainable transport

What South Tyneside Council will do

Work alongside Fleet Management to review and highlight worst performing vehicles for initial replacement

Work alongside STC Finance team to identify available budget to facilitate vehicle renewal.

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium to High

Owner

South Tyneside Council Fleet Management

Reference

ST7

Delivery objective

Continue to work with South Tyneside Council to review current infrastructure required to introduce Electric Vehicles.

What South Tyneside Council will do

Undertake trials on electric vehicles to identify possible best use within STH existing fleet

Review current infrastructure and implement improvements in line with trial recommendations

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium to High

Owner

South Tyneside Homes

South Tyneside Council Fleet Management

Reference

ST8

Delivery objective

Continually assess our fleet to identify opportunities for the introduction of electrical vehicles.

What South Tyneside Council will do

Undertake trials on electric vehicles to identify opportunities for use within STH existing fleet

Constantly review fuel usage to identify possible areas in which electric vehicles would make the best impact

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium to High

Owner

South Tyneside Homes

South Tyneside Council Fleet Management

Reference

ST9

Delivery objective

Review all grey fleet mileage to identify car sharing opportunities and potential electric fleet requirements.

What South Tyneside Council will do

Undertake trials on electric vehicles to identify opportunities for use within STH existing fleet

Constantly review mileage claims to identify possible areas in which electric vehicles / car sharing would make the best impact

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium to High

Owner

South Tyneside Homes

South Tyneside Council Fleet Management

Reference

ST10

Delivery objective

Introduce a Mobile Working Solution within Handy Estates to allow route optimisation, reducing overall fuel usage across the section.

What South Tyneside Council will do

Formulate a project group to facilitate the review and implementation

Develop an action plan highlighting key milestones/ objectives/ timeframes

Agree specification/ requirements of the service area

Agree options to link in with existing new technologies

Ensure the systems introduced will bring fuel and resource efficiencies

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium

Owner

STH - ICT

STH Handy Estates

Reference

ST11

Delivery objective

Introduction of vehicle tracking systems across South Tyneside Homes Fleet.

What South Tyneside Council will do

Service requirements and specifications agreed and forwarded to STC Fleet

Agree and finalise preferred procurement route including undertaking procurement

Finalise and award tender on most compliant bidder

Install tracking system and monitor to ensure efficiencies are undertaken

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low

Owner

South Tyneside Homes

South Tyneside Council Fleet Management

Theme 7 - Procurement

Tackling and adapting to the impact of climate change has gained significant traction over the last year, with many Local Authorities declaring climate change emergencies.

The Council procures a significant amount of goods and services every year, it is therefore imperative that we utilise the procurement process effectively to help address the impacts of climate change.

In our role as community leader we have direct connections with businesses and service providers, community groups and households by virtue of the services we provide.

We must embrace this opportunity effectively integrating the consideration of carbon emission reductions across procurement activities.

Developing robust and practical approaches in procurement specifications and evaluation processes can help address this, increasing the degree in which we can effectively influence emission reductions, while increasing sustainable processes across our buildings and services.

The Council is committed to minimising the environmental impacts of goods, services and work that it procures, ensuring that procurement activities are completed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

The Council has already implemented a number of improvement measures across procurement activities by:

• Ensuring the Council’s Corporate Procurement Strategy guidelines refers all procurement proposals to the Climate Change Lead to review and ensure consideration is given to the integration of environmental approaches, supporting sustainability and carbon emission reductions in the procurement of goods and services
• Including a specific section within the procurement contracting template focused specifically on sustainability and community benefit considerations

The Council will continue to implement innovative approaches that support the reduction off carbon emissions by:

• Improving procurement specifications to increase sustainability across the supply chain, encouraging suppliers and contractors to offer and provide sustainable products and services to help improve environmental performance
• Taking all necessary steps to ensure that goods and services are procured from sustainable sources minimising environmental impacts from the products and services procured
• Implementing principles of waste minimisation, recycling and re-use
• Maximising social benefits, through community benefit clauses in contracts where appropriate to improve the local environment

Delivery actions

Reference

PR1

Delivery objective

South Tyneside Council will work with colleagues and partners to encourage and embed sustainable procurement policies and procedures, ensuring the delivery of sustainable procurement practices that support carbon emission reduction activities, while driving environmental improvements across the Council

What South Tyneside Council will do

A review of current procurement policies and procedures will be completed, identifying opportunities for the delivery of improvements, to ensure best practice delivery in relation to sustainability and carbon reduction activities

Ensure tender specifications have a clear focus on the delivery of sustainable products and services supporting the Council climate change objective towards carbon neutrality

Establish and embed a review and evaluation process with the Council’s Climate Change Team to maximise the delivery of sustainability and carbon emission reductions proposed in tenders

The Council will use its role to share best practice approaches with partners to support the delivery of improved sustainability and carbon reductions through procurement activities

Identify and procure low carbon/renewable solutions (where appropriate) to minimise environmental impacts

Ensure procurement activities support the reduction of single-use plastic and waste minimisation, while increasing recycling and re-use from the goods and services procured

Ensure (where possible) that goods are procured from sustainable locally sourced suppliers

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium/High

Owner

Corporate Procurement Service

Climate Change Team

Reference

PR2

Delivery objective

Effectively use the National Themes, Outcomes and Measurement Framework (TOMs), embedding social values into procurement and management processes

What South Tyneside Council will do

The Council will utilise the National TOMs Framework (where appropriate) to integrate social values as part of day to day business, developing initiatives to improve the environment, reduce environmental impacts, including emission reductions, while promoting a culture of reduce, reuse and recycle

The Council will utilise the use of social benefit clauses (where appropriate and in line with Public Sector Procurement Regulations) to support the delivery of environmental improvements, sustainability, emission reduction and carbon offsetting

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium/High

Owner

Corporate Procurement Service

Theme 8 - Policy

Radical changes are needed to address climate change. We are facing two unprecedented challenges:

• We must dramatically reduce our carbon emissions
• We need to prepare for unavoidable environmental impacts by building climate resilience into our systems and services

Local Authorities directly emit only a small percentage of UK’s carbon emissions. However, the power to influence uniquely places the Council at the heart of place-shaping work.

We can effectively use our position to bring together leadership and direction, developing a framework with clear ambition supporting the drive towards carbon neutrality across future developments.

The decisions that we make now and in the future will play a vital role in protecting local populations, local authority services, infrastructure and finances, while securing new local economic opportunities. To make a real difference we will need planning powers and easier access to Government funding, to truly mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Tackling the causes of climate change, and preparing for its impacts, touches on all aspects of society, for these reasons we need strong and effective policies sitting at the heart of our decision making processes. It is essential that policies are clear and robust, focused on drastically reducing carbon emissions across the Council’s buildings and operations, while ensuring we effectively build climate resilience into our systems and services.

The decisions we make must:

• Promote activity on climate change, demonstrating leadership at local and national levels
• Promote low carbon design approaches to reduce energy consumption in new and existing buildings, ensuring future developments are designed to avoid risks through suitable and sustainable adaptation measures providing sufficient resilience
• Raise the profile and implementation of carbon reduction and adaptations across Council buildings
• Vigorously promote small and large scale renewable energy projects
• Develop and embed good practice, undertaking initiatives that support joint working opportunities, while sharing experience, skills and ideas to support the reduction in emissions

Delivery actions

Reference

PO1

Delivery objective

The Council will work to understand the impacts of its current policies on the environment and carbon emissions

What South Tyneside Council will do

A review of current Council policies and procedures will be completed to establish current impacts on carbon reduction and sustainability

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Reference

PO2

Delivery objective

Ensure carbon management and sustainability is built into Council policies and delivery practices

What South Tyneside Council will do

Realign relevant policies, procedures and report structures to strengthen and support the delivery of carbon reductions and improved sustainability across the Council

Establish an internal appraisal process of any new proposed activity/delivery function to ensure a consistent and clear measurement process is established across the Council, understanding carbon emission/environmental impacts

Estimated CO₂ impact

Low/Medium

Owner

Climate Change Team

Reference

PO3

Delivery objective

Encourage the adoption of polices that reflect the environment and climate emergency in the Council’s emerging Local Plan

What South Tyneside Council will do

Promote low carbon design approaches to support energy and emission reductions in new and future developments, while ensuring sustainable adaptations, wherever possible to provide sufficient resilience

Provide opportunities for renewable and low carbon technologies

Provide opportunities for new developments to connect to proposed decentralised energy and heating networks

Direct future developments towards sustainable locations reducing the need to travel, maximising the use of alternative and more sustainable modes of travel

Protect and enhance the natural environment by protecting wildlife corridors wherever possible enhancing biodiversity, while increasing the resilience of wildlife to climate change

Avoid wherever possible developments in areas currently or at future risk of flooding, prioritising the use of multi-functional sustainable drainage systems

Ensure new developments provide the opportunity for the charging of vehicles at home and at work

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium/High

Owner

Planning Team

Theme 9 - Adaptation

The world’s climate is changing, even if all emissions ceased today, the climate would still continue to change as a result of historic emissions.

UK Climate Projection Met Office 2018 headline results set out a range of possible outcomes over the next century based on different rates of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. The high emission scenario (closely matches to the current global emissions trajectory) shows:

• Summer temperatures could be up to 5.4°C hotter by 2070
• Winters could be up to 4.2°C warmer
• The chance of a summer as hot as 2018 is around 50% by 2050
• Average summer rainfall could decrease by up to 47% by 2070, while there could be up to 35% more precipitation in winter
• Sea levels are projected to rise over the 21st century under all emission scenarios

England’s legislative adaptation, and mitigation, framework is primarily set out in the Climate Change Act 2008. The Act places legal requirements on the UK Government to assess and report climate change risks; along with implementing a national programme of adaptations.

Local authorities have a significant role to play. Climate change adaptation plays a major part in the Council’s existing and emerging local plan. Effective measures such as the implementation of sustainable drainage systems play a key role in adapting to a changing climate, by helping to minimise the impacts of flash flooding events, while coupling as an ecological network supporting biodiversity and the on-going development of the natural environment.

It is important that the Council implements adaptation actions across a range of key areas, including:

• Buildings and services
• Corporate plans, policies and performance
• Natural capital assets (e.g. soil, air, water)
• Infrastructure
• Land use, planning and the built environment
• Public health, social care and community resilience
• Local leadership role on climate adaptation Progress to date

Delivery actions

Reference

AD1

Delivery objective

Ensure the resilience and adaptation of Council Buildings and Infrastructure

What South Tyneside Council will do

Ensure (wherever possible) that buildings and infrastructure adapt to future climatic challenges

Identify areas for implementation of climate adaptation measures across Council plans, policies and strategies

Investigate and implement effective water management systems through the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems, providing a multi-functional benefit for storing/reusing surface water, reducing the risk of surface water flooding, while enhancing where possible the development of the natural environment and increased biodiversity

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Asset Management Team

Planning Team

Highways Team

Regeneration Team

Climate Change Team

Environmental Protection Team

Reference

AD2

Delivery objective

Work with key Stakeholders on Coastal and River Protection measures to help identify and adapt areas at risk through climatic changes

What South Tyneside Council will do

Work with the Environment Agency to update Shoreline Management Plan to establish and understand future risks and requirements in relation to flood risk areas and flood defence requirements

Identify and implement additional measures (where feasible) that supports the utilisation of natural coastline and river protection measures to help alleviate storm surges and flooding events, while enhancing and developing the natural environment

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Environmental Protection Team

Reference

AD3

Delivery objective

Ensure wherever possible that the natural environment plays a key role in climate change adaptation requirements

What South Tyneside Council will do

Promote and facilitate the adaptation of the natural environment to ensure resilience to future climate change events

Enhance the natural environment by increased tree planting, to provide a critical source in absorbing and retaining rainfall to help alleviate flood risks

Ensure future landscaping and planting takes into consideration, the future impacts of a changing climate, implementing sustainable adaptation measures

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Planning Team

Environmental

Protection Team

Countryside Team

Reference

AD4

Delivery objective

Delivery of a Climate Adaptation Education and Awareness Programme

What South Tyneside Council will do

Encourage and support (where possible) businesses, residents, partners and other organisations through increased awareness on the future challenges that maybe presented by climate change, highlighting actions that can be taken to prepare and adapt to a changing climate

Investigate and implement activities that will help promote awareness to help ensure a resilient Borough

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Environmental Protection Team

Climate Change Team

Theme 10 - Cultural change and awareness

Education and awareness is an essential element in our response towards climate change. It helps us understand and address the impact of global warming, while encouraging changes in attitudes and behaviours across the Council.

Raising awareness on climate change will help inform decision-making, while supporting the essential development of robust processes, policies and procedures focused clearly on mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Building a wider understanding on the impacts of climate change is widely seen as a critical foundation for change and one, which we must all embrace.

It is the role of everyone across the Council to play their part, supporting the Council in achieving their climate change goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.

Delivery actions

Reference

CA1

Delivery objective

Employees will be educated and fully informed about their role in effectively supporting the Council in delivering and implementing actions that bring about change, striving towards carbon neutrality by 2030 across Council buildings and operations

What South Tyneside Council will do

Implement the Council’s climate change emergency objectives within the induction programme, informing new employees of their role in supporting the delivery of carbon neutrality

Implement climate change as a key delivery objective within the Council’s annual appraisal process

Embed climate change as a standard agenda item on team meetings to share ideas, highlight potential impacts in relation to emission increases/ reductions, while establishing a gateway back to the climate change team for follow-up action as and when required

Establish a climate change inbox within the Council allowing employees to highlight opportunities or areas for further investigation on climate related issues

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Human Resources

Service Managers

Reference

CA2

Delivery objective

Everyone in the Council has access to climate change information to support knowledge and understanding of the challenges being faced in relation to climate change and the actions that must be taken to deliver improvements

What South Tyneside Council will do

Provide a programme of education and training activities across the Council to inform employees on the challenges being faced on climate change and their role in supporting the delivery of carbon reduction improvements

Establish a range of delivery methods to successfully engage all employees, establishing communication/ engagement tools to support employees learning on climate change

Produce a climate change toolkit providing tips and guidance on actions that support energy/carbon reductions

Further develop the Council’s climate change intranet page, providing regular updates on activities taking place that are driving and delivering reductions in carbon emissions

Provide updates to employees in relation to the Council emission position, keeping employees fully informed of how the Council is performing in relation to challenging reduction targets

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Communication Team

Digital and ICT Services

Reference

CA3

Delivery objective

Climate change awareness and engagement campaigns will take place across the Council to effectively engage employees in the delivery of improvement programmes

What South Tyneside Council will do

Identify and establish climate change champions across the Council to act as a facilitator and key lead across service areas to share ideas and provide regular updates on the Council’s position in relation to the climate change agenda

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Climate Change Champions

Reference

CA4

Delivery objective

A clear and concise climate change communication strategy will be produced providing a consistent and structured approach supporting the delivery of carbon reduction and improvements

What South Tyneside Council will do

A concise communication strategy will be produced establishing a clear delivery framework focused on raising awareness and communicating actions that bring about change embedding a clear message in relation to the drive towards carbon neutrality

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Communication Team

Digital and ICT Services

Theme 11 - Championing a carbon neutral future

Millions of people throughout the world, especially young people are calling on leaders to do more to address the climate emergency we face.

Choosing the path towards change is not the job of one person, one Council, one Government, we are all in this together. If we want to change, we must be that change.

As a local leader we have an important role to play, when addressing the impacts of climate change. We must demonstrate strong local leadership, forging partnerships, while mobilising communities, businesses and society to help address the impacts of climate change.

We must call upon the Government to increase the powers of Local Authorities through clear national policies on climate change, providing the necessary resources to be able to deliver them effectively. We must ensure public participation, consulting local people on proposed projects that support reductions in our emissions. By working together we can turn good ideas into tangible results, tackling the impacts of climate change in a joined up and strategic way.

We understand that South Tyneside Council has an important leadership role in creating a low carbon, climate resilient future.

We will strive towards achieving this by:

• Ensuring transparency and accountability towards the Council’s goals and actions, providing progress against our set targets
• Representing and advocating for change at National, Regional and Local levels
• Representing local concern and viewpoints in relation to climate change
• Communicating, engaging and listening to our community
• Work across different sectors to facilitate and encourage co-ordinated action
• Providing vision and direction to local groups, building support for that vision
• Identify and advocate opportunities that support wider community activities in relation to addressing the impacts of climate change and emission reductions
• Encouraging and empowering residents and businesses to participate and act in the fight towards climate change

We must think local and act global, the fight against climate change must be fought by everyone or it cannot be fought at all.

Delivery actions

Reference

CF1

Delivery objective

The Council will play a key role championing a carbon neutral future by working with local communities, businesses, organisations and individuals to support reductions in carbon emissions and waste

What South Tyneside Council will do

Promote and raise awareness on the impacts of climate change through various communication channels, adopting low carbon lifestyles

Deliver Climate Change Convention in 2020

Provide on-line resources, tips and support tools on the South Tyneside Council’s website highlighting the actions that can be taken to support reductions in carbon emissions and energy use, while supporting the development of a natural and thriving environment

Raise awareness in ways to improve energy efficiency across homes and businesses, reducing consumption through improved energy behaviours, reducing cost, consumption and emissions

Promote and encourage sustainable travel, supporting an increase in the number of people that utilise public transport, cycling and walking as a means of getting around, reducing emissions, whilst improving air quality

The Council will raise awareness in relation to the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling waste effectively, reducing waste going to landfill

Estimated CO₂ impact

Medium

Owner

Climate Change Team

Strategic Transport Team

Communication Team

Waste Team

Digital and ICT Services

Reference

CF2

Delivery objective

The Council will help encourage local partnership initiatives supporting the delivery of environmental improvements, striving towards a sustainable, lowcarbon future

What South Tyneside Council will do

The Council will (where possible) work with local community groups to help develop local initiatives focused on carbon reduction, sustainability, bio-diversity, supporting a thriving and low carbon environment across South Tyneside

Support the development of identified funding applications to help secure financial support (where possible) against community initiatives identified that align to the Council’s climate change initiatives

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Reference

CF3

Delivery objective

The Council will support and work with local businesses and training providers to raise awareness on the issues surrounding climate change, establishing actions that help drive and deliver improvements and carbon reductions

What South Tyneside Council will do

Develop webpage to provide information and support on driving carbon reductions across businesses

Deliver workshops to local businesses on actions that support emission reductions and environmental improvements

Estimated CO₂ impact

Indirect

Owner

Climate Change Team

Business and Skills Team

Communication Team

Digital and ICT Services

Governance

The scale of the climate change challenge we face is unprecedented. This is a challenge like no other, one in which the totality of the solutions needed may prove to be impossible.

To meet the ambitious targets of the Council’s climate change emergency motion will require focus, ambition and a willingness to change at every level.

This Strategy and Action Plan brings together the strategic activities required to reduce carbon emissions across the Council.

The delivery objectives have been structured based on key themed areas. Each theme has a summary of actions established, which are found within the action plan.

The Climate Change Action Plan provides a detailed breakdown of the actions proposed that will help meet the delivery objectives within the key themed areas.

To assess the overall impact of activities undertaken, it is essential that a robust governance structure is established to help monitor the effectiveness of the actions identified and being delivered, ensuring they are being effectively met.

Themed Delivery Objectives

The Strategy is organised around 11 key delivery themes, each with identified teams/stakeholders responsible for the delivery of the actions.

Officers Working Group

The Officers Working Group will provide a coordinated approach across the themed areas and the Council, monitoring and reporting on progress, while identifying any risks for further investigation.

Members Working Group

The Members Working Group will receive regular detailed updates on the key themed areas within the strategy, significant project development and awareness of best practice. This group will act as champions and help support and influence behavioural change across the Borough.

Place Select Committee

Progress against the strategy and action plan will be scrutinised by the Place Select Committee mid-year. The Committee will provide any relevant advice and recommendations to Cabinet in relation to the Strategy.

Cabinet

The Officers Working Group will provide six monthly updates to the Place Select Committee detailing progress against the strategy and action plan. A combined annual report will be provided to Cabinet for endorsement and recommendation to full Council with key recommendations requiring changes to the strategy or action plan.

Council

Council will receive the annual report, consider any implications and be asked to approve any required changes to the strategy and action plan.

Monitoring and reporting

The Council has made a pledge to take all necessary steps to make South Tyneside Council carbon neutral by 2030.

The Climate Change Strategy and supporting 5 year Action Plan, identifies key delivery themes, supported by tasks that will help deliver our ambitious target towards carbon neutrality.

Our reduction targets will be measured against our carbon emissions in the baseline year of 2018/19. A monitoring and reporting framework will help the Council effectively monitor and report on progress being made, establishing a quarterly monitoring and reporting cycle, across each of the key delivery themes.

The monitoring cycle will help capture our overall position on a regular basis, while identifying any potential risks early on so action can be taken.

A detailed update report to full Council will be completed on an annual basis, setting out performance against agreed actions, while providing information on any changes required to ensure we are on target towards meeting our delivery objectives.

An annual update will also be provided on the Council’s website.