Climate change

South Tyneside Council declared a climate change emergency on 18 July 2019.

We are implementing strategies that will bring about real change.

We aim to:

• make the Council carbon neutral by 2030
• move to cleaner, greener, renewable sources of energy 
• enhance our natural environment

For information on what climate change is and why it's important, visit:

• Met Office: What is climate change?
• GOV.UK: Climate change explained
• Climate Change Committee: What is climate change?

South Tyneside residents, businesses and organisations have asked us to act on climate change, with 99% of people who responded to our public consultation saying they are concerned about the impacts of climate change.

We have committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 to protect South Tyneside.

This is to:

• support our local economy and rates of employment, to make us resilient and to embrace innovation and opportunity
• improve and protect residents' health and reduce pressure on the NHS
• protect South Tyneside's long-term growth and provide the best future we can for our children and grandchildren
• protect our countryside and wildlife
• reduce climate inequality and support the most disadvantaged in our community

We believe that:

• We have the opportunity to be world leaders, driving forward the North East's Green Industrial Revolution. For more information, see North East Local Enterprise Partnership: Low carbon and climate change strategy.
• We have a responsibility to protect countries most affected by climate change, who have contributed the least to the problem.  
• Protecting the environment has cross-cutting, social benefits for health, education, security, the economy and overall happiness.
• Acting to reduce the impact of climate change can help financially - see Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit: Climate change - costs and benefits.

To help limit the impact of climate change, we:

1. declared a climate change emergency.
2. are taking all necessary steps to make the Council carbon neutral by 2030 (25% reduction by March 2023 and a 50% reduction by March 2025).
3. are a champion for a carbon neutral future for South Tyneside. This includes using our advocacy role to influence actions that promote carbon reductions, across all our communities and the region.
4. asked the Leader and Chief Executive of the Council to write to the government to pass the necessary legislation, and provide the rights and resources needed to deliver our climate change goals.
5. created a climate change strategy and action plan.
6. prepare a Sustainable South Tyneside annual update for full Council every year, setting out performance against agreed targets and recommending any changes to the published action plan.
7. make sure that all Council strategic decisions, policies and strategies are in line with the move to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
8. produced a Green Economic Recovery Plan.

What we have done to reduce our emissions

Our pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030 refers to the carbon emissions from:

• our gas and electricity usage
• our fleet's fuel usage

Some of the work we have done to reduce emissions includes:

• implemented the Viking Energy Network in Jarrow (VENJ): A renewable energy scheme that harnesses low-grade heat from the River Tyne to heat a number of Council buildings
• implemented the Hebburn Renewable Energy Scheme: A scheme that provides renewable heat to a large leisure facility and a high-rise residential block, with future network expansion opportunities
• installed solar panels to a number of Council buildings
• delivered a significant improvement programme of LED upgrades to street lighting, with continued capital investment taking place
• building modernisation and retrofit improvement programmes
• installed Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units at some of our highest consuming sites  
• expanded our fleet of electric vehicles
• trialled an electric refuse collection vehicle for our waste services to gain a better understanding of requirements and opportunities going forward
• provided online climate change training for our staff
• delivering a significant building rationalisation programme
• began deliering carbon literacy training to out elected members and Council officers
• installed ground source heat pumps at 2 schools

What we have done to protect our environment and tackle climate change

Our strategy goes beyond our direct carbon emissions, looking at how we can:

• protect and improve our natural environment
• reduce our indirect carbon emissions
• adapt to a changing climate

To protect our environment and tackle climate change, we have made improvements to:

Transport

• introduced two School Street trials
• improved access to our Metros, through the Healthier Metro Neighbourhoods
• produced a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan
• continue to provide Bikeability training within all of our schools
• supported the introduction of a new bus route to Sunderland
• improved our cycle route network
• increased the amount of electric car charging points

Trees and nature

• continue to plant at least 3,000 trees a year
• supported the North East Community Forest
• undertaken saltmarsh restoration, working with the Tyne Estuary Partnership
• continue to manage our Local Nature Reserves to protect and enhance their biodiversity
• planted a Tiny Forest, a densely packed native forest roughly the size of a tennis court, with a local school.
• launched COAST South Tyneside, raising awareness of the challenges faced by coastline wildlife and to encourage wildlife positive behaviours.

Education, engagement and collaboration

• worked with schools to raise awareness on climate change, creating a Climate Change Toolkit for Schools, giving workshops and talks, and running competitions
• started training our Elected Members and staff to be Carbon Literate
• supported local businesses with our Business Climate Change Toolkit
• joined Net Zero North East England to collaborate and accelerate our decarbonisation across the region
• provided work experience to students from the borough to help gain experience in the Environmental Sustainability sector

Food

• continue to support South Tyneside's Sustainable Food Partnership
• provided fruit trees to schools across the borough
• worked with pupils and school caterers on reducing our food waste and low-carbon menus
• supported energy-efficient cooking programmes with our VCSE partners

Energy and procurement

• improved the energy efficiency of residential accommodation, focusing on areas with the highest fuel poverty levels in the Borough
• supported the launch of the Home Energy Advice NE service, to provide in-person advice to residents across the region for underserved communities, and hard-to-treat properties
• embedded social value in procurement

Adaptation

• continue to lead on the Stronger Shores coastal adaptation project
• completed flood alleviation schemes in Monkton and Cleadon
• retrofitted Sustainable Drainage Schemes at two primary schools
• completed a property flood resilience scheme in the Stanhope Road area
• completed the A183 Coast Road realignment to protect the road from erosion risk and prolong the lifespan of the coastal route
• continuing to protect South Tyneside against flood and coastal changes.

Future plans

Our future plans include: 

• The Middlefields Energy Scheme: The scheme will provide on-site renewable electricity energy generation to key Council buildings
• upgrade the remainder of our street lights to LEDs
• an awareness and engagement programme to increase understanding of climate change across the Borough, and highlight what can be done to reduce its worst effects
• Investigating expansion opportunities for our heat networks
• Developing a Heat Decarbonisation Strategy
• Phased upgrades of our electric vehicle charging network

For more information about what are doing and what we plan to do about climate change, read our climate change strategy and action plan. 

Energy efficiency of residential accommodation

The reports below outline what we have done to improve the energy efficiency of residential accommodation in the South Tyneside area.

South Tyneside Council's Home Energy Conservation Act Progress Report 2017

South Tyneside Council's Home Energy Conservation Act Progress Report 2015

South Tyneside Council's Home Energy Conservation Act Further Report 2013

Climate change will affect South Tyneside due to:

• local weather changes
• global changes

Local weather changes

Local weather will keep changing, meaning the Borough will be likely to see:

• more severe and frequent flooding
• summer droughts and heatwaves
• more intense and frequent storms, especially in the winter

This will effect our:

• transport, with increasing road and rail disruption
• buildings, including schools, hospitals and businesses
• health and wellbeing
• animals and plants
• food quality and availability 

For more information, see Met Office: Effects of climate change.

Global changes

Global changes will have a local impact.

It is likely that South Tyneside will be affected by:

• Food shortages
  As a changing climate and overexploited land affect global food production, South Tyneside may see more empty supermarket shelves and fresh produce is likely to decrease in quality and nutritional value.
• Mass immigration
  An estimated 1 billion climate refugees will be forced northwards by 2050.
• Further pandemics
  Degraded natural environments increase the likelihood of new virus outbreaks around the world.  
• Financial problems and unemployment
  The cost of inaction is greater than the cost of action, with poorer regions being the worst hit.
• Loss of land to sea-level rise
  See Climate Central: Land projected to be below 10-year flood level in 2050

The impact on South Tyneside will depend on how quickly and effectively we act.

As part of the Council's plan to become carbon neutral by 2030, we aim to regularly report on our progress towards our targets.

Below is our targets for 2023, 2025 and 2030.

Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero

Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero are very similar, but organisations tend to report on them slightly differently.

In the case of the Council's emission targets, Carbon Neutrality refers to directly produced carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas). This means carbon dioxide produced by us burning a fuel such as oil, gas, or petrol.

It also includes carbon dioxide produced by us indirectly, meaning electricity that's produced in power stations, but used by us.

These emissions are known as Scope 1 and Scope 2 respectively.

The Council's Net Zero target is broader. It captures all types of greenhouse gases (measured in carbon dioxide equivalent or CO2e) and includes both emissions mentioned above as well as emissions out of the Council's control. This includes emissions from the goods and services we procure, employee commuting, waste disposal, and investments. These emissions are known as Scope 3.

For the government's Net Zero policy, you can visit the gov.uk website.

Our yearly reductions

Everyone can help with climate change. The decisions we make can make a difference.

When you help the planet, you're helping yourself and your local community.

Climate-friendly actions can:

• be good for your health
• help save you money
• boost the local economy

Save energy

There are many benefits to saving energy, such as:

• saving money
• staying warm in winter
• reduced maintenance costs
• reduced air pollution
• helping to create local skilled jobs

What you can do to save energy:

• waste less
• be energy smart
• insulate your home
• choose a green energy tarrif
• install renewable energy technology

Information on how to be energy smart

• energy advice
• support with heating and insulation
• Home Energy Advice North East
• South Tyneside Homes: environment and sustainability
• Energy Saving Trust: Quick tips to save energy
• Energy Saving Trust: Energy at home
• Community Energy England

Travel sustainably

Travelling sustainably can:

• help to reduce air pollution
• improve your health
• reduce journey time
• save you money
• help to reduce traffic accidents

What you can do to travel sustainably:

• walk more
• cycle more
• take public transport
• car share
• go electric
• drive less
• fly less

Walking and cycling

• information on cycling in South Tyneside
• Tyneside Outdoors: youth bike sessions
• ParkThatBike

Public transport

• transport
• travel plans

Cars

• car sharing: Liftshare
• electric car charging
• electriccarguide.co.uk

You should turn your car engine off when you're waiting for more than a few seconds, for example:

• when waiting outside a school / business / hospital, or other place where you're picking up or dropping someone off
• when waiting at a level crossing

Keeping your car engine running unnecessarily when you are stationary:

• pollutes the environment
• costs you money
• is illegal if you are on a public road

For information on keeping our roads safe and accessible, see roads, streets and pavements.

Protect our environment and wildlife

The steps we take to protect our local environment and wildlife can:

• improve our mental and physical health
• help reduce air pollution
• provide green spaces to enjoy
• help minimise flooding and extreme heat

Be wildlife aware

• add pollinator plants to your yard, garden, windowsills and balconies to attract bees and butterflies
• go chemical free and avoid pesticides
• leave water out for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs, especially in the hot summer months
• when out enjoying our local outdoor green spaces and coastline, look out for wildlife and give them space
• remember to put your litter in a suitable bin or take it with you

Support your local environment

• Love South Tyneside:
  • build a community garden
  • take part in a litter pick
  • become a street champion
  • volunteer in our parks
• eco arts and crafts with Williby Rocs
• plant a tree

Local nature projects and initiatives

• Coast South Tyneside is a section 106 grant funded project that has been launched to protect coastal habitats and wildlife
• Stronger Shores Project is working to make British coastlines and communities stronger in the face of climate change, flooding and coastal erosion
• NaturePlan covers the areas of South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead, providing information about local areas, with the aim of enhancing and restoring nature and local wildlife habitats
• LGA Coastal SIG: Motion for the Ocean has been set up to help local authorities do what they for a clean, healthy and productive ocean and all of the direct economic, health and wellbeing benefits it will bring

Local nature reserves, wildlife sites, and parks

• Local Nature Reserves
• Walks and wildlife sites 
• Parks

For more information on enhancing your greenspaces and being wildlife aware, see:

• RSPB: What you can do
• RHS: Garden inspiration
• National Trust: How to garden in small spaces

Eat sustainably

Eating sustainably can:

• improve your health
• save money
• support local producers
• expand your diet

How you can eat sustainably:

• eat more vegetables
• grow your own vegetables
• eat seasonally
• buy locally
• reduce packaging
• think 'quality not quantity' with meat

For more information on eating sustainably, see:

• Eat Lancet Commission
• Love Food Hate Waste
• Vertical Veg
• Too Good To Go

Projects and initiatives

• apply for an allotment
• South Tyneside's Sustainable Food Partnership: STOC Good Food
• foraging with Williby Rocs
• fighting food waste:
  • FoodCycle community meals (Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham)
  • Olio food sharing app
  • Sea Change cafe

Waste less

What you can do to help reduce waste:

• reduce, reuse and recycle
• buy less
• choose second hand
• mend and repair
• share
• avoid single-use items
• regift

Recycling projects and initiatives

• recycling
• home composting
• Groundworks recycling shop
• Facebook: The Party Exchange - South Tyneside - Share, sell and reuse party decorations
• Zero-waste refill shops:
  • The Bottle Swap
• TerraCycle recycling points:
  • The Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme (Marsden Road Health and Wellbeing Centre)
  • Free Recycling Programmes

Businesses and community organisations

• Invest South Tyneside: climate change toolkit
• North East & Yorkshire Net Zero Hub

More information and advice

For more information on the steps you can take to help with climate change, visit Imperial College London: 9 things you can do about climate change.

To help you understand your personal carbon footprint and how to reduce it, there are some free apps and websites you can use: 

• EarthHero 
• WWF My Footprint 

Information and advice can also be found on social media: 

• Hubbub (@hellohubbub) 
• Love Food Hate Waste (@lfhw_uk) 
• EarthRise Studio (@earthrise) 
• Possible (@wearepossible) 

Check with your insurance company what damage you are covered for.

If your area is classed at being at risk of flooding, please mention this when organising your insurance.

If you are not sure if your area is classed at being at risk of flooding, please contact us on 0191 427 7000.

For more information on insuring your property against weather damage like flooding, contact the Association of British Insurers.

Read more about flooding.

Advice for businesses

Climate change can affect your business. This could be caused by:

• flooding
• storms
• extreme temperatures
• extreme rainfall
• reduced water availability
• power disruption

You can be prepared by:

• having a business continuity plan
• conducting a climate change risk assessment. For more information see UKCIP

For more information on how to prevent an emergency see emergency situations.

For more about adapting your business to a changing climate visit Met Office: Adaptation.

2024

New NaturePlan Website Seeks Local Views to Support Nature's Recovery - 29 May

Energy-Efficient Council Homes Given Green Light - 21 May

Coastal Protection Inspections to get Underway - 19 March

Dolphin Feature Making a Splash at Coastal Village - 19 March

Supporting Businesses to Cut Carbon Footprint - 18 March

Carbon-Cutting Council Homes Near Completion - 14 March

Tyne and Wear Pension Fund Makes Further Climate Commitment - 13 March

Pioneering Programme Powers to Success - 11 March

Ocean Recovery Update - 11 March

Ecological Emergency Declaration - One Year On - 7 March

Protecting Coastal Habitats in South Tyneside - 20 February

2023

Bathed in Glory - 20 December

Winds of Change for Pension Fund Investment - 15 December

New Network for Electric Vehicle Charging - 14 December

Pledge to Protect Coastal Habitats and Wildlife - 27 November

Paul Younger Centre Begins Delivering Low Carbon Heat - 22 November

UK-First Renewable System Up and Running - 18 October

Council on Course with Climate Change Targets - 31 August

Energy Centre Taking Shape - 22 June

Seaside Award for Sandhaven this Summer - 16 May

Waste and Recycling Policy Changes Set for Cabinet - 12 May

New Seafront Sculpture has its 'Porpoise' - 22 March

Progress Continues on Carbon-Cutting Schemes - 17 March 

Motion for the Ocean - A Year On - 6 March

Reviving Britain's Coast - Why It's Time to Help Communities on the Edge - 1 February

South Tyneside Trialling Electric Bin Lorry - 26 January

2022

Flood Protection Measures Set to Begin - 23 November

Update on Hebburn Renewable Energy Scheme - 10 October

On Track for Improved Sustainable Travel - 4 October 

Network Extension to Boost Carbon Savings - 19 August

Prestigious Green Flags for South Tyneside Parks - 26 July

Climate Change Strategy in Council Spotlight - 14 July 

'Greener' Meals on the Menu - 21 June

Call for Action on World Ocean Day - 8 June 

Cutting the Cost in Bulky Waste Trial - 22 March 

Council has Designs on Flagship Renewable Energy Centre - 21 March 

New Vehicles Hitting the Streets of South Tyneside - 8 March 

Green Revolution to take Centre Stage at Jobs Event - 4 March 

Taking Charge in World First Energy Scheme - 2 March 

Bigger and Better Bins in Fight Against Litter - 1 March 

Council Seeks Views on Air Quality - 28 February

A Ceremonial Tree for the Queen's Jubilee - 24 February

Carbon-Cutting Scheme to Enter Next Phase - 23 February

Thousands of New Trees for a Greener South Tyneside - 18 February

Driving Forward a Greener Future - 15 February

Action to be Taken to Protect Coastline - 14 February

South Tyneside Makes Ocean Recovery Declaration - 21 January 

2021

Carbon-Cutting Schemes Close to Completion - 30 December 

Go Green and Recycle - 21 December 

South Tyneside Backs Flood Action Week - 25 November

Plan to Encourage Active Travel on Agenda - 24 November 

Digging Deep for the Environment - 12 November 

Keeping Faith in a Greener Future - 10 November 

Council Drives Forward Response to Climate Change - 29 October 

South Tyneside Residents have the Power to do More - 25 October 

Schoolchildren to Draw up Vision of the Future - 21 October 

Leader's Pledge for Carbon Neutrality - 21 October 

Summit to Strengthen Council's Commitment to Sustainable South Tyneside - 15 October 

Green Scheme to Make Waves at Jarrow Pool - 26 August 

Primrose Goes Green - 3 August 

Creating a Coastline More Resilient to Climate Change - 3 August 

Council Shortlisted for Climate Response Award - 2 August 

Council on Target with Carbon Cutting - 15 July 

Taking Action on Climate Change - 23 June

First Phase of Major Carbon-Cutting Scheme Underway - 20 May

Seaside Award for Sandhaven - 14 May

Tree-mendous Project that can Bear Fruit - 14 May

Green Light for Innovative Energy Scheme - 10 May

Schools to get new weapon in fight against climate change - 7 May 

Green Light for UK-First Renewable Energy Scheme - 29 March

Gearing up for a Greener Borough - 24 March

Switching to a Greener Future - 24 March

Habitat Recovery at Hebburn Riverside - 22 March

Reducing Carbon Footprint by Recycling Rainwater - 26 February

£8m to Cut Carbon - 19 February

Milestone for Minewater Energy Scheme - 28 January 

Carbon Cutting Scheme Complete - 28 January 

Flood Protection Project Put to the Test - 15 January 

Climate change strategy and action plan

'Sustainable South Tyneside 2020-2025' is the Council's climate change strategy and five-year action plan, which covers 11 key themes to bring about carbon neutrality for the Council.

For more information see, Climate Change strategy and action plan