Annual update 2022

Contents

1. Projects
2. Environment and biodiversity
3. Schools
4. Procurement
5. Adaptation
6. Cultural change and awareness
7. Our carbon emissions
8. Future delivery plans
9. Borough wide position
10. Member engagement and governence
11. Financial and value for money implications
12. Legal implications
13. Risk and opportunities implications
14. Equality and diversity implications
15. Environmental and sustainability implications

Projects

Viking Energy Network (VENJ)

Viking Energy Network (VENJ) is a £13 million renewable energy scheme which is the first of its kind in the UK. It has the potential to save over 1102 tonnes of carbon emissions, however, this reduction includes the proposed connection to the NHS buildings. For Councils Buildings, the anticipated carbon savings is 801 tonnes, resulting in a 4.7% reduction against the Council's baseline position. The project is progressing well and is set to be complete by June 2023.

Hebburn Minewater

Hebburn Minewater is an £11 million energy scheme and is one of the first of its kind in the UK. This project is expected to see a reduction of 319 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum resulting in a 1.9 % reduction against the Council's baseline position. Completion is expected in June 2023.

Holborn Energy Scheme

Holborn Energy Scheme is another exciting and innovative project. It is estimated that this scheme will result in a carbon saving of 2,400 tonnes per annum, resulting in a 14% reduction against the Council's baseline position, with potential expansion opportunities seeing this increase further. Completion is expected 2026.

Public-Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

Through the Public-Sector Decarbonisation Scheme the Council has implemented measures such as energy efficient ground- and air-source heat pumps, replacing gas fired boilers; LED lighting upgrades; roof mounted solar PV installations and building fabric improvements. It is anticipated that 420 tonnes of carbon will be saved each year due to the implementation of low carbon energy solutions. This scheme is due to be completed in June 2022.

Streetlights

Operating streetlights across South Tyneside accounts for a significant proportion of the Council's electricity and reported carbon emissions. LED upgrades have seen significant reductions to streetlighting carbon emissions, with 1171 tonnes of carbon emissions removed between 2018 / 19 to 2021 / 22. This results in a 7% reduction against the baseline. Future phases of work will be completed in 2023 with £1m of investment committed 2022 / 23. There is also a provisional allocation in the capital budget of £1m per year for the next 5 years.

Street lighting is one area in which the Council will utilise the Renewable Energy Guarantees Certification of Origin (REGO). In 2021 / 22 the Council approved the use of REGO certification to offset future street lighting emissions, this offset will be reported from 2022 / 23.

Electric vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly prominent fixture across transport systems, to support this transition the Council continues to expand its network of electric vehicle charge points across the Borough. There are 59 operational charging units in the Borough (46 public, 13 workplace), of this total, 18 units were installed during 2021 / 22. The Council has also introduced 3 'Vehicle to Grid' charging points for its own fleet at the Middlefields Depot. Following a successful bid to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) the Council intends to expand the network by a further 6 points, with other sites coming forward through regional bids and the private sector. 

The Council has already taken a number of steps such as introducing electric vehicles into its own fleet, with a total of 18 EV's, 13 of which were added during 2021 / 22. We have also secured funding for electric vehicle pool cars through partners and have implemented electrically assisted e-bikes for use by Council employees.

Council housing

The Council successfully secured £5.4m in funding from the Green Homes Grant (GHG) which is being used to upgrade Council housing stock through a range of energy improvement and de-carbonisation measures. In 2021 / 22, retrofit assessments were undertaken, with subsequent works to properties commencing in March 2021. These include cavity wall and loft installations, solar panels and triple glazing.

Environment and biodiversity

Tree planting is an integral part of the Council's approach to sequestering and storing carbon emissions from the atmosphere using nature-based solutions. Urban trees provide a diverse range of benefits they provide a sense of place, moderate extremes of high temperatures, help to improve air quality and act as a carbon sink.

The Council has a continued focus on tree planting, striving towards the planting of 3,000 trees per annum. In 2021 / 22, the Council planted 3000 whips and 830 large standard trees throughout the Borough. This year has also seen the successful launch of the North East Community Forest.

South Tyneside Council is supporting a partnership project to create additional mudflats and saltmarshes along the banks of the Tyne through the Tyne Estuary project. This will play a significant role in capturing and storing carbon emissions while supporting increased biodiversity. 

Schools

Schools are fundamental in the response to the threats facing our planet, as they provide a place of education and community engagement. Following the launch of the School Climate Change Toolkit in 2021, the Environmental Sustainability team have continued to work with schools to raise awareness through the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheels in March 2022 with further support planned for 2022 / 23.

Schools were also involved in South Tyneside's Climate Summit Week, in line with COP26 in November 2021. This included a litter pick challenge with support from Groundwork, as well as a 'Future World' poster competition, with entries exhibited at The Customs House. 

Procurement

The Council procures a significant amount of goods and services every year and has implemented measures which see the use of social values through the inclusion of community benefit clauses in contracts. This promotes and delivers environmental sustainability helping to address the impacts of climate change.

From April 2021 to July 2022, the use of TOMS (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) social values has resulted in a commitment of almost £55,000 of environmental value to the Borough.

Adaptation

Effective measures such as the implementation of coastal improvement projects play a key role in adapting to a changing climate.

The Redwell steps scheme will provide the Marsden Bay area with a safer, more sustainable access. Access to Marsden Bay was previously available via a disused former Lifeguard Station and canoe store, which were becoming at increasing risk of collapse due to the ongoing natural erosion of the surrounding cliff faces affecting their stability.

Demolition works on the Marsden Bay Improvement Project were completed in October 2020, with a more sustainable timber and steel structure constructed between September 2021 and February 2022, scheduled to avoid bird breeding and nesting seasons.

To mitigate the risk of future coastal erosion, local realignment of the Coast Road at Marsden is planned. Initial design work was carried out in 2020 / 2021 and construction works are set to take place 2022 / 2023.

Cultural change and awareness

In line with the UN COP26, the Council delivered a Climate Summit Week in November 2021. This consisted of around 40 different awareness-raising events aimed at businesses, schools and residents. Events included online panel discussions, competitions, walks and trails, cinema screenings, market stalls, and library exhibitions. The week brought together many external partners, including Groundwork, the Durham Wildlife Trust and SeaScapes. 

The Council continues to embed climate change into the staff induction process, in addition to maintaining a climate change section on the Council webpage. 

A Climate Change E-learning Module for staff has also been developed, which is due to launch from July 2022. This will be launched and championed by the Lead Member for Economic Growth, Skills and Climate Change.

As part of South Tyneside's Democracy Fortnight, the Council worked with the Young People's Parliament in March 2021 to deliver an Intergenerational Debate on the subject of climate change and sustainable travel.

Climate change awareness has been well promoted through our communication networks, with a climate-themed residents' newsletter in Oct 2021, multiple press releases covering our energy networks, school challenges, and tree planting, along with video campaigns and posts across social media.

To help promote a climate-first approach across public-facing operations, the Council has secured places on a funded training programme with UK100. The training has been made specifically for Local Authorities and will focus on Climate Change Public Engagement. This is set to take place in Summer 2022 for officers from a range of departments (including Public Health, Marketing, Environmental Sustainability and Development Services).

The Council has also launched the South Tyneside Business Pledge, which aims to encourage South Tyneside organisations to focus on local activities and practical steps that can help South Tyneside to thrive. Within the Pledge, there are specific commitments focussing on helping our natural environment in line with the Council's priorities. 

Our carbon emissions

The baseline emission position is broken down across 3 key areas of electricity, gas, and fleet. Gas accounts for 47% of all emissions being reported, followed by electricity at 42% and fleet at 11%.

To achieve the 3 year reduction target of 25% the Council must see a reduction of 4,285 tonnes of CO2 by March 2023 against the baseline (17,140)

As of July 2022, the Council has made a reduction of 2,816 tonnes agains the baseline. This equates to 16% against the overall baseline.

Whilst this is a significant step towards the 3-year target of 25% it should be noted that the impacts of COVID19 have distorted reduction figures over the past 2 years. As reported last year, lockdown measures have led to a record decrease in UK emissions in 2020 / 21. This was reflected in the Council's own carbon reporting, with data showing that emissions fell rapidly for the same period. This was mostly due to the significant disruption to work patterns, with council buildings being closed for a significant period of time and from a number of employees working from home.

During 2021 / 22, with working patterns and council operations returning to more normal patterns, the carbon reporting data shows a slight rebound in emissions. This has resulted in a very slight increase of 2 tonnes in the total emissions overall. On closer inspection, the data shows a 14 tonne reduction in electricity emissions and 56 tonne reduction in fleet emissions during this period, however it also shows there has been a 71 tonne increase in gas consumption during this period.

The increase in gas consumption is attributed to the widespread use of natural ventilation in all buildings, due to the need to keep workspaces well-ventilated to reduce the risk of COVID infection. At the same time social distancing requirements resulted in an increase in space heating demand, as more rooms were occupied by fewer people. While in schools, the increased gas consumption was exacerbated due to the need to maintain optimum room temperatures and the increased hot water usage (handwashing measures and increased frequency of cleaning). This increase in gas consumption has been reported across the region.
 

The Council's delivery ambitions are clear with the development of large-scale strategic delivery projects that will support significant reductions in carbon emissions, working clearly towards the delivery of the 3 year and 5 year interim targets.

The successful delivery of the above schemes will see a potential 35% reduction against the Council's baseline position, in support of the Council's 2030 target.

The Council is on target towards the 3-year carbon emission reduction figure of 25% against the baseline and it is recognised that 1469 tonnes reduction will be required during 2022 / 23 to meet this. To address this, the ongoing development of new and innovative schemes, such as those listed in the table above, will support progress towards the both the 3 and 5-year emission reduction figure. Of particular significance is the use of the Certificate of Origin for Street Lighting which will ensure delivery of the three year target. 

Future delivery plans

A number of additional schemes are currently being developed that if delivered will support our journey towards carbon neutrality by 2030.

The Council will continue to reduce fleet emissions by replacing diesel vehicles with low-carbon vehicles, including e-Cargo bikes where appropriate, as well as maximising driver efficiency. Opportunities for further renewable energy schemes will continue to be explored. 

A reduction in consumption will also be necessary and the Council will investigate efficiency works, and behavioural change interventions and technologies, through partner engagement along with education and awareness-raising.

Stronger Shores

South Tyneside Council were recently successful in a £6.4 million funding application from the Flood and Resilience Innovation Programme.

The aim of the project is to improve the understanding of the benefits of UK marine habitats with regards to coastal erosion, flood risk, climate change and biodiversity management using nature based solutions, which will include the restoration of sub-tidal habitats like kelp beds, oyster reefs and sea grass. Measure will be implemented in South Tyneside along with other locations along the north east coast. Part of this project will seek to investigate the carbon sequestration potential of marine habitats including the development of future strategies for carbon offsetting and nature restoration. The 5 year delivery phase is expected to commence in September 2022 until April 2027. 

Modern Workplace Programme

The Council is moving forward with its Modern Workplace Programme, optimising the use of technological solutions, which will allow Elected Members and employees to be connected from any location. Digital solutions will help deliver significant environmental benefits, supporting improved air quality, carbon emission reductions and adoption of healthier lifestyles.

Energy Schemes

Hebburn Minewater has the potential to provide additional savings through phase 2 of the scheme which will see the utilisation of energy from the existing wells to other public sector facilities.

The Holborn Energy Scheme could provide much higher savings through increased water temperatures, additional innovative technologies and by working with Universities such as Durham and Northumbria who are experts in this field and will bring in new areas of innovation.

Borough wide position

Whilst the Council currently only reports on its own operational emissions, it is working to promote a low-carbon South Tyneside borough wide. Through working with partners including schools and businesses, we are educating communities on low-carbon travel, heating and food. 

Through the Council's Sustainable Food Plan, work has started on interventions across businesses, residents and schools to reduce food and packaging waste, increase sustainable food procurement, and increase local food production opportunities. Further to this, the Council are working with GPs and pharmacies to support healthcare waste reduction schemes.

The Council is looking to provide a support package to businesses to aid their transition to net zero, which would build on an existing business climate change newsletter and online business events put on for COP26. 

In terms of public transport discounted season tickets are available for Metro journeys for daily commuting as are Metro passes for occasional journeys for work. From an active travel perspective, the Local Cycle and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) will provide a new approach to cycling and walking improvements. 

Member engagement and governance

To assess the overall impact of activities undertaken, a robust governance structure is in place to help monitor the effectiveness of the actions identified and being delivered, to ensure they are being met effectively.

A Cross Party Members Working Group has been established which plays a fundamental role, in relation to the climate change agenda, supporting and influencing behavioural change across the Borough.

Place Select Committee scrutinises progress against the climate change strategy and action plan and the second interim report was presented to Place Select Committee in December 2021.

Financial and value for money implications

The commitment for the Council to be carbon neutral is challenging and will require a series of measures and interventions. To achieve a successful transition to a carbon neutral future by 2030 increased capital and revenue costs will be required. These changes will need to be considered within the Council's future budget setting and business planning processes when seeking to implement sustainable low carbon alternatives (e.g. fleet). Implemented measures may result in longer term revenue savings.

The procurement process may also be subject to change and could result in additional costs to ensure the impact of procured services align with the Council's intention to be carbon neutral.

The Government has committed to significant investment to tackle climate change and we are dedicated to exploring all funding opportunities available, but this may not be enough to support our ambitious targets. The Member and Officer working group will be fundamental in identifying opportunities to ensure the carbon neutral journey is clear and focussed. It is important that the Council explores all funding opportunities to support this area of work, maximising delivery opportunities to support carbon neutrality.

Legal implications

The Climate Change Act 2008 has committed the United Kingdom to be carbon neutral by 2050. However, to-date no specific Council delivery targets have been set by Government.

There will need to be recognition of the climate impact throughout the Council's decision-making processes to ensure due regard is considered against the target to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Risk and opportunities implications

The scientific evidence is overwhelming that if we do not act now then the impact of climate change on our planet may be irreversible. This will result in major implications for future generations within South Tyneside.

Although the Council's carbon neutral target is focussed on its own operations there is a significant opportunity for the Council through its existing partnerships, influencing, and advocacy roles to drive Borough wide carbon emission reductions and behavioural change.

The global Covid19 pandemic has seen direct impacts on reported emissions. In 2020 / 21, buildings and operations did not operate as usual, which resulted in a dramatic drop in carbon emissions. As buildings and operations returned to more usual circumstances in 2021 / 22, this was also reflected carbon emissions data, showing a slight increase in emissions overall compared to the previous year. The temporary reduction in 2020 / 21 has made it difficult to assess the true progress being made towards meeting the Council's interim reduction targets (for 2023 and 2025).

Equality and diversity implications

An equality check has been carried out on the proposals set out in this report. No equality and diversity implications were identified.

Environmental and sustainability implications

The actions contained within the climate change strategy focuses on minimising the impact Council operations have on our environment. It seeks to reduce our carbon emissions as far as possible and if necessary, to consider offsetting any remaining emissions so our actions have a carbon neutral impact on the environment.

The strategy places focus on nature-based solutions and on-going enhancement of the natural environment, supporting healthy and diverse ecosystems.