Net Zero Newcastle priority actions update (April 2021 to August 2022)

Foreword

I’m delighted to have been appointed as Newcastle’s Cabinet Member for Connected, Clean City. Connected, Clean City includes our environmental and waste services and transport as well as responding to the climate emergency and delivering our Net Zero commitment, which is one of our three core priorities for the city.  Playing our part in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is an agenda which is of critical importance to the residents of Newcastle and our city’s future for generations to come.

In July this year, we held a Youth Climate Change Summit, where we heard from young people (aged 14 to 18 years old) why climate change is important to them and what changes they want to see in the city – a Youth Climate Mandate for Newcastle was produced and is detailed at the end of this report.

The Energy Crisis has further focussed a spotlight on our need to improve the energy efficiency of buildings across the city and to start shifting away from gas heating to low and zero carbon technologies.

We also have to prepare our city for the changes in our local climate which we face as a result of the climate emergency. In the reporting period (April 2021 to August 2022), we have experienced extreme wind, severe flooding, heat waves and droughts, that most of us haven’t seen in our lifetimes.  These are stark reminders of the increasing frequency and intensity of events that Newcastle will have to prepare for.  To understand the severity of these impacts, we commissioned the Met Office to undertake analysis of climate change impacts over the coming decades.   The key findings are shown below:

	2030s	2050s	2080s	Result
Summer average air temperature (degrees Celsius)	+0.9 to +1.8	+1.4 to +3.1	+2.4 to +6	Increase
Summer maximum air temperature (degrees Celsius)	+0.8 to +2.0	+1.4 to +3.4	+2.6 to +6.8	Increase
Winter average air temperature (degrees Celsius)	+0.7 to +1.6	+1.0 to +2.5	+1.5 to +4.3	Increase
Winter minimum air temperature (degrees Celsius)	+0.7 to +1.6	+1.0 to +2.5	+1.7 to +5.0	Increase
Annual average air temperature (degrees Celsius)	+0.7 to +1.5	+1.1 to +2.4	+1.9 to +4.5	Increase
Summer precipitation rate (percent)	+0 to -18	-7 to -28	-17 to -47	Decrease
Winter precipitation rate (percent)	+7 to +21	+8 to +27	+13 to +47	Increase
Sea level change (metres)	+0.10 to +0.15	+0.19 to +0.31	+0.34 to +0.64	Increase

The extreme weather events we have experienced underline the threat we all face. Newcastle City Council is committed to rising to the challenge by going further, faster in our work on the climate emergency.

We have also declared a biodiversity emergency and committed to protecting and restoring our natural environment. This will contribute to our Net Zero pledge and help mitigate against the impact of severe weather events, such as flooding and extreme heat.

There has been positive progress towards Net Zero this year. Newcastle’s Scope 1 and 2 city wide emissions have been tracking downwards and that trend continues in 2020 (the latest data we have available) – please see graph below:

In July this year, we compiled and submitted a comprehensive disclosure to the Carbon Disclosure Project – CDP.  This is our third disclosure and the depth and breadth of analysis continues to expand, improving our understanding of climate change hazards, vulnerabilities, emission sources, scale of transition to Net Zero and opportunities.  This disclosure will be publicly available on the CDP website soon. 

Irrespective of the outcome of the CDP scoring, I know that Newcastle is a leading city nationally and internationally on climate change mitigation and adaptation.  I have seen first-hand many of the projects that we are delivering and the impacts these are having. 

I’m pleased to report that Newcastle City Council has reduced its organisational emissions by 14% in 2020/21 from the previous year, which is a 52% reduction from our base year of 2009/10.  We must continue to focus efforts on reducing our organisational emission through green fleet programmes and decarbonising our buildings. We are also supporting residents to reduce their emissions through our home energy efficiency and Active Travel projects.

City partners including the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Newcastle College Group have also made excellent progress with defining science-based targets, strategic action planning and delivering programmes of work for the Net Zero transition.  I have also been delighted to see the rapidly growing commitment to the Net Zero agenda from a range of businesses, utility companies and community groups within the city and the region, which has been very clear in the Net Zero Business Forums held over the past year.

However, the hospital trust recently published an update on their progress to Net Zero , noting that despite all their achievements over the past year, their emissions had increased from the previous year and they were eating into their carbon budget.  This was a Red Flag Report that the trust is not on track for the carbon reduction targets and a renewed urgency is needed to rectify the situation.  This analysis reminds us that we must avoid complacency and continue to focus effort and drive forward our Net Zero programme across all Priority Actions. 

I am pleased to present this report covering the period April 2021 to August 2022, which gives an update on city-wide progress against the Priority Actions listed in the 'Net Zero Newcastle - 2030 Action Plan' and demonstrates the enormous amount of progress that we have collectively made over the last six months towards our Net Zero goal.

Councillor Jane Byrne
Cabinet member: Connected, Clean City

Priority actions update

In September 2020, Newcastle City Council published the ‘Net Zero Newcastle – 2030 Action Plan’. The Action Plan sets out (among other important topics) the challenge facing the city, the vision for a Net Zero future, how we intend to engage with our residents, businesses and organisations, and very importantly establishes more than 100 Priority Actions that we can take over the coming years to set us off in the Net Zero transition. These Priority Actions cover three key themes (namely Energy, Transport, Adaptation and Sustainability) reflecting the three primary elements of our emissions inventory (namely energy, transport and waste) which account for 99% of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. 

For each of the Priority Actions listed in the 'Net Zero Newcastle - 2030 Action Plan', an update is provided and a score out of five given,

A1 - Develop list of carbon offset opportunities taking into account the key considerations set out in Key Considerations for Carbon Offsetting

We have:

• Undertaken engagement with Association of Public Sector Excellence (APSE) into the role of offsetting in reaching Net Zero and best strategies and practice under the key considerations of offsetting.
• Explored opportunities for Voluntary Carbon Offsets through one of Newcastle City Council’s energy suppliers.
• Completed a Negative Emissions Technologies study which identified a range of opportunities in Newcastle including built environment opportunities (e.g. use of timber, carbon mineralisation in concrete, low-carbon or carbon-negative insulation, micro carbon capture and utilisation projects and use olivines in car parks and pedestrian lanes) and land management opportunities (e.g. carbon capture gardens, biochar, micro forests using the Miyawaki Method).

Our next steps are to:

• Carry forward discussions to develop a strategy for local offsetting action particularly monitoring the APSE programme.
• Critically assess offsetting options to determine if they meet key considerations for carbon offsetting.
• Monitor demonstration projects of negative emission technologies.

Score: Ranked 3

A2 - Ensure that representatives on the Tyne and Wear Pensions Fund continue to lobby for further disinvestment in fossil fuels

We have:

• Reviewed the Tyne and Wear Pension Funds’ Climate Policy (November 2021), with a joint response from the North of Tyne Combined Authority and its member councils drafted, encouraging further climate action and to consider the case for strategic divestment.

Our next steps are to:

• Send the formal collective response to the Tyne and Wear Pensions Fund.
• Address shortcomings in the response and decide on next approaches to promote increased ambition at the fund.

Score: Ranked 3

A3 - Explore whether a city-scale carbon insetting programme would be suitable for Newcastle, and gauge interest from local organisations, businesses and residents

We are:

• Developing an initial list of potential carbon insetting projects and capital cost requiring funding.  This has the potential to be a regional scale initiative administered by North of Tyne Combined Authority.

Our next steps are to:

• Retain communications with the Authority Based Insetting approach recently funded by DEFRA & Environment Agency (NEIRF).
• Monitor pilot programmes for carbon insetting to determine their effectiveness and key considerations.
• Develop a framework for carbon insetting and initiate trials, exploring potential for development at wider geographical scale such as North of Tyne Combined Authority.

Score: Ranked 2

A4 - Further develop Key Performance Indicators and Local Metrics of Performance

We have: 

• Working with Newcastle University, Newcastle City Council has developed a brief for local metrics of performance, data analytics and associated Net Zero research programmes.

Our next steps are to:

• Implement open data approach wherever possible regularly update Net Zero Dashboard annually (or more frequently if possible).
• Incorporate data into Carbon Disclosure Platform (CDP) submissions to demonstrate performance against Net Zero 2030 target, and start to validate and replace national emission datasets.

Score: Ranked 4

A5 - Continue to engage with all members of the city through the Climate Change Convention and hold additional Climate Change Summits, including a Youth Summit

We have:

• Regular meetings of the Climate Change Committee held during 2021 and 2022.  Meeting agendas and minutes.
• Youth Climate Change Summit was held on 5th July 2022 with over 80 young people (ranging in age from 14 to 18 year olds from all parts of the city) attending.  A Youth Climate Mandate for the city was produced which will be made available on the Newcastle City Council website soon. In the meantime, the Youth Climate Mandate is detailed at the end of this page.
• The North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) Citizen's Assembly was held in 2021 and in July 2021, Mayor Jamie Driscoll presented the Citizen’s Assembly’s report recommending a series of proposals for regional climate change action.  Further information and the recommendations report.
• A series of engagement was held in the run up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 26th Conference of the Parties (COP-26) with an exciting programme of events.
• Net Zero business working group established as detailed in Priority Action A13.

Our next steps are to: 

• Hold further summits and business engagement events over the coming year.  Make Youth Climate Change Summit a recurring event.
• Establish effective Net Zero communications campaign with cross-sector involvement.

Score: Ranked 4

A6 - Improve over time local emission monitoring (either directly or via indicators) to improve the accuracy of Newcastle's emissions inventory

We have:

• An initial Bottom Up Carbon Emissions Inventory has been produced and has informed the city’s 2022 submission to Carbon Disclosure Project.  
• Using this Bottom Up Carbon Emissions Inventory, an online Net Zero Dashboard is being prepared which will show city-wide progress against Net Zero objectives against multiple metrics across all key emission sectors.

Our next steps are to: 

• Launch the Net Zero dashboard in 2022.
• Continue to expand local emissions monitoring and data and incorporate it into Newcastle's emissions inventory rather than relying on national scale data.
• Use available local data to inform policy and project development.

Score: Ranked 4

A7 - Promote and encourage uptake of the Net Zero Pledge and associated local low carbon action by city residents and businesses

We have:

• Net Zero Pledges continue to be made by residents, young people and local business. Please sign up by visiting 'Pledge your support'

Our next steps are to:

• Update Net Zero Pledge and develop follow-on support and activities.

Score: Ranked 3

A8 - Prepare for and seek to implement as many Net Zero projects as possible by COP-26 in November 2021 to demonstrate Newcastle's climate leadership

We have:

• Numerous Net Zero projects were in progress at the time of COP-26 in November 2021 including the City Decarbonisation Delivery Programme, the Heat Network Decarbonisation Feasibility Programme, Heat Network Investment Programme, Electrification of Heat programme, Business Energy Savings Team (BEST), Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, among many other schemes.

Our next steps are to:

• Priority Action time limited to COP-26 is now closed.  However, Newcastle continues to develop, seek funding and deliver Net Zero projects, such as through the Shared Prosperity Fund and the North of Tyne Combined Authority Green New Deal.

Score: Ranked 5

A9 - Continue to engage at local, regional, national and international forums to learn lessons, access funding and deliver resources to key Net Zero actions

We have: 

• Engaged at local, regional, national and international forums in progress and learning lessons to be applied in Newcastle.
• Collaboration has been maintained with North of Tyne Combined Authority, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership including the Energy Accelerator, the emerging Net Zero North East programme, local authorities networks across the region, Core Cities, pilot programmes and industry and private sector bodies.

Our next steps are to:

• Maximise the benefit through our memberships of professional bodies and attract best practice events into Newcastle, including for example the upcoming Association of Decentralised Energy (ADE) Heat Networks Conference 2022 to be held in Newcastle on 20th September 2022.

Score: Ranked 3

A10 - Engage with local and regional businesses and business forums on Green Growth and how best to maximise the benefits to the city

We have:

• Newcastle City Council has launched a ‘Net Zero: Business support’ webpage which provides useful tips to businesses on the benefits of going green, the support that is available to businesses, practical advice for greening your business, external funding opportunities, among other information.
• BEST (Business Energy Savings Team) regional programme has provided free energy audits to small businesses across the city. Newcastle City – the outcomes of BEST are detailed in Priority Action E8.  Although the BEST programme is currently full, we are inviting businesses to register interest in the hope and expectation that a BEST 2 scheme will be launched in the coming months.  We encourage local businesses to express an interest.
• The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP) and the North of Tyne Combined Authority are delivering a series of Green Skills Bootcamps – these are free flexible courses on green transition. The first of these courses is now available to book online.

Our next steps are to: 

• Continue to engage in future Net Zero Forum/business sustainability events.
• Develop and launch a BEST 2 programme with regional partners (currently an expression of interest is pending).

Score: Ranked 3

A11 - Engage in and promote new forums and routes for research, development, innovation and pilot programmes in the low carbon sector across the city

We have:

• Engagement ongoing with universities regarding low carbon heat research (including geothermal boreholes supplying heat to Helix District Energy Network).
• Wider collaboration with universities underway supporting research excellence and securing local impact.
• The green economic sector / skills study mentioned in Priority Action A12 will during the consultation phase identify opportunities for research, development, innovation and pilot programmes in low carbon sector across the city.
• Newcastle has positioned itself as a Net Zero ‘living lab’ to test pilot Net Zero programmes including for example Electrification of Heat, Heat Pump Ready and Heat Network Zoning Policy, Net Zero Innovation Programme (run by Local Government Association and University College London), among others. These schemes are intended to demonstrate Net Zero interventions and shape national and local policy and programmes.
• Newcastle is also developing a first of its kind Bottom Up Carbon Inventory (BUCI) and Net Zero dashboard to give a local, high resolution and up-to-date view on emission sources in the city.

Our next steps are to: 

• Continue to expand and deepen links between Newcastle City Council, universities and other research companies and organisations.
• Utilise research and best practice dissemination networks and feed into wider Net Zero programme.
• Facilitate and encourage links between research organisations and businesses.
• Establish Newcastle as a Low Carbon Research and Innovation Hub and focus on attracting low carbon businesses to the city.

Score: Ranked 3

A12 - Work with city higher education providers and education partners to prepare for, and support, a low carbon skills transition

We have: 

• A green economic sector and skills study covering the North East region, the North of Tyne region and the city of Newcastle is currently being commissioned, with the aim of understanding green skills gaps, needs and opportunities and developing an action plan to maximise green growth and the low carbon transition. This will involve collaborating with further and higher education partners such as Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Newcastle College.

Our next steps are to: 

• Start reaching out to education providers across the city to create a working group for the green economic sector/skills study.

Score: Ranked 3

A13 - Provide business support to SME's in the city through a Green Growth delivery strand of the Business and IP Centre (BIPC) Newcastle

We have: 

• Residents and experts from the Business Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) have collaborated with NE1 to run sustainable business events for SME's across the city (such as how to calculate your carbon footprint). These SME's have now formed a working group to pursue further action.
• The Net Zero Business Forum has been launched and events are held quarterly. The forum is run by Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI) but supported by the Net Zero team at Newcastle City Council and engages around 50 local and regional businesses on key Net Zero challenges in informal networking sessions.

Our next steps are to: 

• Support in the development of an Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy for the city, ensuring green skills and green economic growth are a key focus area.
• Launch a Net Zero Business survey to better understand how local and regional businesses want to be better supported with their Net Zero plans and green skills gaps.

Score: Ranked 3

A14 - Actively promote climate change action, learning, research, idea generation and leadership through the Students in Newcastle Forum (SiNF)

We have: 

• Links established and Climate Change / Net Zero is one of the three selected target areas for the Students in Newcastle Forum (SiNF).
• Student Climate Change Summit took place in March 2021 in partnership with the SiNF.  A subsequent Student Climate Change Summit was planned for 2022 but was cancelled by Newcastle University at short notice due to COVID-19 issues.

Our next steps are to: 

• Student Climate Change Summit to be planned for the coming year.

Score: Ranked 3

A15 - Each January, prepare an annual update for the previous year, and a concise forward plan for the next year of actions taken through the Net Zero Newcastle programme

We have: 

• First annual update produced for period September 2020 to March 2021.
• This report offers an update from April 2021 to August 2022.

Our next steps are to: 

• Continue providing annual updates each year.

Score: Ranked 5

A16 - Monitor, prepare for and submit grant and other funding applications to deliver on the city's Net Zero commitment, with an immediate priority to stimulate economic growth and job retention and creation

We have: 

• Further funding applications progressed over the course of 2021/22 including North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NE LEP) Energy Accelerator, Local Government Associations (LGA) Net Zero Innovation Programme, Heat Pump Ready pilots, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Sustainable Warmth Fund, Green Recovery Fund from Northern Powergrid (ahead of need Net Zero investment in the grid), Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery programme, Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Low Carbon Skills Fund, Green New Deal from North of Tyne Combined Authority, among others.
• Funding applications have related to research programmes, domestic low carbon retrofits, public sector building retrofits, low carbon heat network expansion, trialling new Net Zero approaches across multiple emission sectors, and driving green growth.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to monitor upcoming funds, work to ensure local content in the delivery of the funds and drive forward the Net Zero programme.

Score: Ranked 4

A17 Support city partners in making successful applications for grant, research and other funding

We have:

• Several funding applications have been supported to date around Net Zero related work programmes – see Priority Action A16 for further information. Many of these funding applications have involved supporting or working directly with city partners to either submit bids collectively (for example the Green Recovery Fund by Northern Powergrid) or learning from each others’ successes and challenges.
• Multiple research projects have been supported to help academic bodies bring further insights and expertise into the city.
• Newcastle City Council is working with city partners at the universities, college group and the hospital trust to develop a plan for a large scale City Centre Low Carbon Heat Network applying cutting edge low carbon technologies (including researching the potential for deep geothermal as a heat source) and scheme design (including consideration of ambient loop heat networks).

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to support upcoming activities by city partners and maintain forums for cross-dissemination of ideas and learning between organisations.
• External governance structure to be finalised for city wide Net Zero engagement building on the previous Net Zero Taskforce.

Score: Ranked 3

A18 Look beyond grant funding by working with public and private sector partners to develop pathways to commercial deployment and mass roll-out of low carbon measures

We have:

• Ongoing activity across multiple workstreams. Newcastle has established links with 3Ci (Cities Commission for Climate Investment and has been working on a Net Zero Neighbourhood financing approach. Newcastle has also submitted expressions of interest to UK Investment Bank (UKIB) in relation to their strategic programmes on climate change investment. 
• Through the City Decarbonisation Delivery Programme (CDDP) run by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Newcastle has been working to determine options for Net Zero programmes to deliver scalability, commercial viability (creating sustainable financial models) and accelerated speed of deployment of the most suitable Net Zero technologies through targeted sector Techno-economic Models and Outline Business Case development. This has included public sector estates, schools across the city and social housing.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to explore various finance options through national programmes and local trials.
• Ensure continued and enhanced attention on reducing unit costs of low carbon measures by conventional and innovative means.

Score: Ranked 3

A19 Working with the Youth Democracy Group (formerly the Youth Council), a Climate Change Youth Summit will be arranged

We have:

• Youth Climate Change Summit planned for 5th of July 2022. Young people (14 to 18) from schools across the city will be invited to come up with a Youth Climate Mandate for city leaders – the mandate is presented at the end of this document.

Our next steps are to:

• Monitor the success of the Youth Climate Change Summit.
• Plan subsequent youth summits.
• Engage with the Youth Democracy Group to consider best way to involve young people in climate policies and decisions moving forwards.

Score: Ranked 5

A20 Explore opportunities to engage with school age children on Climate Change issues and solutions through the curriculum, by providing hands on Net Zero project ideas and supporting in their delivery

We have:

• Initial engagement with school age children through the Youth Climate Change Summit held on 5th July 2022. A Youth Climate Mandate has been produced by the young people who attended the Summit - the mandate is presented at the end of this page.

Our next steps are to:

• Hold a Youth Climate Change Summit every year seeking to capture voices of young people from all parts of the city. The next Youth Climate Change Summit is likely to be in Summer 2023.
• Develop a schools climate change engagement programme addressing both decarbonisation of the school buildings, climate change curriculum and learning, and sustainable behaviours.

Score: Ranked 3

A21 A Net Zero Champions approach to communicating key messages will be considered by the Citizen's Assembly

We have:

• A Citizen's Assembly was concluded in March 2021 covering the North of Tyne region. Read further information. A series of recommendations for North of Tyne Combined Authority and constituent Local Authorities was released in July 2021.

Our next steps are to:

• Recommendations under review and are being mainstreamed into wider policy, funding and delivery programmes by North of Tyne Combined Authority.

Score: Ranked 5

A22 Work with trade unions, city-wide businesses and employers and business forums to support the transition to a low carbon / green economy in the city

We have:

• Net Zero Forum for businesses and SME's has been established to provide support to businesses (particularly SME's) for the low carbon transition.
• North of Tyne Combined Authority have launched a Green New Deal Fund (GNDF) which is an investment fund to provide finance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) and the public sector to reduce carbon emissions, create green jobs and develop skills in the region. The GNDF can invest through either loans, equity, grant or a combination of thereof. Newcastle City Council is actively encouraging SME's and public sector in the city to make applications to this scheme and has membership on the evaluation panel. We encourage SME's to consider the fund and apply where suitable. Green New Deal Fund

Our next steps are to:

• As part of the green economic sector and skills study a working group engaging key employers and businesses across the city will be used to understand and prepare businesses for the skills needed for the low carbon transition and how to best prepare the workforce for the transition.

Score: Ranked 3

A23 Use the tools at our disposal to promote our key 'Asks of Government' either directly to decision makers, through consultations, or via collective advocacy groups

We have:

• Various policy positions communicated to Government to influence the successful delivery of the city-wide Net Zero programme, as well as hosting key ministers from Government to discuss key Net Zero issues and undertaking detailed Net Zero pilot programmes.

Our next steps are to:

• Support BEIS to advocate various policy development including Heat Network Zoning Pilot Cities, finance options through UK Investment Bank and various national initiatives such as 3Ci for financing large-scale Net Zero transition.
• Input to Ofgem’s Review of Local Governance on Energy Systems.
• Feedback Local Authority lessons from various Net Zero Innovation pilot schemes.

Score: Ranked 3

E1 Work with Northern Powergrid and Northern Gas Networks to assess and identify the best route to deliver Net Zero in the energy sector

We have:

• Extensive engagement has been carried out over the course of 2021 and 2022 with Northern Powergrid and Northern Gas Networks in relation to Local Area Energy Planning, Future Energy Scenarios, and city-wide forward investment programmes to facilitate Net Zero project delivery.
• Collaborated with Northern Powergrid to access Ofgem Green Recovery Funding to strategically upgrade electrical infrastructure in the city for Net Zero projects ahead of need, enabling implementation of low carbon technologies in buildings.

Our next steps are to:

• Conduct further Local Area Energy Plan style analysis for area of city supplied by a single substation and assess options for scaling up to city-wide view.
• Continue to monitor the progress made on decarbonising grid gas and electricity.

Score: Ranked 3

E2 Monitor developments in the national and international energy sector to identify new and / or promising emerging technologies and applications to deliver Net Zero

We have:

• Engagement with Association of Public Sector Excellence (APSE) in relation to learning about future technologies and applications.
• Review of new and promising emerging technologies to contribute to Net Zero transition in housing in progress. For example, the first trial project is in progress to test smart home technologies to social housing units.
• Newcastle is acting as a pilot city for many innovative new technologies to decarbonise our building stock, such as Sunamp thermal batteries, Wonderwall Infrared heating, and Thermulon Aerated Plaster.

Our next steps are to:

• Review and roll-out of well performing low carbon energy technologies and continue sweeping the market for new promising technologies and products.

Score: Ranked 3

E3 Continue to work to eliminate fuel poverty through installation of energy efficiency measures and provide ongoing advice and support to fuel poor residents

We have:

• Energy advice and energy efficiency funding provided to eligible residents. Over 750 residents were given energy advice during the period of this report.
• Cavity wall insulation installed in 17 tower blocks, 1,465 flats completed by summer 2022.
• New ground source heat pump central heating systems installed in 3 blocks of flats involving 200 properties. Completed in June 2022.
• One stop shop support and advice service at North of Tyne region level to residents to address energy efficiency and heating in their homes under development by North of Tyne Combined Authority.
• Funding secured under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to deliver external wall insulation to 242 YHN properties and 35 private properties.
• £1.7m of Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding secured to install cavity wall insulation to 1,465 flats in 17 tower blocks and 150 low rise council owned homes – project now complete.

Our next steps are to:

• Development of future new funding bids for Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.
• Investigate the potential to expand the support and information available to reduce the barriers for households to retrofit their homes.
• Assessing options for delivery of ECO4 measures under flexible eligibility criteria.

Score: Ranked 3

E4 Work with private sector partners and housing organisations to deploy available Green Homes Grant and other funding streams to as many properties as possible within the city

We have:

• Electrification of Heat project led by E.ON has installed 210 heat pumps to homes across the city and was completed in November 2021. Please see Priority Action E14 for more information.
• Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Programme– ongoing energy efficiency and renewable energy grants for low income private homes. 140 homes improved and funding secured to deliver assistance until June 2022.
• Work underway to review Byker District Heating with the Registered Social Housing Provider, Karbon Homes (formerly Byker Community Trust), focussing on improving efficiency and introducing low carbon heating sources. Funding for the efficiency study was secured through the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES).

Our next steps are to:

• Newcastle is currently preparing new funding bids for future round of Green Homes Grant.
• Undertake feasibility study on high density deployment of source heat pumps systems at a neighbourhood level.
• Development assessment process for reviewing and establishing small neighbourhood transition plans to net zero.
• Work with Northumbria University to develop a monitoring protocol to assess retrofit measures have on the home environment and energy usage.

Score: Ranked 4

E5 Engage with the private rented sector to ensure adherence with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) and support where possible implementation of low carbon measures to deliver EPC improvements

We have:

• Funding was secured to deliver a 6 month Minimum Energy Efficiency Scheme (MEES) engagement project to raise awareness and identify non-compliant landlords. 3,400 properties were reviewed, followed by engagement with landlords owning over 600 properties. Newcastle City Council then carried out enforcement action to 39 properties. The project was completed in March 2022.
• A new long term Managing Agent has been procured to deliver the current Sustainable Warmth funding. Contracted for 3-5 years providing the opportunity to develop and expand the services offered to the private residential market such as a ‘willing to pay’ / ‘able to pay’ delivery model.

Our next steps are to:

• Support private rented sector residents in accessing new funding through schemes such as the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery from August 2022 with targeted enhancement and support from a Managing Agent (being appointed by Newcastle City Council).
• Continue to monitor compliance with the MEES regulations and promote benefits of retrofitting properties to residents.

Score: Ranked 3

E6 Develop a Newcastle GREEN (GIS-based Renewable Energy and Energy efficiency Network) website and promote uptake of low carbon measures to all property owners (domestic and non-domestic)

We have:

• A new energy and building efficiency database has been purchased by North of Tyne Combined Authority called ‘Energy Savings Trust Home Analytics’ based on information from Energy Performance Certificates (epcs) and modelling data for all residential properties. Helping support funding application and targeting of assistance.
• City wide solar PV assessment of potential of most roofs in city conducted using available Lidar data.
• Newcastle GREEN project initiated – website under development and expected to be launched in 2022 / early 2023.
• Explored several group purchasing options for city residents and initial trials likely to be run via North of Tyne Combined Authority.

Our next steps are to:

• Launch Newcastle GREEN including procurement / installation streamlined support service from Newcastle City Council.

Score: Ranked 3

E7 Through the planning process, require and encourage developers to design and build properties that are fit for the future and conform fully with Policy CS16 (Climate Change)

We have:

• Published a Sustainability Statement Planning Process Note (PPN) providing guidance for new developments to comply (and demonstrate compliance) with Policy CS16 (Climate Change) and the new Building Regulations (2022 Uplift) which took effect on 15th June 2022.
• Improved oversight and rigorous checks of Sustainability Statements in progress. During the report period, the sustainability credentials and compliance with Policy CS16 (Climate Change) of over 60 applications have been reviewed and suitable requirements incorporated and conditioned.
• A new structure of how Sustainability Statements are handled to streamline/simplify the process for all parties has been development.
• Series of engagement events held by Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council in relation to reviews of the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan on Net Zero topics.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue driving improvements in our application of Policy CS16 to new developments and encourage Net Zero buildings.
• Review and update Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan.

Score: Ranked 4

E8 Continue to support local SMEs with access to energy audits and energy grants through the Business Energy Savings Team (BEST) project.

We have:

• To date, BEST has engaged with 300 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and undertaken energy audits for 215 businesses. This has resulted in over £220k (total) of grant funding being awarded to 48 SME's and 5 SME's self-funding the proposed works. The total sum of SME match funding is £468k. The total greenhouse gas reduction as a result of the BEST project to date is estimated at over 750 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent with an estimated annual cost saving to SME's of almost £170k.

Our next steps are to:

• Please see Priority Action E9

Score: Ranked 5

E9 Seek to expand the existing provision to local SME's to have access to energy audits and energy grants through expansion of the BEST project

We have:

• Feasibility of expanding the existing provision and how that would be structured is currently underway. An expression of interest has been submitted in August 2022 to North of Tyne Combined Authority for a BEST2 programme funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority Investment Fund. In addition, a list of interested businesses in being collated – businesses can register their interest online.

Our next steps are to:

• Seek to secure funding, deliver and subsequently expand BEST programme to offer support to businesses to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise their properties.
• Assess options for engaging with landlords as many businesses that register interest for BEST are tenants.

Score: Ranked 3

E10 Promote through all suitable means, small scale renewable energy generation and self consumption in domestic and non-domestic properties

We have:

• The Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Phase 1a and 1b projects includes solar PV projects to most homes.
• The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) has installed large solar PV arrays in buildings across the city. We will continue to access future PSDS funding and other funding sources to further accelerate solar PV rollout across public sector estate.
• City partners including the universities and the hospital trust have continued to develop their plans and deploy solar PV arrays on their campuses – for example, Northumbria University has installed 355kwp of solar PV during the reporting period.
• Through Policy CS16 (Climate Change) of the Local Plan, encouraging new developments to incorporate rooftop solar PV into all schemes.

Our next steps are to:

• Build internal expertise and assess replacement programmes to ensure solar PV is installed wherever possible during roof replacement or repair works on buildings.
• Roll out Newcastle GREEN (Priority Action E6) to enable everyone to unlock their properties solar PV potential.
• Develop group purchasing model for solar PV schemes in collaboration with North of Tyne Combined Authority.

Score: Ranked 3

E11 Apply for funding for a pilot project for a Low Carbon Neighbourhood

We have:

• The Low Carbon Neighbourhood schemes is an innovative approach to retrofitting that focuses on a neighbourhood level. The approach is designed to be scalable and cost optimised full decarbonisation (gas, power and mobility needs) of an entire neighbourhood and to retain the value of renewable energy within the local area. Feasibility funding has been secured from North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NE LEP) Energy Accelerator and North of Tyne Combined Authority to take this scheme forward. Detailed specifications have been prepared and a procurement exercise has been held to undertake detailed in-home surveys.
• Working very closely with Northern powergrid to understand the effects of a dense deployment of low carbon technology on the electrical infrastructure of a candidate neighbourhood in the city.

Our next steps are to:

• Progress Low Carbon Neighbourhood demonstration project and determine plans for scaling up the approach if demonstration project is successful and financeable.

Score: Ranked 3

E12 Continue to develop world-leading programmes of research and investment into enhanced renewable energy generation and storage and improving efficiency of generation through our universities

We have:

• Newcastle University have engaged in a research programme for supplying the Helix District Energy Centre with renewable energy from the 1.6km geothermal borehole on site. Read about Net Zero GeoRDIE.
• Both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities have various research programmes underway on smart cities, energy storage and power system management and enabling renewable energy expansion.

Our next steps are to:

• Develop further opportunities for collaboration between universities and the Council and businesses.

Score: Ranked 3

E13 Encourage uptake of renewable energy by preparing a Planning Process Note which sets out when installations are likely to benefit from Permitted Development and when they will need to secure the necessary planning approvals

We have:

• A Planning Process Note has been developed and used to provide clear Sustainability Statement guidance to new developments. This clearly embeds renewable heat and energy for new developments by requiring developments to clearly evaluate and evidence the adoption of low carbon technologies.

Our next steps are to:

• Develop a solar PV specific Planning Process Note specifically to provide guidance on installing solar PV on properties (residential and non-domestic) across the city.

Score: Ranked 3

E14 Worked with our delivery partner E.ON, deliver the BEIS funded Electrification of Heat Demonstration Project and working now to deliver Heat Pump Ready programme

We have:

• Completed the installation phase of the Electrification of Heat project in autumn 2021. A total of 309 systems were installed with 210 in Newcastle and a further 101 in the surrounding area, exceeding the 250 original target. Over the following 12 months the properties will be monitored to assess system performance and household satisfaction.
• Lessons learnt from the project were of national importance, showing that all homes in the UK could be successfully connected to a heat pump. Energy Systems Catapult story.
• Newcastle has been successful in applying for the BEIS Heat Pump Ready programme in partnership with E.On to test deployment of heat pumps at scale and in high density to test grid connection capability and challenges. Heat Pump Ready Programme.

• Use the Heat Pump Ready programme to advance on the lessons learnt in the Electrification of Heat and densely deploy heat pumps into the city.

Score: Ranked 5

E15 Develop a delivery plan for wide-scale deployment of heat pumps to homes addressing key barriers such as supply chain issues, training of heat pump engineers, cost reductions, and understanding of the technology

We have:

• Initial engagement in relation to planning barriers for heat pump wide-scale deployment undertaken and learnings shared with BEIS and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
• Analytics programme for identifying suitable properties for heat pumps is underway through the City Decarbonisation Delivery Programme.
• A green economic sector and skills study (as mentioned in Priority Action A12) will look at training of heat pump engineers to learn approximate numbers of green jobs which will be needed across the city/region and how skills gaps can be addressed through additional provision of training.

Our next steps are to:

• Working with city partners, undertake commercial review of heat pump deployment across corporate estates and factor into asset management plans.

Score: Ranked 3

E16 Monitor closely developments in the hydrogen sector and the potential for hydrogen to play an increasing role in our Net Zero heat / gas supply future

We have:

• Working with Northern Gas Networks, the universities and others, Newcastle City Council is monitoring the developing hydrogen sector including the demonstration project of hydrogen in a residential development in Gateshead.
• Supporting the review of local energy institution governance, which looks at the specific role hydrogen plays in the energy system.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to monitor developments in the sector and determine if hydrogen will play a key role in our Net Zero heat / gas supply future.
• Considering factoring hydrogen into the Core Strategy as a new local planning policy.

Score: Ranked 2

E17 Work with Engie through the Regenerate Newcastle Partnership to deliver District Energy Network and associated projects within the city, creating an expanded and increasingly integrated low carbon heat system

We have:

• During the reporting period, the existing Helix District Energy Centre has been extended to the Core (on the Helix development site) and to Blandford House / Discovery Museum (off the Helix development site). These connections are now complete and other buildings on the Helix development site have been, or are being, connected.
• The Regenerate Partnership is currently developing costed designs for three further off-site connections to the Helix District Energy Centre and is assessing options (including potential funding routes) for decarbonisation of the heating plant at the energy centre.
• The Regenerate Partnership has also undertaken numerous feasibility studies and development activities relating to future low carbon heat networks.
• Newcastle City Council together with city partners at the hospital trust, the universities and the college have undertaken a master planning exercise for a Low Carbon City Centre Heat Network. This project has since received funding from Government’s Heat Network Delivery Unit (HNDU) and the scheme is currently undergoing a Techno-economic Feasibility Study.

Our next steps are to:

• Progress low carbon heat networks to Heat Network Investment Programme or alternative funding to secure pipeline of upcoming projects

Score: Ranked 3

E18 Prepare for and deliver an ambitious programme of Public Sector Decarbonisation of anchor institutions property portfolios via the forthcoming funding mechanism

We have:

• Newcastle City Council was awarded c.£27m from Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Round 1 and c. £3m from Round 2. Since April 2021, a significant amount of work has been carried out to a number of properties including community leisure centres and libraries, schools, cultural facilities, car parks, business enterprise centres and properties which form part of the Council’s office/depot estate – View site map and measures. The works carried out to date are estimated to save 2,763 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year / 46,830 tonnes over the lifetime of the measures. A PSDS Phase 3a application was submitted but was unsuccessful due to the fund being heavily oversubscribed.
• Key parts of the council’s capital programmes have been aligned with Net Zero transition including the school capital programme.
• In August 2022, Newcastle City Council secured over £1.6m of grant funding from the BEIS Low Carbon Skills Fund to deliver feasibility, development and design activities for a further 26 buildings across the city.
• Northumbria University (among other city partners) has also secured £2m of PSDS funding and has replaced gas boilers with Air Source Heat Pumps on the roof of the Business school and Art School in the City Centre East Campus.

Our next steps are to:

• Prepare for future rounds of grant funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Programme including the upcoming Phase 3b.

Score: Ranked 5

E19 Ensure that all new buildings and major capital programmes embed low carbon and renewable heat and electricity measures into their design and construction

We have:

• A voluntary Low Carbon Construction Standard is under development with city partners as the basis for new buildings and major capital programmes, taking into account embedded carbon and lifecycle carbon, including for new planning submissions.
• North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) Net Zero Innovation Fund project successful - the project involves determining decision making structures in capital programmes to enable Net Zero decisions. NTCA are currently delivering this programme.
• Encouraging new schools to meet the Department for Education’s target of all new build schools being Net Zero in operation by 2023. Policy paper; Sustainability and climate change.
• Developed a well-informed pipeline of retrofit projects across the city’s public buildings including Techno-economic Models and Outline Business Case through the City Decarbonisation Delivery Programme, to drive public buildings towards Net Zero by 2030.
• Accessed Levelling Up Funding of £2 million for heat network east-west interconnection along Blackett Street and Net Zero design of West Denton Leisure Centre.

Our next steps are to:

• Finalise and publish voluntary Low Carbon Construction Standard and secure pledges from public and private sector to adopt it.
• Access further Levelling Up Funding and Shared Prosperity Funds to deliver further capital programme (building and transport particularly) decarbonisation.

Score: Ranked 3

E20 Explore options for increasingly smart energy systems which adopt 'time of use' and 'flexible demand' approaches to energy consumption

We have:

• Low carbon technology trials underway. This includes installing Thermionix systems (new smart heating controls for old style electric storage heaters aiming to reduce overheating and heating costs) to 2 tower blocks in the city. Also trialling Wondrwall system (new infrared heating, solar panels with smart heating controls which aims to reduce tenants heating cost by up to 80%) to two social houses and monitoring human interfaces, comfort factors and energy performance of the system. - Undertaken regular sweeps of the market looking for low carbon / energy efficiency technologies and products.
• Part of the Low Carbon Neighbourhood demonstration project (see Priority Action E11) entails using 'time of use' tariffs to extract maximum value from the low carbon technologies.
• Completed a study on markets and opportunities relating to batteries and revenue stacking.
• Closely monitoring the future of Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and Distribution System Operator (DSO) market and the effects this market will have on demand side response options.

Our next steps are to:

• Progress with demonstration projects and look at options for scaling up deployment.
• Continue to monitor market developments including flexible demand side management options.

Score: Ranked 2

E21 In preparing the updated Local Plan, key low carbon and national or international standards will be considered and assessed for suitability to be incorporated into city-wide planning policies

We have:

• Various planning policy developments have occurred over recent months including the Building Regulations 2022 Uplift, the recent changes to SAP 10.2 and the consultation on the Future Homes Standard (FHS) and Future Building Standard (FBS) from 2025 which are all designed to facilitate the Net Zero transition.
• Further work is ongoing across Newcastle City Council to ensure Net Zero and climate change adaptation is embedded as a key part of the next Local Plan. An exercise in learning from other planning authorities in the UK and internationally is underway to inform the Local Plan key workstreams. In addition, an assessment of evidence for Net Zero aspects of planning policy is underway and being collated into an Evidence Base folder.
• Newcastle was a pilot for National Design Codes with Net Zero considerations incorporated into the Design Code documentation, as referenced in Priority Action A&S19.

Our next steps are to:

• Consider opportunities under new planning guidelines and the Local Plan for the Planning Authority to implement Sustainability Guidance and establish a higher standard for low carbon measures through planning policy.

Score: Ranked 3

E22 Use the tools at our disposal to promote our key 'Asks of Government' either directly to decision makers, through consultations, or via collective advocacy groups

Various policy positions communicated to Government to influence the successful delivery of the city-wide Net Zero programme, including hosting Lord Callanan (Minister for Business, Energy and Corporate Responsibility) in August 2022 to promote Newcastle as a leading location for Government to focus Net Zero funding in the future in demonstrator programmes.

Score: Ranked 3

T1 Develop detailed plans for a city-wide Low Carbon Transport Vision including 15 Minute City concept, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and incorporating the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and School Streets initiative

We have:

• A bid was submitted to government to be the country's first Zero Emission City. Plans have been developed that define the city’s road network and create the basis of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, which in turn act as the building blocks for the 15minute city concept. These have been shared with ward councillors for views on local issues that could be addressed through this programme.
• A Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial (LTN) has been launched in Fenham to reduce traffic cutting through local streets and to create a safer, cleaner and greener neighbourhood. Second LTN in Heaton / Ouseburn ward due to be implemented in Autumn 2022 and many others in design stages (including Jesmond, West Fenham).
• Implemented the first school street initiative with subsequent ones to follow in July 2022.
• Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) which outlines the proposed walking and cycling network has been adopted by Cabinet and published.

Our next steps are to:

• Secure funds and start implementation of additional measures.

Score: Ranked 3

T2 Assess options and develop a plan for limiting growth in the number of private motorised vehicles in the city, to counter the impacts of population growth

We have:

• A key aim of the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods is to reduce ownership and use of private motorised vehicles in the city. We have made good progress with rolling out the first of these LTNs, with subsequent LTNs in design and others due to be delivered.
• Presence of a car club in districts across the city with an aim of expanding them to new neighbourhoods.

Our next steps are to:

• Continuing to assess options for alternatives to private vehicles through plans for active travel hubs.
• Expanding low carbon shared mobility options into more neighbourhoods (e.g. Extension of the E-scooter trial).

Score: Ranked 3

T3 Systematically develop and implement plans to remove private motorized vehicles from the city centre, commercial districts and sensitive parts of the city

We have:

• Road space reallocation programme has been progressed.
• Significant redevelopment in key corridors of the city centre – e.g. East Pilgrim Street – is underway as part of the City Centre Transformation Programme, with the aim of designing out cars as the dominant mode of travel.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to prioritise active travel and low carbon transport measures through developing plans for active travel hubs across the city centre, commercial districts and sensitive parts of the city. Seek funding sources for this work.

Score: Ranked 3

T4 Implement the Clean Air Zone (category C) using secured funds

We have:

• Approval has been given for a class C Clean Air Zone to be implemented in Newcastle city centre (and across the river into Gateshead).
• This was due to be implemented in July 2022 but has been delayed due to ongoing discussions with central government around supporting grants for vehicle upgrades.
• Implementation now in late 2022, though recognising the impact of economic circumstances, and the lack of availability of replacement vehicles, light goods vehicles will be charged later in 2023 while implementation of the scheme now likely to happen in the latter half of 2022.

Our next steps are to:

• Monitor the revised schedule for the implementation of the class C Clean Air Zone and streamline the process where possible.

Score: Ranked 4

T5 Develop and implement an emissions based parking tariff in the city centre and key commercial districts

We have:

• In November 2021 a review of car parking services in the city centre was held with the aim of altering the level of charges drivers will be asked to pay on Sundays and during the evenings.
• The changes were formally introduced, following statutory process, during August 2022.

Our next steps are to:

• Work towards cashless parking across the city.
• Consider the case for emissions-based parking charges factoring in equity as a key determinant for rates.

Score: Ranked 3

T6 Assess the potential for wider deployment of car clubs within the city, based on Ultra Low Emission Vehicles. Ensure that access to travel options is enhanced in communities with low car ownership through community clubs as opposed to household ownership

We have:

• Net Zero Innovation Project (NZIP) launched in January 2021 as part of a national cohort, working with the car club provider to trial an EV car club in an area of the city with higher levels of depravation and lower car ownership. Will include a discounted offer for car club membership for tenants.

Our next steps are to:

• Use findings from the NZIP pilot to inform expansion plans for the car club.
• Look to change or renew car clubs scheme contract in 2023 to give more consideration to expansion needs.

Score: Ranked 2

T7 Develop and implement additional School Streets initiatives

We have:

• School Streets Trial was conducted at 3 schools in October 2021, with roads outside schools being closed from 8am to 4pm.
• First permanent School Street scheme launched in May 2022 at Hotspur Primary School, with Grange School following.
• Further School Streets to be launched in September / October 2022 with a major push again in Spring 2023 using lessons learned from initial School Streets.

Our next steps are to:

• Seek further funding for School Streets initiatives.
• Continue to press for implementation of moving traffic enforcement powers.

Score: Ranked 4

T8 Implement, and where possible enhance, the Healthy Pupil Capital Fund programme

We have:

• Involved 17 schools in the programme and of these:
  • 10 were awarded an installed air quality monitor for use from September 2019 (An additional 3 of the applicants already have one). The air quality monitors were installed between August and late October 2019 by Newcastle University’s Urban Observatory, who maintain them.
  • 9 were awarded an extra cycle store
  • 15 were awarded extra scooter storage
  • 14 were awarded cycle helmets to keep and use in school for Bikeability training or other cycle-based activities
• Review underway to ensure public health and active travel behaviour change initiatives are delivered together.

Our next steps are to:

• Kickstart discussions about who will drive this forward and when.
• Complete review of public health and active travel initiatives and take forward new ways of working.

Score: Ranked 4

T9 Develop and implement schemes to reduce the dominance of cars in the city by reallocating road space to active travel and low carbon transport modes, whilst meeting vibrant high street and Covid-19 requirements

We have:

• Changes in design and road space allocation were made to multiple streets within the city across three priority areas: 1) city centre; 2) district centres and main transport corridors; and 3) Neighbourhoods.
• Public consultations will be launched for permanent schemes as more detailed plans become available, recognising that balancing the demands for space will require difficult decisions and leadership.
• Five permanent bridge closures have been made in neighbourhoods to reallocate road space for walking and cycling, LTNs continue to expand. The bridge closures were made permanent in February 2022. Read more about traffic restrictions on bridges.

Our next steps are to:

• Complete consultations and make necessary scheme adjustments. Where appropriate, make changes permanent.

Score: Ranked 4

T10 Implement a safe walking and cycling network to connect every school, to every park, to every district shopping centre, by implementing the key components of our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

We have:

• Progress on the Regional Transport Plan is reported to the Joint Transport Committee. A Regional Active Travel Strategy is being developed.
• The recent national developments in creating an organisation called Active Travel England and the potential Multi Year funding settlements for active travel that are expected to be forthcoming will support this work.
• Please refer to comments in Priority Action T1 in respect of LTNs and the LCWIP (which underpin this network) and Priority Action T7 in relation to Schools Streets programme.

Our next steps are to:

• Undertake a review of the LCWIP in light of new approaches to city transport including 20 Minute City model, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and upcoming funding announcements and reprioritisation of scheme delivery.
• A network has been adopted and we now need to source funding / secure additional contributions from developers towards it.

Score: Ranked 3

T11 Work with Gateshead Council to implement a 12-month e-Scooter trial and, if successful, explore ways to extend and expand the scheme

We have:

• An E-scooter trial was launched in February 2021 by Newcastle, Gateshead have not progressed with a trial.
• There have been some problems with the behaviour of a minority of people using the scooters, these include inappropriate parking and riding with two people or on pavements. Despite this, the trial has been considered successful with over 500,000 miles travelled in the first year.
• The E-scooter trial has been extended for another year though the current operator is working to ensure it can address our concerns on the issues outlined above before we determine if it will continue to be the delivery agent.

Our next steps are to:

• Consider options for a more permanent e-Scooter scheme following extension of trial year.
• Consider options for integrating E-scooters into plans for active travel hubs across the city.

Score: Ranked 5

T12 Prepare a bold, detailed and high-quality submission to the Government for the recently announced Zero Carbon City Centre scheme

We have:

• UK governmental released funding criteria for 2 pilot cities under the Zero Emission Transport City scheme. A bid was submitted including a brochure, budget and letter of intent.
• The bid was unsuccessful given Newcastle did not meet two of the required criteria but the bid was commended as a strong and detailed submission.

Our next steps are to:

• Seek new funding opportunities for Zero Emission Transport City scheme.

Score: Ranked 4

T13 Work with Nexus and other city public transport operators to develop a citywide plan for further improving transport integration and to develop and implement a Smart Ticketing system using the 'Pop' branded smartcard

We have:

• Continuing work as part of the North East Smart Ticketing Initiative to improve smart ticketing options.
• Options for smart ticketing were highlighted in the Issues Report for the Transport Net Zero Policy Cabinet. Read Issues Report.
• Discussions at regional level are ongoing.

Our next steps are to:

• Liaise with transport operators to see if initiatives, such as the collaboration between the car club Co-Wheels and Go North East Buses with their integrated ‘flexibility card’, could be developed.
• Identify potential funding streams regionally to enable improved ticketing and integration.

Score: Ranked 2

T14 Consider options for expansion of, and new sites for, park and ride schemes across the city, and seek funding for them

We have:

• Nexus are progressing the extension of the car parking provision at Callerton Park for the purposes of providing additional Park & Ride capacity.
• Local Plan discussions ongoing relating to the increased role of Park & Rides in the city going forwards. Many sites may be outside of Newcastle so regional working is essential, so too an integrated approach to city centre car park availability and charging levels.

Our next steps are to:

• Work with Nexus to look at Park & Ride at a wider geography as most sites are likely outside Newcastle - Initial options analysis for solar PV car port, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and small battery installations in public sector car parks under way.

Score: Ranked 3

T15 Enhance the information and payment systems available for passenger transport to enable a 'Mobility as a Service' approach to transport integration

We have:

• Transport North East is delivering the Regional Transport Plan and a range of underlying strategies. It has recently consulted on the ‘Making the Right Choice’ Strategy which has recently been out to consultation.
• There is a programme of work being carried out under Transforming Cities Fund ITS01b that seeks to provide underlying digital architecture to facilitate future roll outs of Mobility as a Service. Essentially the project is linking bus data to traffic signals, Urban Traffic Management and Control and Bus Real Time Information. These will be the building blocks of the data systems that Mobility as a Service will rely on to fully inform passengers of travel choices both pre-trip and on-trip.
• Investigations continue into the options of Active Travel Hubs, E-scooters and E-bikes or bikes to hire. Pilot schemes are being considered and to be launched once funding is available.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue engagement with Transport North East to influence Mobility as a Service and the Integrated Transport approach.

Score: Ranked 3

T16 Work with bus operators to improve bus lanes and bus priority through better co-ordinated traffic signals on key transport corridors to improve overall public transport networks

We have:

• Transforming Cities Funding has been secured to invest £20 million in modernising and connecting traffic signals. The intelligent transport systems (ITS) project will use the latest technology to provide 300 signal updates and bus service prioritisation on 17 strategic bus corridors.
• The Bus Service Improvement Plan includes investment proposals for a series of bus corridors across the city.

Our next steps are to:

• Deliver existing schemes and seek funding for additional forthcoming schemes.
• Subject to final design changes, consult on proposals for the corridors in the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Score: Ranked 3

T17 Assess options and the pros and cons of a bus franchising approach

We have:

• Direct power for bus franchising are not available to Newcastle.
• The draft Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) explores the options of an enhanced bus partnership in the city.
• The Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP) programme will be formally approved by Government in the Autumn. Work will start then on the identified corridors. Initially it is expected to be enhancements and extensions of the existing Transforming Cities Fund schemes and our programme to upgrade traffic signals across the region.

Our next steps are to:

• Deliver the BSIP programme.
• Continue to investigate the pros and cons of a bus partnership in the city.

Score: Ranked 3

T18 Promote and support the transition towards ultra-low emission buses, taxis and freight vehicles operating within the city, including options such as cargo bikes

We have:

• Two new rapid chargers for taxis have been installed at Blandford Square and Clayton Street.
• Subject to ongoing talks with central government, the implementation of the Clean Air Zone would be accompanied by grants to upgrade to lower emission vehicles (such as hgvs, lgvs, buses, private hire vehicles and Hackney carriages).

Our next steps are to:

• Further develop plans for freight consolidation hubs.
• Re-evaluate support mechanisms that can be offered to ‘last mile decarbonisation’ freight companies following the recent announcement that Z-Move (the zero emissions delivery service) will no longer be operating.

Score: Ranked 3

T19 If successful in grant funding bid to Office for Low Emissions Vehicles, implement a pilot scheme to provide 23 Electric Vehicle chargers in a number of areas of the city

We have:

• Funding of c. £150k secured through Office for Low Emissions Vehicles for 23 EV chargers.
• Charging points have been incorporated into Helix Car Park and spare capacity has been allowed on the installed transformer to allow future proofing for expansion of charging points across the car park.
• On Street Residential Charge Point funding is to continue into the new financial year.

Our next steps are to:

• Submit an expression of interest to become a pilot city for the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) fund.
• Seek opportunities for more government funding to rollout EV chargers.

Score: Ranked 4

T20 Work with the North East Combined Authority (NECA) to renew, replace and expand the Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure across the city

We have:

• Regional electric vehicle charging infrastructure procurement exercise was being progressed by NEPO but this procurement has since failed and must be re-tendered.
• It is the intention that current faulty infrastructure was replaced in the first phase of rollout with the intention of proceeding with first replacements in late 2022.

Our next steps are to:

• Devise a strategy to prioritise through planned phased delivery, the renewal, replacement and expansion of EV charging infrastructure.

Score: Ranked 2

T21 Develop an ambitious city-wide plan for the rollout of Electric Vehicle infrastructure across the city. Work with North East Combined Authority to deploy Rapid Chargers, particularly to encourage use by electric taxis

We have:

• Following the failure of the regional EV procurement, officers are reviewing whether an approach without regional partners would enable phased plans to renew, replace and expand EV charging infrastructure across the city more quickly than the regional approach. This is in early phases of discussion and development.

Our next steps are to:

• Refine existing geospatial data and insight to inform an EV strategy for charger maintenance and replacement.
• Continue to work with Transport North East to advance plans for rapid chargers and electric taxis.

Score: Ranked 2

T22 Work with the North East Freight Partnership and other relevant organisations to move freight away from road transport and to encourage the switch to zero emission vehicles

We have:

• No further progress to date other than progress on the implementation of the Clean Air Zone.

Our next steps are to:

• Table at upcoming North East Freight Partnership meeting

Score: Ranked 1

T23 Develop a plan for the city to implement Freight Consolidation Hubs and low carbon last mile freight deliveries, and assess practical implementation options, as well as seeking funding

We have:

• Early feasibility work has been completed considering whether freight consolidation hubs could be integrated into future public transport interchanges. This was profiled as part of the bid for a Zero Emission Transport City to get government funding – although the bid was unsuccessful these plans remain in development.
• Discussions have taken place with some other major delivery providers about consolidation hubs for smaller goods that would enable E-bikes or E-vans to deliver.

Our next steps are to:

• Create working group to advance early-stage strategic plans for Freight Consolidation Hubs and low carbon last mile freight deliveries in the city.
• Seek funding opportunities to advance plans for freight consolidation hubs.

Score: Ranked 3

T24 Support other city low carbon transport projects such as the Metro rolling stock replacement programme, and work with city and regional partners to increase ambition in their transition to Net Zero

We have:

• Nexus is investing more than £360m to replace the original rolling stock, building 46 new trains. The first new train will arrive in 2022 and will enter passenger service in mid-2023.

Our next steps are to:

• Identify priority projects and actions that can be taken regionally to drive the transition to Net Zero transport quicker.

Score: Ranked 4

T25 Ultra Low Emission Buses scheme. Work with bus fleet operators to assess the necessary funding and to implement the infrastructure throughout the city to take 100% of buses to ultra low emission status

We have:

• Deployed the first-all-electric buses running in the region, secured through ZEBRA funding. There are 9 dedicated Electric Buses on the 'Voltra' 53/54 route between Newcastle and Gateshead.
• Prepared a business case for the second wave of ZEBRA funding, targeting 73 buses along key corridors including the Coast Road Corridor between Newcastle and North Tyneside, as well as the A167 corridor between Newcastle and Gateshead. This was unsuccessful but a further bid was developed for Levelling Up Funding which incorporated 52 new zero emission buses with supporting infrastructure and 92 EV chargers across the region.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to seek funding sources to expand the electric bus fleet operating in the city.
• Improvements to the bus fleet are a key area in the BSIP through the enhanced partnership which will be further developed this year.

Score: Ranked 4

T26 Investigate options for hydrogen to play a future role in public transport in Newcastle

We have:

• BEIS have expressed interest to examine Haymarket Bus stations’ potential for hydrogen. Site tour was arranged for BEIS but this scheme has not been taken forward at this time.
• Work has been undertaken to look at the viability of other sites and hydrogen in the context of the regional Bus Service Improvement Plan and Enhanced Partnership but currently this does not form a core part of proposal.

Our next steps are to:

• Progress internal discussions with strategic transport colleagues and external city stakeholders to determine options for hydrogen to play a role in public transport in the city.

Score: Ranked 2

T27 Wherever suitable and appropriate, support the decarbonisation of Out of Boundary Transport Emissions by working with local, regional and national transport organisations

We have:

• Funding secured to allow the reopening of the Northumberland Line to passenger trains, delivering a programme of activity that will see the re-introduction of direct passenger trains between south-east Northumberland and the centre of Newcastle.
• Newcastle International Airport Net Zero plans have continued progressing over the past year with the most notable development being the submission and planning approval of an application for a solar PV farm of 16MW on land adjacent to the runway. Read Solar Farm Proposal.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to support projects looking at our regional transport capacity, such as the Metro flow project.

Score: Ranked 3

T28 Use the tools at our disposal to promote our key 'Asks of Government' either directly to decision makers, through consultations, or via collective advocacy groups

Various policy positions have been communicated to Government to influence the successful delivery of the city-wide Net Zero programme.

• Progress on the Regional Transport Plan is reported to the Joint Transport Committee
• Discussions associated with the existing North of Tyne Combined Authority and devolution enable us to make our case to government and establish the basis of further action.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to lobby government where appropriate.

Score: Ranked 3

A&S1 Produce a guidance document for property owners that sets out a summary of the key planning policies that enable sustainable development and a simple guide to streamlining an application for low carbon initiatives

We have:

• Planning Process Note to capture these elements in preparation in 2022 / early 2023.

Our next steps are to:

• Publish Planning Process Note in 2022 / early 2023.

Score: Ranked 2

A&S2 Produce a Green and Sustainable Procurement guidance document for our city's businesses

Our next steps are to:

• Guidance document to be prepared in 2022 / early 2023.

Score: Ranked 1

A&S3 Produce a template and guidance document for preparing a Sustainable Travel Plan, tailored to specific audiences / users

Our next steps are to:

• Template and guidance document to be prepared in 2022 / early 2023.

Score: Ranked 1

A&S4 Develop a Climate Change Adaptation Working Group including city organisations to identify key climate change risks and develop targeted and effective preparation, development and adaptation activities

We have:

• established a Climate Change Adaptation Working Group and held several meetings. Key recommendations of the Adaptation Working Group are:
  • 1) Conduct an audit of the cost of climate change impacts in Newcastle (and the region) and the value of taking early action.
  • 2) Undertake a research assignment on climate change hazards and where they will occur spatially (including the impact of new developments).
  • 3) Identify areas for biodiversity gain and develop an asset register of blue and green infrastructure, and plan for addressing gaps.
  • 4) Develop plans for managing the physical and mental health challenges of climate change on residents, including Heat Wave Plans and Cold Weather Plans.
  • 5) Embed climate change adaptation considerations into all key planning policies and planning decisions
  • 6) Develop and publish Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan (including flood defences, sustainable drainage and infrastructure resilience).

Our next steps are to:

• Focus on the delivery of adaptation work programme recommendations.

Score: Ranked 4

A&S5 Prepare a Cold Weather Plan for Newcastle to address the city's response to protect residents and infrastructure from increasing severity and frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change

We have:

• Cold Weather Plan completed including consideration of public health, operational winter servicing and social care.

Our next steps are to:

• Finalise and implement the Cold Weather Plan. Periodically review.

Score: Ranked 5

A&S6 Work with city-wide partners and stakeholders to develop a plan for enhancing flood defences along the Quayside to replace the temporary barriers that have been used as a defence mechanism to date

We have:

• The Quayside Barrier project is under development with the Environment Agency and city-wide stakeholders.
• Bid made to the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme for deployment of an ambitious programme of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) across the city. Awaiting response. The Bid wasn’t successful – seeking alternative funding sources.

Our next steps are to:

• Progress the Quayside Barrier project to funding and seek additional flood defence funding.

Score: Ranked 3

A&S7 Ensure that Newcastle has sufficient provision of open spaces and green infrastructure going forward. An Open Spaces and Green Infrastructure Strategy will be prepared

We have:

• Ethos Environmental Planning were commissioned to prepare a Green Infrastructure Strategy on behalf of the Council. The strategy will help inform council decisions on the protection and provision of Green Infrastructure (GI) across the city.
• The revised and updated Newcastle City Council’s Tree Policy was published in July 2021. The Tree Policy sets a target to increase the canopy cover to 20% by 2050, a figure which equates to an additional 19,000 trees being planted during that period, plus replacement of trees lost for whatever reason.

Our next steps are to:

• Adoption of Nature, Landscape, Trees and Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will support planning policies relating to Green Infrastructure, Natural Environment and Biodiversity.
• Develop and take forward a Delivery Action Plan for the Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Score: Ranked 3

A&S8 Submit a high-quality bid to the Trees for Climate Programme to deliver a proposed North East Community Forest (NECF). If successful, start woodland and tree creation at the earliest opportunity

We have:

• This planting season has seen the first tree planting of the NECF (North East Community Forest) project, administering the Trees for Climate Fund, Local Authority Treescape Fund, Trees for Cities funding and match funding from 3rd parties.
• During the latest annual update, 1,330 trees had been felled across Newcastle. However, as part of various funding programmes, over 21,000 trees and over 2km of new hedgerow had been planted in the same period.
• Read more about the North East Community Forest.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to seek further funding (such as recent bid to the Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund) and successfully deliver funding for tree planting across the city and the region.

Score: Ranked 5

A&S9 If successful in the Urban Tree Challenge Fund, start woodland and tree creation at the earliest opportunity

We have:

• The 2019 Urban Tree Challenge Fund grant application was successful.
• Planted 100 standard size trees and 300 whips in the last planting season (winter 2019/2020) across various Newcastle City Council controlled sites. Additional replacement trees planted for failed trees during 2021/2022.

Our next steps are to:

• Deliver three-year maintenance period for existing planted trees to ensure longevity and carbon sequestration is achieved.

Score: Ranked 5

A&S10 Implement low carbon measures and efficient resource management actions set out in the Waste Strategy Action Plan

We have:

• Trialled more types of all-electric Refuse Collection Vehicles.
• Selected as one of 12 local authorities across the UK to work with WRAP (Waste Resource Action Programme) on a survey of food waste in household bins.
• Worked with partners to support food waste reduction and redistribution projects.
• Responded to the Environment Act 2021 through active engagement in consultations, influencing national responses.
• Reviewed contracts to prepare for food waste collections.
• Newcastle officers contributed to national policy development, including meeting the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at Defra on urban recycling, and being part of regional and national Waste Networks.

Our next steps are to:

• Review the five-year Waste Strategy Action Plan as it enters its fourth year of delivery to ensure it continues to deliver the Council’s vision, ambitions, and outcomes.
• Greater focus on reducing food waste and food-related emissions.

Score: Ranked 4

A&S11 Working with businesses and NE1 on experimental schemes to improve waste collection and recycling in the city centre, minimising its environmental impact

We have:

• Worked with NE1 to learn from the pilot to improve visual amenity and increase recycling of Trade Waste to deliver improvements in Dean Street.

Our next steps are to:

• Investigate opportunities to use underground bin systems, particularly in the city centre, to reduce vehicle movements, and improve access to recycling and visual amenity.

Score: Ranked 3

A&S12 Continue working to deliver the Energy Recovery Facility to treat ‘residual waste’ that should ensure over 90% of waste is diverted from landfill, delivering improved sustainability and reduced carbon emissions

We have:

• Newcastle, Durham and the five Tees Valley Authorities signed an Inter Authority Agreement that formally established the Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TVERF) project and launched an OJEU procurement process. The project focus is on ‘residual waste’ - this is what is left after ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ has taken place.
• Works have been progressing with the TVERF including the launch of a project website. The TVERF project has expressed interest and been invited to participate in the next stage of a process to grant Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) funding for industrial carbon capture projects to provide a zero-carbon waste management system.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue delivery of the TVERF through final stages of procurement and seek to successfully deploy Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and other low carbon interventions.

Score: Ranked 3

A&S13 Develop plans to improve efficiency of resource management through waste (including food waste), water, materials and other resources, particularly where a circular economy can be achieved

We have:

• The Environment Act (2021) outlines legislation that will protect and enhance the environment to improve air and water quality, tackle waste, increase recycling rates etc. These changes will be driven by legally binding environmental targets which are enforced by a new independent Office for Environmental Protection (OEP). There are numerous implications for Newcastle City Council in relation to provision of bins and containers for residents and businesses to segregate waste streams, additional vehicles for food waste collection and treatment costs, and handling of garden waste.
• The use of recycled plastic continues in roads across the city.
• Newcastle City Council is working with catering departments in schools to ensure food waste collection.
• Project Bind established - supporting local groups to improve food distribution and reduce food waste across the city.
• Using match funding from Newcastle City Council, Food Newcastle (hosted by Project Bind) are currently running Good Food Movement (to build public awareness of food issues, drive active food citizenship and develop a local good food movement) and Food for the Planet (influence buying behaviours of three audience groups; general public, VSC food providers and public sector catering) campaigns through Sustainable Food Places.

Our next steps are to:

• Enhance workstreams around food waste.
• Look at new products and means of boosting the circular economy.

Score: Ranked 3

A&S14 Communicate personal sustainable actions to city residents to encourage significant uptake

We have:

• Net Zero Pledge continues to be available for sign-ups which includes personal sustainable actions.
• Devised a campaign with British Glass, ‘Keep it in the caddy’, to increase the amount of glass recycled and videoed operations to show residents what happens at the Material Recycling Facility to improve the quality of dry recycling
• Proactively intervened to nudge improved recycling quality through bin-tagging and householder engagement.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue delivering and trialling new approaches to encourage sustainable personal behaviours, not least through more engagement and communication on key individual actions that residents can take.

Score: Ranked 2

A&S15 Work with project partners to develop an investment strategy which better protects Newcastle city centre from surface water flooding, taking into account climate change projections

We have:

• Been working with the Met Office to use their advanced modelling to assess the likely impacts of climate change on the city which predicts that by the 2080s:
  • The summer maximum air temperature in Newcastle is expected to rise by up to 6.8 degrees celsius.
  • The annual average air temperature is expected to rise by up to 4.5 degrees celsius. 
  • The summer precipitation rate is set to reduce by almost half.
  • The winter precipitation rate is going to increase by almost half.
• Newcastle City Centre Surface Water Strategy – report has been delivered (working with the EA) – final draft pending. Potential schemes that have been identified are now in the capital programme – the EA Refresh has brought that into the forward plan. Working on stakeholder engagement plan with EA.
• New temporary barrier arrangement designed for protecting the Quayside. Modelling of a permanent design solution for the Quayside Barrier is ongoing with external consultants.
• Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are being incorporated into key new developments through the planning process.

Our next steps are to:

• Complete city centre flood plan and continue to seek and secure Environment Agency funding (through business case submissions) to implement necessary defence schemes.

Score: Ranked 3

A&S16 Meet Newcastle’s target to better protect 578 households, including 358 currently at significant risk and 250 in the 20% most deprived areas, from surface water flooding by March 2026

We have:

• This Priority Action relates to the capital programme for the next 6 years with the Environment Agency as referenced in Priority Action A&S15.
• A refresh of strategic flood defence plans in the city has been carried out and agreed with the Environment Agency in May 2022. Newcastle City Council is currently working with the Environment Agency in relation to risk management to the programme – all capital flood defence schemes are currently on track including for example the Kenton Bar scheme which will better protect 55 homes plus a primary school from flooding. The next planned scheme is in Denton which is currently undergoing modelling of options.
• The flood defence programme numbers outlined in the Priority Action description have since increased across the city and the forward programme protects a greater number of non-domestic properties across the city as well.

Our next steps are to:

• Report back to the Regional Flood and Coast Committee on progress against strategic flood defence schemes.

Score: Ranked 4

A&S17 When the Council divests of land and property, encourage sustainable development options on the sites, such as sustainable construction methods and materials, low carbon heat and electricity sources

Our next steps are to:

• Establish a Modern Methods of Construction and Sustainable Construction guidance document / reference material for use by all public and private sector organisations.
• Assess options for creating an expert panel and working group for Sustainable Construction and Modern Methods of Construction in Newcastle.
• Set minimum standard for sustainability to be achieved on divesting land and property, to be contractually fixed during divestment process.

Score: Ranked 1

A&S18 - Continue developing new plans to adapt to climate change effects including hot weather plans and surface water flooding plans. Ensure best climate change practice is captured, including green-blue linkages

We have:

• Key climate hazards and vulnerabilities have been identified through the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and through the Met Office workstream mentioned in Priority Action A&S15.  These are being addressed through various parts of the council (including Public Health, Civil Contingencies, etc) and partner organisations (including the Environment Agency, hospital trusts, etc).
• Newcastle City Council is currently updating the Local Flood Risk Strategy for the next five-year period.
• Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have initiated stakeholder workshops on a Climate Adaptation Plan for the city with a particular focus on the health sector.

Our next steps are to:

• Through the Climate Change Adaptation Working Group, establish task and finish groups for preparing the city (its residents and infrastructure) for the impacts of climate change.

Score: Ranked 3

A&S19 - Prepare comprehensive response to the Planning White Paper with citywide position on incorporating green infrastructure and active travel infrastructure into new developments

We have:

• Comprehensive response to Planning White Paper produced including detailed representation on Net Zero issues, focussing on delivering new developments that are low carbon and energy efficient, and promoting green and sustainable infrastructure across the city.
• Newcastle was a pilot for National Design Codes with the first initiative conducted in Ouseburn.
• Net Zero considerations were incorporated into the Design Code documentation.

Our next steps are to:

• Continue to work with government through pilot programmes and promote Net Zero requirements.

Score: Ranked 5

A&S20 - Use the tools at our disposal to promote our key 'Asks of Government' either directly to decision makers, through consultations, or via collective advocacy groups

We have:

• Various policy positions communicated to Government to influence the successful delivery of the city-wide Net Zero programme.

Score: Ranked 3

Youth climate mandate

At the Youth Climate Change Summit on 5 July 2022 young people from Newcastle made demands for the future of the city. These were:

1. Sustainable food

Newcastle will increase food sustainability in schools by 2030 by subsidising them to:

• Give students responsibility to write menus to reduce food waste.
• Reduce air miles and carbon emissions by sourcing local and seasonal produce.
• Provide space and resources for schools to grow their own produce which will increase the nutritional value of the food being served.

2. Climate resilient cities

Newcastle will become climate resilient city by 2030 by:

• Creating more green spaces for people like parks and green roofs in order to make opportunities for stress prevention and reduce air and noise pollution.
• Preserving more spaces instead of leaving them in industrialisation and urbanisation’s hands to create plant-rich wildlife-loving areas.
• Utilising our empty spaces by increasing use of city-wide water butts and green roofs by 20%, and regreening empty spaces of car parks, local parks and green areas by 20%.
• Sustainably integrating housing into our green belt by only allowing sustainable homes to be built in the green belt.
• Reducing our impact on fast fashion culture by advertising and encouraging sales of second-hand clothes.

3. Green business

Newcastle will reduce the carbon footprint of businesses through a mixture of financial incentives like subsidies, punishments like business rate increases, and reputational competition to sway consumer demand away from goods and services that are not eco-friendly by 2030.

4. Sustainable waste management and circular economy

Newcastle will reduce waste by standardising the parts used to make household items to make them more repairable at home by 2030.

5. Public transport

Newcastle will increase public transport use by 2030 by introducing integrated ticketing across the public transport network, prioritising bus routes, and repurposing disused train lines to expand the Metro.

6. Active travel

Newcastle will reduce car travel by building more cycle lanes by 2030.

7. Fleets, freight, flights and ferries

Newcastle will reduce emissions from fleets, freight, flights and ferries by 2030 by:

• ensuring all council-controlled vehicles are zero emissions.
• encouraging the undertaking of a review of Newcastle Airport’s masterplan in line with the city’s climate Net Zero targets.
• lobbying the Port of Tyne to increase international ferry routes for both trade and holiday traffic.
• ensuring all new taxi licensed vehicles in the city are electric by January 2023.
• introducing a Green Zone in the city centre to:
  - allow only electric, hydrogen and non-emission vehicles by 2027
  - enforce a congestion charge from 2023 to 2027
  - widen bike routes and lanes within this zone and introduce more electric charging points 
  - create a consolidation centre for distribution within this zone 

8. Low carbon homes

Newcastle will ensure all new builds are Net Zero before 2025.  Additionally, council tax should be reduced on properties that are energy efficient. 

9. Low carbon non-domestic buildings

Newcastle will employ at least 95% of its energy in the non-domestic sector from low and zero carbon sources by 2030. 

10. Low carbon heat sources

Newcastle will use mine water to heat as many buildings as possible (such as hospitals and university campuses) by 2030. Also, schools should learn about their individual carbon emissions and educate students on how to reduce their carbon footprint.

 A response to the Youth Climate Mandate is being prepared and will be delivered in 2022.