Council's greenhouse gas emissions halved

In 2009/10, Government set all local authorities a voluntary target to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent.

But the Council's latest figures show that its net emissions have reduced by over 50 per cent with an 11.5 per cent reduction in the last 12 months alone - equivalent to 2,055 tonnes of emissions a year.

The figures were reported to a meeting of the Council's Cabinet.

What has the Council done to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions?

In 2016 the Council adopted a single Climate Change Strategy which set out plans to reduce Borough-wide emissions further and be better prepared for extreme weather events.

And in 2018/19 it reached a significant milestone following the installation of solar panels and ground source heat pumps. The renewable energy installations have generated in excess of one million Kwh of power since the first scheme was switched on in 2012.

The Council also completed a £14 million programme to install super-efficient LED street lighting across the Borough which has reduced carbon emissions by almost 46 per cent a year.

This is the sixth year running that total emissions have decreased.

Why are emission reductions important?

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "We have a strong track record of tackling climate change and it's excellent to see that our performance has exceeded our target.

"Like all authorities, we have a responsibility to reduce our impact on climate change as well as use our resources efficiently. We are committed to protecting our environment for future generations and will continue to progress our green vision for the Borough."

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