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Â鶹ÊÓƵ has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award

The Council's 'Sustainable South Tyneside strategy' has been shortlisted in the Climate Response category in the 2021 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has in recent years not only taken an ambitious stand around climate action, through the announcement of a Climate Emergency, but has followed through by developing a well-evidenced, challenging yet achievable strategy which sets out in detail a blueprint for delivering a package of innovative green projects. Taken together, these projects will seek to remove 17,140 tons of CO2 from Council operations and activities by 2030, supporting the delivery of a carbon neutral future across the Council.

An annual update about the council's climate change strategy last month confirmed that the council is already two thirds of the way towards achieving its target to cut its emissions by 4,285 tonnes by March 2023.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ said "Â鶹ÊÓƵ's commitment toward climate change is strong and focused; implementing strategies that bring about real change, significantly reducing the amount of carbon being emitted whilst increasing its renewable capabilities moving to a cleaner, greener resource for energy supplies.

"We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award that recognises the significant progress we have made already in delivering our Climate Change Strategy.

"Some schemes are already operational and delivering carbon savings, such as the replacement of sodium streetlights with LEDs, switching to a fully-renewable electricity supply, and a newly-built on-site recycling facility at Middlefields which will reduce emissions by 400 tonnes.

"Other highly-innovative projects, which are currently in the construction phase, such as the UK-first Viking Energy Network, are set to collectively cut carbon by thousands of tonnes per year."

The LGC recognises that Councils are uniquely placed to effect change in response to the climate crisis. This award is intended to mark excellence in any aspect of a council's work in addressing the carbon footprint of the council, its services and its broader local area.  

Entries will be judged on the innovation of their submissions, the extent to which it has delivered measurable change, the quality of evidence of support from local communities, and the ability for other councils to replicate the work.

Council Officer Emily Cunningham has also been shortlisted in the Rising Star category at the LGC awards.

Emily was previously named as one of the North American Association for Environmental Education's (NAAEE) 30 Under 30 global environmental leaders of 2020. Recognising Emily's expertise and wealth of work in driving positive change, towards a thriving future for UK seas and the coastal communities that depend on them. She is one of only 150 individuals from 34 countries to be recognised by the EE 30 Under 30 programme since 2016.

The Council, and Emily, will find out if they have been successful in the autumn.