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Â鶹ÊÓƵ is at risk of not meeting its ambitious net zero carbon targets, despite leading the way in climate, ecology and ocean recovery.

The council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and pledged to do all it could to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Since then, it has embedded sustainability into all its operations as well as driving behaviour change by developing climate change toolkits for schools and businesses. The council achieved the first interim target to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2023. 

Two groundbreaking renewable energy networks - including an award-winning UK-first - have collectively cut annual emissions by almost 1.400 tonnes, providing low carbon heat to council-owned buildings in Hebburn and Jarrow.

Solar panels have been installed on 36 council buildings and 87 per cent of the borough's street lighting has been upgraded to energy efficient LEDs, halving the amount of electricity used.

Housing stock has been made more energy efficient with double glazing, insulation and boilers upgrades and a sustainable social housing development in Boldon is utilising smart, low carbon technology.

However, despite all this positive work, the council's operational emissions increased slightly from 22/23 to 23/24 by 241 tonnes. 

Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, said: "We really have been trailblazers when it comes to the green agenda and I think we can rightfully be proud of how we have risen to the challenge of cutting carbon emissions.

"However, in common with most other local authorities, we are in danger or not achieving our 2030 net zero target because of significant external barriers.

"Global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and international conflict have greatly impacted the cost and rollout of alternative technologies.

"For example, electric bin lorries are not ready to replace diesel models, and the National Grid has not decarbonised fast enough to provide us with clean electricity all year round.   

"We will continue to unlock opportunities for decarbonisation wherever we can, but the real drivers for change lie in the hands of Government.

"We need robust policies and increased financial support and investment to support our journey towards net zero and cleaner, more secure energy sources."

A report to Borough Council next week will provide an annual update on the Sustainable South Tyneside strategy.

The next interim carbon target is to achieve a 50% reduction by March 2025, which equates to a reduction of 8,570 tonnes. This will require a further reduction of 3,641 tonnes (30%) from the 2023/24 emissions figure. Current progress data indicates that we are unlikely to achieve this target.

However, the Council remains dedicated to striving towards carbon neutrality and is proposing to convene a cross-party members group to consider next steps.

The Council will also deliver a Climate Summit in Spring 2025 which will bring together internal and external partners to share ideas to help shape a refreshed Sustainable South Tyneside Strategy which is due in 2025.

The North East Combined Authority has set Net Zero as a cross-cutting theme across its seven portfolios and is committed to delivering green jobs, a joined-up public transport network and building the most sustainable homes in the UK 

Cllr Gibson added: "Here in the borough, we are continuing to innovate and grasp opportunities for further decarbonisation.

"We are investigating the expansion of both our Hebburn and Viking heat networks, we continue to look at emerging low carbon technologies to cut our fleet emissions and are looking at solutions for decarbonising buildings that are still heated by gas.

"We have a huge task ahead of us and we will work with partners across the region and the country to ensure our strategy and ambitions align towards our common goal of net zero."