Council leads the way with specialist team to safeguard the future

Aug 19 2008 by Francesca Craggs, The Journal

A PACKAGE of innovative projects is helping North Tyneside council to lead the way in sustainable development and protecting the borough and global environment for future generations.

The council, which recently launched its 5-50-500 environmental campaign, is currently developing a specialist sustainable development unit in its development and regeneration team to bring together cross directorate expertise to drive its commitment forward. It will drive forward a range of projects already in the pipeline. This includes transforming the former caretaker’s house at Richardson Dees School, Wallsend, into a demonstration eco-house.

The property, which has been vacant for four years, will become a showcase for various sustainable options which will increase energy efficiency and thermal comfort, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, move towards being carbon neutral and minimize ecological impact.

Features will include solar thermal hot water from solar panels installed on the south facing roof; air source heat pump; wind turbine; wood burning stove; triple glazing and use of rain water harvesting and grey water.

Design plans are now in the final stage of the project that will also be used to train young people in construction skills.

Other initiatives include:

The exploration, with Highbridge Business Park, of whether wind turbines could be put on the top of the council’s Quadrant headquarters at Cobalt Business Park.

Ongoing discussions with developers, registered social landlords and house designers about a development of eco-homes in line with the Government pledge to deliver zero-carbon homes by 2016.

Work to reduce the carbon footprint of four council buildings – the Killingworth site, Killingworth Lakeside Centre, North Shields Library and Wallsend Town Hall – in line with Carbon Trust Programme recommendations. The Energy Saving Trust is also supporting the council in reducing energy and making carbon savings from housing, vehicle fleet and within the wider community.

Coun John Stirling, North Tyneside Council’s cabinet member for sustainable development, said: “North Tyneside is committed to being a leader in the field of sustainable development.

“We are already demonstrating that we are prepared to put in the hard work and challenge the way we currently do things as a council.

“Our Sustainable Development Committee is now driving forward a programme of ambitious projects that will help our residents and businesses to follow our example and protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint.”